🎓 The O’Brien International School Annual A-Level Scholarship

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The O’Brien International School and College

Full A Level Scholarship Programme

Two Years. Four Subjects. One Exceptional Opportunity.

The O’Brien International School and College is proud to offer one full scholarship covering tuition fees for a two-year A Level programme in four subjects.

This initiative reflects our commitment to educational excellence, supporting talented young people and investing in our local community.

We welcome applications from motivated, academically capable students who are ready to take the next step towards university and future career opportunities.

1. Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcome from students who:

• Attend a bilingual or international school.

• Have completed ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) within the Spanish education system.

• Live within our local catchment area.

The scholarship is open to eligible students throughout the local community and is not restricted to current O’Brien students.

2. Understanding A Levels

A Levels are internationally recognised qualifications used for university admission and, where relevant, professional entry.

Students typically study three A Level subjects, sometimes alongside an additional AS Level. This scholarship covers tuition fees for four A Level subjects over two years.

A Level study develops essential skills, including critical thinking, independent research, academic writing, communication and problem-solving.

3. Scholarship Application Requirements

All candidates must complete two assessment stages.

Stage 1: Five GCSE-Style Examinations

Candidates must sit five examinations at The O’Brien International School during the May half-term period.

The subjects are:

1. Mathematics – Higher

2. English

3. Spanish – Higher

4. Statistics

5. Business

The examinations will be based on Pearson GCSE past papers. The school will communicate examination dates, arrangements and instructions to applicants in advance.

Stage 2: Independent Research Project

Each candidate must submit an independent research project.

• Topic: Candidate's own choice.

• Maximum length: 3,000 words.

• Purpose: To demonstrate independent research, critical thinking, written communication and the ability to develop and support an argument.

The research project will be used only as a tie-breaker if two or more candidates achieve the same combined examination mark total. It will not contribute to the initial examination ranking.

Submission instructions and the deadline will be provided by the school.

4. Scholarship Selection Criteria

To qualify for the full scholarship, candidates must achieve at least Grade 6 in four of the five examination subjects.

Among candidates meeting this minimum requirement, the scholarship will be awarded to the student with the highest combined examination mark total.

If two or more candidates achieve the same combined mark total, their research projects will be assessed to determine the winner.

The school will communicate the assessment and tie-break procedures to all applicants before the examinations take place.

5. Awards and Additional Incentives

Full Scholarship Winner

One successful candidate will receive:

• Tuition fees covered for the two-year A Level programme.

• Coverage for four A Level subjects.

The scholarship covers tuition fees only. It does not include examination entry fees, registration fees, textbooks, exercise books or other additional costs.

Outstanding Subject Achievement

Candidates who achieve Grade 9 in Mathematics, English, Spanish, Business or Statistics will qualify for one free A Level as part of a four-subject package, provided they do not win the full scholarship.

This award is intended to recognise outstanding subject achievement among other participants.

Examination fees, registration fees, textbooks, exercise books and other additional costs are not included unless expressly confirmed by the school.

Incentive for All Participants

Candidates who participate but do not meet the minimum Grade 6 scholarship threshold will receive a €150 discount on A Level registration fees, subject to the school's registration terms.

This discount is separate from the Grade 9 incentive and the full scholarship. Candidates should consult the school for clarification regarding eligibility where awards might otherwise overlap.

6. Application Information

Candidates should ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements and are available to sit all five examinations during the designated examination period.

The school will provide details of application deadlines, examination arrangements, research project submission and the announcement of results.

Applicants and their families are encouraged to contact the school for clarification before applying.

Take the Next Step

This scholarship offers an opportunity to demonstrate academic ability, showcase independent thinking and take an important step towards future ambitions.

One successful candidate. Four A Level subjects. Two years of opportunity.

The O’Brien International School and College looks forward to welcoming applications from talented students across our local community.