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With COVID-19 preventing September’s usual programme of Open Days from taking place, all Year 11 pupils who may be interested in applying for the Orwell Award 2021 are encouraged to instead attend a Virtual Open Day.

Chaired by Tom Arbuthnott, Deputy Head (Partnerships) and Nick Sellers, Director of Admissions, these Virtual Open Days will take place at 6pm on Wednesday 16 September and 3pm on Saturday 19 September 2020.

An online panel of Eton alumni and Orwell Award holders will offer a pupil’s perspective of life at Eton, including the experience of receiving an Orwell Award. The panel will be joined by various Eton staff, including House Masters and Dames, who amongst other topics will explore how the College’s pastoral team supports Orwell Award holders.

The Orwell Award is a Sixth Form scholarship programme that offers fully funded places at Eton to talented Year 11 boys at UK state schools. The award aims to provide a transformative educational experience that recipients otherwise would not have been able to access. Award holders are fully-boarding members of the school community, with allowances to enable them to fully participate in the life of the school, enjoying all the academic and co-curricular opportunities all Eton students receive.

The closing date for submitting an application for the Orwell Award is Friday 25 September. Read more about the Orwell Award here.

Simon Henderson, Head Master at Eton College, said: “Since 1440 Eton has been committed to enabling talented boys to come to the school no matter what their backgrounds or their financial circumstances. Over the next few years we will be extending our range of financial aid programmes, such as the Orwell Award, so that at least 10% of pupils are on fully funded places.”

Josh’s Story

Two more Virtual Open Days will be hosted for Orwell Award applicants with a flair for the arts. Those who may be interested in applying for the MCM Drama Award are invited to join Scott Handy, Director of Drama at 6pm on 18 September, while those considering the Sixth Form Music Award can join Leandro Silvera from the College’s music department at 6pm on 21 September. These events will feature a live Q&A, with staff at the College looking forward to meeting all those who are interested in applying.

Scott Handy, Director of Drama at Eton College, said: “The MCM Drama Award is designed to give experience to young theatre artists, by welcoming them into the drama community within the College, and using the opportunities within the theatre season to explore and develop their skills. If you are a young actor, technician or director who is passionate about the theatre then please do get in touch to find out more.”