Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh is expanding its scholarship programme to include three distinct areas – Academic, Performing Arts, and Sports and Swimming.

The premium British school will hold auditions and assessments on May 6 for children who have the potential to secure a scholarship.

The school plans to build more scholarship programmes in the future, for example, focusing on developing expertise in the STEAM subjects – science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Founding Principal Toby Waterson explained the school’s motives for implementing these programmes.

“The scholarship programme aims to match the quality of the educational programme to children with the potential to flourish. Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh is committed to providing high-quality, holistic education in Cambodia, on par with other international schools in the region.

“The school aims to attract pupils who can not only access the curriculum and opportunities at the school but flourish in doing so. The school is also determined to ensure that its doors are open to children from all social-economic backgrounds, giving them an opportunity to become the best they can be, regardless of their background.

“Scholarship programmes create more diversity in schools, which is increasingly important in our modern, globalised world,” Waterson said.

He added that Shrewsbury has a focus on discovering and nurturing the Kingdom’s bright young minds.

“Cambodia’s youth is bursting with unrealised talent and potential. Even before opening, we were committed to identifying gifted and talented children who could benefit from a Shrewsbury education, and in turn, bring benefit to their country,” he said.

Indeed, last August, during a high-profile scholarship application process, the school offered scholarships to numerous gifted local children – with a total of 19 half or full scholarships presented.

Some of these children are on roll already and some will join the Main Campus when it opens in September 2024, while others are enrolled in Shrewsbury’s partner weekend programmes.

The school is holding scholarship assessments on May 6. PHOTO SUPPLIED

In an effort to broaden the reach of the programme, the school is now offering opportunities for children with exceptional talent or potential in the areas of Performing Arts – including dance, drama, and music – and Sports and Swimming, in addition to the already established Academic scholarship programme.

This marks a significant step forward for the school, as it seeks to recognise and support the diverse talents of its students.

The expanded scholarship programme provides a unique opportunity for talented students to receive a world-class education while pursuing their passions in these areas.

With this new initiative, Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh is committed to nurturing and developing exceptional talent across multiple disciplines, creating well-rounded individuals who will go on to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.

The selection process is free-of-charge and is open to all children in Cambodia.

Families interested in attending the Scholarship Audition and Assessment Day on May 6 will need to make an application, which will be reviewed by the school ahead of the event.

Application forms and awarding criteria information are available on the school’s website and Facebook page, and must be returned by 5pm on April 30.

Children invited to the Audition and Assessment Day will be asked to provide some supporting evidence of their potential in their chosen area.

Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh is offering a limited number of full scholarships that will carry children through the entirety of a section of the school, up to six years of schooling.

One full scholarship will be awarded for each of the three categories.

Additionally, many other scholarships will be awarded at the principal’s and school leadership’s discretion, which will also make a positive impact on a number of children and their families.

The Scholarship Audition and Assessment Day is an excellent opportunity for talented children in Cambodia to gain access to a world-class education.

Interested families can apply via the link in Khmer, English, Chinese or visit the school’s website or Facebook page for more information.