The Curriculum Circle
Why it exists
Grades show where a student is today. They do not show how far a student can go.
A student who moves from Grade 2 to Grade 4 may have shown more than a student who has always had top marks and plenty of support. Access to teachers, books, a quiet room and a stable home all shape results.
So we look at three things together: financial need, academic potential and commitment to learning. Every decision uses the same published criteria, and we write down the reasons.
How we decide
One clear scoring guide, out of 100 points.
The score helps us be consistent. It does not replace a careful look at each student’s situation. Reviewers record their reasons and explain any unusual judgement.
Financial need
Can the family reasonably afford CC? We look at household circumstances, dependants and whether fees would cause hardship.
30 / 100
Academic potential
Not just grades. We look at progress, curiosity and whether CC can make a real difference.
25 / 100
Commitment
Willingness to practise, respond to feedback and keep going, judged in the context of the student’s situation.
20 / 100
Educational barriers
Disrupted schooling, limited access to teachers, devices or a quiet place to study.
15 / 100
Character
Honesty, resilience, curiosity and kindness. Not confidence or polished writing.
10 / 100
Types of award
Support that fits the family.
Full Scholarship
For students with significant financial need who are likely to benefit strongly from CC. Can cover up to the full cost of support.
Access Scholarship
For families who can pay part of the cost but not all of it. We adjust the award to what the family can afford.
Excellence Scholarship
For students with exceptional potential, progress or subject strength. Available when separately funded.
Global Scholars
Coming later. For students in places with limited access to high-quality teaching. Not open for applications yet.
The size of each award depends on the family’s circumstances and the budget available. Awards are not a right, and places are limited.
How to apply
Six steps, explained in plain words.
1
Apply
A parent or guardian and the student complete a short form about the student’s goals and situation.
2
Share your circumstances
A confidential, proportionate check of household finances. We ask only for what we need.
3
Academic review
We look at results and progress, and teacher feedback if you have it.
4
Student statement
The student answers one question in their own words (see below).
5
Short CC assessment
Where useful, a brief assessment to understand learning needs. It is not a test you can fail.
6
Decision and offer
A small panel scores each application against these published criteria. We explain every offer in writing.
The student statement
“Why do you believe access to The Curriculum Circle would make a difference to your education, and what would you do with this opportunity?”
Our promises
Rigorous, kind and private.
Your privacy is protected
We collect only what we need, limit who can see it, and delete it when it is no longer needed. We never publish a student’s financial situation.
No public rankings
We do not rank scholars in public. We use names, photos or stories only with written consent. Saying yes to publicity is never a condition of an award.
Reviews are about support, not grades
We review from time to time whether the student is taking part and benefiting. A scholarship does not depend on reaching a particular grade.
Fair decisions
At least two reviewers, written reasons, and a declared conflicts-of-interest check. If you think we made a mistake, you can ask us to review the process.
Questions
Common questions.
Is CC Scholars a charity?
No. It is a programme run by The Curriculum Circle, a trading business. We do not collect donations and we are not a registered charity.
How many places are there?
A small number each year. We would rather support a few students properly than promise more than we can deliver.
Do we need to receive government benefits to apply?
No. Some working families face real hardship without receiving benefits. Tell us about your situation and we will consider it.
Does a scholarship guarantee better grades?
No. We cannot promise results. We promise a fair process and good support.
What is a GCSE or an A-Level?
These are the main UK exams. GCSEs are taken at about age 16. A-Levels are taken at about age 18 and are used for university entry.
Can students outside the UK apply?
The Global Scholars route is planned for the future. If you are outside the UK, you can still contact us to register your interest.
Applications are open.
A parent or guardian can complete the form in about 10 minutes. It is private, and every application is read by a person. If you would rather ask a question first, email us.
Apply onlineQuestions? admissions@thecurriculumcircle.com