The John and Robin Doncaster Merit Scholarship
Named in honor of Selwyn School’s founding Head of School, John Doncaster, and his wife, Robin, the John and Robin Doncaster Merit Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship awarded annually to one incoming Upper School student. The scholarship is designed to perpetuate the rich diversity of voices that add a global perspective to the Selwyn community, reflecting the Doncasters’ commitment to academic rigor and experiential learning.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Candidates for the Doncaster Scholarship are selected based on their ability to contribute to the school’s mission of cultivating global citizens. The selection process includes a comprehensive evaluation of the student’s:
- Entrance examination results
- Academic achievements
- Artistic and other notable talents
Application and Support
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to students entering 9th through 12th grade (incoming Upper School students).
How to Apply
- Submit a regular Selwyn admissions application via selwynschool.org/apply.
- Complete ISEE testing, which can be taken on Selwyn’s campus.
- Submit a scholarship essay of no more than two pages responding to the following prompt:
“Describe how a person you know personally has taught you the value of inclusion in our society and how you have incorporated those lessons into your own life.”
The essay must be submitted as a .doc or .pdf file with the subject line “Doncaster Scholarship Essay“ to admissions@selwynschool.com. Complete a scholarship interview. After reviewing submitted applications and essays, the scholarship committee will arrange interviews with select applicants.
The Admissions Committee evaluates candidates on the merit of their academic accomplishments, entrance testing, artistic and other noteworthy abilities, and the strength of their essay and interview. All final decisions are made by the Head of School. No additional application beyond the standard admissions application is required.
Supporting the Scholarship
Contributions to the John and Robin Doncaster Merit Scholarship Fund directly support the tuition costs for recipients. To make a gift, please visit the designated scholarship page on the Selwyn School website. For those interested in including Selwyn in their estate planning, the school can provide connections to tax specialists for assistance.
About John and Robin Doncaster
John Dempster Doncaster (1928 - 2020)
Robin Lavinia Doncaster (1928 - 2012)
Robin Lavinia Doncaster was born in Sydney, Australia, and came to the United States in 1950, attending Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas . She joined the faculty of The Selwyn School in 1961 as a Latin teacher and housemother. A celebrated chef trained at the London and Paris Cordon Bleu cookery schools, she also taught French and designed costumes for school plays .
The Growth of Selwyn School
Educational Philosophy
- Saturday Morning Projects: Students, faculty, and staff worked together on campus improvement projects, building patios, sidewalks, and gardens, fostering a tight-knit community and a sense of ownership.
- The Perspectives Program: A hallmark of Selwyn’s community building, this program involved students traveling across the state, the country, and the world to expand their global perspective. A notable trip in 1973 involved traversing the Darién Gap.
