E.—6

6

Scholarships held at Secondary Schools and District High Schools. (See also Tables K5 and L5.) These scholarships are of four kinds, — (i.) National Scholarships ; (ii.) Education Board Scholarships ; (iii.) Foundation (or Governors') Scholarships, given by the governing bodies of secondary schools ; (iv.) Private scholarships, endowed by private owners. (i.) National Scholarships. Junior and Senior National Scholarships in the proportion of 9 to 5 are awarded on the results of annual examinations, the junior examination being of a standard somewhat higher than that of the certificate of proficiency, and the senior examination being of a standard comparable with the standard of the Public; Service Entrance Examination. Scholarships are awarded to all candidates reaching a certain standard, the standard of award being determined so as approximately to provide one scholarship for every 500 children in attendance at all public schools. In the case of pupils from sole-teacher schools— i.e., schools with an average attendance of under 36—the standard of award is made 10 per cent, lower than the general sta,ndard. The standards of qualification fixed for the 1917 examinations were 63-g- per cent, for junior scholarships (general standard) and 63 per cent, for senior scholarships. The results of the examination were as follows : 240 candidates qualified for Junior National Scholarships, of which number 17 were pupils of sole-teacher schools, and 62, or 26 per cent., were pupils of secondary schools. The number of successful candidates from sole-teacher schools was slightly lower than in the previous year, and, as has been stated before, represents too small a proportion of the number of scholarships being won by pupils of small schools. The number of successful candidates from secondary schools, on the other hand, was greater than in the previous year. The number of candidates qualifying for Senior National Scholarships was 127, of which number 8 qualified on the alternative programme provided specially to suit the needs of those taking a rural or domestic course. Junior and Senior National Scholarships are tenable at secondary schools and district high schools, each for three years, provided that the total tenure of the'two scholarships in the case of one person must not exceed five years. In addition to tuition fees, the holder receives £5 per annum if a junior scholar, or £10 per annum if a senior scholar, with a further sum of £35 per annum in each case if obliged to live away from home. The figures below indicate the number and the value of scholarships current in December, 1916, and December, 1917, respectively. The number of scholarshipholders is, of course, included in the number of free-place holders shown in the preceding section. Number of scholarship-holders— 1816. 1917. Boys .. .. .. .. .. .. 252 403 Girls .. .. .. .. .. .. 130 235 Totals .. .. .. .. 382 638 Number receiving boarding-allowance (included in the above total) .. .. .. .. .. .. 143 211 Number receiving travelling-allowance (similarly included) .. 12 29 Number held at public secondary schools .. .. .. 334 542 Number held at other registered secondary schools .. .. , .. 19 Number held at district high schools .. .. .. |48 f77 Total annual rate of payment .. .. .. .. £7,748 £11,677 (ii.) Education Board Scholarships. The number of Education Board Scholarships current in 1917 was small, and will, in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act, 1914, gradually be entirely replaced by Junior and Senior National Scholarships.