11+ Sports Scholarship

Process | Expectations | Dates

Assessment Process

Candidates for Sport Scholarships are expected to specialise in at least two of the College’s major sports, which will be assessed during the Assessment Day. For boys, these are football, hockey, cricket and/or swimming; for girls, hockey, netball, football, cricket and/or swimming. Applicants should already be performing at county standard, or show clear potential to reach county standard, in at least one of their specialist sports.

While other sports may be taken into consideration when assessing a candidate’s overall sporting contribution to College life, priority is given to excellence in Ardingly’s major sports.

All 11+ Sport Scholarship applicants will take part in activities across all major sports during the Assessment Day (with the exception of swimming, which is assessed only for candidates who declare it as a specialism). Candidates will have structured opportunities to demonstrate their strengths within their chosen sports. When taking part in sports that are not their specialisms, we will focus on assessing attributes such as attitude, commitment, teamwork and coachability, rather than specific technical skill.

In addition, each candidate’s athletic profile will be assessed by the College’s Strength & Conditioning Coach, who will evaluate key performance indicators including agility, speed, coordination, power, balance and stamina.

Expectations of Sports Scholars

Sports Scholars are expected to make an active and high quality contribution to the sporting life of the College, both in the development of their talents and their attitude as leading sportsmen and women. Sports Scholars are expected to represent the College in school fixtures for which they have been selected.

Sports Scholars meet regularly with members of the Sports Department to support their development and ensure that the above expectations are being met.

Every scholarship holder is expected to set an example for the other students in their conduct and approach to academic study, to participate in the fuller life of the Senior School through its programme of extra curricular activities, and promote the school as requested at all Open Mornings.

KEY DATES
Closing Date for Entry & Scholarships
Friday 16th October 2026
General Entrance Assessment Date (11+ Engagemnet Day)
Saturday 14th November 2026
Sports Assessment Date
Friday 20th November 2026
Bursary Application Deadline
Friday 16th October 2026

The number of Scholarships awarded is at the discretion of the Head of College.

These awards are transferred to the Senior School until the end of GCSE (Year 11).

11+ Scholarship Application Form

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