*Those applying for an award must be registered for a place and must attend the engagement day.
*All scholarship applicants who intend to apply for a means tested bursary must submit their bursary application at the same time as their scholarship application. This ensures that both scholarship and bursary assessments can be reviewed within the same timeframe.
Scholarships & Bursaries at Ardingly College
The aim of our scholarship programme is to recognise, encourage and develop the talents of exceptionally able and motivated students. Whatever their award, scholars are given opportunities to explore and extend their abilities both within and beyond the normal programme of school activities, for example through the Scholars society, the sports Performance Pathway programme, art exhibitions or the music, drama and dance ensembles in which they perform.
The aim of our bursary programme is to enable talented students of limited financial means to have access to the educational opportunities that the College offers. Bursary award holders are supported and overseen by Debbie Nicholson, our Partnerships and Bursaries Coordinator. The financial value of bursaries is assessed in partnership with Bursary Administration Limited. Parents who may require bursarial support are asked to inform the Admissions Team at the point of submitting their application, and certainly no later than the 11+ application deadline of Friday 16th October 2026. As bursary funds are limited and are allocated during the main assessment cycle, late bursary applications can only be considered if any funding remains unallocated after those submitted by the published deadline.
Further information about our Bursary Programme, including our full bursary policy, can be found here. Parents are strongly encouraged to read the policy carefully before making an application, particularly Section 7, which outlines how an applicant’s financial circumstances will be assessed.
All scholarship awards are gained on merit following application and assessment procedures that are explained in this booklet. Scholars are supported and overseen in their endeavours by the relevant heads of department – and in the case of Academic Scholars by Jon Harris, the Academic Assistant Head, to ensure that they are contributing purposefully and fulfilling the standard expectations of all scholars.
Please note the following in relation to scholarship awards at the College, effective from September 2025:
Access to Awards
- All scholarships are awarded on merit.
- Both internal and external students are welcome to apply for scholarships. External candidates must be registered with the College.
- Normally only one scholarship is awarded to a single student; in exceptional circumstances a student may be considered for two awards.
- Award holders in Art, Drama, Dance and Music are expected to study the relevant subject at GCSE as a condition of their award.
Tenure and Value of Awards
- 11+ scholarships are held for 5 years, up to the end of Year 11 and subject to satisfactory performance of the scholarship student.
- 11+ will be reviewed during Year 11 with a view to continuation into our Sixth Form, subject to satisfactory performance.
- The maximum value of all scholarships is 5%.
I hope you find this information useful in considering scholarship at Ardingly College.
Ben Figgis, Head of College