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 interested in our bursary programme are asked to make this known to the Admissions team who will guide you through the process and make the necessary introductions to the finance team and to Debbie. Please note deadlines for bursary applications in this booklet.

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 before applying for an award and 13+ scholarship applicants must have accepted a place.
• 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 and 13+ scholarships for 3 years, up to the completion of GCSEs and subject to satisfactory application and performance of the scholarship student.
• 11+ and 13+ scholarships are not automatically rolled over into the Sixth Form; internal 16+ scholarships are based on a student’s performance in the Middle School and externals on formal scholarship assessment.
• 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