Scholarships & Bursaries
At Ackworth School, we believe talent deserves opportunity, challenge, and recognition. That’s why we’re proud to launch the Ackworth Scholars Programme — a bold new initiative designed to nurture excellence in Sport, Art, Drama, Music, and Academic achievement. Replacing our previous scholarship model, this immersive, experience-rich programme provides outstanding pupils with year-round development, expert mentorship, and tailored opportunities to grow as leaders in their field. Whether on stage, in the studio, or on the sports field, our scholars are empowered to push boundaries, build confidence, and shine.
Scholarships
Scholarships will be awarded at three points in a student’s progression through the school or on entry. The three points are at ages 11+, 13+ and 16+. The school may approach parents having judged a student worthy of consideration for assessment for scholarship. Parents are welcome to approach the school to ask for their child to be assessed for a scholarship. Ultimately the school’s decision is final. Scholarships are reviewed annually, but are usually tenable until the end of Sixth form providing the holder’s academic progress and general conduct remains satisfactory and provided that the holder continues enthusiastically to fulfil the obligations associated with the scholarship.
The award of any scholarship carries with it privilege and responsibility; every scholarship holder is expected to set an example for the other pupils in their conduct and approach to academic study, and to participate in the fuller life of the School through commitment to extra-curricular activities. All scholarships are liable to be rescinded in the case of the student not meeting their potential or obligations explicitly stated in the granting of the scholarship.
Academic Scholarships
Academic Scholarships on entry at First form (11+), Third form (13+) and Sixth Form (16+) are assessed by overall performance in our entrance assessments. School references are also obtained from the feeder school. The top performing students will be invited to an interview with the Head. This interview may involve a presentation by the student.
Entry into the Sixth Form is also dependent upon a student meeting the entrance criteria as set out in Ackworth’s Admission Policy.
Music Scholarships
Music Scholarships are assessed by auditions and through practical assessments. A Music Scholarship will provide students with individual lessons on one instrument, or voice. Any conditions pertaining to the award of this Scholarship are stated in the letter offering the Scholarship. A pre-audition is highly recommended.
Sixth Form Music Scholarships are awarded during the Spring term of the Fifth form following recommendation, consultation, and practical assessment by the Director of Music along with an interview with the Head. A letter inviting all Fifth Form students wishing to be considered for a Music Scholarship is sent to Fifth Form parents and to external applicants for Sixth Form places.
Art Scholarships
The Art Scholars Programme at Ackworth School offers talented young artists a dynamic platform to grow creatively and contribute meaningfully to the visual life of the school. Scholars receive a dedicated sketchbook and resources to support their development beyond the classroom, alongside access to in-house workshops and sessions led by professional artists.
They take part in bespoke design projects, from creating props and set pieces for productions, to designing event materials and curating exhibitions. Scholars also engage in leadership opportunities, such as mentoring younger students and running Blank Canvas, the school’s student-led art magazine. Optional enrichment includes gallery visits, life drawing classes, and outreach workshops, giving scholars the chance to experience the professional art world up close.
Drama Scholarships
Ackworth School’s Drama Scholars are part of The Ensemble, an immersive, year-long programme designed to develop confident, creative performers and theatre-makers. Scholars take part in termly masterclasses led by industry professionals, exploring a range of performance styles including physical theatre, vocal work, screen acting, and classical techniques.
They also benefit from tailored workshops, peer and professional mentoring, and enrichment opportunities such as subsidised speech and drama lessons and free theatre visits. A highlight of the year is Ensemble Rising, a student-led project where scholars devise, direct, and perform their own original work. With a strong focus on collaboration, creativity, and leadership, The Ensemble equips students with the skills and confidence to thrive in drama school and beyond.
Sports Scholarships
Ackworth School’s Sport Scholars are invited to join the High Performance Squad, a specialised programme designed to develop athletic excellence and personal resilience. Scholars benefit from expert coaching in strength and conditioning, multi-sport skill development, injury prevention, and performance mindset, all delivered by professionals including elite coaches from Compound Fitness and motivational speaker Tom Young (Toms Talks).
The programme includes nutrition education, mentoring, and exclusive experiences such as training visits to the English Institute of Sport and behind-the-scenes access to live sporting events. Each scholar receives personalised kit and builds a portfolio of progress throughout the year. The High Performance Squad supports young athletes to grow as competitors, leaders, and role models both on and off the field.
Bursaries
In order to ensure that funding is fairly, socially, responsibly and most effectively employed, all bursaries are means assessed. The award of a bursary will remain solely dependent on the completion and assessment of a bursary form. The use of means testing for bursaries allows the award of bursaries to be up to the value of 50% fee remission, although this level of support is extremely rare with between 10% and 20% of day fees being the normal range. The financial value of a means tested bursary award is reassessed annually to ensure the ethical distribution of funds is maintained.
All bursary funds have now been allocated for academic year 2025/26.
Friends Schools’ Joint Bursaries Scheme
Requests for information and applications for support from members of the Religious Society of Friends or Attenders, in good standing, or for support from the Friends Schools’ Joint Bursary Scheme should be directed to the Director of Finance and Operations.
Non-Friend Bursarial Support
All other requests for bursarial support should be addressed to the Head in the first instance.
