Scholarships

Scholarships at Ampleforth are awarded in recognition of academic ability or particular talent in the disciplines of Art, Design & Technology, Drama, Dance, Music (Instrumental, Choral & Piping), and Sport. A special JCB Scholarship is offered in the Sixth Form which provides mentoring, work experience, and a post-school internship in a world-leading business.

Ampleforth Scholarships are highly prestigious, recognising existing skills and talents, together with potential. Our scholars provide leadership to their peers and in return, we offer dedicated, tailored programmes to nurture and develop their talents. Scholars are expected to demonstrate a strong contribution and leadership in their field of interest. They are also expected to make the most of the many opportunities on offer to further their talents and each scholar is assigned a personal Scholarship Mentor to monitor and support their progress.

All Scholarships are subject to annual review and are tenable for a specific educational stage.

• In Years 7 and 8 Development Awards are held for two years.
• Basil Hume Scholarships are awarded ahead of students entering Year 9 and are held for three years.
• Senior Scholarships are awarded ahead of entry into the Sixth Form and held for two years.

Click on the images below to find out more about each Scholarship:

In Years 7 and 8, to encourage junior pupils to further their interests, Academic and Sports Development Awards carry a 10% fee remission, whilst Music, Dance, and Drama Development Awards cover tuition in an instrument, LAMDA, or dance.

From Year 9 onwards, scholarships are honorary and bring no fee remission (although in the case of Music Scholarships, music tuition is covered). However, scholarships can be extremely helpful in supporting a bursary application as a strong indication of a child likely to flourish at Ampleforth.

Applications can be made for more than one scholarship, but due to the commitment required of our scholars, it is not possible for a pupil to hold more than two awards. 

All scholarships are won in open competition and are awarded solely on merit. The number of awards and bursaries made in any year is at the discretion of the Head.

Scholarship Fee: Please note there is a fee of £50 per scholarship. This is non-refundable and can be paid by bank transfer or by cheque payable to the St Laurence Education Trust. Please contact admissions@ampleforth.org.uk for further details.

References: Any scholarship award will be subject to the applicant’s school providing a positive character reference, as well as references relating to the applicant’s chosen discipline. Unless we hear from you otherwise, Ampleforth College will liaise with your current school to seek these references. Should parents wish to submit references from external organisations (e.g. sport clubs) in support of their son/daughter’s application, these will also be considered.

Assessment dates, Application forms, and sample academic papers can be found below:

Assessment Dates 2026 Entry

Closing date for bursary applications for Year 9-12 entry is Friday 31 October 2025.  Closing date for bursary applications for Year 7-8 entry is Friday 2 January 2026.

Please contact the Admissions Office on 01439 766000 or email admissions@ampleforth.org.uk if you have a query. 

Application Forms 

Sample Papers