SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Haileybury Scholarship Programme offers exceptional pupils, whether academically outstanding or gifted in a particular discipline, the chance to nurture their talents while contributing meaningfully to our vibrant, forwardlooking community.
We recognise each scholar’s individuality and our programme is designed to help them thrive. Every scholar meets regularly with staff to set goals, review progress and make the most of the opportunities available at Haileybury.
Our scholars are role models. Through their conduct, attitude and active participation in school life, they uphold our values and serve as ambassadors for the School.
Scholarships are available for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+. Depending on a pupil’s strengths and achievements, an award may include a fee remission. Assessment dates for September 2026 entry are listed at the end of this booklet.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Academic scholars are expected to lead, not only by achieving consistently high grades, but through their curiosity, intellectual ambition and commitment to learning.
They stand out in the classroom through their inquisitive nature, readiness to embrace challenges and enthusiasm for sharing ideas. Beyond lessons, they read widely and pursue interests that extend well beyond the curriculum.
While there are no compulsory requirements, scholars are strongly encouraged to join our academic enrichment groups, where their contribution is highly valued.
In the Lower School, enrichment focuses on cultivating curiosity through reading and discussion. In the Main School, pupils explore a broad range of interdisciplinary topics that extend their thinking. By the Sixth Form, many scholars have identified areas of special interest; enrichment then centres on developing research skills and completing an assessed project in a chosen subject. Throughout their
time at Haileybury, scholars are expected to demonstrate an excellent attitude to learning and strong academic attainment.
Scholarships are normally held for the duration of a pupil’s time at Haileybury. They are reviewed regularly, and if a scholar struggles to meet the expected standards, support and mentoring will be put in place. In rare cases where improvement is not achieved, a scholarship may be withdrawn.
APPLICATION PROCESS
At 11+ and 16+, there is no separate application process. Scholarships are awarded to pupils who perform exceptionally well in entrance assessments and interviews.
At 13+, candidates attend a scholarship assessment day at Haileybury. In discussion with their current school, pupils who excel in their 13+ entrance papers are invited.
SCHOLARS SHOULD HAVE AN EXCELLENT ATTITUDE TO THEIR SCHOOL WORK.
ACADEMIC
SPORTS
SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
Haileybury enjoys an outstanding reputation for sport.
Our programme is broad and ambitious, with every pupil taking part in at least three sporting sessions each week. For those with a real passion for sport, there are numerous additional opportunities, making daily participation entirely possible for those who wish to pursue it.
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS 2024/25
All pupils have the chance to represent the School, with teams available across all ages and abilities. Many go on to compete at county and regional or academy level, and several achieve national honours each year.
We have over 20 sports available to our pupils; however, within this broad sporting curriculum, we have focus sports and it is predominantly, though not entirely exclusively, in these areas for which scholarships will be considered: cricket, hockey, netball (for girls), rugby (for boys), swimming, football and tennis.
Our sport scholars are expected to be leaders on and, equally as crucially, off the pitch. They are invited to join the High Performance Programme (HPP), which offers a unique opportunity to develop one's sport at a level above what one might term a standard A team session. The aim of the HPP is to enable an individual athlete to achieve his/her own personal sporting ambition, which may be to represent their country and follow the career path of a fulltime professional athlete and might equally as legitimately be to excel in their own specialism(s) at School 1st team level sport.
The programme incorporates three central aspects: technical, conditioning and enrichment. Each scholar, assuming the invitation to join the HPP is accepted, will enjoy a weekly 1:1 or small group session with their sporting mentor to work on the technical/tactical side of their game; they will also be able to spend time each week with our Head of Athletic Development to condition their body appropriately in our excellent performance gym; and, the enrichment programme enables pupils to work with experts in nutrition, sleep, mental preparation for competition, body language, etc. in order to give them the best chance to understand the mindset and approach of a professional athlete.
OUR PROGRAMME
Examples include workshops to cook naturally sourced protein bars, seminars with experts on the benefits of sleep and mentors such as Adam Peaty's coach, who met our athletes to offer tips on the mental side of sport.
Graduates from our High Performance Programme include, amongst many others to have moved into top level sport: Scarlett Spavin (England U21 Hockey, Durham University), Zara Everitt (London Pulse Netball Captain, England Roses, Oxford University), Sam Billings (Kent & England Cricket, Loughborough University), Jamie George (Saracens, England & British Lions Rugby), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens & England Rugby), Nick Page (Ireland Hockey, Loughborough University), Lizzie Bird (GB athletics: Olympics, European & Commonwealth Championships, Princeton University), Tabitha Collier (England U18 Hockey, Yale University), Oscar Piastri (McLaren F1).
Our coaching staff include: Michael Owen (Wales & British Lions Rugby), Rob Schilling (Southgate & USA hockey), Dani McFarlane (Mavericks & England Netball), Rupes Kitzinger (Surrey & Dorset Cricket), Izzy Collis (England U19 Cricket), Bella Daniels (Exeter University S&C), Fran Ruiz Lopez.
IS BROAD AND AMBITIOUS.
Scholarships are offered after the assessment days, which take place, for the following academic year, in November for 16+ and 11+ and in January at 13+ (please note that offers for 13+ need to have been accepted before taking a scholarship assessment).
The award stands for the pupil's period of study at Haileybury. Typically, the assessment days would include: a fitness test, an interview with the Director of Sport, showcase of sport(s), a tour of the school with current scholars, and a chance to enjoy the golf simulator and the rackets court.
Please do follow @HaileyburySport on Instagram for up-to-date information on the latest sporting highlights and to garner a flavour for what Haileybury Sport is all about. Please feel entirely free to make contact with the Director of Sport: Andy Searson (a.searson@haileybury. com) to ask about anything regarding Haileybury sport.
SPORTS
Music scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+, on the basis of an audition and interview.
Applicants are required to prepare two contrasting pieces; one may be on a second instrument. Applicants should provide a portfolio of achievements and a letter of reference from their current Head of Music or instrumental teacher. Applicants will also be given aural and sight-reading tests. There is the expectation that pupils will have taken national Music Grade Examinations. Candidates usually offer two instruments (one of which may be voice).
MUSIC
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
At Haileybury, Music Scholarships are seen as a reflection of the commitment, drive and passion of our most talented and musicallyambitious pupils.
Music Scholarships are designed to offer talented musicians support which will allow them to explore their love of music and performance with a bespoke package of training and experiences. Scholarships are an investment in a child’s future, providing them with specialist tuition and opportunities that will develop their musicianship and foster a lifelong love of music. A number of our past scholars have gone on to study at music conservatoires.
Workshops, concert trips, masterclasses, conservatoire visits and performance opportunities with a full-size professional symphony orchestra are all part of the Haileybury Music Scholar experience. Scholars are central to the membership of our instrumental ensembles, as well as forming a core contingent of our choirs.
Music scholarships and exhibitions are awarded in three areas, including;
• Choral for first study singers
• Instrumental on one to three instruments (which can include singing)
• Organ for Sixth Form
Our aim is to unlock musical potential. While attainment, technique and creative flair are key requisites, potential and aspiration are just as important. Haileybury’s Music Department is just as interested (if not more so) in seeing and hearing from young musicians with the hunger, drive and creativity to be the best musicians they can possibly be, regardless of how many grades or exams have been taken.
For any musician, dedication, perseverance and rigour are key ingredients to success, as is the ability to think independently.
OUR AIM IS TO UNLOCK MUSICAL POTENTIAL.
DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS
Drama Scholarships honour the commitment, talent and passion that drive our most capable and ambitious performers.
We are particularly interested in hearing from young performers who have the experience, hunger and creativity to be the best actors they can possibly be, able to enhance their own skills and the reputation of Haileybury. Designed to provide the aspiring performer the creative opportunity and training worthy of such an award, Haileybury Drama Scholars are the backbone of the School’s Dramatic output.
For our Scholars, the Drama Department offers a package of training and experience, including numerous opportunities to train with, watch or learn directly from industry professionals, both inside and outside the School. Workshops with practitioners in the fields of casting, acting, design and direction; plus
theatre trips, master-classes, visits to theatre schools, dance classes, singing classes, LAMDA tuition and two large scale theatrical performances per year are all part of the Haileybury Drama Scholar experience, as are opportunities to experience elements of technical theatre not commonly taught at secondary level (e.g. lighting, sound and theatre design).
Our on-site Ayckbourn Theatre boasts two technicians providing a wealth of technical and design experience and bringing professional production values to our performances.
HAILEYBURY
DRAMA SCHOLARS
ARE THE BACKBONE OF THE SCHOOL’S DRAMATIC OUTPUT.
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants for a Drama Scholarship will be interviewed and asked to demonstrate excellence in their preferred area of performance.
Applicants are required to prepare a performance to perform for the assessor. Each applicant must provide a portfolio of their experiences and achievements and be prepared to discuss this during the interview.
Awards can include LAMDA or Dance lessons (at the discretion of the Director of Drama).
At 13+, previous experience is important but not essential. There is also the expectation to study Drama at GCSE.
At 16+, GCSE Drama (grade 7+) or equivalent and relevant experience are essential. Expectation to study Drama at A level or IB.
DRAMA
APPLICATION PROCESS
To be considered for an art scholarship at 11+, 13+ or 16+, applicants must submit a portfolio of work evidencing technical skill and creativity.
We would like to see examples of artwork that has been inspired by artists, artwork in a range of media and artwork that shows a good grasp of traditional media.
Applicants should ensure to include work created in their personal time as well as work completed in school, workshops or clubs. Experimental sketchbooks are welcomed to support portfolios.
Applicants will sit a drawing task, a creative task and have an interview with the Head of Art to discuss their portfolio and interest in the subject. 16+ pupils will also complete a written assessment.
ART
ART SCHOLARSHIPS AT HAILEYBURY SUPPORT PASSIONATE AND CREATIVE STUDENTS THROUGH EXTENSION PROGRAMS, SKILL DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
ART SCHOLARSHIPS
Art scholars at Haileybury are passionate, creative individuals eager to refine their talents and explore new horizons.
Through a weekly extension programme, they experiment with different media, build on existing skills and develop independence, ambition and a distinctive artistic voice. Termly meetings with the Head of Department provide an opportunity to review progress, share ideas and contribute to competitions, events and trips.
Beyond their weekly sessions, art scholars are actively involved in the life of the School’s art community. They develop their own independent work in dedicated sketchbooks, represent their house in internal competitions and showcase their talents in external events. Scholars attend all School art exhibitions, contribute to at least one exhibition each year and serve as ambassadors for the subject both inside and beyond the art school. Most pursue art at GCSE and are encouraged to continue their studies through to A level, fostering a lifelong engagement with the creative arts.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS
Design Technology Scholarships at Haileybury recognise pupils with exceptional creativity, innovation and independence of thought.
We are particularly interested in those who possess the passion, technical skill and imagination to push boundaries and make a meaningful contribution to the School’s creative and artistic life.
At Haileybury, there is no prescribed “house style.” Scholars are encouraged to explore and develop their own personal aesthetic, experimenting with ideas and approaches that reflect their individuality.
Design Technology scholars benefit from a wealth of enrichment opportunities, from visits to museums, galleries and universities, to lectures from industry experts, participation in nationally-recognised competitions and extended access to the School’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Scholars also play a key role within the Department. They act as ambassadors for Design Technology, representing the subject at school events, competitions and outreach activities. They mentor younger pupils, offering guidance in workshops and leading lunchtime or after-school clubs. Scholars are encouraged to take the lead on collaborative projects, exhibitions and design initiatives, fostering innovation and teamwork across the department.
Regular involvement in enrichment activities, competitions, evening talks and trips ensures sustained growth, while ongoing portfolio development allows scholars to set high standards for creativity and technical excellence. Many also take the initiative to design and deliver STEAM/STEM outreach workshops in local feeder schools, sharing their passion and expertise with the wider community.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
THE DESIGN TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS AT HAILEYBURY SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, AND INDEPENDENT THINKING.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for Design Technology scholarships are welcomed at 13+ and 16+ entry. Applicants are invited to Haileybury to present a portfolio of work to the Head of Design Technology, take part in an interview and tour the department’s facilities.
Successful candidates demonstrate passion and initiative beyond the classroom. Evidence of involvement in clubs, projects, or independent creative work will form part of the selection process.
SCHOLARSHIP ASSESSMENT DATES
t: +44 (0)1992 706353
admissions@haileybury.com
Haileybury.com
Hertford
Herts
SG13 7NU
HaileyburyUK
