Academic Scholarships at Sedbergh

In Year 9, Academic Scholars are introduced to the habits and skills of scholarly thinking. Pupils begin to develop academic reading, note-making, structured writing and confident presentation skills, while exploring ideas beyond the Key Stage 3 curriculum.

The programme includes the 9* Lecture Programme, an introduction to academic writing and early exposure to the Oxbridge Pathway. Scholars also take part in wider enrichment opportunities, including debating, ESU Mace preparation and 9 Inspire Days.

Each Year 9 Scholar completes a 1,500-word exploratory academic paper and presents their research formally, with an emphasis on depth of understanding, clear explanation and growing intellectual curiosity.

In Year 10, Academic Scholars develop the skills needed to build clear, evidence-based academic arguments. Alongside their GCSE studies, pupils are encouraged to think critically, evaluate sources carefully and explore ideas beyond the standard curriculum.

The programme includes subject-specific masterclasses, extended essays, academic case studies and exposure to university-style problems and texts. Scholars may also take part in wider enrichment opportunities including Phoenix Society, ESU Public Speaking and Mace competitions, Carnegie Book Shadowing and introductory Oxbridge guidance.

Each Year 10 Scholar completes a 1,500-word analytical academic paper, built around a clear research question and supported by evidence. They then present their work formally and respond to academic questions, helping them to develop confidence, precision and independence as thinkers.

In Year 11, Academic Scholars begin to take greater ownership of their academic development. Pupils strengthen their independent research skills, refine their academic voice and develop the critical judgement needed to engage confidently with more complex ideas.

The programme includes student-led academic seminars, interdisciplinary research challenges and engagement with academic journals and scholarly debate. Scholars may also take part in Phoenix Society, Academic Challenge, Scholarship Study Groups, Oxbridge visits and introductory guidance on degree-apprenticeship pathways.

Year 11 also introduces a new level of academic responsibility, with scholars acting as mentors to Year 9 pupils. Through research planning discussions, reading guidance and presentation support, they begin to contribute to the academic development of younger scholars.

Each Year 11 Scholar completes a 1,500-word independent research paper, demonstrating original interpretation or synthesis, before presenting their work to a panel and responding to formal academic questioning.

In Year 12, Academic Scholars begin to specialise in areas linked to their A-Level choices and future university or degree-apprenticeship pathways. Pupils are encouraged to engage with advanced ideas, develop greater scholarly depth and take on a more formal leadership role within the Academic Scholars Programme.

The programme includes specialist reading lists, external lectures, MOOCs, academic competitions and preparation for admissions tests and academic interviews. Scholars may also take part in opportunities such as the ESU Mace Competition, Ethics Cup, Academic Challenge, Oxbridge visits, academic society leadership, outreach debating workshops and opportunities to collaborate with other pupils from schools in the Sedbergh Group.

Year 12 Scholars also mentor pupils in Years 10 and 11, offering research guidance, draft feedback and support with seminar preparation. This helps them develop as academic leaders while strengthening the wider scholars’ community.

Each Year 12 Scholar completes a 1,500-word mini-dissertation, including a formal abstract, and presents their research in a 10-minute conference-style presentation to a panel.

Year 13 Academic Scholars: Capstone Scholarship and Academic Contribution

In Year 13, Academic Scholars bring together the skills developed throughout the programme, demonstrating intellectual maturity, scholarly independence and confidence in advanced academic discussion. Pupils are encouraged to engage with complex ideas at near-undergraduate level and to contribute actively to the academic culture of the School.

The programme includes opportunities to submit work to national essay competitions, engage with academic journals or research projects, and prepare for university interviews and academic discussion. Year 13 Scholars also act as Senior Academic Mentors, supporting younger scholars, helping to oversee the mentoring programme and contributing to the Sedbergh Academic Symposium.

Each Year 13 Scholar completes a 1,500-word capstone academic paper, showing explicit engagement with academic debate. Scholars then deliver a keynote-style presentation with extended questioning, demonstrating the clarity, authority and independence expected of senior academic leaders.

Year 13 Scholars receive annual written academic feedback, with mentor reports contributing to internal records and references. On completion of the programme, scholars are awarded the Academic Scholars Diploma, with selected papers considered for publication in the Sedberghian magazine.