Winchester College | Independent Boarding School

Admissions

Academic Scholarship

For almost 650 years, Winchester has inspired intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. Through our academic scholarships, we support exceptional pupils who embody this spirit of enquiry and achievement.

Intellectual Excellence

Setting the intellectual tone for Winchester College.

The College encourages academic scholars to think independently, explore big ideas, and engage in cross-disciplinary enquiry. We value intellectual rigour, debate, and the nuanced insight required of future leaders.

Beyond achieving exceptional exam results, scholars engage in independent research, run societies, and participate in a wide variety of Olympiads which prepare them for university courses and beyond.

Whether writing their own academic papers, plays, musical compositions, developing AI programming research proposals or leading discussions that inspire their peers, the combination of structured intellectual challenge and a close-knit pastoral system ensures that scholars are known across the school for embracing a culture of inclusion, scholarship and creativity.

Winchester College | Independent Boarding School

Academic Scholar Achievements 2024 – 2025

99 % A-Level A*-A
96 % GCSE Grade 9-8
8 of top ten in British Chemistry Olympiad
1 member of the National Youth Orchestra
1 Scholar is our Poet Laureate
2 won National Schools’ Challenge
1 best score in South East, Maclaurin Maths Olympiad
1 with LTCL piano diploma

Founder’s Scholarships

Founder’s Scholarships are prestigious awards granted solely on academic merit and are not means-tested.

They are available to new pupils joining the school at 13+ or 16+. For Sixth Form entrants, the scholarship is open to both day and boarding pupils.

Recipients of a Founder’s Scholarship receive a 25% remission of school fees. Only the most exceptional candidates are selected for these awards.

Winchester College | Independent Boarding School

Life in College

An exceptional place for scholars to grow, thrive, and lead.

College is the oldest of the school’s boarding houses and the pastoral and intellectual home to our academic scholars at 13+. It’s not just an academic scholar’s home during term-time, but an environment which fosters friendship, a culture of original thinking, mentorship, and academic excellence.

Unlike conventional boarding house arrangements, which are typically organised by year group, College operates with Lower Chambers small communities where pupils from all year groups socialise, study and mentor each other.

Each Chamber, led by a Chamber Officer (senior prefect), creates a deeply inclusive and supportive environment where younger pupils form strong bonds with their older peers.

Winchester College | Independent Boarding School

Mentorship & Pastoral Care

A culture of trust, kindness, and mutual respect.

Academic scholars in College are supported by the resident Master-in-College, Matron-in-College and Tutor-in-College, as well as a team of experienced house tutors from a wide range of academic disciplines.

In addition, top year Chamber Officers play a vital role in pastoral care, attending weekly meetings with the Master-in-College where they receive guidance and support to help foster a culture of trust, kindness, and mutual respect within the boarding house.

Winchester College | Independent Boarding School
Election: a prestigious 13+ scholarship exam
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What does success at Election mean?
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The Election process
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2024 Election Specimen Papers
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Election Roll 2025
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Master-in-College
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Get in touch
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