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Academic Scholarship

Founder’s Scholarships

Founder’s Scholarships recognise academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, analytical rigour and flexibility of mind. Successful candidates receive a 25% reduction in fees, but the scholarship offers more than just a financial benefit, it is a mark of distinction and a celebration of original thinking.

Celebrating exceptional academic talent

Founder’s Scholarships are based purely on academic merit and are not means-tested.

Recipients of a Founder’s Scholarship benefit from a 25% remission of school fees. They are available for new pupils joining the school in Year 9 and Year 12. For those joining us in the Sixth Form, it is available to both day and boarding pupils.

Candidates may apply for a Founder’s Scholarship and a means-tested bursary, which can be held simultaneously and operate together cumulatively (up to a combined maximum of 100%).

For example, if a means-tested bursary of 25% fee remission is awarded and a Founder’s Scholarship (25% fee remission) is awarded, the recipient will receive 50% fee remission in total.

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“Our Founder, William of Wykeham, was an original thinker whose vision has transformed the lives of young people for more than six centuries. Founder’s Scholarships recognise exceptional young people who embody this same spirit of intellectual rigour, curiosity, and the nuanced insight required of future leaders.”

    Elizabeth Stone-065

    How to apply

    a group of boys - from Winchester College | Independent Boarding School

    13+, September 2026

    • Candidates must first apply for a place at Winchester College via the registration form, stating their interest in applying for a Founder’s Scholarship.
    • Candidates will be required to sit the academic scholarship examinations, known as Election in the spring term of Year 8. Candidates can find out more about the process and access sample examination papers here.
    • Successful recipients of a Founder’s Scholarship will enter College, the home of our academic scholars at 13+. They will receive a 25% reduction in school fees during their time at the school.
    • Candidates who succeed but choose a different boarding house may be awarded a Major Scholarship, providing a 10% reduction in school fees.

    Key dates

    • Applications close: 22 January 2026
    • Academic Scholarship examinations, known as Election take place: 27 – 29 April 2026 
    • Offers: 12 May 2026
    a group of girls in a classroom - from Winchester College | Independent Boarding School

    16+, September 2026

    • Candidates must first apply for a place at Winchester College via the registration form, stating their interest in applying for a Founder’s Scholarship.
    • In addition to the normal Sixth Form application process, successful candidates will have A Founder’s Interview.
    • Candidates will also take an essay-style paper assessing ‘original thinking, intellectual curiosity, debate, and independent voice.’
    • Successful recipients of a Founder’s Scholarship will receive a 25% reduction in school fees during their time at the school. Recipients of a Major Scholarship will receive a 10% reduction in school fees.

    Key dates

    • Applications close: 29 September 2025 
    • Online academic testing: 3 October 2025
    • Shortlisted candidates notified: 10 October 2025
    • The Assessment Day: 4 – 10 November 2025
    • Offers: 1 December 2025
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    Winchester’s commitment to means-tested bursaries
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    For more information, please contact the Director of Admissions or call the team on 01962 621247.

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