At Great Walstead School, we believe every child has a spark - a talent, passion or skill that deserves to be acknowledged and nurtured. Whether it’s a love of academia, music, art, drama or sport, our role is to help each pupil find what makes them tick and to support them in developing it to the highest level.

“At Great Walstead, we want children to be brave enough to discover their strengths, and confident enough to pursue them.”
- Chris Calvey, Headteacher

Celebrating Talent and Opportunity

From Year 6 onwards, pupils who demonstrate exceptional ability and enthusiasm can apply for one of our 11+ Scholarships. These awards celebrate excellence across key areas - academic, art, drama, music, and sport - and provide opportunities for enrichment, leadership and growth.

Scholars receive an academic award (which may open a bursary route where needed), alongside bespoke opportunities to refine their skills through specialist enrichment programmes.

“As a Scholar, I’m being pushed to think deeply, make links and work hard.”
- Heidi, Year 8

These enrichment experiences are designed to extend learning beyond the classroom -through workshops, competitions, performances and creative collaborations. Whether it’s joining our Performing Arts programme, training with our specialist sports coaches, or exploring new techniques with visiting artists, every opportunity helps scholars grow in confidence and character.

Part of a Family of Schools

Running alongside our internal scholarships is the Ardingly Family of Schools Award, which mirrors the Great Walstead approach and continues through to senior education at Ardingly College. This ensures long-term support and continuity for children who wish to follow that pathway.

Our aim is simple: to nurture and develop each pupil’s individual strengths so that, when the time comes, they are fully prepared to apply for scholarships to the senior school of their choice.

We’re proud of our track record of success across disciplines, with pupils earning awards to respected independent schools including Brighton College, Hurstpierpoint College, Bede’s, Worth, and further afield to Wellington College and Millfield School.

Laura Lamont ACPS Ben Figgis AC Chris Calvey GW

“I love being on the stage performing with our band.  Being a music scholar is amazing and I love being part of chamber choir, orchestra, wood wind ensemble, tea-time concerts, and Christmas concerts to name just a few.”
- Max, Year 8

More Than an Award

Scholarship life at Great Walstead is about more than recognition, it’s about growth, challenge and character. Each scholar is encouraged to demonstrate the school’s core values and the 7Cs - Curiosity, Courage, Creativity, Collaboration, Compassion, Commitment and Confidence which run through everything we do.

“Our scholarship programme is as much about nurturing the person as it is about developing the talent. We want children to leave us not only skilled, but grounded, kind and ready for whatever comes next.”
- Chris Calvey, Headteacher