Equestrian Scholarship Programme
Exceptional equestrian talent deserves exceptional support. Kingham Hill's Equestrian Scholarship Programme nurtures ambitious riders, helping them achieve their full potential both in the saddle and classroom. Pupils can apply for a Scholarship at 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9) and Lower Sixth (Year 12) entry.
A key strength of the Kingham Hill Equestrian Scholarship is its partnership with the established Dean Close Foundation Equestrian Programme. Kingham Hill Equestrian Scholars become valued members of the Foundation Equestrian Squad, giving them access to an established network of talented riders, expert coaches and outstanding competitive opportunities.
Through personalised coaching, expert mentoring and quality training, scholars benefit from a supportive environment where sporting excellence, personal development and academic success go hand in hand.
Whether your ambitions are regional, national or international, the programme provides the expertise, opportunities and encouragement to help you achieve your goals.
As members of the Foundation Squad, Kingham Hill Scholars train, develop and compete alongside riders from across the Foundation, benefiting from a range of expertise and opportunities. Scholars have access to:
- Foundation-wide coaching and rider development.
- Subsidised training across a range of disciplines.
- Competition opportunities alongside talented Foundation riders.
- Pathways from grassroots competition through to national championships and international events.
- A supportive network of coaches, mentors and fellow scholars.
- The experience of an established programme with a strong record of developing successful county, national and international riders, including Great Britain representatives.
This partnership offers the best of both worlds: the close-knit community of Kingham Hill combined with the experience, expertise and opportunities of a leading Foundation-wide equestrian programme.
Why Choose a Kingham Hill Equestrian Scholarship?
Every scholarship is tailored to the individual rider and horse partnership, recognising that every athlete's journey is unique. Scholars benefit from:
- Individual performance planning and goal setting.
- Regular performance reviews and progression monitoring.
- Access to experienced coaches across a range of disciplines.
- Support with school and external competition planning.
- Opportunities to represent Kingham Hill and the Dean Close Foundation.
- Flexible academic support, where appropriate, around elite training and competition.
- A welcoming and ambitious equestrian community that values excellence, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Competitive Opportunities
Scholars are encouraged to compete at every level, from grassroots competitions to national championships and international events.
Through the Dean Close Foundation Squad, riders benefit from an extensive programme of training, competition and performance development. The programme supports a wide range of disciplines, helping riders develop both individual performance and team success.
International applicants are warmly welcomed, with flexible arrangements available to support overseas riders where appropriate.
What We Expect From Our Scholars
An Equestrian Scholarship is both an honour and a responsibility. Scholars are expected to:
- Demonstrate commitment, determination and a strong work ethic.
- Uphold high standards of sportsmanship and integrity.
- Represent Kingham Hill and the Foundation with pride.
- Be positive role models within the school and Foundation community.
- Maintain strong standards of behaviour and academic engagement.
- Support and encourage fellow riders.
- Share knowledge and experience with younger members of the programme.
- Engage positively in competition throughout the academic year.
Above all, scholars are expected to embrace opportunities for personal growth while making a positive contribution to the wider Kingham Hill and Foundation communities.
Personalised Support
Our experienced Director of Equestrian works closely with each scholar to create an individual development programme. Support can include:
- Performance analysis.
- Competition planning.
- Technical coaching.
- Goal setting.
- Rider wellbeing.
- Physical preparation.
- Long-term athlete development.
Assessment Day
Assessment Days give applicants the opportunity to experience the Kingham Hill equestrian environment and the wider Dean Close Foundation Equestrian Programme. Candidates ride alongside current Foundation riders while our coaching team assesses:
- Technical riding ability.
- Horsemanship.
- Communication and coachability.
- Confidence.
- Teamwork.
- Attitude and commitment.
We are looking for riders with the potential to thrive within the programme — not simply those with the strongest competition record.
Applications for 2027 Entry
Applications for 2027 Entry are now open to pupils at 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9) and Lower Sixth (Year 12) entry.
The closing date for applications is Monday 19th October 2027.