The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship offers a prestigious opportunity for English language teachers from around the world to enhance their professional development through advanced study in the United Kingdom.
Established in memory of Albert Sidney Hornby, a pioneering figure in English language teaching, this scholarship program aims to improve the quality of English language education globally by supporting talented educators with exceptional potential.
About the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust was established in 1961 by A.S. Hornby, the creator of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. The Trust is dedicated to supporting English language teaching worldwide, with a particular focus on developing countries.
Through its scholarship program, the Trust fulfils its mission of enhancing the teaching and learning of English as a foreign language.
Scholarship Overview
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship provides full funding for qualified English language teachers to pursue a one-year master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or a related field at a UK university.
The program is administered in partnership with the British Council, ensuring a rigorous selection process and high-quality educational experience.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country listed in the World Bank’s categories of low-income and lower-middle-income economies
- Have at least five years of experience teaching English as a foreign language
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Demonstrate strong English language proficiency (typically IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
- Show commitment to returning to their home country after completing their studies
- Have a clear plan for implementing their new knowledge and skills upon return
Application Process
The application process for the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship involves several stages:
- Initial Application: Submission of the application form, curriculum vitae, and personal statement
- Shortlisting: Review of applications by the British Council and the Trust
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates undergo interviews with representatives from the Trust and the British Council
- Final Selection: Selection of scholarship recipients based on interview performance and application materials
What the Scholarship Covers
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is comprehensive and covers:
- Full tuition fees for a one-year master’s program
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Return airfare to the UK
- Study materials allowance
- Conference attendance fees
- Visa application fees
- Travel insurance
Host Universities
The scholarship typically partners with select UK universities known for excellence in TESOL and applied linguistics, including:
- University of Warwick
- University of Edinburgh
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Oxford
- University of Manchester
Key Dates and Deadlines
Application deadlines vary each year but typically fall between November and January for programs starting in the following academic year. For the most current application cycle:
- Application Opening: October 2025
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
- Interviews: March-April 2026
- Final Decisions: May 2026
- Program Start: September 2026
Impact and Alumni Network
Recipients of the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship join a distinguished global network of alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions to English language education in their home countries. Many alumni have:
- Developed innovative teaching methodologies
- Created new educational materials
- Implemented teacher training programs
- Influenced national educational policy
- Assumed leadership roles in educational institutions
Application Tips
To strengthen your application for the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship:
- Demonstrate Impact: Highlight how your work has positively affected students, colleagues, or educational systems
- Show Leadership: Provide examples of your leadership experience in educational settings
- Present a Clear Development Plan: Articulate how the scholarship will enhance your professional development
- Outline Implementation Strategies: Explain how you will apply your new knowledge upon returning home
- Articulate Broader Benefits: Describe how your community and country will benefit from your scholarship experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I’m not currently teaching English?
You must have at least five years of experience teaching English, but you don’t necessarily need to be teaching at the time of application. However, your commitment to returning to English language teaching should be clear.
What level of English proficiency is required?
Typically, an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent is required. However, specific requirements may vary by the university you wish to attend.
Can I choose any university in the UK?
The scholarship is usually offered for specific programs at partner universities. You cannot generally select any university or program.
How competitive is the scholarship?
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is highly competitive, with hundreds of applications received annually for a limited number of scholarships.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
There is no specific age limit, but the scholarship aims to support individuals who will have a significant impact on English language teaching in their home countries for many years to come.
Conclusion
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship represents a transformative opportunity for English language teaching professionals from developing countries.
By providing access to advanced education and training, the scholarship empowers recipients to become agents of change in their educational systems.
Qualified candidates with a passion for teaching and a commitment to educational development, this scholarship offers not just financial support, but entry into a global community of educational leaders.