Where excellence, character and opportunity come together to shape future leaders
At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, excellence is defined by more than results. It is about character, confidence and contribution as much as capability.
Nowhere is that balance more evident than in the school’s Scholarship Programme, where exceptional ability is recognised but leadership, resilience and gratitude are just as deliberately developed.
“It’s about giving every student a pathway and a profile of real value,” says Stephanie Barnes, Deputy Head of Senior School. “Yes, performance matters, but so do opportunity, mindset and self-belief.”
A philosophy rooted in values
Guiding the programme is Cranleigh’s belief that excellence comes in many forms. As Hayleigh Ormrod, Head of Student Development and Enrichment, explains, scholarships extend well beyond academic achievement.
“We recognise elite and varied talent, in the classroom, the arts, sport, dance, golf and performance. Gratitude and resilience sit right at the heart of the programme,” she says.
This approach is designed to help students use their strengths with purpose. Gratitude creates humility. Resilience builds resolve. Together, they shape young people who understand that excellence is not only personal success, but also responsibility to others.
Scholars are encouraged not just to achieve, but to give back, through mentoring, performances, leadership and community contribution that reflect Cranleigh’s wider ethos.
Identifying potential beyond performance
Selection into the scholarship programme is far from one-dimensional. According to Hayleigh, the process is intentionally “formal and robust”.
Students reapply at key transition points, including Years 9 and 11, submitting evidence of progress and involvement.
Achievement plays a role, but so do attitude, leadership and character. Academic applicants are assessed holistically, taking into account engagement in classroom extension opportunities and broader school life.
Artists present portfolios, musicians audition, and sports scholars submit performance footage.
“The process discourages complacency,” says Hayleigh. “Students are accountable for maintaining their standard. We want them to own their development and growth.”
Support that extends beyond the classroom
Once awarded, scholarships unlock far more than recognition. Scholars are supported academically, pastorally and through an enhanced co-curricular offering, all overseen by specialist teachers and centrally coordinated by Hayleigh to ensure consistency of care.
Subject-specific CCAs offer tailored coaching and professional exposure, from dance intensives to sports science workshops. This gives students the support structure of elite training alongside holistic development.
“Our sports scholars work with nutritionists to understand how to fuel both mind and body,” says Stephanie. “Dance scholars train with visiting professionals. Teenagers often respond well to fresh perspectives, when something clicks, it’s transformative.”
Equally important is pastoral oversight. Tutors and pastoral teams work closely with families to ensure ambition doesn’t become pressure.
Balance, wellbeing and sustainability form a core part of the school’s understanding of success.
Leadership and ambassadorship
At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, scholars are also expected to lead. They serve as role models, mentoring younger students, running workshops and representing the school’s values in daily life.
“Leadership is a golden thread,” says Stephanie. “A scholar is someone who shows others what is possible, and how to move themselves forward.”
In practical terms, that may mean Sixth Form students mentoring Prep pupils, or dance scholars leading training sessions for younger year groups.
“It’s about building a leadership culture that reflects different strengths,” Stephanie adds. “Our student leaders come from sport, the arts and academics, so every pupil can see themselves represented.”
Celebrating achievement and building community
Every September, Cranleigh hosts an annual Scholars Evening, a moment of reflection, recognition and pride. Certificates are awarded, families attend, and performances showcase the school’s breadth of talent.
“It’s a special moment to recognise how far students have come,” says Hayleigh. “It also reminds us that their success strengthens the entire community.”
Crucially, scholarships are not positioned as exclusive status symbols. Instead, they’re seen as aspirational platforms, inspiring younger pupils while reinforcing that excellence is something to aspire to, not inherit.
Expanding horizons
Today, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is home to more than 170 scholars across disciplines and age groups. The programme continues to evolve in step with both student aspirations and future learning trends.
A recent addition is the Majlis Scholarship, celebrating Emirati culture and heritage.
“It was incredibly symbolic to have the award presented in Arabic,” says Stephanie. “It reflected the strong connection between Cranleigh and the community we serve.”
Looking forward, the school is exploring new scholarship directions, including emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, ensuring modern talent is supported with the same care as traditional disciplines.
A platform for life beyond school
For Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, scholarships are not about short-term achievement. They are about shaping graduates equipped for life.
Former scholars have gone on to secure golf scholarships in the US, pursue performing arts careers, and study engineering, design and medicine across the world.
“We’re preparing students for accountability, ambition and balance,” says Hayleigh.
For Stephanie Barnes, the model reflects Cranleigh’s larger mission.
“Our scholarship programme opens doors, raises expectations and nurtures confidence,” she says. “Ultimately, it’s about giving every young person the belief that they can go out into the world and do something remarkable.”
Scholarship applications open 3 December. For more information, visit cranleigh.ae
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