A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide to Opportunities for English Language Teachers

Introduction
The Legacy of A.S. Hornby
About the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust
The Hornby Trust Scholarship: An Overview
Eligibility Criteria
Application Process
Selection Procedure
Scholarship Benefits
Life as a Hornby Scholar
Universities and MA Programs
Research and Professional Development
Alumni Network and Impact
The Scholarship’s Global Reach
Success Stories of Hornby Scholars
How the Scholarship Advances ELT in Developing Countries
Challenges and Expectations
Tips for a Successful Application
Future of the Hornby Trust Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

1. Introduction

In the ever-evolving field of education, the need for qualified, dynamic, and innovative English Language Teachers (ELTs) is constantly growing, especially in developing countries. The A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for English teachers to obtain a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom. This comprehensive article explores every aspect of the scholarship, its origin, eligibility, the application process, and how it transforms the lives and careers of educators globally.

2. The Legacy of A.S. Hornby

Albert Sydney Hornby (1898–1978) was a British grammarian, lexicographer, and an influential pioneer in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). His most notable contribution was the creation of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (OALD), which revolutionized how learners of English interact with vocabulary and grammar.

Hornby believed that English could be a bridge between people and cultures and that teaching the language could empower individuals to unlock economic and educational opportunities. His lifelong commitment to accessible and effective ELT methodologies laid the groundwork for the Hornby Educational Trust, established in 1961 with royalties from his dictionary.

3. About the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust (ASHET) is a UK-based charity with a mission to support English language teaching in low- and middle-income countries. The Trust aims to:

Improve English language teaching standards.
Promote international collaboration.
Provide training and development for ELT professionals.
Foster ELT research and innovation.

ASHET operates globally, focusing on projects that align with its vision of sustainable educational development through language proficiency.

4. The Hornby Trust Scholarship: An Overview

The Hornby Trust Scholarship is the flagship program of the Trust. It provides full funding for qualified and experienced English teachers from low- and middle-income countries to study for a Master’s in English Language Teaching (or a related field) in the United Kingdom.

Since its inception, the scholarship has supported over 500 scholars from over 80 countries, empowering them to return to their home countries and contribute to ELT development.

Key features:

One-year full-time MA program in the UK.
Full tuition and living expenses covered.
Research, conference, and networking support.

5. Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Hornby Scholarship, applicants must meet a strict set of eligibility criteria:

Academic and Professional Qualifications

A first degree (minimum of a second-class upper or equivalent).
At least three years of full-time English language teaching experience.
Proven leadership and commitment to ELT in their country.

English Proficiency

An IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component, or equivalent TOEFL scores.
Language test scores must be less than two years old at the time of application.

Nationality and Residency

Must be a citizen and resident of a country classified as low or middle income by the OECD or World Bank.
Must not hold citizenship of any high-income country.

Work Experience

Preference is given to applicants actively involved in ELT, teacher training, curriculum development, or materials writing.

6. Application Process

Applying for the Hornby Scholarship is a competitive, multi-stage process:

Stage 1: Online Application

Applicants complete an online application form on the Hornby Trust website during the application window (usually November–February).

Key documents include:

CV/resume.
Academic transcripts and certificates.
Proof of English proficiency.
Personal statement and professional goals.
Two academic or professional references.

Stage 2: Shortlisting

Applications are assessed by a panel of ELT professionals based on experience, qualifications, leadership potential, and the impact of proposed studies.

Stage 3: Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (virtual or in person) with Hornby Trustees and partner representatives (e.g., British Council).

Stage 4: University Admission

Selected candidates must then secure admission to one of the UK universities offering an MA in ELT. The Trust may help guide this process.

7. Selection Procedure

The selection process emphasizes merit, experience, and potential impact. Candidates are assessed on:

Professional record in English teaching.
Leadership ability and potential to influence national or regional ELT development.
Clarity of vision in personal and professional goals.
Feasibility and relevance of their proposed study plan.
Willingness to return home and contribute to ELT upon graduation.

It is a highly competitive scholarship, with acceptance rates below 10% in some years.

8. Scholarship Benefits

The Hornby Trust Scholarship is one of the most generous ELT scholarships available:

1. Tuition and Academic Fees

Full coverage of all university fees for the MA program.

2. Living Expenses

A monthly stipend to cover accommodation, food, travel, and personal costs.
Annual costs range from £15,000 to £18,000 depending on location.

3. Travel Costs

Round-trip airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK.

4. Additional Funding

Conference attendance grants.
Research funding for dissertation or fieldwork.
Professional development workshops.

9. Life as a Hornby Scholar

Studying in the UK under the Hornby Scholarship is both a professional and cultural journey.

Academic Life

Scholars typically study MA programs that include:

Second Language Acquisition.
Language Assessment.
Curriculum Design.
Materials Development.
Teacher Education and Training.

Community and Networking

Scholars form tight-knit cohorts.
Attend seminars and conferences.
Collaborate on projects and papers.

Personal Growth

Exposure to international peers.
Opportunity to experience British life and culture.
Development of confidence, critical thinking, and academic writing.

10. Universities and MA Programs

Hornby Scholars have historically attended top UK institutions:

University of Warwick
University College London (UCL)
University of Leeds
University of Southampton
University of Exeter
Lancaster University

These universities offer MA programs such as:

MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
MA ELT (English Language Teaching)
MA Applied Linguistics and ELT

11. Research and Professional Development

The Hornby Trust places a strong emphasis on research-based teaching practice. Scholars are encouraged to engage in:

Independent research.
ELT conferences like IATEFL, BAAL, or TESOL UK.
Publishing articles or presenting at symposia.

This exposure helps scholars to return home as thought leaders in their local ELT contexts.

12. Alumni Network and Impact

The Hornby Alumni Network is a powerful global community of scholars. Alumni often go on to become:

National teacher trainers.
Education policymakers.
ELT textbook authors.
University lecturers.
NGO consultants.

Many alumni also serve as mentors to new applicants and contribute to ELT associations in their regions.

13. The Scholarship’s Global Reach

The Hornby Trust Scholarship has supported scholars from countries such as:

Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia
Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan
Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines
Brazil, Colombia, Peru
Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Armenia

This reach reflects the trust’s commitment to equity in global education.

14. Success Stories of Hornby Scholars

1. Dr. Laila from Egypt

Laila used her Hornby MA to launch a nationwide teacher training program in Egypt that now reaches 3,000 teachers annually.

2. Samuel from Nigeria

After returning from the UK, Samuel co-founded an NGO that trains public school teachers in underserved areas.

3. Mei from Vietnam

Mei became a university lecturer and helped redesign her institution’s English language curriculum.

15. How the Scholarship Advances ELT in Developing Countries

The Hornby Scholarship has a multiplier effect. Scholars return to:

Train teachers at scale.
Influence curriculum reforms.
Develop ELT materials tailored to local contexts.
Launch research into effective teaching methods.

This systemic impact is what distinguishes the Hornby Trust from conventional scholarships.

16. Challenges and Expectations

While the scholarship is a great opportunity, it comes with responsibilities:

Challenges

Adapting to UK academic culture.
Dealing with academic pressure.
Weather and cultural adjustment.
Being away from family.

Expectations

Complete the MA successfully.
Demonstrate leadership and commitment.
Return to home country post-study.
Engage with the Hornby community.

17. Tips for a Successful Application

Highlight Your Experience: Emphasize your teaching background and achievements.
Show Leadership: Detail any training, mentoring, or national initiatives you’ve led.
Clear Study Goals: Be specific about how the MA will help you address ELT challenges in your country.
Strong References: Choose referees who can speak credibly about your skills and potential.
Polish Your Statement: Avoid clichés; write passionately and honestly about your goals.

18. Future of the Hornby Trust Scholarship

The Hornby Trust is evolving to meet the needs of the 21st-century ELT landscape. Future directions may include:

Hybrid learning options.
Expanded research fellowships.
Regional hubs for alumni collaboration.
Funding for in-country teacher development.

19. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the scholarship open every year?

Yes, typically the application period opens in November and closes by February.

Q2: Do I need to have a teaching license?

Not necessarily, but practical ELT experience is mandatory.

Q3: Can I choose any UK university?

Only universities that offer approved MA TESOL or ELT programs and partner with the Trust.

Q4: Can I bring my family?

The scholarship does not provide family allowances, and scholars are advised to travel alone.

20. Conclusion

The A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship is more than just a financial award—it is an investment in the future of English language education worldwide. It empowers educators to become leaders, innovators, and change-makers. If you are an ELT professional passionate about improving language education in your country, the Hornby Trust Scholarship could be the gateway to making a lasting impact.

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