Program Overview

Introduction to the Alpha Scholars Programme

The DLD Alpha Scholars Programme offers scholarships of up to 50% off tuition fees to students who demonstrate potential beyond their years, both in character and ability. Scholars participate in a unique programme of study alongside their academic work, including university extension courses, support and encouragement to aid in finding work placements, and an active role in community projects.

Programme Details

The programme includes regular co-curricular activity sessions designed to enhance emotional and professional skills, such as teamwork, leadership, emotional intelligence, and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, workshops in media training, CV building, and interview preparation are provided.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an Alpha Scholarship, students should:

• Be interested in becoming a leader or visionary thinker
• Be articulate and confident with strong analytical and numeracy skills
• Be flexible and open-minded with a strong team ethic
• Be an ambitious student predicted to achieve a minimum of 9 GCSEs at grades 7, 8, or 9 (or equivalent), though exceptions may be considered

Alpha Scholarship Pathways

There are three pathways for the Alpha Scholarship:

1. Busby Pathway (Humanities Focus): This pathway includes A Levels in at least two Humanities subjects (English Literature, Geography, History, Sociology) and supplementary courses such as EPQ.
2. Hume Pathway (Economics & Politics Focus): This pathway includes A Levels in Economics, Government & Politics, Mathematics, and optionally Further Mathematics, along with supplementary courses like EPQ.
3. Faraday Pathway (Science Focus): This pathway includes A Levels in at least two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology) and Mathematics, with Further Mathematics optional, and supplementary courses such as EPQ.

Key Facts

• Up to the equivalent of 10 places may be awarded annually to both internal and new entrants.
• The scholarships are non-means-tested fee remissions, with the maximum scholarship being a 50% reduction of tuition fees.
• The Alpha Scholars Programme runs for a duration of two years.
• Scholars attend the full enrichment programme in addition to academic lessons, including seminars, charity projects, educational visits, entrepreneurial activities, lectures, and rotating tutorials.
• The DLD Alpha Scholarship is open to both British and International passport holders.

Application Process

To apply for an Alpha Scholarship, students must:

1. Complete and return a DLD College London Application Form.
2. Attend a preliminary interview, which may be in person or via Zoom/Teams, indicating the desire to apply for an Alpha Scholarship.
3. If successful, complete an Alpha Scholarship Assessment, which varies by pathway but typically includes a written task and further interview.

Notification of Results

DLD Alpha Scholarship results are usually made available to applicants within 10 working days of assessment completion.