Elsen Academy Legacy Trust High School Scholarship Requirements and How to Apply

The Elsen Academy Legacy Trust High School Scholarship offers vital support to learners with special educational needs in the Eastern Cape province. 

It is designed to enable students who struggle with learning barriers to access a high-quality independent school environment. 

Elsen Academy is a registered independent non-profit school in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, with a dedicated focus on learners who face learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism.

The Legacy Trust Scholarship is a funding scheme managed by Elsen Academy to assist families that cannot afford the full school fees and whose children would benefit from the Academy’s specialized setting.

Which grades and learners are eligible?

  1. Learners entering Grade 8, Grade 9, or Grade 10 at Elsen Academy in the relevant scholarship year.
  2. Reside in or around Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape.
  3. Must have a special educational need such as dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, or similar learning barrier, and display tenacity, good conduct, and willingness to act as a school ambassador.
  4. Academic readiness for high‐school work in the inclusive environment offered by Elsen.
    Because actual years may shift, applicants should check the 2026 call for exact grade levels.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship provides assistance in the form of:

  1. Placement at Elsen Academy for grades 8–10 with the school’s small-class, supportive environment.
  2. Financial relief on school fees or partial bursary coverage for the learner (details vary by year).
  3. Access to the school’s holistic support, including learning-support measures, therapy, and a small class size environment.
    The exact value, whether full or partial fees are covered, and other supporting costs (books, transport) need confirmation in the 2026 scholarship advert.

Elsen Academy Legacy Trust High School Scholarship application 

  1. Monitor Elsen Academy’s website under “Bursary Fund” or “High School” sections for the 2026 Legacy Trust Scholarship announcement.
  2. Prepare your application: likely required items include an application form (or email request), motivational letter, learner’s school report, proof of residence, proof of special educational need, parent/guardian income proof, and ID copy.
  3. Submit your complete application by the method specified (often via email to the contact person at Elsen Academy) by the closing date. Late or incomplete applications are usually excluded.
  4. Retain your submission confirmation and follow up for an interview or assessment, if applicable.

What the selection committee will consider

The selection panel will assess:

  1. Whether the applicant meets all eligibility criteria (special educational need, grade level, and residence).
  2. The learner’s previous academic record and their potential to thrive in the Elsen Academy high school environment.
  3. The family’s financial situation and motivation for the scholarship.
  4. The learner’s character, conduct, and willingness to be an ambassador and participate in the school community.
  5. Completeness of the application and supporting documents.

Elsen Academy Legacy Trust High School Scholarship Closing Date

For recent years, the closing date was 30 November of the preceding year (for example, 30 November 2023 for 2024 intake).

Applicants should check the 2026 cycle announcement for the exact closing date and apply well in advance.

Shortlisted learners may be interviewed or assessed and will be informed of outcomes after review.

1. Who can apply for the Elsen Academy Legacy Trust High School Scholarship?+
Learners entering Grade 8, Grade 9 or Grade 10 in the relevant year, residing in or near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), living with a documented special educational need, and whose families have financial need may apply.
2. What kinds of learning needs are eligible?+
The scholarship is for students with special learning needs such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or similar learning or attention challenges. The school environment is tailored for these types of needs.
3. Does the scholarship cover full school fees?+
It varies. Some awards cover full fees, while others provide partial bursary support. Applicants should check the 2026 call for the exact coverage.
4. What subjects do pupils study at Elsen Academy High School?+
In Grades 8–9 they follow the full CAPS curriculum. In Grades 10–12 they offer subjects such as English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional, Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy, Life Orientation, plus elective subjects such as Computer Applications Technology or Dramatic Arts, and Business Studies or Consumer Studies.
5. What documents must I submit with the application?+
You typically need a completed application form, certified copy of ID or birth certificate, latest school report, proof of residence, proof of special educational need, income proof of parents/guardian, and a motivational letter.
6. What is the closing date for the 2026 application?+
The specific closing date for 2026 has not yet been published. For previous years it was 30 November of the preceding year. Applicants must check the school’s website for the official deadline.
7. Can I apply if I live outside Gqeberha?+
The scholarship is intended for learners residing in the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) area served by Elsen Academy. If you live outside that region you should check whether your residence qualifies or contact the school for clarity.
8. Will I have to pay anything if awarded the scholarship?+
The terms vary. Some scholarships require recipients to commit to good behaviour, regular attendance and parental involvement. Applicants should read the scholarship terms carefully.
9. What happens if I currently attend another school and want to switch to Elsen Academy under this scholarship?+
Yes – students currently at other schools who meet the criteria (entering Grade 8-10, special need, residence, financial need) and wish to move to Elsen Academy may apply. You will need to show willingness to transition and succeed in the new environment.
10. How can I get more information and the application form?+
Visit the Elsen Academy website under “Bursary Fund” or contact the school admissions office via [email protected] or phone 041 582 3289.

🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

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