Gap Year Scholarships

Student Horizons is especially proud of its ongoing commitment to sending a small selection of New Zealand students to the United Kingdom on gap year scholarship placements. For the past five years students have undergone a formal selection process and embarked on a year-long placement at Crosfields School, a large Preparatory School in Berkshire, England. Here they assume positions in the sports department, coaching sport to students aged between 5 and 13 years.

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From left; Jamie Wansey (MD of Student Horizons), Max O’Dowd (Gap Student), Gareth Edwards (Head of PE and Games, Crosfields School), Wesley Jarman (Gap Student).

From left; David Ferguson (Headmaster of Westlake Boys' High School), Robbie O'Donnell (Gap Student), Warren Wild (Gap Student), Jamie Wansey (MD of Student Horizons)

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Max O'Dowd – Formerly at Westlake BHS

“Without doubt my Crosfields gap year has been the best experience of my life so far. Crosfields is a very special school that has provided many opportunities to grow. I’ve also had the chance to enjoy myself on days off. The skills I have gathered have been vital, and will undoubtedly help shape me into the person I wish to be. The programme has allowed me to become more responsible and disciplined. The people I have met over here have been some of the best people I have ever met in my life, and friends I will have for the rest of my life”

Wesley Jarman – formerly at Westlake BHS

“Living on your own and having to do all the everyday house hold things such as cooking and cleaning has been a really good experience and has helped me to mature and learn new things. Working in the sports department has been good as I have a love for sport and the members of staff are very supportive and help you every step of the way. We have taught a range of sports such as rugby, hockey and cricket so far with football to come. There are also great opportunities to travel and see Britain and Europe. The year has been an amazing experience and I have had so much fun whilst learning and experiencing new things. I will remember the people I have met and the memories I have gained for the rest of my life.”

Warren Wild – Formerly at Westlake BHS "Crosfields is an amazing school, the staff here have helped us a lot making it easier to settle in and they are great to work with, could not have asked for a better environment. The first month has been very eventful i wouldn't know where to start with experiences. The first day we landed in the country we were out with the PE staff kicking a ball around on the fields with their friends, this was a great introduction to the school and to the love of football in the country and to be fair we haven't stopped since then. I have joined a Hockey club which has widened my social life over here and given me a chance to explore the UK traveling to matches with the latest being Canterbury. The best thing for me so far has been the snow, after school being called off due to snow Rob and myself were straight out there experiencing a the rarity of snow, sledging down the hills with the staff and their children then enjoying a nice hot chocolate when you cannot feel your fingers. Work itself has been brilliant we have been coaching our own rugby teams since we started from this we have travelled away to Chandlings which is in Oxford. Coaching a team on my own has been a different experience, maintaining focus from each member and working on tactics has opened my eyes and now have a lot more respect for the top coaches. Rugby season is coming to an end as half term approaches then we will be into cricket season. As a new teacher/coach i have lots to learn but the staff here are great and helping us all the way"

Wesley Healiss – Formerly at Westlake BHS "Hope is all has been well with work and the family. I’m just emailing you to say how thankful I am for the opportunity you gave me last year to go on a gap  year to Crosfields. The year was bigger and better than I expected it  to be and it was filled with great adventures and opportunities that I will always have with me where ever I go.  After my year in the UK, I am now studying a conjoint degree which is a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, and a Bachelor of Business at AUT as I am looking at going into the sport management/ coaching and maybe eventually teaching as well. I can’t thank you enough for the year you gave me and I wish you well for the future."