📚 Hornby Educational Trust: UK Study Opportunities for English Teachers | 霍恩比教育基金：为英语教师设立的在英进修机会
Every year, a small number of English language teachers from around the world are given the chance to spend a fully funded academic year at a UK university, studying for a Master's degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics or English Language Teaching. The money behind these awards comes from a remarkable source: the royalties of a single dictionary author, Albert Sidney Hornby. This article explains who Hornby was, what the Hornby Educational Trust does, who is eligible for the scholarships, how the application process works, and how teachers can make the most of a year of study in the UK.
每年，都会有一小批来自世界各地的英语教师获得全额资助，前往英国大学度过一个完整学年，攻读 TESOL、应用语言学或英语教学方向的硕士学位。支撑这些奖学金的资金来源颇为特别：一位词典编纂者的版税收入——阿尔伯特·西德尼·霍恩比（A.S. Hornby）。本文将介绍霍恩比的生平、霍恩比教育基金的使命、奖学金申请资格、申请流程，以及教师如何充分利用这一年在英国的学习机会。
1. Who Was A.S. Hornby? | A.S. 霍恩比其人
Albert Sidney Hornby (1898-1978) was a British teacher of English who spent much of his working life abroad. Born in London, he taught English in Japan from the early 1920s, where he worked alongside other pioneers of the era and became fascinated by a simple but radical question: what does a learner of English actually need to know, and in what order?
阿尔伯特·西德尼·霍恩比（1898-1978）是一位英国英语教师，其职业生涯的大部分时间都在海外度过。他出生于伦敦，20 世纪 20 年代初起在日本教授英语，与同时代的先驱们共事，并对一个简单却根本性的问题产生了浓厚兴趣：英语学习者真正需要知道什么？又该按什么顺序来学？
His answer changed the dictionary market. First published in Japan in 1942 and later taken up by Oxford University Press, his dictionary eventually became the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, the work that created the modern "learner's dictionary" category, with simple definitions, controlled defining vocabulary and detailed grammatical patterns.
他的回答改变了词典市场。这部词典 1942 年首次在日本出版，随后由牛津大学出版社接手，最终演变为《牛津高阶英语词典》。它开创了现代"学习型词典"这一类别：释义简明、释义用词受到控制、并标注详尽语法句型。
Hornby never had children. When he died in 1978, his estate, built largely on dictionary royalties, was left to support the teaching and learning of English around the world.
霍恩比没有子女。1978 年去世时，他主要以词典版税积累的财产被用于资助世界各地的英语教学事业。
2. What Is the Hornby Educational Trust? | 霍恩比教育基金的定位与使命
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust was established in 1961 as a charitable trust based in the United Kingdom. Its stated purpose is to advance the teaching and learning of English as a foreign or second language, particularly in countries where resources for teacher development are limited.
A.S. 霍恩比教育基金（A.S. Hornby Educational Trust）于 1961 年成立，是设于英国的慈善信托机构。其宗旨是推动英语作为外语或第二语言的教学与学习，尤其关注教师发展资源有限的国家和地区。
In practice, the Trust works through partnerships rather than by running its own courses. It collaborates with the British Council, with UK universities, and with national English teachers' associations to deliver scholarships, workshops and small grants.
在实际运作中，基金并不自行开设课程，而是通过合作方式推进工作：与英国文化教育协会（British Council）、英国各大学以及各国英语教师协会合作，提供奖学金、工作坊和小额资助。
The Trust's guiding idea is capacity building. Rather than simply teaching students, it invests in the teachers who will train other teachers for decades afterwards.
基金的核心理念是"能力建设"。它不是简单地教学生，而是投资于教师——这些教师在此后数十年中又将培养出更多的教师。
3. The Hornby Scholarship: The Flagship Programme | 旗舰项目：霍恩比奖学金
The best-known activity of the Trust is the Hornby Scholarship programme. It funds experienced English language teachers to complete a one-year Master's degree at a UK university, typically an MA in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English Language Teaching, or a closely related field.
基金最广为人知的项目是霍恩比奖学金（Hornby Scholarship）。它资助有经验的英语教师赴英国大学完成一年制硕士学位，通常是 TESOL、应用语言学、英语教学或密切相关领域的 MA。
The scheme is normally administered in partnership with the British Council. Recruitment usually happens through British Council offices in eligible countries, and shortlisted candidates are then considered centrally before final awards are made.
该项目通常与英国文化教育协会合作管理。招募一般通过符合条件国家的 British Council 办公室进行，入围者随后进入统一评审，最终确定获奖名单。
Two features distinguish it from an ordinary scholarship. First, the cohort is deliberately international and small, so scholars learn as much from each other as from their lecturers. Second, the Trust expects scholars to return home and apply what they have learned - the scholarship is an investment in a system, not in an individual's career alone.
它与普通奖学金有两点显著不同。其一，获奖者构成刻意保持国际化且规模较小，因此学者们从彼此身上学到的东西不亚于从讲师处学到的。其二，基金期望学者学成归国并运用所学——这项奖学金是对整个教育体系的投资，而不仅仅是对个人职业的投资。
4. Eligibility: Who Can Apply? | 申请资格：谁可以申请
Exact criteria change from year to year, so always read the current call for applications. The general profile of a Hornby scholar, however, has remained fairly stable over the years.
具体标准每年会有调整，因此务必阅读当年的正式招募公告。不过，霍恩比学者的总体画像多年来相对稳定。
Non-UK nationality and residence | 非英国国籍与居住地： Applicants are teachers based outside the United Kingdom, normally nationals of countries listed in the current call. | 申请人须为在英国境外任教的教师，通常须为当年度公告所列国家的国民。
A first degree | 本科学位： A Bachelor's degree or equivalent is normally required. | 通常要求具备学士学位或同等学历。
Several years of classroom experience | 数年一线教学经验： Typically at least three to five years of teaching English, though the exact figure varies. | 一般要求至少三到五年英语教学经验，具体年限因年度而异。
Evidence of leadership or potential | 领导力或发展潜力： Mentoring colleagues, running a department, writing materials or volunteering for a teachers' association all count. | 指导同事、担任教研组长、编写教材或为教师协会做志愿工作等均可作为依据。
English proficiency | 英语水平： A recognised test score (often IELTS 6.5 or above, with no band below 6.0) unless a waiver applies. | 通常需提供受认可的语言考试成绩（如雅思 6.5 分以上，单项不低于 6.0），符合豁免条件者除外。
Commitment to return | 回国承诺： Applicants must intend to go back to their home country and continue working in English language teaching. | 申请人须有意愿返回本国并继续从事英语教学工作。
Typical profile ≈ non-UK teacher + 3–5 years' ELT experience + first degree + IELTS 6.5–7.0 + leadership potential
典型画像 ≈ 非英国本土教师 + 3–5 年英语教学经验 + 本科学位 + 雅思 6.5–7.0 + 领导潜力
5. What the Award Covers | 资助内容：奖学金包含什么
A Hornby Scholarship is a full award rather than a partial bursary. It is designed to remove the financial barrier completely, so that a teacher from a modestly funded school can still study at a UK university without taking on debt.
霍恩比奖学金属于全额资助，而非部分补助。其设计目的是彻底消除经济障碍，使来自经费有限学校的教师也能在不负债的情况下赴英深造。
| Cost item | 费用项目 | Usually covered? | 通常是否覆盖 |
|---|---|
| University tuition fees | 大学学费 | Yes, paid directly to the university | 是，直接支付给大学 |
| Monthly living allowance / stipend | 每月生活津贴 | Yes, normally for the full academic year | 是，通常覆盖整个学年 |
| Return airfare | 往返机票 | Usually one return journey | 通常提供一次往返行程 |
| Books, dissertation and visa costs | 书籍、论文与签证费用 | Often an additional allowance | 通常另设补助额度 |
| Dependants and family costs | 家属与家庭开支 | Generally not covered | 一般不予覆盖 |
Because the award is generous, recipients are usually expected not to hold other major scholarships at the same time, and they must meet the academic requirements of their chosen university in order to keep the funding.
由于资助金额较为丰厚，获奖者通常不得同时持有其他主要奖学金，并且必须达到所就读大学的学业要求，才能持续获得资助。
6. Choosing a UK Master's Programme | 选择英国硕士课程
The scholarship funds the study, but you still have to choose the right course. Titles can look similar while the content differs sharply.
奖学金解决的是费用问题，但选择合适课程仍然要靠自己。许多课程名称相似，内容却相差很大。
MA TESOL | TESOL 硕士： Usually the most practical option, with modules on methodology, materials design, assessment and classroom research. | 通常最偏实践，涵盖教学法、教材设计、测评与课堂研究等模块。
MA Applied Linguistics | 应用语言学硕士： More theoretical, stronger in second language acquisition, corpus linguistics and discourse analysis. | 理论性更强，偏向二语习得、语料库语言学与话语分析。
MA English Language Teaching / Language Education | 英语教学 / 语言教育硕士： Often broader, sometimes linked to teacher education or educational policy. | 范围通常更广，有时与教师教育或教育政策方向挂钩。
Check three things carefully: the module list and who teaches it, the dissertation requirements, and whether the course is designed for experienced teachers or for newcomers. A course aimed at pre-service students will frustrate someone with fifteen years in the classroom.
有三点需要仔细核查：课程模块及授课教师、论文要求，以及该课程是为有经验的教师设计还是面向新手。面向职前学生的课程，会让有十五年教龄的教师感到挫败。
7. The Application Process, Step by Step | 申请流程分步解析
Timing matters enormously. The cycle is long, and a missed deadline means waiting a full year.
时间安排极为关键。整个流程周期较长，一旦错过截止日期，就要再等整整一年。
Step 1 - Watch for the call | 第一步：关注公告： Announcements typically appear in late summer or autumn for study beginning the following September. | 公告通常在夏末或秋季发布，对应次年 9 月入学。
Step 2 - Register with the British Council | 第二步：向 British Council 登记： Many countries route applications through their local British Council office. | 许多国家的申请需通过当地 British Council 办公室提交。
Step 3 - Prepare documents | 第三步：准备材料： Degree certificates, transcripts, references, English test results and a personal statement. | 学位证书、成绩单、推荐信、语言成绩与个人陈述。
Step 4 - Shortlisting and interview | 第四步：初筛与面试： Candidates are screened, then interviewed, often by a panel including British Council and academic staff. | 申请人先经筛选，再参加面试，面试小组通常包括 British Council 及学界人士。
Step 5 - Nomination and university offer | 第五步：提名与录取： Successful candidates are nominated to the Trust and must also secure an offer from the host university. | 入选者被提名至基金，同时须获得就读大学的正式录取。
Step 6 - Visa and departure | 第六步：签证与出行： Apply for a Student route visa, arrange accommodation and attend pre-departure briefing. | 申请学生签证、安排住宿，并参加行前说明会。
| Stage | 阶段 | Approximate timing | 大致时间 |
|---|---|
| Call for applications | 发布招募公告 | August - October | 8 月至 10 月 |
| Deadline and interviews | 截止与面试 | November - February | 11 月至次年 2 月 |
| Awards confirmed | 结果确认 | March - May | 3 月至 5 月 |
| Course begins | 课程开始 | September - October | 9 月至 10 月 |
8. Writing a Strong Personal Statement | 如何撰写有力的个人陈述
The personal statement is where most applicants are separated. Strong candidates do not write about their love of English; they write about a concrete problem in their teaching context and what they intend to do about it.
个人陈述往往是区分申请人的关键。优秀的申请人不会大谈"我热爱英语"，而是描述自己教学场景中的一个具体问题，以及打算如何解决它。
Use evidence, not adjectives | 用证据，不用形容词。 Instead of "I am an outstanding teacher", write "I redesigned the Grade 10 writing syllabus for 240 students, and pass rates in the writing paper rose from 61% to 78% in two years."
用证据而非形容词。 不要写"我是一名出色的教师"，而应写"我为 240 名学生重新设计了十年级写作教学大纲，两年内写作卷及格率从 61% 提升至 78%"。
Link your problem to the course | 把问题与课程挂钩。 Name specific modules and explain why they address your gap. This shows you have read the syllabus, not just the university brochure.
把问题与课程挂钩。 点名具体模块，并说明它为何能填补你的短板。这表明你研读过课程大纲，而非只看过学校宣传册。
Show the multiplier effect | 展现"倍增效应"。 The Trust funds individuals in order to reach many. Explain how many colleagues and students your learning will eventually touch.
展现"倍增效应"。 基金资助个人，是为了惠及更多人。请说明你的学习最终会影响多少同事与学生。
Be realistic about return | 对回国计划务实。 A vague promise to "help my country" is weak. A plan to run monthly workshops for a local teachers' association is strong.
对回国计划要务实。 空泛地承诺"报效祖国"缺乏说服力；而计划每月为当地教师协会举办工作坊，则很有力量。
9. References, English Proficiency and Paperwork | 推荐信、语言成绩与材料
Administrative details rarely win a scholarship, but they can certainly lose one. Start collecting documents months before the deadline.
行政细节很少能帮你赢得奖学金，却完全可能让你失去它。请在截止日期前数月就开始收集材料。
Two references | 两封推荐信： Ideally one academic (a former lecturer) and one professional (a head of department or school principal). | 最好一封学术推荐（前导师），一封职业推荐（教研组长或校长）。
Certified translations | 公证翻译件： Transcripts and certificates in languages other than English usually need official translation. | 非英文的成绩单与证书通常需要官方翻译件。
English test validity | 语言成绩有效期： IELTS and TOEFL results typically expire after two years, so do not test too early. | 雅思与托福成绩通常两年有效，因此不要过早考试。
Passport validity | 护照有效期： Ensure your passport will remain valid for the whole study period plus six months. | 确保护照在全部学习期结束后仍至少有六个月有效期。
Student route visa | 学生签证： You will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university and proof of funds. | 你需要大学签发的录取确认函（CAS）以及资金证明。
One practical warning: since 2024, most international students on taught Master's programmes in the UK cannot bring dependants. If you have family commitments, plan carefully and confirm the current rules before accepting an award.
一条实务提醒：自 2024 年起，英国大多数授课型硕士课程的国际学生不能携带家属。如果你有家庭负担，请提前仔细规划，并在接受资助前确认最新规定。
10. Beyond the Scholarship: Regional Schools and Alumni Grants | 奖学金之外：区域培训与校友资助
The Trust's work is wider than one scholarship programme. Several other activities are worth knowing about, especially if you are not selected in a given year.
基金的工作范围远不止一个奖学金项目。其他几项活动也值得了解，尤其是当你某一年未能入选时。
Regional schools and workshops | 区域培训与工作坊： Short courses delivered with local teachers' associations, often reaching hundreds of teachers at once. | 与当地教师协会合作开展的短期课程，往往一次惠及数百名教师。
Alumni small grants | 校友小额资助： Former scholars can apply for modest funding to run follow-up projects at home. | 往届学者可申请小额资金，在本国开展后续项目。
Networking events | 交流活动： Alumni gatherings and online communities that keep the network alive between cohorts. | 校友聚会与线上社群，使不同期学者之间的联系得以延续。
Dictionary legacy | 词典遗产： The learner's dictionary tradition Hornby began continues to shape materials that teachers use daily. | 霍恩比开创的学习型词典传统，至今仍影响着教师日常使用的教学资源。
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