Celebrating 70 years of the BWPA
The BWPA offer scholarships to support women in the UK of all ages and backgrounds in achieving their flying dreams, underlying one of our key aims, of promoting women’s training and employment within the sector.
Working with partner organisations or individuals allows us to extend what we can offer, and so help to raise awareness and increase opportunities available.
An amazing 37 flying and ground school scholarships and a further 15 aviation kit and voucher awards are on offer in 2025!
Alongside the fantastic BWPA Flying Start and Flying High Scholarships available, we are proud to also offer further flying and product scholarships in 2025, thanks to our exceedingly generous 2025 scholarship sponsors.
2025 BWPA Scholarships
All applicants must be members of the BWPA. Applications are not restricted to UK citizens or residents, but winners must carry out their scholarship flying in the UK or Channel Islands. The BWPA is an inclusive organisation; we welcome applications from any woman.
*Please note, new memberships may take up to 14 days to process! Apply now for BWPA Membership.
Starter Scholarships
For inexperienced female pilots – those in training for their first flying licence or qualification, or who are completely new to aviation.
Advanced Scholarships
For experienced female pilots – those who have already gained an initial flying licence or qualification, such as a PPL, SPL, NPPL, LAPL etc.
Special Mission Scholarship
For any female pilot with a special mission. The applicant does not need to have a pilot licence and may choose to fly with an instructor.
STARTER SCHOLARSHIPS
£2500 financial flying scholarship provided by the BWPA (four available)
£2000 financial flying scholarship generously sponsored by SkyDemon.
This scholarship also includes a 1 year subscription to SkyDemon
“We
At SkyDemon our training scholarships are a big part of how we give back to our industry and encourage future growth in general aviation. It’s been a pleasure working with the BWPA to help fund their scholarships.”
Tim Dawson OBE – SkyDemon
£2000 financial flying scholarship generously sponsored by the family of Gerry Cook
“The scholarship is in memory of my late husband, Gerry. After offering a scholarship in 2023 and seeing the positive impact it made, I decided to offer another during the BWPA’s anniversary year.”
Gerry Cook’s family
£2000 financial flying scholarship provided by the BWPA and named by the winner of the Aerobility ‘Name a scholarship’ auction prize.
“We recently auctioned off the opportunity to name one of our 70th anniversary scholarships, with proceeds going to Aerobility. The winning bid, of £410, came from Matthew Calderwood, who named it the BWPA Butterfly Flying Start Scholarship. “I chose this name in honour of my partner, Talitha Greatorex. She continues to manage and overcome living with thyroid cancer, and regained her medical and got back into flying. The thyroid is sometime referred to as a butterfly due to its shape.”
Talitha said, “It’s beautiful to have a scholarship named in honour of my journey. Matthew has stuck by my side through it all and given me the support I’ve needed to keep chasing my dreams. The camaraderie and financial support that the BWPA provide could be what one person needs to continue chasing their journey too. The name of this special scholarship not only represents the journey I have had, but we have no doubt it will also represent the student that uses this scholarship to grow into a pilot, just as a butterfly grows to fly.”
Matthew & Talitha
£200 financial Gliding scholarship, kindly sponsored by members of the British Gliding Association
”I am passionate that more women and young girls are able to become involved in gliding and therefore I am proud to provide a small amount of financial support and will be really keen to follow their progress and support in other ways if I can.”
Yvonne Elliott – BGA Women’s Advocate
£2000 financial flying scholarship generously sponsored by the CAA.
“Empowering the next generation of women in aviation is not just about breaking barriers, it’s about opening the skies to new talent, ambition, and possibilities. The CAA STEM Programme are proud to support the British Women Pilot’s Association in their mission to help aspiring female pilots achieve their first qualification and take flight towards a future without limits.”
CAA
28 days access to the Wingman Academy online e-learning courses for both the Application Course and Interview + Group Exercise Course, generously donated by Flight School Wingman.
Perfect for those looking improve their application & interview technique for their first scholarship, job, flight school place or cadet application.
“At
Andrew Neofytou – Flight Deck Wingman
PPL(A) Online Ground School Course, generously donated by Bristol Groundschool
“Bristol
Gill Fowkes – Bristol Groundschool
Platinum Private Pilot(A) Ground School Starter Kit (two available)
All of the theoretical knowledge courses in our Platinum PPL(A) Starter Kit lasts for a full 18 months (the period in which you need to complete all of your theoretical exams), so this package is absolutely ideal to enable you to come back to the material time and time again within that period.
This online ground school kit also includes a 1-1 RT Course, unlimited instructor support by email and phone as well as flight training videos!
Check out the full list of what is included:
“Easy PPL Ground School is proud to continue to support the BWPA in their objectives, and their members in their goals to achieve their dreams. We are delighted to be given the opportunity to help by offering two of our top level Platinum study packages for the PPL(A) as scholarships.”
Easy PPL – Nigel Wilson
Residential theoretical PPL ground school course, generously donated by TAGS, The Aviation Ground School.
This ground school course includes 7-8 days of in-person PPL/LAPL theoretical knowledge training, practice tests and the CAA exams, to take place at the TAGS office in Sheffield over a period to suit the scholar.
Perfect for those who want to fast-track their PPL!
TAGS, The Aviation Ground School
“TAGS Training is delighted to support the British Women Pilots’ Association in their 70th year. Our mission is to help student pilots to achieve their first licence, whether intending to fly recreationally or professionally. This is our first year supporting the BWPA scholarship programme, and we look forward to meeting the scholars as they begin their flying journeys.”
Sharon Parkinson – Director, TAGS Training
Online coaching for the Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) practical exam , generously donated by TAGS, The Aviation Ground School.
This online course includes up to 10 hours of personal online coaching for the FRTOL.
TAGS, The Aviation Ground School
“TAGS Training is delighted to support the British Women Pilots’ Association in their 70th year. Our mission is to help student pilots to achieve their first licence, whether intending to fly recreationally or professionally. This is our first year supporting the BWPA scholarship programme, and we look forward to meeting the scholars as they begin their flying journeys.”
Sharon Parkinson – Director, TAGS Training
Apply for a BWPA Starter Scholarship
ADVANCED SCHOLARSHIPS
£2500 financial flying scholarship provided by the BWPA (four available)
£2000 financial flying scholarship generously sponsored by SkyDemon.
This scholarship also includes a 1 year subscription to SkyDemon
“We
At SkyDemon our training scholarships are a big part of how we give back to our industry and encourage future growth in general aviation. It’s been a pleasure working with the BWPA to help fund their scholarships.”
Tim Dawson OBE – SkyDemon
£2000 financial flying scholarship generously sponsored by the family of Oriana Pepper
“We
The family of Oriana Pepper
28 days access to the Wingman Academy online e-learning courses for both the Application Course and Interview + Group Exercise Course, generously donated by Flight School Wingman.
Perfect for those looking improve their application & interview technique for their first scholarship, job, flight school place or cadet application.
“At
Andrew Neofytou – Flight Deck Wingman
Airline Assessment Preparation Course generously donated by Flight Deck Wingman and includes:
- Training from an industry leading pilot recruiter and trainer
- More than 9 hours of training in one day
- Interview and Group Exercise training and practical assessment
- Pilot Aptitude Testing
- Free preparation eBook
- The opportunity to come back and re-observe for FREE!
- Perfect for newly qualified pilots, current pilots and military veterans
Those applying for the Airline Assessment Preparation Group Course must have, (or within 12 months be expecting) an airline, flight school, or cadetship assessment. Please note that you must use your scholarship within 12 months of being awarded the scholarship.
“At
Andrew Neofytou – Flight Deck Wingman
ATPL(A) distance learning ground school course, generously donated by CATS Aviation.
Also valid for the CPL(A) Distance Learning course.
*Course to be started within 3 months of Scholarship award date. Only available to PPL(A) holders.
Find out more:
CATS Aviation ATPL(A) Ground School Course
”CATS Aviation Training School is proud to support the British Women’s Pilot Association, reinforcing our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in aviation. Dr. Stuart E. Smith (patron) stands firmly behind this partnership, recognising the vital role women play in shaping the future of flight”
Stuart Smith – CATS Aviation
50% off ATPL Ground School Course, either online or in person, generously donated by Bristol Groundschool
“Bristol
Gill Fowkes – Bristol Groundschool
12-month subscription to the BGS Video Library, generously donated by Bristol Groundschool
“Bristol
Gill Fowkes – Bristol Groundschool
12-month subscription to BGSonline, generously donated by Bristol Groundschool
“Bristol
Gill Fowkes – Bristol Groundschool
3 hour in person Airline Interview Preparation Course, generously donated by Aviation Insider.
This course will be held in Crawley and includes coaching from actual and current airline recruiters, Training Captains, and HR specialists, covering topics such as Interview Preparation, CV & Cover Letter Review and Group Exercise Q&A
Find out more:
Aviation Insider Airline Interview Preparation Course
”At Aviation Insider, we are passionate about increasing accessibility, diversity, and representation in aviation. Partnering with the BWPA is a natural fit for us—an opportunity to directly support and empower women who are building their careers in the skies. By offering practical, interview-focused training and career advice, we hope to help more female pilots take the next step toward airline employment with confidence and clarity.
Aviation Insider is a leading global aviation platform providing news, training, and career resources for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and aspiring aviation professionals. Our services include airline interview preparation, simulator training, online study materials, and licence support. Built by industry professionals, our mission is to provide transparent, trusted tools that support aviation careers at every stage”
Gary Saul – Director, Aviation Insider Ltd
Apply for a BWPA Advanced Scholarship
SPECIAL MISSION SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship, generously provided by 624squadron.com, covers £1,250 towards the flying costs (including instructor where applicable) of your own special mission.
- This scholarship encourages applicants to choose a special mission that is meaningful to them.
- The mission should be unique, and can be for any type of flying or flight training that would not be covered by our other scholarships.
- Applications will be judged on the most appealing challenge, as agreed by the members of the selection panel.
- The applicant does not need to have a pilot licence and may choose to fly with an instructor.
- There are no age restrictions, but applicants aged 16 or under must have a parent’s/guardian’s permission.
“The 624Squadron.com is proud to continue its support of the BWPA in their 70th anniversary year, with another Special Mission Scholarship.”
The family of – Squadron Leader John B Austin, DFC & Bar Polish Star & Crois de Guerre – ”It is the deed that counts, not the award”
Apply for the BWPA Special Mission Scholarship
FURTHER AWARDS
The 15 highest scoring scholarship winners will be awarded a choice of a Pooleys starter kit or £100 voucher and the 15 highest scoring non-winners will be awarded a £20 Pooleys voucher
“Pooleys is delighted to be supporting this year’s scholarships in this, the BWPA’s 70th anniversary. A fantastic milestone. Giving back to the industry that supports us is at the very heart of what we do and we look forward to following this year’s scholars as they embark on their aviation journeys.”
Sebastian Pooley – Managing Director – Pooleys Flight Equipment Limited
