Background Effective leadership is essential for practising within increasingly complex healthcare systems. It is recognised that early leadership training is key for medical and other healthcare students; however, integration into curricula and providing ‘hands-on’ opportunities can be challenging.

Objective Our study aimed to assess their perspectives and achievements while undertaking a national scholarship programme designed to develop leadership skills for medical, dental and veterinary students.

Methods An online questionnaire was designed based on the clinical leadership framework competencies and distributed to students currently enrolled on the programme. Data were collected on student perspectives and achievements gained during the programme.

Results The survey was distributed to 78 enrolled students. 39 responses were received. The majority of students either agreed or strongly agreed that the programme improved leadership skills across three domains of ‘personal qualities’, ‘working with others’ and ‘managing services’, and over 80% reported that the scheme had enhanced their professional development. Several students reported an academic achievement, including presentation of project work at a national level.

Conclusion Responses indicate that this programme is an effective adjunct to traditional university leadership training. We suggest that extracurricular schemes provide additional educational and practical opportunities to help shape the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.