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International Admissions

At Westonbirt, we take pride in offering an inclusive and supportive environment for international students, ensuring a smooth transition to studying in a new country. Our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from understanding entry requirements to navigating visa applications, securing your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and addressing any needs related to English as an Additional Language (EAL). We aim to provide clear, detailed information to assist you in making informed decisions about your academic journey. Whether you’re ready to apply or seeking answers to specific questions, our comprehensive resources are designed to ensure your success both academically and personally.

 

The following handbooks are filled with information about life at Westonbirt School for parents, guardians and students:

International Handbook

Entry Processes

Students applying for short-stay or full-boarding: 

  • Make an enquiry (or agent enquiry) via email or phone or complete the expression of interest form – we will then contact you 
  • Complete the registration form and pay the registration fee
  • Take an online CAT4 (cognitive ability test) organised by our school.  In exceptional circumstances, we will consider accepting UKiset tests. 
  • Have an online interview with the Head or Head of Admissions 
  • Write a letter of application telling us about yourself (if your first language is not English) 
  • Submit a copy of a recent school report and/or exam grades 
  • We will then make an offer based on your application and ask you to pay a deposit to secure your place.

All registrations and tuition fees can be found here.

Students applying for an immersion programme: 

  • Make an enquiry (or agent enquiry) via email or phone or complete expression of interest form – we will then contact you 
  • Complete a questionnaire to help us assess your proficiency in English 
  • Have a 15 minute ‘Getting to Know You’ online interview 
  • Provide a brief recommendation from your teacher 
  • Complete the registration form and pay a registration fee.

Students applying for International Summer School: 

  • Make an enquiry via email or phone or complete the booking form – we will then contact you 
  • Pay a deposit to secure your place here for all fee amounts. 

Visas and CAS

  • Students applying for either a summer school, short-stay of one term, or immersion programme generally only need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa 
  • Students applying for a stay for longer than six months (full-time or short-stay of two terms) generally need to apply for a Student Visa.

Westonbirt is a Tier 4 Sponsor, enabling us to issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) to non-British students who have been offered and accepted a place and paid a deposit.   At this point, the school will provide the student with the CAS and supporting visa letter. 

Check if you need a visa and apply online at: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa 

Entrance requirements for overseas candidates

We ask all candidates to take a CAT4 (cognitive ability test) organised by our school. This is a standard universal test, to be taken online by all applicants as part of their admissions process. In exceptional circumstances, we will consider accepting UKiset tests.

All candidates will:

  • Have an in-person or online interview with the Headmistress
  • Be asked to write a letter of application telling us about themselves
  • Have a timetable designed to match their level of English, which must be strong enough for them to join mainstream lessons in all of the core timetabled subjects
  • Be required to take the weekly number of chargeable English Language lessons recommended by the school’s EAL Department.

 

References from your previous school:

  • A copy of the candidate’s recent school report/ grades must be submitted.

Guardians

All student from overseas must have a guardian resident in the UK

  • Parents must notify the school of a guardian’s contact details before they arrive
  • Guardians receive a letter outlining the school’s expectations of the guardian’s role
  • The school can provide details of guardianship agencies if a relative/family friend over 25 is not available to act as guardian. All agencies must be AEGIS registered
  • There are two exeats and one compulsory half term break each term
  • Students may not stay at school during the holidays and half term breaks, but can remain in school on the exeats by arrangement and for a small extra charge
  • Many students return home or spend time with their guardians, or travel further afield.

EAL (English as an Additional Language)

Our experienced language teachers offer specialist EAL lessons across a variety of teaching formats.  Each pupil’s programme is drawn up on an individual basis, with the number of lessons determined by an assessment on arrival.  The EAL Department also prepares and enters students for Cambridge English Language Assessment examinations at various levels.  

Where is Westonbirt?

  • Nearest Airports:
    • Bristol Airport: 60 minutes away, offering domestic and international flights
    • Birmingham Airport: 90 minutes away
    • London Heathrow Airport: 90 minutes away, offering a wider range of international flights
  • Nearest Train Stations:
    • Kemble Station: 20 minutes from Westonbirt, with direct services to/from London Paddington
    • Stroud Station: 26 minutes away
    • Chippenham Station: 26 minutes away
  • Travel to Westonbirt School by car:
    • 90 minutes by car from London
    • 50 minutes by car from Bristol
  • Additional Travel Arrangements:
    • Travel to/from Westonbirt should be coordinated with the student’s guardians in the UK.
    • School arranges transport to/from airports and train stations
    • School bus service to London during exeats and half terms

FAQs

What support is available for non-native English speakers?

At Westonbirt, we offer all international students a double lesson tailored to their English level, following a Cambridge English language proficiency framework. If students find certain subjects particularly challenging, we can provide additional support through an extra double lesson focused on specific subjects. For example, if a student is studying geography and needs help with the academic language, we can offer targeted assistance in that area, working alongside their subject teachers to identify key topics and areas of focus.

Additionally, every Tuesday after school, our Head of EAL runs a free support session where international students can attend for help with their homework, ask questions, and receive guidance. This session is a great opportunity for students to seek support in a relaxed environment.

We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic community that immerses international students in both the boarding school and English language experience. There is also a termly 'International Supper Club,' a social event where international students can get together to enjoy fun activities both inside and outside of school.

What is the boarding experience like?

Throughout the week, our boarding community gathers for breakfast, dinner, and evening activities. These include a range of options such as free swimming in the 25m pool, using the gym, and social events in the boarding houses, like cooking, crafts, and movie nights. Each week is different, but the sense of community and fun remains constant throughout. On weekends, boarders take trips outside of school, which may include activities like shopping, go-karting, and horse riding. They also visit places like London, Bristol, and Bath for additional outings.

What co-curricular activities and sports are offered?

Each week, boarders have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of over 80 co-curricular activities alongside day students during lunchtime and after school breaks. These activities include Handmade Cosmetics, Photography, Mindfulness, Language Clubs, Academic Clinics, Drama and Music clubs, and more. Additionally, a variety of Sports are offered throughout the year, including cricket, rugby, badminton, lacrosse, tennis, swimming, netball, dance, horse riding, hockey, athletics, cross country, and football.

How is the academic curriculum structured in Key Stage 3?

In Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 & 9) pupils study a broad curriculum including English, Maths, Science, Modern Languages (Spanish and French), Art, 3D Design, Food, Performing Arts, Music, History, Geography, Computer Science, Latin/Classical Civilisations and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. They will also have sessions in Personal, Social and Health Education and Careers advice periodically throughout the year. Pupils also have Games and PE sessions built into their timetable. Food and 3D design are on a carousel and pupils will rotate between these during the year. Where possible subjects, such as Maths, Science and English are taught in ability sets.

What is the admissions process for international students?

As part of the admissions process, all candidates are required to take a CAT4 (Cognitive Ability Test), a standard universal online test organised by our school. In exceptional circumstances, we may accept UKiset tests as an alternative. Additionally, all candidates will have an interview with the Headmistress, which can be conducted either in person or online. If the candidate's first language is not English, they will be asked to write a letter of application introducing themselves. A copy of the candidate's recent school report/grades must also be submitted.  Finally, an offer letter with schedule, boarding houses etc will be assigned and we look forward to seeing them at school.

Once a place is accepted, Westonbirt, as a Tier 4 licensed sponsor, can issue a CAS to non-British students who wish to study in the UK. After accepting the offer and paying the deposit, the school will provide the student with the CAS and a supporting visa letter. Without the CAS, non-British students cannot apply for a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK. Visa applications should be made online at www.gov.uk.

For more information: click here

What type of accommodation is available at Westonbirt School?

Our boarding accommodations offer a variety of room options, including one, two, three, or four-person shared rooms, each equipped with a desk for study purposes. Designated prep times are scheduled in the evenings to ensure a focused environment for academic work. Multiple bathrooms and shower facilities are available for students to share, with all rooms in Holford House, our Year 13 boarding house, featuring en-suite bathrooms for added convenience and privacy. Additionally, students have access to shared social areas, living spaces, kitchens, and outdoor areas, providing ample opportunity for relaxation and socialization outside of classroom hours. Year 12 and 13 students are provided with their own private rooms for enhanced comfort and personal space.

What are the average class sizes at Westonbirt?

  • A Level average class size is 10 students, with a maximum of 16 students
  • GCSE average class size id 16students, with a maximum at 18 students
  • EAL classes are limited to 5 students, with dedicated one-to-one sessions once a week.

From what age can my child board with Westonbirt?

Westonbirt School offers boarding from Year 6 (age 10) upwards.

What activities will my child do during weekends?

There are no lessons over the weekend, so students can take part in a wide range of clubs, activities and trips. School sports fixtures, Duke of Edinburgh trips and drama and music rehearsals often take place on weekends if your child takes part in any of these. In addition, our on-site boarding staff organise activities during week nights and weekends. Day trips take place over the weekend for all the boarding community – these range from local shopping trips, to city and cultural visits to London, Bath, Bristol or Oxford. All transport is included and provided by the staff.

How is the academic curriculum structured in Key stage 4 and GCSE?

In Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11) pupils opt for a set of GCSE subjects. Most pupils will choose nine GCSEs, although this can vary depending on the pupil and especially if they need additional English language support, for example. The 'core' subjects are English Language and Literature, Mathematics and Science. Science can be studied as either separate subjects or Combined Science, where all three subjects are examined, but the final qualification is worth two GCSEs. Most pupils study at least one modern foreign language at GCSE (French or Spanish). Some overseas pupils, or those with specific SEN requirements will not take a foreign language. We can also support pupils taking a GCSE in their first language e.g. a German pupil taking German GCSE.

How is the academic curriculum structured in Sixth Form?

In the Sixth Form pupils take three subjects (very occasionally four) at A Level or BTEC. A significant percentage of pupils will also take the Extended Project Qualification, which is the equivalent to half an A Level, but demonstrates independent working and research skills, which are highly valued by universities. All Sixth Form pupils will have timetabled careers sessions, focusing on university choices or alternative routes following the Sixth Form, built into their timetable.

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