Welcome International Families

Westonbirt School is one of the UK’s leading independent boarding and day schools for girls and boys from 2 to 18 years old. Housed in one of the most beautiful stately homes in England, Westonbirt is located in the Cotswolds, close to the cities of Bath and Bristol and just 90 minutes from London Heathrow. Westonbirt School inspires students to achieve their full potential through individualised teaching, outstanding facilities and excellent pastoral care. The beautiful house, extensive grounds and diverse boarding community make Westonbirt a magical place to study and to live.

 

International Students at Westonbirt

  • Westonbirt School welcomes students from overseas.
  • Up to 27% of our students are from other countries with 29 different nationalities currently on campus.
  • English is taught by qualified and experienced staff in small groups in our specialist EAL department

 

View the International Handbook here

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Boarding

Westonbirt enjoys a rich boarding heritage and vibrant boarding community that benefits day students and boarders alike. Full, flexi and weekly boarding is available. Following the successful launch of boys’ boarding in 2021 and growth within our boarding community, we are offering additional boarding houses for girls and boys from September 2022, along with a newly refurbished off-site Year 13 Boarding House.

Boarders can enjoy spacious dorms with magnificent views across the back lawns of the school, communal areas to relax and socialise as well as our state-of-the-art Leisure Centre, 25-meter pool and picturesque 9-hole golf course. Sixth Form boarders can enjoy individual university-style study bedrooms as an exciting stepping stone to university living.

Meet some of our current international boarders here

Weekends

Westonbirt is one of the few boarding schools to offer a full programme of activities every weekend. There is very little time for students to be bored! Here are some examples of what they might do:

  • Trips to Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Oxford or London
  • Socials with other schools
  • House outings
  • In house DVD evenings
  • Trips to the theatre and cinema
  • Formal house dinners
  • House BBQs
  • Specific events, such as a visit to the Harry Potter Studios

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The EAL Department is dedicated to all pupils whose first language is not English. With widely experienced English Language teachers, the pupils will be equipped with the ongoing command of English necessary to:

  • Follow a full academic programme according to their year group
  • Gain access to higher education in English speaking countries and/or to jobs for which a good all- round working knowledge of English must be demonstrated.
  • Gain internationally recognised qualifications in English Language
  • Develop not only language skills but also the social skills to make friends and participate fully in all aspects of school life.

 

Each pupil’s EAL programme is drawn-up on an individual basis, the number of lessons being determined by their placement tests. EAL is a requirement for all overseas pupils until they have acquired complete proficiency in all the skills of the language. Pupils will continue with EAL until the completion of Year 13, which ensures they broaden their knowledge sufficiently to cope with the academic rigours of higher education. All pupils are tested during the first week of school to determine the appropriate pathway of English Language study for them.

Guardians

  • All students from overseas must have a guardian resident in the UK
  • Students must notify the school of the name and address of the guardian 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
  • There are 2 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

Entrance Requirements

We ask all overseas candidates to take 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.

1. All candidates will:

  • Have a Zoom interview with the Headmistress
  • All candidates whose first language is not English will be asked to write a letter of application telling us about themselves
  • Their timetable will be 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
  • They will also be required to take the weekly number of chargeable English Language lessons recommended by the school’s EAL Department

 

2. References from your previous school

A copy of the candidate’s recent school report/grades must be submitted with every application

Transport Links & Travel Arrangements

  • Westonbirt School is 1½ hours by car from London Heathrow Airport and just 50 minutes from Bristol International Airport
  • There are direct rail links to London from Kemble railway station
  • The school will arrange transport to / from airports and train stations
  • A school bus runs to London at exeats and half terms
  • Other travel arrangements should be made in conjunction with the students’ guardians in the UK

 

 

 

Visa Information

Westonbirt is a Tier 4 licensed sponsor, enabling us to issue a CAS to to non-British students wishing to study in the UK. When the offer of a place has been accepted and the deposit and fees paid, the school will provide the student with the CAS and supporting visa letter.

Without the CAS, non-British students will not be able to apply for a Tier 4 visa to study in Britain. Such visa applications should be made, by the student online at www.gov.uk

In cases where students have applied through nominated agents, visa assistance can often be provided by them

Admissions

All enquiries about admission, registration and entry to the school should be directed to the Admissions Department at Westonbirt. Please telephone the department on + 44 (0)1666 881301 or email: admissions@westonbirtschool.uk.

  • The school year runs from September to July.
  • Students may join during the academic year in exceptional circumstances
  • Westonbirt will consider taking students for one year
  • Every year we offer up to 45 places to international students

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

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Open Days

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