bishopstrow collegebishopstrow International Study college Centre A for pathway students to 7 excellence - 17 years | 3

“My communication skills improved drastically at Bishopstrow College, making it easier for me to make new friends at my next school, Dulwich College”

bishopstrow college at a glance Established in 2006, Bishopstrow College is the UK’s only independent International Boarding School, offering English language and academic pathway programmes to prepare international students for entry into the UK’s leading boarding schools. We are not affiliated to any individual school, so students are completely free to choose where they continue their education. The College operates as a traditional British boarding school, but with an innovative four-term academic year, with terms commencing in September, January, March and June. A 5 week Academic Summer Programme provides a further start date in July. The College offers a variety of programmes, with a focus on intensive English language tuition and immersion in the National Curriculum, in a number of subjects including Mathematics, Geography, History and Science. welcome Each term, we welcome up to 80 boys and girls, aged 7-17 years, At Bishopstrow College we create a safe, warm and from around 20 different nationalities and a wide variety of cultural fun learning environment, where living in a British backgrounds. This is intentional, since it encourages students to boarding school becomes a seamless and happy speak English whilst they are with us. transition. Our students leave Bishopstrow not only From the moment they arrive at Bishopstrow, students are able to be in a classroom with native speakers, but immersed and integrated into British life and culture. Throughout being able to compete academically at all levels. We their stay, which lasts at least one term and up to a year, they provide the foundations for independent learners who receive intensive preparation for entry into their chosen develop a passion for life and learning. Every student British boarding schools. Students planning to return home to is an individual, but it is also important for them to continue their studies make real progress with their English, work as a team player, whether it is on the sports field, whilst also experiencing the globally recognised British curriculum during a walk in the countryside, in the classroom, or and British culture. participating in drama or music. Learning at Bishopstrow All our students share a commitment to study, a strong sense of operates in every environment and every day of the purpose, high expectations and good manners. Combined with week, but always in English! the exceptional skills and dedication of our teaching, boarding and Today, we all live and operate in a global environment. support staff, it makes for a dynamic learning environment, where Enabling your son or daughter to come and study at students can achieve their very best. the College provides them with a fantastic international The success of the College’s innovative approach to English experience for life. language learning is demonstrated by our latest British Council I hope that after reading this prospectus and visiting our inspection report and the quality of the ‘destination schools’ website, you will wish to accept my personal invitation - students go on to enrol at some of the UK’s leading prep to contact us to find out more and arrange a visit. and senior schools, including Bradfield College, Charterhouse, Cheltenham Ladies College, The Dragon School, Godstowe, Prior Lorraine Atkins, Principal Park College, Summer Fields and Uppingham. 4 | bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence | 5

Key Features schooling in • Set in eight acres of grounds, surrounded by the Compulsory education in the UK starts at 5 years of age and beautiful Wiltshire countryside finishes at 18. At the age of 16, pupils in England take GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations. • Superb teaching facilities, including new teaching and From 16 to 18, pupils can take a two year A Level (Advanced Level) learning centre, with 8 classrooms, library, science course, which provides qualifications for university application. lab and IT suite The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma) is an • Small class sizes, with a maximum of 8 students for alternative to A Levels. English and 12 students for other academic subjects, Mathematics and English are both compulsory GCSE qualifications allowing very high levels of individual teacher time for entrance to university. • Individual Learning Plan for every student, detailing progress and areas for improvement in English, other academic subjects, sports and boarding ENGLISH EDUCATION SYSTEM

• The College operates as a traditional British BISHOPSTROW AGE NATIONAL CURRICULUM EXAMINATIONS TAKEN AT boarding school, with a full sports and activities COLLEGE PROGRAMME ACADEMIC YEAR BISHOPSTROW COLLEGE programme, ensuring excellent preparation for LOWER COLLEGE 7-11 Years 3-6 Internal Assessment entry into a mainstream boarding school PROGRAMME Cambridge English Language Assessment • The College is not affiliated to any other boarding schools, providing a stepping stone to the ‘Top 100’ MIDDLE COLLEGE 11-14 Years 7-9 Internal Assessment boarding schools and colleges in the UK PROGRAMME Cambridge English Language Assessment

Programme Options UPPER COLLEGE 14-17 Years 10 -12 Internal Assessment PROGRAMME Cambridge English Language Assessment • English Language Pathways: Lower, Middle and Upper College Programmes for ages 7-11, 11-14 and 14-17 respectively: 7 academic subjects, with 1 YEAR IGCSE/ 15-16 Year 11 Internal Assessment a focus on English PRE-IB PROGRAMME Cambridge English Language Assessment • 1 Year IGCSE/Pre-IB Programme (ages 15-16): Cambridge IGCSEs 6-9 IGCSE subjects, plus preparatory modules for Edexcel IGCSEs and GCSEs the International Baccalaureate Diploma PRE-A LEVEL PROGRAMME 15-16 Year 11 Internal Assessment • Pre-A Level Programme (ages 15-16): Academic English and study skills across three fields of Science, Mathematics and Humanities subjects ACADEMIC SUMMER 7-17 Years 3-12 Internal Assessment PROGRAMME • Academic Summer Programme (ages 7-17): 5 week course, offering 7 academic subjects, with a focus on English • Exciting programme of extra curricular activities, including daily sports, creative arts, weekend typical academic year excursions and the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze at bishopstrow college Award Scheme Term 1: Mid September – early December • Four-term academic calendar, with flexible start dates Term 2: Early January – mid March • Short stay courses providing the opportunity to Term 3: End March – mid June experience British education for 5 weeks, or 1, 2, 3 or 4 terms Term 4: End June – end August The Academic Summer Programme is a 5 week course available during Term 4, with two start dates. 6 | bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence | 7

lower college middle college programme programme The Lower College Programme consists of intensive The Middle College Programme consists of intensive English language tuition and academic study for prep English language tuition and academic study for 13+ school or 11+ senior school entry. Daily sports and senior school entry. Daily sports and activities, together activities, together with a full weekend schedule ensure with a full weekend schedule ensure that students are that students are fully prepared for boarding school life. fully prepared for boarding school life. This is suitable for international students who wish to This is suitable for international students who wish improve their English, whilst following a traditional Features to improve their English, whilst following a traditional Features programme of academic subjects. programme of academic subjects. AGE AGE 7-11 years 11-14 years

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Interview (face-to-face or via Skype), Interview (face-to-face or via Skype), current school report and current school report and character reference character reference

MINIMUM ENGLISH MINIMUM ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEVEL LANGUAGE LEVEL No pre-requisite CEFR Level A2

COURSE LENGTH COURSE LENGTH 1, 2, 3 or 4 terms 1, 2, 3 or 4 terms

SUBJECTS STUDIED SUBJECTS STUDIED English, Creative Arts, Geography, English, Creative Arts, Geography, History, History, Mathematics, PSHE and Science Mathematics, PSHE and Science

ACADEMIC STUDY ACADEMIC STUDY 25 hours of academic tuition and 5 25 hours of academic tuition and 5 hours hours of supervised prep of supervised prep

END OF COURSE ASSESSMENT END OF COURSE ASSESSMENT Internal assessment and external Internal examinations and external Cambridge English Language Assessment Cambridge English Language Assessment examination (where applicable) examination (where applicable)

PROGRESSION PROGRESSION Prep school entry or 11+ senior 13+ senior school entry school entry 8 | bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence | 9

upper college 1 year igcse/pre-ib programme programme The Upper College Programme consists of intensive The 1 Year IGCSE/Pre-IB Programme offers up to 12 English language tuition and academic study for senior examinable subjects and is an excellent preparation for school entry, including preparation for GCSEs, international students before they begin their A Level A Levels and the International Baccalaureate. Daily studies or the IB Diploma Programme. sports and activities, together with a full weekend Features This is suitable for international students who wish to Features schedule ensure that students are fully prepared for complete the IGCSE examinations in just one year. boarding school life. AGE AGE This is suitable for international students who wish 14-17 years 15-16 years to improve their English, whilst following a traditional programme of academic subjects. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Interview (face-to-face or via Skype), Interview (face-to-face or via Skype), current school report and current school report and character character reference reference, Password English and Mathematics assessment

MINIMUM ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEVEL MINIMUM ENGLISH CEFR Level A2 LANGUAGE LEVEL CEFR Level B2

COURSE LENGTH 1, 2, 3 or 4 terms COURSE LENGTH 3 terms (September entry) SUBJECTS STUDIED English, Business Studies, Global SUBJECTS STUDIED Perspectives, History, Mathematics, PSHE A minimum of 6 examinable subjects from and Science English as a Second Language or English as a First Language, Modern Languages ACADEMIC STUDY (arranged at extra cost), Mathematics, 30 hours of academic tuition and 7.5 Statistics (for more able Mathematicians), hours of supervised prep Combined Science or Coordinated “Bishopstrow College Science, Business Studies, Geography and History END OF COURSE ASSESSMENT allowed me to move up Internal examinations and external to the IGCSE cohort and ACADEMIC STUDY Cambridge English Language Assessment this helped me build a examination (where applicable) foundation in subjects that I 30 hours of academic tuition and 7.5 hours of supervised prep had not studied previously PROGRESSION in China, such as Science” Senior school entry END OF COURSE ASSESSMENT External IGCSE examinations

PROGRESSION Sixth Form entry 10 | bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence | 11

pre-a level academic summer programme programme The Pre-A Level Programme enables international The Academic Summer Programme is aimed at international students students to learn how to transfer their academic who will be joining British boarding schools in the Autumn and at those language skills to the study of three fields of Science, who wish to sample British education in the summer. There are two start Mathematics and Humanities subjects. The Programme dates at the beginning and mid-point of Term 4, with the Programme is an excellent preparation for international students lasting 5 weeks. before they begin their A Level studies or the IB Diploma Programme. Daily sports and activities, FEATURES together with a full weekend schedule ensure that Features students are fully prepared for boarding school life. AGE LOWER COLLEGE MIDDLE COLLEGE UPPER COLLEGE This is suitable for international students who wish 15-16 years AGE 7-11 years 11-14 years 14-17 years to develop academic English at IELTS Level 5.5 to 6.5, with a focus on applying reading, writing, speaking and ENTRY REQUIREMENTS listening techniques to the study of a range of subjects Interview (face-to-face or via Skype), at an advanced level. current school report and character ENTRY Interview (face-to-face or via Interview (face-to-face or via Interview (face-to-face or via reference REQUIREMENTS Skype), current school report and Skype), current school report Skype), current school report Students must have completed O Levels character reference and character reference and character reference or equivalent in their home country MINIMUM ENGLISH No prerequisite CEFR Level A2 CEFR Level A2 MINIMUM ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEVEL LANGUAGE LEVEL CEFR Level B2 COURSE LENGTH 5 weeks 5 weeks 5 weeks COURSE LENGTH 2 terms (January or March entry)

SUBJECTS STUDIED SUBJECTS STUDIED English, Creative Arts, Geography, English, Creative Arts, Geography, English, Business Studies, History, Mathematics, PSHE, History, Mathematics, PSHE, Global Perspectives, History, English, Business Studies, Global Science Science Mathematics, PSHE, Science Perspectives, History, Mathematics, PSHE and Science ACADEMIC STUDY 25 hours of academic tuition and 25 hours of academic tuition and 30 hours of academic tuition and ACADEMIC STUDY 5 hours of supervised prep 5 hours of supervised prep 7.5 hours of supervised prep 30 hours of academic tuition and 7.5 hours of supervised prep END OF COURSE Internal examinations Internal examinations Internal examinations END OF COURSE ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT Internal assessment

PROGRESSION PROGRESSION Return to existing school Return to existing school Return to existing school (in home country) (in home country) (in home country) Sixth Form entry Prep school entry 13+ senior school entry Senior school entry 11+ senior school entry 12 | bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence | 13

destination schools Sports and Social Bishopstrow College is proud that its students secure places at some Programme of the most prestigious schools in the UK and overseas. The College’s extra curricular programme includes a range of daily sports, morning and evening clubs PREP SCHOOLS SENIOR SCHOOLS and activities, designed to foster team spirit and the confidence to integrate with others when students Ashdown House Abingdon School Felsted Rendcomb College move on from Bishopstrow. Caldicott ACS Cobham Glenalmond College Repton School Daily sports include traditional British sports such as Cothill House Aldenham School Godolphin School Roedean School athletics, cricket, hockey, lacrosse, netball and rugby, as Cottesmore School Aysgarth School Gordonstoun Royal Russell School well as basketball and football. Eagle House School Badminton School Haileybury Rugby School Morning and afternoon clubs include ‘The Crazy Edge Grove Battle Abbey School Hampshire Collegiate School Ruthin School Scientist Club’, Chess Club, Debating Club, Netball Elstree School Bearwood College Harrogate Ladies College Rye St Antony Club and Fitness Club. Weekend activities include Foremarke Hall Bedales Harrow School St David’s College country walks, outdoor cooking and survival Godstowe School Bede’s Senior School Hurtwood House St Edmund’s Canterbury simulation games. Lockers Park School Bellerby’s College King Edward’s School Witley St Edward’s Oxford Other activities include the Duke of Edinburgh Maidwell Hall School Benenden King’s Bruton St George’s School, Ascot Bronze Award Scheme. Packwood Haugh School Bethany School King’s Canterbury St. Mary’s Ascot Like most British independent schools, we have Papplewick School Bilton Grange King’s Schools Taunton St. Mary’s Calne a House system, with students competing in Port Regis Bloxham School Kingswood School St. Mary’s Shaftesbury multinational teams for trophies in debating, St Swithun’s St John’s Beaumont Blundell’s Lambrook drama and sports. Sandroyd School Bradfield College Lancing College St Teresa’s Effingham Summer Fields Bredon School Leighton Park School Sedbergh School The College is able to arrange other activities such Sunningdale School Brighton College Leweston School Sevenoaks School as horse riding and golf on request, for an additional charge. Swanbourne House Bromley School Lord Wandsworth College Sherborne Girls The Dragon School Bromsgrove School Luckley House School School The Downs Malvern Bruton School for Girls LVS Ascot Stonar School The Elms School Bryanston Monmouth School Stonyhurst Windlesham House School Canford Malvern College Stover School CATS College Marlborough College Stowe School Charterhouse Mayfield School Strathallan School Cheltenham College Millfield The Harrodian Cheltenham Ladies College Mill Hill School The Oratory School Christ Church Cathedral Milton Abbey The Mount School York School Monkton Combe School The Royal Hospital School Clayesmore Moreton Hall Tonbridge School Clifton College Oundle School Trinity School Concord College New Hall School Tudor Hall Dauntseys Oakham School Uppingham Dean Close Packwood Haugh School Warminster School DLD College Prior Park College Wellington College D’Overbroecks Prior’s Field School Westbourne School Dover College Queen Anne’s School Westminster School Downe House School Queen Ethelburga’s College Westonbirt School Dulwich College Queen Margaret’s School Winchester College Eastbourne College Queen’s College Taunton Woldingham School Epsom College Queenswood Wycliffe College Eton College Radley College Wycombe Abbey 14 | bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence | 15

the creative arts trips and excursions For students joining the Lower or Middle College As well as our on-site activities, we organise a stimulating and Programmes, the more formal English and academic varied programe of fully supervised trips and excursions at classes are complemented by a programme of creative weekends. Some allow students to discover places of cultural, arts, including Art and Drama clubs. There are also geographical and historical interest; others encourage students opportunities for individual Music lessons and to sample the great outdoors, through walking, hiking, cycling and one-to-one tuition in Art (on request). other physical pursuits. The activities encourage speaking and listening and help Sightseeing, cultural visits and even shopping provide contexts build confidence and develop self expression. within which speaking and listening skills are put to the test; they The College makes full use of the importance of Bath as a are also great fun and provide memories to last a lifetime. local cultural centre (and UNESCO World Heritage Site), with regular visits organised for students. Trips and excursions may include: • London museums and art galleries • Cycling and orienteering in local forests • Outdoor activity centres “Being able to pursue a • Trips to the beach and coastal walking wide range of subjects • Visits to neighbouring towns and cities, including at Bishopstrow, including Bath, Bristol, Salisbury and Oxford Drama and Music, helped prepare me for the broader curriculum that I would have access to at my next school”

“Rudi regained his self-esteem and is happy and motivated. I believe that Bishopstrow College is a wonderful place for international students to start an English boarding school education. We will be pleased to update you on Rudi’s experiences in the future” 16 | bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence bishopstrow college A pathway to excellence | 17

student testimonials

Ayaka From Japan Programme: Lower College Programme School Destination: The Dragon School Comments from Ayaka’s Agent: Bishopstrow College provided Ayaka with a good start that successfully led to her studying at The Dragon with great confidence. She is showing great progress and enjoying her studies and life at The Dragon School. Mr and Mrs Nakamura wanted to express their appreciation. Thank you again. We wish you and the school a prosperous future.

Stepan From Russia Programme: Lower College Programme School Destination: Highfield School; Winchester College (Year 9 entry) Comments: Bishopstrow College helped me prepare academically for entry into Highfield School and ultimately, Winchester College. Before I came to Bishopstrow, I had limited English language skills and was unable to access any of the top schools in the UK. Now, I am studying at one of the most boarding and prestigious schools in the world. Bishopstrow College was the first of many pastoral care steps required to gain entry into Winchester College. We take our students’ safety and welfare extremely Jah From Thailand seriously, with pastoral care an area of strength. Programme: Middle College Programme School Destination: Kingswood School Fully-qualified staff are always available to discuss personal and health matters with students. All Comments: Bishopstrow College helped me prepare for entry into boarding staff have first aid training. In addition all Kingswood School, by providing exposure to a wide range of subjects, including students are registered with the local doctor. Music, Drama and PE. The College also helped me prepare for boarding school life. I was able to get familiar with being in a boarding school, become more Students in the Lower and Middle College live in organised and improve my written and spoken English. Barrow House at the heart of the main campus, in shared rooms of between 2 and 6. Upper College Haoxin (Andy) From China students live in shared rooms of 2 or 3 in separate Programme: Upper College Programme Senior Girls’ accommodation within Barrow House School Destination: Dulwich College and in a separate Senior Boys’ boarding house a short University Destination: London School of Economics distance from the College. Comments: Bishopstrow College helped me a great deal academically, All students have access to indoor and outdoor for both entry into Dulwich College and my studies later on. Bishopstrow recreational facilities, common rooms, study spaces prepared me for interviews (with potential destination schools) and and Wi-Fi. All meals are served in the main dining provided me with past entrance exam papers. I was allowed to move up to room in Barrow House. We also provide a the IGCSE group and this helped me build a foundation in Science subjects, laundry service. which I had not studied previously in China.

Olenka From Ukraine Programme: 1 Year IGCSE Programme School Destination: Cheltenham Ladies College Comments: The College was very helpful in terms of organising documents and the entrance examinations for my target destination schools. Bishopstrow also helped me improve my English significantly – I could never have hoped for such an improvement on my own. This helped me adapt to a new place with people who mostly speak only English. 18bishopstrow | bishopstrow college college International A pathway Study to excellence Centre for students 7 - 17 years | 18

Location and Directions Bishopstrow College is set in 8 acres of beautiful grounds, with extensive gardens and playing fields, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrounded by clean country air and green space, students are encouraged to spend plenty of time outdoors. We are near the ancient market town of Warminster, with many places of interest within easy reach, including Stonehenge and Bath (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and the Cathedral City of Salisbury.

Stansted Luton 145 miles 117 miles 2.5 hours 2 hours Bristol 43 miles Heathrow 1 hour 84 miles 1.5 hours Bishopstrow Gatwick College 110 miles Southampton 2 hours 45 miles 1 hour

Bishopstrow College is easily reached by road (M3, M4 and M5) and is close to UK gateway airports.

Trains from Warminster railway station (5 minutes from the College) run directly to London Waterloo and London Paddington stations.

further details For information or to arrange a visit to the College, please contact Sarah Miles, Head of Admissions: Email: [email protected] Telephone +44 (0) 1985 219210 Or visit our website for an online Registration Form: www.bishosptrow.com Bishopstrow, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9HU, T: +44(0)1985 219210 F: +44 (0)1985 212561 E: [email protected] www.bishopstrow.com