Isc prospectus 2015

The Independent Schools Consortium

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The Independent Schools Consortium

The Independent Schools Consortium was formed to bring together leading independent schools in the UK, to better serve the international learning community and to open doors to students from around the world to superior education.

As an organisation we are committed to both academic achievement and individual development. We are focused on enabling global citizens who will not only play a full and active role within the school but also in life after graduation.

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The purpose of the ISC is to bring students and schools together and to offer continuing support to our academic community.

We have partnered with carefully selected support organisations who provide accommodation, welfare and guardianship to the successfully selected students; we have worked with international organisations to make smooth and transparent application processes that will aid every parent and child in choosing the most suitable school for them and we continue to strive to build a truly international community of scholars.

Our schools, being day and not boarding, are very selective about the applicant and indeed the total number of international students they will accept. So for a parent seeking to ensure that their child gains the most possible benefit from an education in an English speaking environment, our schools represent the ideal choice.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child into our community.

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N A Harvey Chairman

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A The Independent Schools Consortium

United Kingdom Leicester Grammar School – Leicestershire

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Tettenhall College - Staffordshire

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Bablake – Warwickshire

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Akeley Wood – Buckinghamshire

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Northampton High School – Northamptonshire

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Quinton House School – Northamptonshire

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• Hereford Cathedral School – Herefordshire •

Cokethorpe School - Oxfordshire

Destinations of Leavers 2013 -14

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Birmingham University

Loughborough University

Bristol University

Manchester University

Cambridge University

Newcastle University

Cardiff University

Nottingham University

Durham University

Oxford University

Edinburgh University

Queen Mary University

Exeter University

Reading University

Glasgow University

Royal Agricultural College

Goldsmiths

Sheffield University

King’s College London

Southampton University

Leeds University

St Andrews University

Liverpool University

University College London

London School of Economics

Warwick University

The Independent Schools Consortium

Exam Results 2013 School A-level A* - B (%)

A-level A*-C (%) 100

Tettenhall 50

68

Bablake 81

100

Akeley Wood 48

79

Northampton High 72

92

Quinton 49

86

Hereford Cathedral 76

91

Cokethorpe 63

87

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Leicester Grammar 86

Examples of our Students’ outstanding Achievements 2013-14 School Event

2 Darwin Scholarships of only 15 awarded nationally

Leicester Grammar School

Bablake

Cantabile Girls Choir reach the semi-finals of the BBC ‘School Choir of the Year’ Competition

Hereford Cathedral School

Sixth former goes forward to British Equestrian Team for European Championships

Cokethorpe

All three school Netball teams become City Champions in same year

Tettenhall

Competing at National Level in – Swimming; Hockey; and Tetrathalon

Northampton High School

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Double Gold Olympiad Mathematician and awarded the prestigious E.ON Best Use of Mathematics for Most Advanced Maths Research Prize.

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The Independent Schools Consortium

GOLD Our Homestay and Guardianship service is provided at two levels – Gold and Sovereign. Our Gold standard will ensure that your child is given the best possible welfare and support.

Our Sovereign Service adds academic support to the package GOLD Counselling • •

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Advice and assistance on school selection Own-language Student Liaison Officers who mentor and support the student Support with visa applications and extensions On-line learning from point of registration 2 day face-to-face residential induction on arrival Help with booking extra services e.g. tutoring, activity camps, trips and tours

Welfare and Practical assistance • • •

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Meet and greet services upon arrival Assistance with all travel arrangements Registration with police, the health service, banks and other official bodies Weekly meetings at school with student Helping the student to manage their finances Own-language Student Liaison Officers are key contact between parents, student and school 24 hour emergency response team

Homestay • Single room homestay - full board – with one of our very carefully selected and vetted hosts (term time)

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The Independent Schools Consortium

SOVEREIGN Counselling • •

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Advice and assistance on school selection Own-language Student Liaison Officers who mentor and support the student Support with visa applications and extensions On-line learning from point of registration 2 day face-to-face residential induction on arrival Help with booking extra services e.g. tutoring, activity camps, trips and tours

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Welfare and Practical assistance Meet and greet services upon arrival Assistance with all travel arrangements Registration with police, the health service, banks and other official bodies Weekly meetings at school with student Helping the student to manage their finances Own-language Student Liaison Officers are key contact between parents, student and school 24 hour emergency response team Daily transport to and from school

Homestay • Single room homestay - full board – with one of our very carefully selected and vetted hosts for full academic year Academic Support •

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Weekly and weekend tutorials with Russell Group university tutors Programme managed by the Consortium’s Academic Director At half terms – intensive English and subject skills training courses Termly assessment by the Academic Director and reports to parents Full day trips during term time to leading UK universities Full preparation by the consortium for university admissions

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The Independent Schools Consortium

ADMISSIONS A

A unique feature of ISC schools is that an applicant only has to complete one application and sit one test. This means that an applicant can apply to four or five schools at the same time and yet – only go through the admissions process once.

The straightforward admissions process requires only one set of information from the student and their parents, and then we will arrange for the applicant to sit the secure test.

The Consortium will then handle the whole process for the student and their family. Our central admissions team will assess the application and the test results and support the student every step of the way.

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We aim to have full responses back to you within 48 hours of a completed application and test – so you can rest assured that you will be in the best place to know the future direction of your academic career.

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A The Independent Schools Consortium

TEST Our unique assessment will assess applicants in the following areas.

English Language Ability– will look at all skill areas and there will also be a recorded interview with the applicant.

Thinking Skills - will test an applicant’s ability to process information and deal with cognitive challenges.

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Subject Areas – here we will test an applicant’s specific subject knowledge in their chosen subject areas.

Should an application be successful then the last step in the admissions process will be a short interview with a Headmaster from the school.

The overall process has been carefully designed to make the application process as simple and stress free as possible for each and every candidate. We want to see children performing at their very best.

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The Independent Schools Consortium

ACADEMIC YEAR

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The schools in the consortium understand the challenges an international student can face coming to another country, another learning system and another language. To help every child achieve their potential we have designed a programme that will help every A level applicant do that.

The School Foundation Programme is a modular programme that can be studied from 1 to 3 terms with start dates in September, January and April. How much or how little of the programme an applicant will need to undertake will be defined by the results of their Common Entrance Test.

The programme, run at Tettenhall College, delivers a true foundation to the UK education system and will provide course participants’ specific education in small classes. The programme mixes international students with UK student right from the start so that they can start adjusting to their new world of study.

Features of the programme • Integrated into the school – not a separate international student programme

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• Full English language support and development • Subject specific education • Recognized qualifications at the end of the programme • Official English language test included • Full integration into school extracurricular activities and sports • Paired with UK student in unique ‘buddy’ system

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The Independent Schools Consortium

SUMMER COURSE For students who need a shorter introduction and settling-in period we have also put in place a summer programme that runs right up to the beginning of the new school year. This programme takes the highlights of the longer Foundation programme and condense it to a 4 or 8 week programme .

This course will give even the most gifted student the ideal start to their UK studies and would be very suitable to applicants taking GCSEs or A levels.

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Features of the programme • Designed and delivered by the school’s regular teaching staff • 15 hours General English language support and development per week • 7.5 Subject specific English per week • 7.5 Subject specific teaching per week – maths, physics, chemistry and many more • Recognised qualifications at the end of the programme • Official English language test included • Full suite of extracurricular activities and sports for the evenings and weekends • Paired with UK student in unique ‘buddy’ system

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Leicester Grammar School

Key Facts School – Co-educational Available Courses – AS and A level Senior School - 800 Students Sixth Form - 210 Students International Students – 2%

Why Leicester Grammar?

Academic Success -100% pass rate A*-C for GCSE. 67% achieving A*-A in all subject areas. Just under 1 fifth of all A-Level grades were A*and over 60% were A* or A. Higher Education - On average 95% of students progress onto higher education.

10% go on to Oxford and Cambridge Universities .

Well-rounded education - Over 50 extra-curricular activities from sports to creative arts and music as well as opportunities for charitable involvement and service initiatives e.g. Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

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The School moved to its brand new, purpose-built site in 2008, opened by Her Majesty The Queen, and has continued to deliver outstanding academic success for its pupils.

It ranks as one of the most successful co-educational day-schools in the whole of the UK. The wonderful facilities complement the high quality of teaching and learning that goes on within them and all work to support the School’s overall philosophy that the pursuit of excellence. Sitting in 75 acres of grounds the first-rate sporting facilities have contributed to the School’s success in different sporting arenas, with over 50 teams representing the School in the major sports of Netball, Rugby Football, Hockey, Cricket, Athletics and Tennis.

Quinton House School - Northamptonshire

Located in the stunning sixteenth century Upton Hall, Quinton House is a school with a passion for education. The school encourages responsibility and independence in learning, whilst advocating the highest professional standards in the quality of its teaching, pastoral care and extra curricula provision. As a small school we are able to focus in a meaningful way on an each child as an individual. The magical setting of the main school hall matched with the state of the art sports complex, dance/ drama studio and ICT suites helps the School deliver on its commitment to parents and pupils alike. The enthusiasm that the School generates for education can also be measured in its thriving extracurricular programme with more than 100 activities per week in sports, performing and creative arts, and opportunities for additional courses of study.

Key Facts School – Co-educational Available Courses – GCSE, AS and A level Senior School - 259 Students Sixth Form - 42 Students International Students – 4%

Why Quinton?

Academic Success - 2013 GCSE results are testament to this approach: an impressive 92% scored at least five A*-C grades last summer. 50% of the grades achieved were A*A*AAwhile whileananoutstanding outstanding 30% were A* Location - Located in lovely countryside but with great access to the rest of the UK Pastoral - Teachers and support staff focus in a meaningful way on each pupil, providing a tailored approach which allows our students to achieve achieve results results above above and and beyond their predicted grades.

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Bablake School - Warwickshire

Key Facts School – Co-educational Available Courses –AS and A level Senior School - 805 Students Sixth Form - 228 Students International Students – 2%

Why Bablake?

Academic Success -100% of pupils achieving GCSE C+ and 65% A-A* for the last 5 years 100% A-Level pass rate and 79% of pupils achieving A*-B grades for the last 5 years. Record results in 2013, with 55% A*/A grades and 81% to A*-B. 98% of students advanced to higher education.

Location - Close to Birmingham (UK’s 2nd city); 1 hour by train from London and close proximity to the artistic, historical and cultural centres of Royal Leamington Spa, Shakespeare’s Stratford Upon Avon and the universities of Warwick and Coventry.

Extra-Curricular - More than 50 extracurricular activities available spanning sport, music, drama, community and charity initiatives, debating, the Duke Of Edinburgh Award Schemes and many more...

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Situated in the beautiful heart of England, in Coventry, close to Birmingham (the UK’s second city) and one hour by train from London, Bablake is one of the oldest schools in England. It was founded in 1344, but has occupied its current home since 1890. As well as delivering first rate academic education, the School has a well regarded range of extra-curricular activities, including sport, music, drama, art, debating and the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, as well as a vigorous programme of Community Service and charity fundraising. In recent years the School has been represented in national finals for Rugby, Hockey and Netball, with the Cricket and Athletics teams regular winners of local and regional competitions.

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Akeley Wood School - Buckinghamshire

Delivering high standards is a genuine hallmark of the School.

Since turning co-educational in 1972, Akeley has been at the heart of quality education in Buckinghamshire. Set over three sites in the best of the English countryside, the School prides itself on the cooperative nature of the students’ rapport with the school staff who they get to know and trust. The A-level results show that excellent teaching in small classes helps the students to achieve their full potential, thus maximising their opportunities to attend the top universities. The School puts a great deal of attention on playing to the strengths of each and every individual pupil to ensure they achieve their full potential. The School also benefits from being less than an hour from London.

Key Facts School – Co-educational Available Courses – GCSE, AS and A level Senior School - 500 Students Sixth Form - 120 Students International Students – 15%

Why Akeley?

Academic Success - 100% pass rate for GCSE’s with 91% of students gaining A*-C grades - 99% A-Level pass rate with 78% of students gaining A*-C grades.

Pastoral - Comprehensive programme of specialist English tuition as well as academic and pastoral support. Small class sizes (maximum 12) help with integration and accelerated learning.

New 6th form Centre - Brand new bespoke 6th form centre with facilities including: a modern careers centre, seminar rooms for project work and tutorial sessions, wi-fi equipped independent study rooms, social and recreation areas over 2 floors and a purpose built kitchen.

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Northampton High School - Northamptonshire

Key Facts School - Girls Available Courses – AS and A level Senior School - 476 Students Sixth Form - 108 Students International Students – 2%

Why Northampton High?

Academic Success -100% of students achieving at least 5 x A*-C GCSE’s with over two thirds achieving all A*/A grades, 92% of all A-Level grades A*-C with 39% of all grades A*A and 1 third of girls achieving at least 1 A*.

Leaders in education for girls Northampton High School is part of The Girls Day School Trust which aims at supporting the educational and career development of all its members.

Facilities - Modern, purpose-built campus with all the latest technology and resources as well as fantastic sports and creative arts facilities.

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The School has an excellent reputation for the academic achievements of its pupils and the outstanding facilities it provides for every young girl to develop, be that in art, drama, music, science and technology, as well as a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports. Excellence underpins every aspect of school life, not least in the teaching provision and the school’s outstanding facilities. Although Northampton High School was founded in 1878, it has only occupied its present site since 1992 and it is fortunate to have every corner custom-built and fit for purpose. As a consequence, every department is well-equipped and the learning resources are superb. The new eLearning Centre is a flexible space where students can develop their self-reliance through innovative use of the most up to date technology.

Tettenhall College - Warwickshire Founded in 1863 Tettenhall is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated in the old village of Tettenhall, some three miles to the west of Wolverhampton.

The School stands in 33 acres of beautiful woodland and grounds, and offers a first-rate education to boys and girls between the ages of two and eighteen.

The school has small class sizes, first rate facilities in a fabulous location, dedicated teachers and excellent relationships between staff, pupils and parents. It is no surprise that our children leave as well rounded individuals with examination results far better than would be expected based on national averages, with happy memories of school and a thorough preparation for their future.

Key Facts School - Co-educational Available Courses – GCSE, AS and A level Senior School - 160 Students International Students – 5%

Why Tettenhall?

Academic Success - Top exam results and in top 1% nationally for last two years for added value. Last year 75% maths A level students gaining A or A*.

Pastoral - Small class sizes and excellent pastoral care.

Varied range of weekend outings and extra-curricular activities.

Location - Excellent on-site facilities including swimming pool, dedicated 6th form centre.

Small village setting with excellent transport links to Birmingham and London.

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Hereford Cathedral School - Herefordshire

Key Facts School – Co-educational Available Courses – AS and A level Senior School - 512 Students Sixth Form - 131 Students International Students – 5%

Why Hereford?

Excellent Academic success - 100% pass rate at GCSE with 25% of students achieving A-A* in all subjects 100% pass rate at A-Level with 52% of students achieving A*-A and 76% achieving A*-B. Overall, 15% of grades were at A* grade.

90% of students achieve a place at their first choice university. An impressive 8% go on to study at either Oxford or Cambridge.

Outstanding reputation -The only school in Herefordshire to be part of the Headmaster’s Conference (HMC) and therefore recognised as one of the top 250 leading independent schools in the UK. Stunning Facilities - Brand new facilities include state-of- the- art Science Laboratories and sports hall all nestled in the historic campus around the cathedral.

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Hereford Cathedral School is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the United Kingdom. There has been teaching and learning here since the 7th century. The School is located at the heart of the city, situated in and around the Cathedral Close and medieval Cloisters. Though the school has an ancient academic tradition, it is not old-fashioned.

It has wonderful brand new facilities including state-of- the-art science laboratories and sports hall. A unique energy and spirit prevails where expectations are high and pupils excel. Small class sizes, specialist teaching staff and strong pastoral care ensure that academic standards and examination results are excellent.

Cokethorpe - Oxfordshire The School is set in a parkland estate of nearly 150 acres, just 10 miles from Oxford.

Cokethorpe School, founded in 1957 now has a vibrant community of almost 700 girls and boys. At the heart of the School is an elegant Queen Anne Mansion House, built by the first Viscount Harcourt to entertain his friends Pope, Swift, Dryden and other great literary figures. This sense of history, and the beautiful setting, imbues important values such as moral character, knowledge, ambition and virtue.

Much of the teaching, creative arts and sporting activities, which still reflect these values, take place in a range of modern buildings, built around a series of courtyards. These new buildings contrast with, but in no way detract from, the character of the original buildings.

Along with a continuous programme of development, these instil a sense of progress and encourage our pupils to be forward-looking and inquisitive.

Key Facts School – Co-educational Available Courses – GCSE’s, AS and A-level School - 600 Students Sixth Form - 150 Students International Students - 4%

Why Cokethorpe?

Location - Cokethorpe is just on the outskirts of Oxford, a city known internationally as a University City.

Oxford is home to the oldest English University, as well as examples of architecture from every period since the Saxons.

Well respected nationally - Cokethorpe is a member of the prestigious Headmasters Conference Association.

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The Independent Schools Consortium

UK LIVING The defining feature of the consortium programme is that it offers the unique experience of living with a British family whilst attending a British school. The carefully selected and vetted hosts are part of a long term programme to ensure that young international learners gain the maximum benefit from their time here in the UK. The hosts involved are often families or staff from the chosen school and so are ideally placed to help students adjust to their new circumstances and, of course, students in homestay achieve much faster progress in English than those in boarding schools.

The advantages of choosing a homestay programme are also readily felt in the school as day schools simply cannot accommodate large numbers of international students. Parents selecting this route for their child can be assured that they are giving them the very best opportunity to live and learn like a UK student.

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The Independent Schools Consortium

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM To help ensure that each and every child is a happy and well rounded child the Consortium provides a range of different options for students to take up at the weekends, half terms and longer holidays.

Tutoring – we can arrange specific subject tutoring for students not enrolled on the Sovereign Service.

English in a Teacher’s Home – this very special method of learning means that a student can live with their teacher and have intensive language training to help build the key skills that they need in the classroom.

English Outside of the Classroom – in a successful collaboration with The Travelling Classroom, students can enjoy a week of travelling and learning all at the same time.

Study Tours – these programmes, arranged during half term breaks concentrate on what options students want to consider next. They will include university tours and meeting international students who are already studying at undergraduate level in the UK.

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The Independent Schools Consortium 2-4 Darnell Way, Moulton Park, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN3 6RW, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1604 642 082 Fax: +44 (0)1604 494 910 Email: neil@gateway-education.co.uk