Parent Handbook 2025
Welcome From The Principal
Josephine Velthoven
Bishopstrow Principal
Welcome to Bishopstrow College!
It is a big decision to send your child to boarding school and an even bigger decision to send them overseas. Thank you for trusting Bishopstrow College to be the best place for the first stage of your child’s British education.
Bishopstrow College is a truly welcoming and inclusive environment at Bishopstrow College, in which students uphold and live the school virtues, and as a result they really thrive.
We give detailed individual support in small classes for the best progress in English language. Our approach to boarding gives the best cultural, social and organisational preparation for a happy and effective transition into the British boarding school system.
I hope that the following handbook will answer some of your questions, and I look forward to getting to know you and your child over the coming year. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Aims, Ethos and Virtues
Designed specifically for students from non-British educational backgrounds, daily life at Bishopstrow is based around creating the most successful and enjoyable learning experience for all.
Our caring, kind, well-organised boarding community focuses on respect and tolerance for others. This is reflected in the professional and personal relationships and the day-to-day experiences of students and staff.
Consistent with the underlying ethos of the College are its aims:
To give each student the best linguistic, cultural, academic and sporting preparation, so that they can enjoy a seamless and happy transition to a British boarding school.
To ensure that each student who leaves Bishopstrow not only feels comfortable in a classroom with English speakers, but is able to compete at the appropriate academic level in their next school
To give each student the correct advice, assistance and qualifications to select and gain entry to a suitable British independent school for the next stage of their education.
To emphasise our ‘Five Virtues’, so that each student sets themselves high standards and develops self-awareness, resilience and confidence.
To prepare each student for appropriate Cambridge English Language Assessments and British public examinations. The Five Virtues
Key Staff
JosephineVelthoven Principal principal@bishopstrowcom
KarenWestlake HeadofBoarding karenw@bishopstrowcom
KathyDilworth AssistantDirectorofStudies kathyd@bishopstrowcom
ChrisLewis DirectorofStudies chrisl@bishopstrowcom
VernonDando HeadofBoarding vernond@bishopstrowcom
AbiLandry AdmissionsAssistant admissions@bishopstrowcom
GregJackson DirectorofStudies gergoryj@bishopstrowcom
AmandaNeill Registrar admissions@bishopstrowcom
GraceEdwards SeniorAdministrator gracee@bishopstrowcom
Useful Contacts
Once your child has joined Bishopstrow College, please direct all general enquiries to the Main Office, on the contact details below:
+44 (0) 1985 219210 enquiries@bishopstrowcom
Any enquires relating to travel matters should be directed to:
Mrs Grace Edwardes, Travel Coordinator
+44 (0) 1985 219210 travel@bishopstrow.com
Any enquiries relating to academic matters should be directed to:
Mr Gregory Jackson, Director of Studies
+44 (0) 1985 219210 gregoryj@bishopstrow.com
Any enquiries relating to boarding should be directed to:
Mrs Karen Westlake, Head of Boarding
+44 (0) 1985 219210 karenw@bishopstrow.com
* Please note that staff are available Monday - Friday, 830am530pm (UK time)
Emergency Contact Details
In case of an emergency or contact during the weekends, please contact the following:
Mrs Karen Westlake, Head of Boarding
+44 (0) 7951 481912 karenw@bishopstrow.com
Mr Vernon Dando, Head of Boarding
+44 (0) 1985 219210 vernond@bishopstrow.com
Arrivals and Departures
The College can assist in arranging airport transfers to and from the College on arrivals and departures days only. If you require assistance, please email travel@bishopstrow.com.
Local airports: Bristol Airport (1 hour by car), London Heathrow (1 ½ hours by car), London Gatwick (2 ½ hours by car).
Prestige Taxi Service is used for all airport transfers, the drivers are DBS checked. The taxi service can be shared with other students where similar flight times allow. To book an airport transfer with Prestige, please email travel@bishopstrow.com. The cost of the airport transfer will be added to the student’s school bill.
On Arrivals Day, new students should arrive at Bishopstrow College between 2pm - 4pm Returning students are to arrive between 4pm - 7pm
On Departures Day, students must depart Bishopstrow College between 7am - 11am.
When booking flights please allow for check-in / clearance at the airport and transport times.
The Travel Information Form must be completed and returned for every student on the Pre-Arrival Forms section of the website.
For students enrolled on the Academic Summer Programme, the course fees include airport transfers to and from Bristol Airport, London Heathrow and London Gatwick between the hours of 1pm - 7pm on Arrivals Day and between 7am - 12pm on Departures Day
We normally allow a maximum of 2 adults to accompany students upon drop-off. We kindly request that the students are handed over to our care promptly, to allow them to settle in and begin their enrolment at Bishopstrow College.
Attendance and Absence
Students are expected to attend the College for a full term and are expected to attend all lessons. Students must attend during the first weekend of every term. Students are permitted to have a weekend away once a term, leaving from 12pm on Saturday and returning between 6pm - 8pm on Sunday.
Please contact us in writing to organise an absence, providing at least 3 days’ notice and the Principal will review and respond to the request. Requests must come from the parent, nominated guardian or agent.
Students are only allowed to stay with parents or adult guardians who are aged 25 or over. We will require the full name, address and contact phone number of the person that the student is visiting. We will also require copies of their ID, if that person is not already listed as a contact
Please note that we are required by the Home Office and Department for Education to keep attendance records.
Guardianship
It is a legal requirement for international boarding students to have a guardian when living in the UK. Parents who do not reside in the UK, or who may be abroad for a period of time are required to appoint an educational guardian. This person must respond to the needs of both the child and Bishopstrow College
Details of the guardian must be provided to us no later than 5 days before the student is enrolled. It is the responsibility of parents to inform us of any changes to these details.
Guardianship Agencies
If a student’s parents do not know a suitable person to nominate as a guardian, we will be able to supply details of professional guardianship organisations which have been formally inspected and accredited by AEGIS.
Family Appointed Guardians
If a parent chooses not to appoint an AEGIS accredited guardian, we will require copies of the following documents to retain on file:
Valid photo ID – eg, passport or driving licence
Proof of address, dated within the last 3 months
Proof of right to live in the UK for guardians who are not British citizens.
Guardianship
The guardian must:
Be an adult over the age of 25.
Be either a family friend, relative, agent or certified guardianship agency.
Have authority to act on behalf of the parents in all respects.
Have a permanent or semi-permanent address in the UK.
Be able to provide suitable accommodation for a student, but not student or university accommodation.
Be prepared to take responsibility for the student when they are not at Bishopstrow College.
Be available throughout the student’s enrolment at Bishopstrow College.
Be able to respond in an emergency.
Speak sufficient English to communicate adequately with Bishopstrow College
Be prepared to provide or organise transportation for a student
Be willing to receive student reports and other communications, attend parents’ meetings and other events if required.
Provide contact information (including phone number, email address and full address) and to notify us of any changes.
If a satisfactory guardian is not in place, Bishopstrow College reserves the right to appoint an AEGIS guardian at the parents’ expense, or to send the student home.
Once you have chosen your guardian, please complete the Educational Guardianship Form on the Pre-Arrival Forms section of the website.
Medical Information
Medical Care
All students are registered with a doctor at the local NHS GP surgery in Warminster.
Students who need medical care are referred to the doctor or appropriate medical service and accompanied to appointments. NHS services are mostly taxpayer-funded in the UK, but please note that the NHS does not cover dentistry or ophthalmic costs and therefore there will be an additional charge to use these services.
Medicines
Bishopstrow College keeps ‘over the counter’ medicines on site, including Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. These medicines are dispensed by trained members of staff for minor conditions A written record is kept of medicines given to students
We ask that students do not bring any medicines with them unless they have been prescribed by a doctor and come with English translated instruction. The instructions must be on the official packaging and contain the following:
· The name of the medicine
· What the medicine is used to treat
· The required dosage
· The frequency of dosage
Details of any restrictions
All medicines must be handed in to staff, to be stored securely.
Any medications, herbal medications, naturopathic remedies etc, which cannot be identified or whose ingredients and strength cannot be verified by the local doctor’s surgery cannot be administered or accepted on site
Boarding Information
Bedtimes
Student bedtimes are as follows:
Programme
JuniorCollege
MiddleCollege
SeniorCollege
Personal Possessions
Timings
8.15pm:Electronicstobetaken downstairs
830pm:Lightsout
8.45pm:Electronicstobetaken downstairs 915pm:Lightsout
945pm:Electronicstobetaken downstairs 10pm:Lightsout
We expect students to take care of their own possessions and encourage them to keep their bedrooms tidy. All students are provided with a locker in their bedroom, if requested, in order to store their valuable items We strongly discourage students from bringing expensive jewellery, watches and any other items of value
Students are also provided with a locker in the classroom block to store their books. We discourage students from storing personal items in these lockers.
Laundry
Laundry is done frequently, on a rota that is explained to the students. Bedding is provided for all students and laundered by staff. Boarding staff help students organise personal laundry and to change bedding.
School Uniform
Please complete and return the Uniform Order Form no later than 5 days before the student joins.
All students are expected to maintain a smart appearance throughout the day, wearing Bishopstrow College uniform during academic and sports lessons Students should dress in a smart and business-like manner; shirts should be tucked in and shoes should be clean.
Jewellery should be kept to a minimum. A watch and a small pair of stud earrings are acceptable. Senior College students may wear a small amount of discreet make-up outside the school day. Long hair should be tied back in class. Boys must be clean-shaven.
The following are not permitted: Unconventional hair styles
· Shaved patterns in short hair or eyebrows
· Body piercings and tattoos
· Dyed hair
· Clothing with offensive slogans or pictures
· Nail varnish
· Dangling earrings
All personal items and clothing must be clearly labelled, in English, with the student’s name prior to arrival.
Bishopstrow College will provide name labels for the school uniform allocated upon arrival.
Any student not conforming to Bishopstrow College’s standard of dress will be asked to modify their appearance by a member of staff.
School Uniform
Bishopstrow College has considered how we provide uniform for our students and decided to introduce 2 options in addition to buying the uniform as new, recognising that some students spend less than a year at the College before going on to their next College where another set of uniform will be required
The three options available will now include:
1
New – students will receive a full set of new uniform Prices will range from £550 - £700.
2.
Second-Hand – students will receive a full set of secondhand uniform, where we have sufficient stock to suit the required sizing. Prices are estimated to range from £270£360.
3.
Rented – students will rent a full set of second-hand uniform that will be returned to the College after their departure. Prices are estimated to range from £150 - £200 per term.
For any families who are interested in buying or renting second-hand uniform, their students will receive garments that are of a suitable quality, labelled, and have been properly laundered beforehand
Please note, students attending the 5-week Academic Summer Programme will continue to have uniform provided as part of the set fees, and students who lose or damage garments will be similarly charged either new or second hand prices to replace such items.
Uniform Equality Statement
Bishopstrow College acknowledges that some religions and beliefs require that they conform to a particular dress code, or to otherwise outwardly manifest their belief. This could include wearing or carrying specific religious artefacts, not cutting their hair, dressing modestly or covering their head. However, students should always ensure this meets the College’s health and safety or security considerations.
Contacting Students
Phone
The best way to contact students during their time at Bishopstrow College is via their personal mobile phone. Please note that students are not allowed to have their mobile phones during the school day or overnight and therefore parents should try to communicate with their children after breakfast or in the evening.
If you need to contact a student during the school day, please call the main office on +44 (0) 1985 219210.
Letters or parcels can be sent to students at the following address:
Student Name
College
Please ensure that names are clearly written in English so we know who they are for.
Please note that parcels sent to Bishopstrow College may be subject to VAT, which will be added at customs on arrival in the UK. We will contact you with the details of any such charges.
Electronics Protocol
Electronic Devices
Students are asked not to bring other electronic items with them to the College apart from their school laptop and a mobile device.
All mobile phone numbers must be reported to the Boarding House Staff upon starting at Bishopstrow College.
We will temporarily confiscate mobile phones if they are found to be used inappropriately. All electronic devices must be handed in to a member of the Boarding Staff before bedtime, to ensure that your child gets an undisturbed night’s sleep.
Electrical Safety
Parents should ensure any electrical equipment brought to the College by students is in good working order and is correctly wired to a UK standard 3-pin plug, with maximum 13-amp fuse All electrical items will be checked by a member of the Maintenance Team to ensure that they meet UK requirements.
We do not take any responsibility for injury or damage caused by defective private equipment used. Students may be held responsible for any damage done by their equipment. Any equipment which is defective or incorrectly wired will be disconnected, removed and a report made.
Internet Access
The Wi-Fi network provides secure, controlled access to the Internet, and filters the content of websites, meaning any unsuitable content cannot be accessed by students on site. Use of the network is also monitored.
Pocket Money
We do not allow cash on site. Students will need pocket money for trips and excursions. We require that parents organise a prepaid debit or credit card for use in the UK.
Parents can then monitor and adjust the weekly limit on a prepaid card.
Useful websites for prepaid cards: Money Saving Expert Business Insider
As a guide, we would advise the following weekly pocket money limits:
· Junior students (ages 7 - 11) – around £20 per week.
· Middle students (ages 11 - 14) – around £40 per week
· Senior students (ages 14 - 17) - around £60 per week
Example Weekly Timetable
Time Juniors and Middles Time Seniors
7.15am Wake-up 7.15am Wake-up
7.30am8.30am Breakfast 7.30am –8.30am Breakfast
8.30am845am Assembly 8.30am –845am Assembly
845am9.45am Lessons 845am9.45am Lessons
9.45am - 10am Break 9.45am - 10am Break
10am - 12pm Lessons 10am - 12pm Lessons
12pm - 1.15pm Lunch 12pm - 1.15pm Lunch
1.15pm - 2.15pm Lessons 1.15pm - 2.15pm Lessons
2.15pm – 3.15pm Lessons 2.15pm – 3.15pm Lessons
315pm - 415pm PE 3.15pm330pm Break 415pm4.45pm Break 330pm –4.30pm Lessons
4.45pm545pm Prep 4.30pm – 6pm Change and PE
545pm –6.30pm Dinner 6pm – 6.30pm Dinner
6.30pm730pm Activities 6.30pm – 8pm Prep
730pm Free time and bedtime reading 8pm - 930pm Activities and free time
8.30pm Bedtime - Juniors 9.30pm – 10pm Bedtime reading 9.15pm BedtimeMiddles 10pm Bedtime - Seniors
Academic Overview
Course Structure
Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of each individual student. Students are placed in small teaching groups of no more than 8 in their English classes. Subjects such as Maths and Science have a maximum class size of 12.
Destination Schools
We specialise in preparing students for exams and entry to their ‘destination’ schools. It is helpful if you keep us informed of any schools that your child will be applying for and the dates of any upcoming entrance exams and interviews so that we can provide additional preparation.
Homework (Prep)
The amount of homework set to the students increases as they progress through the curriculum Teachers ensure that all tasks set are appropriate to the abilities of the students Evening Prep sessions are supervised, giving students more time to work independently, whilst help is always available if required.
Prep hours per week:
Junior and Middle students: 5 hours
Senior students: 7.5 hours
Quiet study areas are available for individual study in addition to the hours stated above.
Reporting
We report in detail to parents at least twice each term. This provides feedback to parents, a summary for the students themselves and also forms a clear report to destination schools about the effort and progress made by the student and their strengths and areas to work on
Academic Overview
Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
Individual Learning Plans are a detailed report outlining how a student is progressing throughout their time at the Bishopstrow College. The timeline for reports is as follows:
Initial ILP
2-page report which includes comments from their Academic Tutor and Boarding Tutor. Sent out around week 2.
Mid Term ILP
8-to-9-page report on all subjects. Identifies progress made and targets for improvement. Sent out around the end of week 7.
End of Term ILP
Final report on progress made and achievements across all subjects and boarding life Sent out around the end of week 12
ISAMS Parent Portal
Bishopstrow College uses iSAMS Parent Portal which is a digital platform that allows parents to view their child’s progress whilst at the College.
Parent Portal access will be given to parents/agents/guardians of students once the students arrive at the College Access to the Parent Portal will be created using the preferences detailed on the acceptance form.
A guide to using the Parent Portal along with a user name and password will be emailed from the email address donotreply@bishopstrow.com Please ensure this email address is marked safe to ensure this is not delivered to your junk email.
Access to the Parent Portal will be disabled once the student leaves the College.
Keep in Contact
We invite you to stay updated on the daily activities and experiences of your children through our social media channels. We understand how important it is for you to feel connected to your child's life at school, and we believe this will provide a wonderful window into their day-to-day experiences.
To follow us, simply click on the links below and stay tuned for the latest updates:
We hope these updates bring you closer to your child’s journey and provide you with the joy of seeing them thrive in our nurturing environment.
Banned and Prohibited Items
Banned Items
▪Chewing gum.
▪Hair dye
▪Cigarette lighters, lighter fluid or matches.
▪Inappropriate video material or games - e.g., those rated 18 or rated 15 found in the possession of students aged 17 or 14 or younger respectively.
▪Posters/pictures (including electronic images) which have explicit nudity/language/ violence, weaponry or drug subject matter.
▪Permanent marker pens.
▪Medication - unless the Head of Boarding or Matron has permitted the student to self-medicate.
▪Superglue.
▪Wireless routers, dongles or any device used to alter College computing equipment.
▪Laser pointers.
▪Any item with logos or slogans which are offensive or which advertise drugs or alcohol.
▪Caffeinated and sports drinks such as Red Bull and Powerade.
▪Plug adaptors that do not meet UK safety (PSE) guidance
▪Electrical goods such as heaters, electric blankets and rice cookers.
▪Smart watches.
Prohibited Items
Students found in possession of any of the following items should expect suspension or expulsion:
▪Knives or weapons.
▪Alcohol.
▪Illegal drugs or ‘legal highs’.
▪Stolen items.
▪Tobacco and cigarette papers; nicotine inhaling products and nicotine free inhaling products and e-juice/liquid and vaping paraphernalia.
▪Fireworks.
▪Pornographic images.
▪Any article that the member of staff reasonably suspects has been, or is likely to be, used to commit an offence, or to cause personal injury to, or damage to the property of, any person (including the student).
Packing List
School Wear
2 x smart trousers/skirt (either black or dark navy)
Smart leather shoes (black)
7 x pairs of black socks (boys or girls who choose to wear trousers)
5 x pairs of opaque black tights (girls) – at least 40 denier
Sports trainers (NOT Converse)
Swimwear and swim goggles
2 x long length sports socks (for rugby/football)
Hair ties
Smart outfit for special occasions (such as a school visit or interview)
Stationery & Equipment
Laptop (either a PC or Mac, not iPads or Tablets)
Headphones with a microphone
Pencil case with pencils and pens (blue or black)
Casual Wear
T-shirts, shirts or blouses
Sweatshirts & jumpers
Jeans & casual trousers
Shoes or trainers
Underwear
Pants (minimum of 7 pairs)
Night wear and dressing gown (minimum 2 sets)
Slippers
Toiletries/Towels
2 x small bath towels
Toiletries (including shaving equipment for boys)
Outdoor
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof shoes
Warm winter coat
Gloves and hat
Students should not pack too many clothes as wardrobe space is limited, luggage should be of a medium size.
Clothes must be suitable for industrial machine washing and drying
Clothes must be appropriate for school and the British weather.
Windows PC Technology Requirements
Mac
Tablets
The use of tablet computers, including iPads and Android, is not recommended
Sound
All online classes require speakers and a microphone. You will need the use of a headset which combines both headphone and microphone Based on our experience, the Jabra Evolve 20 offers a very good performance for a reasonable price
Software Requirements
A PDF viewer: Adobe Reader
Internet Browser: Google Chrome
