International Boarding Handbook
Welcome
New Hall has a long and well-established tradition of educating students from all over the world and has a wide network of global alumni. Our international students make a major contribution to the richness and diversity of community life and we welcome applications from overseas students, whether joining us as full boarders or relocating to the UK.
As a Catholic boarding and day school, we welcome students from all faiths and none, building a Christian community that has at its heart prayer and service to others. Educating students from Nursery age through to Sixth Form (ages 1 to 19), academic excellence is achieved in surroundings where relationships are based on care, trust and respect.
New Hall School operates the highly successful ‘diamond model’, where students are educated in co-educational classes from ages 1 to 11 and at Sixth Form. However, from ages 11 to 16 they are taught in single-sex lessons. Teachers at New Hall are passionate about their subjects, contributing to an all-round culture of success. The school is known for its distinctive academic initiatives, such as the unique immersive language learning in its Cookery Department, where students cook while learning French or Spanish. We also offer EAP (English for Academic Purposes) support for our international pupils, to support them in their academic studies.
Students excel in a wide range of sports, including athletics, basketball, cricket, football, golf, hockey, horse riding, netball, skiing, swimming, tennis, and rugby. Musicians have numerous performance opportunities across many genres, while dancers are part of one of the UK’s most successful dance schools. Our recently reopened Equestrian Centre, featuring advanced simulators and an outdoor arena, reflects New Hall’s commitment to offering diverse co-curricular activities that inspire leadership, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning.
I look forward to welcoming you to New Hall.
Mrs Katherine Jeffrey Principal
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Our Location
New Hall is based in an exceptional location for students arriving from overseas. We are just 35 minutes from central London by train, with Beaulieu Park Station at the foot of our tree-lined Avenue, connecting New Hall to London, East Anglia and all major airports.
• 30 minutes from City Airport, 30 minutes from Stansted Airport and one hour from Heathrow and Gatwick international airports
• Extensive bus and coach network, including links to Elizabeth Line (Shenfield to Heathrow)
• 5-minute drive from A12, Junction 19
Why New Hall?
New Hall School is a leading Catholic independent boarding and day school for girls and boys aged 1–19. Guided by Catholic values of care, trust, and respect, New Hall stands out as one of the top 20 largest independent schools in the UK, offering a truly holistic education and inspiring students to reach their full potential.
This commitment is reflected in outstanding academic results. In 2025 at A Level, an impressive 42% of all A Level grades were at A*/A. At GCSE, 83% of all grades were at 6-9, 65% at 7-9 and 44% were grades 8/9.
Beyond academics, the School offers a rich co-curricular programme. Boarders can choose from over 250 clubs and societies each term, including on-site riding lessons in our new Learn-to-Ride Centre (livery service available).
New Hall’s stunning 170-acre site includes:
• National standard athletics track
• Floodlit astroturf pitches and basketball courts
• Fitness suite
• 8 floodlit tennis and netball courts
• Cricket, football and rugby pitches
• New International Business & Languages Centre
• 25-metre 6-lane indoor swimming pool
• Historic Chapel
• Performing arts centre
• Learn-to-Ride centre with an arena and two equestrian simulators
• Farm & Outdoor Centre for the Natural Sciences
Our Boarding Community
Boarding at New Hall is so much more than just living at school; it is a community, an adventure, and a place where every day brings new opportunities. Our boarders enjoy out-of-hours access to the very best our School has to offer, from the Fitness Suite and Library to music practice rooms and extensive outdoor facilities.
Life in the boarding houses is full of variety. Our dedicated boarding team plans an exciting programme of weekday and weekend activities, whether that’s relaxed “fun days in,” shopping trips, theme park adventures, or cultural outings to key English towns, museums, the theatre, and the cinema. There is always something to look forward to, and plenty of chances to make memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
At the heart of boarding is balance. Structured study time, supported by specialist staff, helps our students stay on top of their academic goals, while free time allows them to pursue passions, explore new interests, and simply enjoy themselves. This blend of study, recreation, and community living nurtures confidence, independence, and resilience; qualities that will serve them well long into the future.
We are proud to offer a boarding experience that not only supports academic excellence but also encourages personal growth and character development. Boarding at New Hall is about becoming the very best version of yourself – and enjoying the journey along the way.
Mr Samuel Carroll Director of Boarding & Admissions
Boarding Houses
Single bedrooms for boarders in Years 9 and above, with en-suites available.
Hawley House
Junior Girls (Ages 7-15)
Petre House Junior Boys (Ages 7-15)
Dennett House Senior Girls (Ages 16-18)
Campion House Senior Boys (Ages 16-18)
Boarders’ Testimonials
My experience at New Hall has been really enjoyable and educational. The Boarding House helped me with all of my worries and needs throughout the year. There is a wide range of staff in Boarding who specialise in specific subjects and help me do my study and understand the work. The boarding staff are always up for a chat and it’s nice to think of them as more of a friend than a teacher. Full boarding from Year 7 has really helped me become more independent than most younger people. I have friends from all year groups and have a really close relationship with the older girls.
Mayara | Full boarder from UAE
Boarding has been an amazing experience for me. The boarding staff are so welcoming, and they have done a great job making Dennett House a second home for all of us. My favourite aspect about boarding will be the socials we have with Campion every Wednesday. It gives us an opportunity to not only bond with the girls in our House but also the boys from the other Sixth Form House. We’ve had different events like quizzes, basketball matches, the ‘Pancake Race’, formals. They have all been successful and very enjoyable.
Chloe | Full boarder from Hong Kong
As a new student at New Hall, I have felt very welcomed by both boarders and staff. Boarding provides an excellent balance between studying and a social life, with both academic support and social events taking place. The boarders are very welcoming, regardless of if you have boarded before or are a newcomer. The staff are open minded and caring, and you can always have a good laugh with them. You can truly experience and live New Hall’s ethos by being a boarder. There is a real sense of belonging and community within the House, the importance of which cannot be understated.
Filip | Full boarder from North Macedonia
Academic Curriculum
The New Hall curriculum is distinctive in its breadth and academic rigour. An imaginatively taught and well-balanced curriculum is appropriately tailored to the needs of each student.
From Year 7 (age 11), students are timetabled over two weeks in the following subjects: Art & Design, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Cookery, Drama, English, Geography, History, Language (French or Spanish), Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, PSHEE, Theology, plus two sports sessions each week. This is supplemented by an extensive range of challenging co-curricular activities, which take place at lunchtimes and after school each day.
English for Academic Purposes
All non-native speakers can study EAP (English for Academic Purposes) and are supported to achieve EAL (English as an Additional Language) qualifications.
Skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking are developed through a variety of topics. Teaching materials used include clips from television and radio programmes, videos, articles, and material from the internet. As well as improving their language, EAP students learn about life in Britain and British culture.
The Cambridge ESOL examinations take place twice a year, dependent on student requirements. Students are entered for the examination commensurate with their English language ability, and our success rate is high.
While the A2 Key for Schools and B1 Preliminary for Schools are usually attained at the end of one year of study, two years of preparation are generally necessary for the B2 First for Schools and C1 Advanced examinations, where 60% is required for a pass. IGCSE English as a Second Language is available as an alternative to GCSE English.
In the Sixth Form, all students are prepared to take the English language qualifications which are required for university entry, eg IELTS.
Leavers’ Destinations
North West
University of Lancaster
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
Northern Ireland
Queens University
Belfast
West Midlands
University of Birmingham University of Warwick
Wales University of Cardiff
South West
University of Bath
University of Bristol University of Exeter
South East
University of Brighton
University of Kent
University of Oxford
University of Reading
University of Southampton
University of Surrey
University of Sussex
Global Destinations
DePauw University, USA
Michigan State University, USA
Parsons School of Design, New York, USA
Stanford University, USA
University of North Carolina, USA
University of San Francisco, USA
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
KU Leuven, Belgium
Sciences Po, Dijon, France
Scotland
University of Dundee
University of St Andrews
North East
Durham University
University of Newcastle
Yorkshire and The Humber
University of Leeds
University of Sheffield
University of York
East Midlands
University of Leicester
University of Nottingham Loughborough University
East of England
University of Cambridge
University of East Anglia
University of Essex
London
University of the Arts London
UCL (University College London)
Imperial College London
King’s College London
LSE (The London School of Economics & Political Science)
Queen Mary’s University London
Royal Holloway University
SOAS University of London
Top Course Choices
• Economics, Accountancy & Finance
• Law, Politics & International Relations
• Theology & Philosophy
• History, Ancient History & Classics
• Geography & Environmental Sciences
• Biological & Biomedical Sciences
• Medicine, Pharmacy & Clinical Sciences
• Business & Management
• Psychology & Social Sciences
• Media, Art & Fashion
• Physics & Engineering
International Success
Each year, a number of students secure places at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Our students are also successful in their applications to highly sought-after apprenticeships at leading global organisations.
This year, Filip A, alumnus of High School Orce Nikolov, Skopje, North Macedonia, will be pursuing studies at Sciences Po, Dijon, one of Europe’s leading institutions for political science and international relations. Maia H, alumna of Braeside Junior School, has been awarded a Golf Scholarship to the University of North Carolina, combining her sporting excellence with higher education. Dornaz G, alumna of Great Totham Primary School, will continue her academic journey at Michigan State University, preparing to engage with new challenges and opportunities. Daniel M, alumnus of Harrow International School Beijing, will study jewellery design at Parsons School of Design in New York, developing his creative talents at one of the foremost design colleges internationally, while Raphael L, alumnus of Hong Kong Tang King Po College, will study Science at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Alongside these international successes, several students have secured highly sought-after apprenticeship opportunities with renowned organisations, including BDO, KPMG, and BGC Group, demonstrating the diverse talents and ambition fostered at New Hall.
Trips
New Hall organises a variety of enriching trips throughout the academic year to broaden our students’ horizons. These can be really beneficial for our international boarders to enrich their academic, cultural, and social experience.
Trips include academic, chaplaincy, dance, music and sports camps in the UK and overseas (some by selection and some compulsory if studying that subject), both in term time and during the School holidays. Trips are organised and shared with parents with good notice, so they can be factored in when organising travel arrangements. Boarders also enjoy a variety of cultural and recreational weekend trips, including tours of London, Cambridge and Oxford, as well as trips to museums, adventure centres and theme parks.
Recent international trips included a Ski trip to Canada, a History and Politics trip to Switzerland, a Cricket tour to UAE, a Spanish trip to Seville, Geography trip to Iceland, and a choir trip to Spain.
Admissions Process
Initial Enquiry
Please send us a copy of your child’s two most recent school reports, including their level of English, plus a colour copy of their passport. Once reviewed, and if we are able to consider your child, we will ask you to complete our registration form.
Assessment Stage
Once registered, we will send through assessment details. Assessments must be sat under examination conditions and with appropriate invigilation. Students can complete the assessments at their current school, an agency office, or at the local British Council offices. Students will also be required to have an interview, which can be completed online.
Assessment details for each Year Group can be found on the next
Visa Assistance
If your child requires a visa to study in the UK, we will liaise with you to ensure you have the correct information for your application. We can also recommend our immigration lawyers if you require assistance with this.
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Registering
Please complete our registration form and return it with payment of £176.
Offer Decision & Acceptance
Should your child be successful in receiving an offer, we will send the offer letter together with supporting documentation for completion. To accept the offer, we will need to receive the completed Acceptance Form and the required deposit (one term’s fees for stays of over a year) by the deadline stated in the offer letter.
New Starter Information
Information will be sent to you during the term before entry, to ensure you have everything you need. This includes uniform, contact information, permissions and handbooks, to ensure a smooth transition into our School community.
Preparatory Division - Years 3 - 6 (ages 7-11)
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
Yr 6
If space available
Assessments:
• 1 hour English knowledge assessment
• 45 minute English written assessment
• 30 minute Maths assessment
• English language interview
In the New Hall Preparatory Division, we know that children excel academically when they are inspired to learn. Our curriculum is delivered through a range of exciting and engaging topics and built upon a progressive ladder of skills. At all ages, our curriculum is enriched by specialist subject teachers. The expert knowledge of our teachers and their passion for their subjects greatly enhance the children’s learning experience.
Middle & Upper Divisions - Years 7 - 11 (ages 11-16)
Yr 7 - Competitive entry point
Yr 8 - If space available
Yr 9 - Competitive entry point
Yr 10 - If space available
Yr 11 - N/A
Assessments:
• 1 hour English knowledge assessment
• 30 minute English written assessment
• 1 hour Maths assessment
• interview
At New Hall, we operate a highly successful ‘diamond model’ structure, i.e. co-education in the Preparatory Divisions (ages 1-11), single-sex education in the Boys’ Division and Girls’ Division (11-16) and co-education in the Sixth Form (16-18). In this way, New Hall provides the best of both worlds: the benefits of a co-educational environment together with the advantages of girls and boys being taught separately at Key Stages 3 and 4. The provision of single-sex education during formative years enables students to grow in confidence, whilst enjoying an education that is specifically tailored and that recognises the different ways in which girls and boys learn.
Sixth Form - Years 12 - 13 (ages 16-19)
Yr 12 - Competitive entry point
Yr 13 - N/A
Assessments:
• 1 hour English knowledge assessment
• 30 minute English written assessment
• 1 hour Maths assessment
• interview
The Sixth Form experience at New Hall is about expanding horizons, both in students’ specialist areas of study and more generally in terms of their awareness of the world and personal development. Students are encouraged to nurture interests, to meet challenges, to assume responsibilities and to gain qualifications – and to aspire to excellence in all that they do. We prepare students not just for university, but also for life beyond it. The opportunities here are vast; it is these experiences that will help distinguish each student’s application for university or other opportunities and help shape their future.
English Language Guidelines
For students to succeed academically, we expect the following CEFR (Common European framework of Reference for Languages) levels if they are going to be sitting GCSEs or A Levels at New Hall. However, we consider every application on its individual merit, and may accept lower levels for short term or one-year stays.
Educational Guardians
Parents of students at New Hall School, who are residents outside the UK, must appoint an Educational Guardian for their child in the UK. This is the case for all students, irrelevant of age. Educational Guardians provide extra support to students, ensuring their welfare in and out of School and are often used as a base during half-terms and holidays when the School is closed. An Educational Guardian acts as the overseas parents’ representative in the UK and is independent of the School. The types of services they offer include; arranging homestay accommodation and airport transfers, attending parents’ evenings and generally supporting the student during their stay in the UK.
An Educational Guardian may be a family member (must be over 25), or a guardianship agency, or based in the UK. They cannot be an employee of the School that the child is attending. Most overseas parents use a guardianship agency to act as Educational Guardian. We recommend that they are registered with AEGIS, which is the UK governing body whose purpose is to safeguard the welfare of international students whilst they are in the UK.
Admissions Contact
Please contact our Admissions Team to discuss your child’s application to New Hall at any stage of the admissions process. We understand what a huge undertaking it is to send your child overseas and we will support you to make the process as seamless as possible.
Email admissions@newhallschool.co.uk
Telephone +44 (0) 1245 236 098
Academic Dates
Term Dates for the Academic Year 2025–2026
MICHAELMAS TERM 2025
Tuesday 2 September 2025
Wednesday 3 September 2025
Wednesday 3 September 2025
Thursday 4 September 2025
Saturday 27 September 2025
Friday 17 October (6.00pm) to Sunday 2 November 2025
Sunday 2 November 2025
Monday 3 November 2025
Friday 21 November (6.00pm) to Sunday 23 November 2025
Friday 12 December 2025
Saturday 13 December 2025
Sunday 4 January 2026
Monday 5 January 2026
Years 7 & 12 Boarders Arrival (6.00pm-8.00pm)
Years 7 & 12 Induction Day
Boarders return (4.00pm-6.30pm)
Term begins for all students
OPEN DAY (8.30am-2.00pm)
Half Term
Boarders return (4.00pm-6.30pm)
Term recommences for all students
Optional Exeat Weekend (limited activities programme)
Term ends
Boarder travel day (depart by 12.00pm)
LENT TERM 2026
Boarders return (4.00pm-6.30pm)
Term begins for all students
Friday 23 January (6.00pm) to Sunday 25 January 2026
Friday 13 February 2026
Thursday 12 February (6.00pm) to Sunday 22
February 2026
Sunday 22 February 2026
Monday 23 February 2026
Friday 20 March 2026
Saturday 21 March 2026
Sunday 12 April 2026
Monday 13 April 2026
Saturday 2 May 2026
Optional Exeat Weekend (limited activities programme)
Whole Staff INSET Day (non-student day)
Half Term
Boarders return (4.00pm-6.30pm)
Term recommences for all students
Term ends
Boarder travel day (depart by 12.00pm)
TRINITY TERM 2026
Boarders return (4.00pm-6.30pm)
Term begins for all students
OPEN DAY (8.30am-2.00pm)
Saturday 2 May (2.00pm) to Monday 4 May 2026
Monday 4 May 2026
Friday 22 May 2026
Thursday 21 May (6.00pm) to Sunday 31 May 2026
Sunday 31 May 2026
Monday 1 June 2026
Saturday 27 June 2026
Monday 29 June 2026
Optional Exeat Weekend (limited activities programme)
Bank Holiday
Whole Staff INSET Day (non-student day)
Half Term
Boarders return (4.00pm-6.30pm)
Term recommences for all students
Senior Divisions’ Sports Day (Years 7-13) (9.00am-12.30pm)
Pre-Prep Division (Reception-Year 2) End of Year Celebration (2.30-3.30pm)
Tuesday 30 June 2026
Wednesday 1 July 2026
Thursday 2 July 2026
Friday 3 July 2026
Saturday 4 July 2026
Preparatory Division (Years 3-6) End of Year Celebration (5.00pm-6.30pm)
Middle School (Years 7-8) End of Year Celebration (6.00pm-7.00pm)
Year 6 Celebration Mass (2.00pm-3.00pm)
Nursery End of Year Celebrations (3.15pm-4.30pm)
Years 3-13 End of Year Mass (3.00pm-4.15pm)
Exhibition Day & Commissioning of Year 13 Leavers (Years 9-13), followed by picnic lunches and exhibitions Term ends
Year 13 Leavers’ Dinner (Black Tie) (From 7.30pm)
Sunday 5 July 2026 or Monday 6 July 2026 Boarder Travel Day
Timings of the Day
Senior Divisions (ages 11-19)*
Time
7.30am - 8.00am Boarders’ breakfast
8.20am - 8.40am Assemblies / Tutorial
8.45am - 9.40am Period 1
9.45am - 10.40am Period 2
10.40am - 11.00am Morning Break
11.00am - 11.55am Period 3
12.00pm - 12.55pm Period 4
12.55pm - 2.05pm Lunch
12.55pm - 1.30pm Lunch 1 Activity
1.30pm - 2.15pm Lunch 2 Activity
2.20pm - 3.15pm Period 5
3.20pm - 4.15pm Period 6
4.15pm End of school day
4.15pm - 4.30pm Boarders return to Houses; snack time
4.30pm - 5.30pm Co-curricular activities / Junior Houses’ supervised study / Senior Houses’ rest and social time
5.45pm - 6.45pm Boarders’ supper
7.00pm - 8.30pm Junior Houses’ Activities / Senior Houses’ independent study time
8.30pm - 10.00pm Junior Houses’ bedtime routines / Senior Houses’ activities
10.00pm Senior Houses’ lights out
*Please note that the Preparatory Divisions’ (ages 7-11) school day timings differ slightly from those in the Senior Divisions in the middle of the day, while boarding timings remain the same.
