Westonbirt International Handbook
INTRODUCTION Westonbirt School is one of the UK’s leading independent boarding and day schools for girls and boys from 2 to 18 years old, located in beautiful grounds in the heart of the Cotswolds, close to the cities of Bath, Bristol and Cheltenham. Westonbirt School enables every student to achieve their full potential, instilling confidence without arrogance. The academic, cultural and recreational aspects of school life are as balanced as possible within a strong spiritual framework in an inspiring rural setting. Westonbirt makes the best of every student and is proud of its strong boarding tradition, which is shared by day students, in an educational environment which continues to combine tradition with the best modern facilities.
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES Westonbirt School: o An independent school o A boarding and day school o Educates students aged 2-18 o Located in the heart of the Cotswolds o 100 miles (170km) west of London o Close to cultural cities of Bath, Bristol and Cheltenham
Westonbirt Senior School has o Approximately 385 students o 80% students in Years 7 - 11 o 20% students in Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) o Approximately 35% full boarding or flexi-boarding o Approximately 60% day students
"The best thing about Westonbirt is its extraordinary spirit!" Parent of a Year 10 Boarder
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INTRODUCTION Westonbirt School is one of the UK’s leading independent boarding and day schools for girls and boys from 2 to 18 years old. Housed in one of the most beautiful stately homes in England, Westonbirt is located in the Cotswolds, close to the cities of Bath and Bristol and just 90 minutes from London Heathrow Airport. The School inspires students to achieve their full potential through individualised teaching, outstanding facilities and excellent pastoral care. Westonbirt is proud of its strong boarding heritage and full programme of boarding activities, combining a traditional boarding education with the very best modern facilities. The beautiful house, extensive grounds and diverse boarding community make Westonbirt a magical place to study and to live.
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES Westonbirt School: o o o o o o o
An independent school A boarding and day school ISI rated excellent for academic achievement and personal development Educates boys and girls aged 2-18 90 minutes (170km) west of London Heathrow Located in the heart of the Cotswolds in one of the most beautiful stately homes in England Close to cultural cities of Bath, Bristol and Oxford.
Westonbirt Senior School has: o Approximately 480 students o 80% students in Years 7-11 o 20% students in Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) o Approximately 25% full boarding or flexi-boarding o Approximately 75% day students.
"Top marks here for pastoral care and well-being". -Good Schools Guide 2021
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International students: o Students from overseas are always welcome at Westonbirt o Up to 15% of our students are from other countries with 25+ different nationalities on campus o English is taught by qualified and experienced staff in small groups in our specialist EAL department.
"Changes your view about the world and different cultures - I am learning so much." Year 10 pupil, Mexico Westonbirt has welcomed international students from these countries: o Austria o Belarus o Belgium o Bulgaria o Canada o Chile o China o France o Germany o Hong Kong o Ireland o Italy o Japan o Kazakhstan o Mexico o Netherlands o New Zealand o Nigeria o Poland o Russia o Saudi Arabia o Singapore o Spain o Sweden o Switzerland o Thailand o Tunisia o Turkey o USA.
TRANSPORT LINKS & TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS o o o o o o
Westonbirt School is 1½ hours by car from London Heathrow Airport Bristol International Airport is 50 minutes by car There are direct rail links to London from a local station The school will arrange transport to / from airports and train stations A school bus runs to London at exeats and half terms Other travel arrangements should be made in conjunction with the students’ guardians in the UK
WESTONBIRT SCHOOL'S STRENGTHS o o o o o o
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Excellent teaching Outstanding pastoral care Balance of academic, cultural and recreational aspects of school life Small class sizes and inspirational environment One of the top 5% schools in the UK for ‘Value Added’, an external measure of student progress Strong spiritual framework and thriving community
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International students o Students from overseas are always welcome at Westonbirt o Up to 27% of our students are from other countries o English is taught by qualified and experienced staff in small groups in our specialist centre
"Changes your view about the world and different cultures - I am learning so much" Isabel, Mexico City, Year 10
Westonbirt has welcomed international students from these countries:
TRANSPORT LINKS & TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS o o o o o o
Westonbirt School is 1½ hours by car from London Heathrow Airport Bristol International Airport is 50 minutes by car There are direct rail links to London from Kemble railway station The school will arrange transport to / from airports and train stations A school bus runs to London at exeats and half terms Other travel arrangements should be made in conjunction with the students’ guardians in the UK.
WESTONBIRT SCHOOL'S STRENGTHS
o Belarus o Belgium o Bulgaria o Canada o Chile o China o France o Germany o Hong Kong o Ireland o Italy o Japan o Kazakhstan o Mexico o Netherlands o New Zealand o Nigeria o Poland o Russia o Saudi Arabia o Spain o Sweden o Thailand o Tunisia o Turkey o USA
o o o o o o
Excellent teaching Outstanding pastoral care Balance of academic, cultural and recreational aspects of school life Small class sizes and inspirational environment Breadth of co-curricular activities Strong academic results and university destinations.
"I love to call Westonbirt my home; I feel like I have made a new family since coming here." Year 10 pupil, Nigeria
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o Each student has an academic tutor and a student mentor for support o Progress of each student is monitored very carefully o Small class sizes; student to teacher ratio 8:1 o There are interim grades and written reports during the year o 2023 A Level results: 41% A*-A grades o 2023 GCSE results: 69% grades 5-9; 100% grades 5-9 in Maths o Students are given excellent career guidance and over 90% get an offer from their first choice university o 2023 university destinations included Oxford, Nottingham (for Medicine), Edinburgh, Birmingham and Leeds.
BOARDING AT WESTONBIRT Westonbirt enjoys a rich boarding heritage and vibrant boarding community that benefits day students and boarders alike. Full, flexi and weekly boarding is available. Boarding Houses include: Badminton House – Junior Boys’ Boarding, Years 7–10 Boys in Badminton House can ĞŶũŽLJ ƐƉĂĐŝŽƵƐ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ with magnificent views across the back lawns of the school. Badminton House boasts a cosy common room with table tennis and modern technology for evening games and film nights once prep is complete. Miss Lisa Allen is the main House Parent for Badminton. Beaufort House – Senior Boys’ Boarding, Years 11–12 Boys from Years 11 – 12 board in Beaufort which is a standalone, contemporary boarding house enjoying university-style study bedrooms, near the courtyard at Westonbirt. Beaufort House also enjoys its own kitchen facilities and communal inside and outdoor spaces. Beaufort boys are in the care of House Parent, Mr Giles Cuddy. Dorchester House – Girls’ Boarding, Years 7–11 With many years of experience in pastoral care at Westonbirt School, Sally Gould creates a ‘home from home’ environment running Dorchester House with her dog. Bedrooms are bright and cosy; there is also a spacious and comfortable common room where students can enjoy movie nights and social time once prep is complete. Gloucester House – Senior Girls’ Boarding, Year 12 Year 12 girls enjoy individual university-style study bedrooms in Gloucester House as an exciting stepping stone before moving to our offsite Year 13 boarding accommodation in their final year. There is a common room and also kitchen facilities. Miss Andrea Westmoreland is the House Parent for Gloucester. Holford House – Off-site Co-ed Boarding, Year 13 Students from Year 13 board at this house set within nine acres of orchards and gardens in Tetbury, a few miles from Westonbirt. Holford House offers ensuite individual bedrooms, a substantial common room and the opportunity for students to prepare for university living or professional life. There are regular shuttle buses which run to Westonbirt. Sedgwick House – Junior Boys' and Girls’ Boarding, Years 6-8 Junior pupils will board at Sedgwick which is located next to our Sports Centre and is due to open in Easter 2024. This is an exciting development for our younger Year 6 who will be able to gain greater independence ahead of the move to senior school. Boys and girls will be located on separate floors.
ACADEMIC
Meal Times
o Each student has an academic tutor and a student mentor for support o Progress of each student is monitored very carefully o There are interim grades and written reports during the year o 46% A*-A grades; 75% A*-B grades in Maths and Chemistry for A-level in 2021 o 44% grades 8 -9; 80% grade 6-9 in English. Over a third of pupils reaching 8-9 grades in maths at GCSE in 2021 o Students are given excellent career guidance and over 90% get an offer from their first choice university o University destinations include Durham, Cardiff, Bristol, UCL and Central St. Martins Art School o Small class sizes mean a good student to teacher ratio o Over 20 subjects to choose from with some BTEC options available
7.45am
Breakfast
11:05am
Break
12.45pm - 1.40pm
Lunch
4.05pm
Tea
6pm
Supper
My favourite thing has been getting to know new friends that come from many different parts of the world." Year 13 pupil, Thailand
WEEKEND On Saturdays, there is a mixed programme of: o match fixtures for those students who are in the school's sports teams. These are either home fixtures which take place at Westonbirt or away fixtures which students travel to with Sports staff o other activities either onsite or trips.
Westonbirt is one of the few boarding schools to offer a full programme of activities every weekend. There is very little time for students to be bored! On-site activities include arts and crafts sessions; gym, swimming, boxercise or golf; baking; films and gaming; house challenges, dinners or BBQs; quiz nights and more! Boarders can also take advantage of Westonbirt's lovely grounds for walks and House Parents often take dog walks with pupils.
BOARDING AT WESTONBIRT Following our successful transition to coeducation and with 40% of Key Stage 3 now made up of boys, we are extremely excited to have launched boys boarding from September 2021. Boys board in Badminton House in contemporarily decorated dorms, enjoying magnificent views across the back lawns and with a cosy common room for relaxation once studies are complete. Housemasters for the boys include Head of Mathematics, Mr Chatterjee, Deputy Head Academic, Mr Balderson and PE teacher, Mr Kite.
o o o o
Each house has its own houseparent and assistant houseparent who live in the boarding houses Sixth Form have a separate boarding house, with university style study bedrooms Students are easily contactable in the houses, although there is a limit on safe and sensible phone and internet use There is study time each evening when students do their homework
Weekend Trips and Visits Here are some examples of trips and visits that our boarders may go on:
The Houses are homely and have common rooms with TVs and DVD players. They have laundry facilities and small kitchens where pupils can prepare drinks and light snacks. 4
o o o o o o o
Trips to Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Oxford or London Local trips into Tetbury Socials with other schools House outings Trips to the theatre and cinema Outings to local events such as horse-racing; or the Beaufort Festival of Polo Specific events, such as a visit to the Harry Potter Studios. 5
ART & DESIGN
ACADEMIC TRIPS o o o o o o o o
Art trips to London and overseas Theatre trips Language trips to Spain and France Cross-curriculum trips to Germany, Iceland and Italy Student exchanges with Japan, China, Thailand and USA Service projects to Sierra Leone and India Overseas sports trips Ski trips.
The Art Department at Westonbirt is very strong and there are two light and spacious classrooms as well as a fully equipped Design Studio providing the perfect environment for creativity to flow. The students are further inspired by trips to art galleries and exhibitions. In recent years, students have gone on to study Art and Design at top London art schools and colleges such as Central St. Martins in London.
DRAMA The whole school enjoys getting involved in the two drama productions every year. Whether they are in the limelight on stage or working backstage looking after costumes, lighting, sound or hair and makeup, there is a part for everyone!
"Westonbirt is a great atmosphere to learn, meet new people and enjoy time with friends." Year 11 pupil, Thailand
MUSIC Music is taught to a very high standard at Westonbirt; the school benefits from a state-of-the-art Music Technology Centre with a recording studio and Apple Mac suite. Most students learn at least one instrument. All students are encouraged to join the choir, orchestra or one of the many ensembles. Concerts and music performances e.g. Jazz Night are frequently staged in the Orangery, Camellia House, Great Hall and Chapel. There are also regular lunch time concerts.
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o o o o o o o o
Trips to Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Oxford or London Socials with other schools House outings In house DVD evenings Trips to the theatre and cinema Formal house dinners House BBQs Specific events, such as a visit to the Harry Potter Studios
ART & DESIGN The Art Department at Westonbirt is very strong and there are two light and spacious classrooms as well as a fully equipped Design Studio providing the perfect environment for creativity to flow. The students are further inspired by trips to art galleries and exhibitions. In recent years, students have gone on to study Art and Design at top London art schools and colleges such as Central St. Martins in London. An annual Art Exhibition takes place to display work to parents, staff, alumni and local VIPs.
ACADEMIC TRIPS o o o o o o o o
Art trips to London and overseas Theatre trips Ski trips Overseas sports trips Language trips to Spain and France Student Exchange’s with Japan and China Service projects to Sierra Leone and India Cross-curriculum trips to Germany, Iceland and Italy
"The extra curricular activities and excursions that our boarding staff put together are great. I try and participate in as many things as I possibly can." Year 12 pupil, Germany
DRAMA The whole school enjoys getting involved in the two drama productions every year. Whether they are in the limelight on stage or working backstage looking after costumes, lighting, sound or hair and makeup, there is a part for everyone!
MUSIC Music is taught to a very high standard at Westonbirt, the school benefits from a state-of-the-art Music Technology Centre with a recording studio and Apple Mac suite. Most students learn at least one instrument. All students are encouraged to join the choir, orchestra or one of the many ensembles. Concerts are frequently staged in the Orangery, Camellia House, Great Hall and Chapel. There are also regular lunch time concerts.
Musicals, drama productions and dance performances are frequently staged in the Orangery, the Great Hall or within the natural amphitheatre in the grounds and students have taken productions to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. A showcase whole-school production takes place each year and recent plays and shows have included The Lion King, Seussical, Romeo and Juliet and an extravaganza production of We Will Rock You. 6
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SPORT
ACTIVITY CLUBS
Sport is a very important part of life at Westonbirt and all students enjoy the variety of sports on offer. There are extensive playing fields and wonderful facilities for sport. If you love sport, you will almost certainly represent the school in a team playing lacrosse, rugby, netball, tennis, cricket, golf or in events as part of an equestrian team.
The ethos at Westonbirt is to stimulate and educate the whole person and all students are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities during the week. These are some of the options available:
The students benefit from the £3m Sports Centre which has an impressive 25m indoor swimming pool, sports hall and aerobics room and fitness suite. A new Astroturf pitch opened in 2023, along with new tennis and netball courts and changing rooms. Many students also participate in our popular tiered Tennis Coaching Programme and enjoy Golf Coaching on our superb nine-hole golf course.
Aiming High
Cookery Club
Junior Alpha Group
Art
Creative Crafts
Lacrosse
Ballet
Current Affairs
Math Challenge
Bible Study Group
Debating
Netball
Book Club for International Students
Drama Club
Orchestra
Business Breakfast
Duke of Edinburgh
Science Club
Chamber Choir
Flute Choir
Sixth Form Lecture
Christian Union
Guitar Group
String Group
Confirmation Class
Horse Riding
Swim Squad
Contemporary Vocal Group
Jewellery Making
Young Enterprise
Students are encouraged to join as many clubs, societies and groups as they would like to.
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL) The EAL Department is dedicated to all pupils whose first language is not English. With widely experienced English Language teachers, the pupils will be equipped with the ongoing command of English necessary to: o Follow a full academic programme according to their year group o Gain access to higher education in English speaking countries and/or to jobs for which a good all- round working knowledge of English must be demonstrated. o Gain internationally recognised qualifications in English Language o Develop not only language skills but also the social skills to make friends and participate fully in all aspects of school life. We offer specialist EAL lessons but as specific needs, objectives and levels vary, some lessons will be taught in group format as well as one to one. Each pupil’s EAL programme is drawn-up on an individual basis, the number of lessons being determined by their placement tests. EAL is a requirement for all overseas pupils until they have acquired complete proficiency in all the skills of the language. Pupils will continue with EAL until the completion of Year 13, which ensures they broaden their knowledge sufficiently to cope with the academic rigours of higher education.
"Amazing sports department offering a wide range of challenges and activities." Year 12 Facilities are extensive and include: o o o o o o o o o o
Students can do the following sports at Westonbirt:
25m swimming pool Nine hole golf course Sports hall Aerobics room Fitness suite Tennis courts Netball courts Lacrosse pitches Astroturf Outdoor facilities
o o o o o o o o o 8
Lacrosse Rugby Tennis Golf Polo Riding Netball Fitness Football
o o o o o o o o
Rounders Swimming Athletics Badminton Basketball Cricket Yoga Weights
We also offer personal training options with our fully qualified Personal Training Coach.
The department prepares and enters pupils for Cambridge English Language Assessment examinations at the following levels: Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET), Cambridge English: First (FCE) and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE). In exceptional circumstances, pupils will be prepared for Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE). Generally, PET will be taken at the end of Year 9, FCE at the end of Year 10 and CAE in Year 12 or Year 13, but all pupils are tested during the first week of school to determine the appropriate pathway of English Language study for them. Please visit the Cambridge website for more information about these examinations – http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/ Cambridge Proficiency training classes are predominantly 70 minutes per week with a 1:1 focus largely n exam technique, vocabulary and grammar building as well as improving and working on techniques in reading and writing skills. While your child is in main school, this training will be critical in helping access the curriculum. All international students are challenged and encouraged to continue to improve throughout the course. With usually just one double lesson timetabled, the grade attainment does depend substantially on the the pupil’s willingness to work independently outside of class, as well as taking advantage of the various opportunities to socialise at school. 9
ACTIVITY CLUBS
SPORT Sport is a very important part of life at Westonbirt and all students enjoy the variety of sports on offer. There are extensive playing fields and wonderful facilities for sport. If you love sport, you will almost certainly represent the school in a team playing lacrosse, rugby, netball, tennis, cricket, golf or in events as part of an equestrian team.
The ethos at Westonbirt is to stimulate and educate the whole person and all students are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities during the week. These are some of the options available (please note these may change from year to year): Art Clinic
Computing Club
Art History Evening Classes
Cookery Club
Ballet
Cricket Club
Bible Study Group
Debating
Book Club for International Students
Drama Club
Breakfast & Politics with the Headmistress Chamber Choir
Duke of Edinburgh Eco Club
Chess Club
Guitar Group
Christian Union
Horse Riding Lacrosse
Combined Cadet Force (CCF) The students benefit from the £3m Sports Centre which has an impressive 25m indoor swimming pool, sports hall and aerobics room and fitness suite. Many students also participate in our popular tiered Tennis Coaching Programme and enjoy Golf Coaching on our superb nine-hole golf course.
Maths Challenge Netball Orchestra Running Club Science Club Sixth Form Lecture String Group Swim Squad Wellbeing & Mindfulness Club Young Enterprise
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL) The EAL Department is dedicated to all pupils whose first language is not English. With widely experienced English Language teachers, the pupils will be equipped with the ongoing command of English necessary to: o Follow a full academic programme according to their year group o Gain access to higher education in English-speaking countries and/or to jobs for which a good all-round working knowledge of English must be demonstrated o Gain internationally recognised qualifications in English Language o Develop not only language skills but also the social skills to make friends and participate fully in all aspects of school life. We offer specialist EAL lessons but as specific needs, objectives and levels vary, some lessons will be taught in group format as well as one to one. Each pupil’s EAL programme is drawn-up on an individual basis, the number of lessons being determined by their assessment on arrival. EAL is a requirement for all overseas pupils until they have acquired complete proficiency in all the skills of the language. Pupils will continue with EAL until the completion of Year 13, which ensures they broaden their knowledge sufficiently to cope with the academic rigours of higher education.
"Amazing Sport Department offering a wide range of challenges and activities" Year 12
Facilities are extensive and include:
Students can do the following sports at Westonbirt:
o 25m swimming pool o Nine hole golf course o Sports hall o Aerobics room o Fitness suite o Tennis courts o Netball courts o Lacrosse pitches o Outdoor facilities
o o o o o o o o
Lacrosse Rugby Tennis Golf Polo Riding Netball Fitness
o o o o o o o
Rounders Swimming Athletics Badminton Basketball Cricket Yoga or other exercise classes
We also offer personal training options with our fully qualified Personal Training Coach. 8
The department prepares and enters pupils for Cambridge English Language Assessment examinations at the following levels: Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET); Cambridge English: First (FCE); and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE). In exceptional circumstances, pupils will be prepared for Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE). Generally, PET will be taken at the end of Year 9, FCE at the end of Year 10 and CAE in Year 12 or 13, but all pupils are tested during the first week of school to determine the appropriate pathway of English Language study for them. Please visit the Cambridge website for more information about these examinations – http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/ Cambridge Proficiency training classes have a 1:1 focus largely in exam technique, vocabulary and grammar building as well as improving and working on techniques in reading and writing skills. While your child is in main school, this training will be critical in helping them to access the curriculum. All international students are challenged and encouraged to continue to improve throughout the course. Grade attainment depends substantially on each pupil’s willingness to work independently outside of class, as well as taking advantage of the various opportunities to socialise at school.
ADMISSIONS
INTERNATIONAL DAY Every year, the cultural diversity at the school is celebrated on our International Day! The students host the day, which embraces the rich variety of countries and cultures of our international pupils and promotes an international understanding across the school.
All enquiries about admission, registration and entry to the school should be directed to the Admissions Department at Westonbirt. Please telephone the department on + 44 (0)1666 881301 or email: admissions@westonbirtschool.uk o o o o
The school year runs from September to July Students may join during the academic year in exceptional circumstances Westonbirt will consider taking students for one year Every year we offer up to 45 places to international students
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR OVERSEAS CANDIDATES We ask all candidates to take CAT4 (cognitive ability test), organised by our school. This is a standard universal test, to be taken online by all applicants as part of their admissions process. In exceptional circumstances, we will consider accepting UKiset tests. 1. All candidates will: o Have a Zoom interview with the Headmistress
Each 'country' offers traditional food and drink for everyone to try and students offer an insight into their culture, brief lessons in key phrases and a demonstration of their national dress.
o
All candidates whose first language is not English will be asked to write a letter of application telling us about them.
o
Their timetable will be designed to match their level of English, which must be strong enough for them to join mainstream lessons in all of the core timetabled subjects
o
They will also be required to take the weekly number of chargeable English Language lessons recommended by the school’s English Language Training (ELT) Department
2. References from your previous school A copy of the candidate’s recent school report/grades must be submitted with every application
VISA INFORMATION o The day provides the students with an excellent opportunity to familiarise themselves with the different cultures within the school and is eagerly anticipated by all.
GUARDIANS o o o o o o o
All students from overseas must have a guardian resident in the UK Parents must notify the school of the guardian's contact details before they arrive Guardians receive a letter outlining the school's expectations of the guardian's role The school can provide details of guardianship agencies if a relative/family friend over 25 is not available to act as guardian. All agencies must be AEGIS registered There are two exeats and one compulsory half term break each term Students may not stay at school during the holidays and half term breaks, but can remain in school on the exeats by arrangement and for a small extra charge Many students return home or spend time with their guardians, or travel further afield.
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o o o o
Westonbirt is a Tier 4 licensed sponsor, enabling us to issue a CAS to to non-British students wishing to study in the UK When the offer of a place has been accepted and the deposit and fees paid, the school will provide the student with the CAS and supporting visa letter Without the CAS, non-British students will not be able to apply for a Tier 4 visa to study in Britain Such visa applications should be made, by the student online at www.gov.uk In cases where students have applied through nominated agents, visa assistance can often be provided by them
"The whole school is full of life, it's awesome. You will never feel lonely here" Year 10
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ADMISSIONS
INTERNATIONAL DAY Every year, the cultural diversity at the school is celebrated on our International Day! The students host the day, which embraces the rich variety of countries and cultures of our international pupils and promotes an international understanding across the school.
All enquiries about admission, registration and entry to the school should be directed to the Admissions Department at Westonbirt. Please telephone the department on + 44 (0)1666 881301 or email: admissions@westonbirtschool.uk o o o
The school year runs from September to July Students may join during the academic year in exceptional circumstances Westonbirt will consider taking students for one year or less in certain school years and subject to availability.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR OVERSEAS CANDIDATES We ask all candidates to take CAT4 (cognitive ability test) organised by our school. This is a standard universal test, to be taken online by all applicants as part of their admissions process. In exceptional circumstances, we will consider accepting UKiset tests. 1. All candidates will: o Have an in-person or online interview with the Headmistress
Each 'country' offers traditional food and drink for everyone to try and students offer an insight into their culture, brief lessons in key phrases and a demonstration of their national dress.
o
Be asked to write a letter of application telling us about themselves if their first language is not English
o
Have a timetable designed to match their level of English, which must be strong enough for them to join mainstream lessons in all of the core timetabled subjects
o
Be required to take the weekly number of chargeable English Language lessons recommended by the school’s EAL Department.
2. References from your previous school A copy of the candidate’s recent school report/grades must be submitted with every application.
VISA INFORMATION o o The day provides the students with an excellent opportunity to familiarise themselves with the different cultures within the school and is eagerly anticipated by all.
GUARDIANS o o o o o o o
All students from overseas must have a guardian resident in the UK Students must notify the school of the name and address of the guardian before they arrive Guardians receive a letter outlining the school's expectations of the guardian's role The school can provide details of guardianship agencies There are 2 exeats and one compulsory half term break each term Students may not stay at school during the holidays and half term breaks, but can remain in school on the exeats by arrangement and for a small extra charge. Many students return home or spend time with their Guardians, or travel further afield
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o o o
Westonbirt is a Tier 4 licensed sponsor, enabling us to issue a CAS to non-British students wishing to study in the UK When the offer of a place has been accepted and the deposit paid, the school will provide the student with the CAS and supporting visa letter Without the CAS, non-British students will not be able to apply for a Tier 4 visa to study in Britain Such visa applications should be made, by the student online at www.gov.uk In cases where students have applied through nominated agents, visa assistance can often be provided by them.
"The whole school is full of life, it's awesome. You will never feel lonely here." Year 10
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TERM DATES 2021/22
Autumn Term 2021 Wednesday 1st September Thursday 2nd September Friday, 24th September (4.30pm) to Sunday, 26th September (by 7pm) Wednesday, 20th October (4.30pm) to Sunday, 31st October (by 7pm) Friday, 19th November (4.30pm) to Sunday, 21st November (by 7pm) Friday, 10th December
Boarders Return (by 7pm) Term begins Exeat Half Term Exeat Term Ends
Spring Term 2022 Tuesday, 4th January Wednesday, 5th January Friday, 28th January (4.30pm) to Sunday, 30th January (by 7pm) Friday, 18th February (4.30pm) to Sunday, 27th February (by 7pm) Friday, 18th March (4.30pm) to Sunday, 20th March (by 7pm) Friday, 1st April
Boarders return (by 7pm) Term begins Exeat Half Term Exeat Term Ends
Summer Term 2022 Monday, 25th April
Boarders return (by 7pm)
Tuesday, 26th April Saturday, 30th April (12.30pm) to Monday, 2nd May (by 7pm) Friday, 13th May (4.30pm) to Sunday, 15th May (by 7pm) Friday, 27th May (4.30pm) to Sunday, 5th June (by 7pm) Friday, 24th June (4.30pm) to Sunday, 26th June (by 7pm) Saturday, 9th July
Term begins Bank Holiday Exeat (including Bank Holiday Monday, not Saturday morning) Exeat Half Term (including the Platinum Jubilee bank holidays on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd June) Exeat Term Ends
TERM DATES 2023/24
Tuesday 6th September
New Boarders Arrive
Wednesday 7th September
New Student Induction Boarders return (by 7pm) Term begins
Thursday 8th September Friday, 30th September (4.30pm) to Sunday, 2nd October (by 7pm) Wednesday 19th October (from 4:30) to Sunday 30th October (Boarders by 7pm) Monday 31st October
Exeat
Friday, 25th November (4.30pm) to Sunday, 27th November (by 7pm) Friday, 9th December (12:30)
Exeat
Half Term Term Resumes
Term Ends
Spring Term 2023 Tuesday, 3rd January
Boarders return (by 7pm)
Wednesday, 4th January
Term begins
Friday, 27th January (4.30pm) to Sunday, 29th January (by 7pm) Friday, 17th February (4.30pm) to Sunday, 26th February (by 7pm) Friday, 10th March (4.30pm) to Sunday, 12th March (by 7pm) Friday 31st March (4:30)
Exeat Half Term Exeat Term Ends
Westonbirt School Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QG, UK E: admissions@westonbirtschool.uk T: +44 (0) 1666881301 Key contact: Patricia Stevenson, Director of Admissions www.westonbirt.org