International Pathway Programme (U5 Entry)

Our International Pathway Programme is a one-year transition course for international students. The course begins with an induction week, during which students become familiar with the school, explore the local area, understand routines and expectations, and build friendships before the academic term begins.

The programme combines academic preparation, English language development, and full integration into school life. From the outset, students are full members of the U5 cohort, attending daily tutor time and participating fully in the pastoral, social, and academic life of their year group. Students live in Maddock Boarding House, alongside boarders from the UK and around the world, and have access to the school’s pastoral care system, Health Centre, and a programme of weekend activities and trips, ensuring they are well supported both academically and personally.

The intensive and extensive EAL programme carries a cost of £2,025 per term (2025/26). This specialist provision delivers essential language support, enabling students to access the full curriculum and participate confidently in all aspects of school life.

Programme Aims

Students are supported to:

• Develop strong academic English proficiency
• Prepare thoroughly for the expectations of Sixth Form and A Level study
• Gain confidence in a UK classroom environment
• Adapt to a new culture and educational setting
• Make informed decisions about future subjects and career pathways, supported by one-to-one careers guidance
• Develop independence, resilience, and effective study habits through supervised preparation and self-study
• Explore future academic pathways through opportunities to trial A Level subjects
• Build confidence, social integration, and wider skills through learning beyond the classroom, including participation in a cultural project and three or more co-curricular clubs such as cookery, astronomy, eco club, art, and a wide range of sports

Academic Curriculum

The timetable balances intensive English tuition with mainstream academic experience.

• Intensive EAL (English as an Additional Language)
  A focused programme developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills for academic study. Students work towards the IGCSE English as an Additional Language qualification at the end of the academic year.
• Mathematics and Science (U5 Classes)
  Students attend mainstream U5 Maths and Science lessons, with the opportunity to sit examinations at the end of the course where appropriate.
• Introduction to Business
  A foundation course introducing key business concepts and terminology, supporting future subject choices.
• Physical Education
  Weekly PE lessons promote wellbeing, teamwork, and confidence.
• Home Language Qualification
  Students may take a GCSE in their first language. Students whose first language is Mandarin may instead work towards an A Level in Chinese.

By the end of the programme, students are confident in their English, familiar with British school life, and well prepared for the next stage of their education. Many Pathway students are offered places in our Sixth Form and choose to continue their studies with us. Where this is not the case, we provide full guidance and support to help each student move successfully to the next stage of their educational journey.