“We chose the Dragon because it combined excellent academic qualities in a co-educational environment with an extraordinary offering of extra-curricular activities” – Parent

The Dragon is a co-educational school which has offered a unique educational experience to generations of pupils.  Our distinctive approach encourages enquiry, confidence and enthusiasm in a quintessentially English boarding environment.   Our beautiful campus and dedicated Pre-Prep are located just north of central Oxford – the oldest University city in the land.

The breadth of intellectual and philosophical challenge underpins an expansive academic curriculum, a wonderful programme of sport and an extraordinarily creative programme of music, drama and art. A range of superb facilities, first-class teaching and plenty of space for both sport and play allows children to develop their unique gifts and talents.

The traditional view of boarding has changed immeasurably in the past few decades and we pride ourselves on providing a safe and happy environment in which to learn.  With an informality that builds trust and allows children to develop a sense of responsibility and respect for others, pupils are helped to become well-rounded, confident, independent and motivated – all the attributes they will need to become socially adept and emotionally intelligent adults.

Dragons go onto a vast range of senior schools, notably Eton, Winchester, Wycombe Abbey, Radley, Cheltenham Ladies College, St Edward’s Oxford, Rugby, Harrow, Marlborough, Wellington, Oundle and many more.   Preparatory years at the Dragon lay the firm foundations of a successful education at senior schools in the UK and beyond.

Profile

Name of School: Dragon School

School address: Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6SS

Head: Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn

Admissions:  Dr Kate Heath

Website: www.dragonschool.org

Contact: admissions@dragonschool.org   tel:  +44 1865 315405

School twitter handle: twitter.com/thedragonschool

Age Range:  4- 13

Gender: co-educational; 326 girls and 483 boys

Total No. pupils 809.  Prep-Prep: 217 Prep: 592 (boarders: 208, of whom 77 are international, including 34 UK families overseas)

Boarding Fees 2017/18: £9860

Programmes Offered: Common Entrance or individual senior school Scholarship

Location

Sedbergh School and Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School

Sedbergh School, Station Road, Sedbergh, Cumbria LA105HG

Tel: +44 (0) 15396 20535

Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School, Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria LA6 2SG

Tel: +44 (0) 15242 79200
Type of School: Co-educational, independent
Religion: Anglican. All faiths welcome.
Age range: 13-18 years (Prep: 4-13 year)
Number of pupils : 540 (Prep: 201)
Number of boarders: 530 (Prep: 82)
International pupils: 110 (Prep: 11)
Teacher:pupil ratio: 1:8
Annual boarding fees: £31,770 pa; (Prep: £22449 )

2017-18 fees not yet confirmed

Sedbergh School

Established in 1525, Sedbergh is one of the few remaining full boarding schools in the UK and 98% of pupils board in one of our 9 Boarding Houses (3 girls’ 6 boys’). Pupils benefit from exceptional pastoral care and the opportunity for everyone to achieve their potential whether their talents are academic, sporting or artistic. Each pupil has a dedicated tutor who is responsible for their academic and pastoral development. Highly unusually these days, Sedbergh retains the traditional in-house dining providing a family-style atmosphere.

At weekends, because there are no flexi or weekly boarders and no fixed exeats, virtually all pupils are on campus. Pupils keep just as busy as during the week with Saturday morning lessons, sport, drama, music, debates, and everyone participates in one of the various social events on Saturday evenings.

Located in the stunning and very safe surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Sedbergh School provides plenty of opportunities for extra-curricular activities and adventure. Sedbergh is widely recognised as one of the leading sport schools in the UK  and offers 35 sports including sailing, rugby, tennis, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics, cross country, fives, football, squash, swimming, mountain biking, horse riding, fell walking and climbing. The Wilson Run is a much-anticipated annual event with an illustrious history that has been raced over almost the same route since its beginnings in 1881.

Music is also a very important part of life at Sedbergh and the School has three orchestras, five choirs, a swing band, brass band, and numerous ensembles. Many Sedbergh pupils are represented in national orchestras and choirs. Theatre productions are also held regularly throughout the year and every year each House performs an Entertainment programme for the School community.

In addition to providing an outstanding academic education, Sedbergh also prepares its pupils for life. Good manners and respect are enforced during the ‘family style’ meal times and throughout the School day, and the co-educational and multi-national mix of pupils contributes an important social dimension to all pupils’ education, providing the opportunity for pupils to learn and practise rules of etiquette, obtain social graces and develop a natural, pleasant confidence in a variety of social settings. Community service, charity work and fundraising are also recognised as important parts of the School’s extra-curricular activities.

Sedbergh offers A Levels, i-GCSEs and GCSEs in an extensive range of disciplines. With nearly 100% pass rates at A Level, i-GCSE and GCSE each year, Sedbergh pupils are expected to enter leading British and international Universities. Academic results over the last few years are available at http://www.sedberghschool.org/senior/Explore-Sedbergh/Academics/Academic-Results

Casterton Sedbergh Preparatory School:

There is no rush to grow up here. Foundations are laid for nurturing the resilience our children need as young adults and the tenacity essential for achieving high standards. Our around the clock personal care, breadth of opportunity and depth of involvement is what sets us apart. Above all, we nurture a sense of success in each and every one of our pupils.

We are excited by the curiosity and thirst for learning that each child, regardless of their academic ability, naturally displays. We work hard to allow each child the time to question and develop their thoughts independently, leading to fresh discoveries in an innovative learning environment.

Learning both inside and outside the classroom is essential to a child’s education. The setting of the Prep School offers an inspiring backdrop for budding young artists, and an extended classroom to give vivid life to subjects such as Geography, Geology and Natural History. All pupils are encouraged to express themselves musically and achieve a high standard of musicianship, whatever their ability. Music is accessible to all, yet there is also expert provision, tuition and extension work for those who are musically talented and exceptionally gifted

In addition to more than 20 sports, pupils have immediate access to numerous outdoor pursuits, including sailing, fell walking, climbing, horse riding and ghyll scrambling. They also help care for our school chickens, goats and rabbits in the School farm and our Secret Garden where boys and girls consult with the School Chef about growing vegetables and herbs.

We also host academic societies, poetry readings and debating competitions as well as English Speaking Board examinations to further expand pupils’ curiosity and confidence. The recently introduced ballet and jazz dance lessons are very popular, as are clubs for those interested in chess, archaeology and conservation.

Facilities include a new Design and Manufacturing Department, an Equestrian Centre, 7 Science specific laboratories, flood lit astro and tennis courts, a theatre, a heated pool, and an iMAC and iPad suite.

General Information
Applications: Applications are welcome all year round however application at least one year before the intended date of entry is strongly recommended to avoid any disappointment. Current School reports and a Personal Statement are invited in the first instance, followed by our own entry papers in Maths and English/EAL. Visits are most welcome at any stage of the process and can be arranged on most days during term time.

English as an Additional Language: available at additional charge. Usually held in small groups, the number of lessons is tailored to suit each individual.

Closest airport: Manchester (90 minute drive). The School arranges airport transfers for school holidays and half terms.

Guardian: required

Location

Keystone Tutors has established itself as a leading provider of one-to-one tutoring and guidance to students who are looking to join top UK schools, universities or following the UK curriculum. Keystone is based in both London and Singapore, advising on all aspects of school and university entrance and their tutors are able to provide bespoke one-to-one support to students around the world via an interactive learning platform. Keystone’s professional group of tutors have an outstanding track record of delivering rigorous academic support and work with pupils ahead of competitive entrance tests or UK curriculum exams (including iGCSE, A-Levels, IB and Pre-U).

Come and meet Keystone Tutors at BESSA 2017!

https://www.keystonetutors.com

Shrewsbury School is a co-educational boarding school with approximately 800 pupils aged 13-18, founded in 1552 and set in the heart of England.  We are fortunate to have one of the best locations of any school in the country, a beautiful campus-style site on the edge of one of the most historic county towns in England.  We are committed to strong academic standards and the highest level of pastoral care, and we believe in a vision of holistic education, as demonstrated through a diverse range of activities, sports and societies.

Our 2016 leavers achieved another excellent year for A Level results with 80% of the exams awarded the top A*, A or B grades.  We celebrated one of our best ever set of GCSE results, with 43.8% of results achieving the top A* grade, and 71% of the exams awarded an A* or A grade.  As Charles Darwin’s former school, we are proud that mathematics and the sciences form our four largest sixth form subjects.  In the past two years the school has opened a new 19-classroom humanities teaching block and a new design and computing centre.  The coming year will see full refurbishment of the school library and theatre.

Nearly all leavers go on to university, with large numbers going to the top universities in the UK.  There is a highly qualified, dedicated team to advise pupils on universities and careers, and the school stages a regular series of conferences showcasing UK, US, and European universities.

For each pupil, the boarding house is their “centre of gravity”.  We have 13 houses, of which 7 are for boarding boys, 2 for dayboys, and 4 for girls.  Each house is overseen by a resident Housemaster or Housemistress who is a full member of the teaching staff.  Every pupil has a tutor who oversees their progress, and the houses provide pupils with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities and competitions, from sports and debating to the house music competition and house plays.

We want all our pupils, whatever their ability, to enjoy their life beyond the classroom, and Shrewsbury has a well-earned reputation for musical and sporting excellence.  Every year, musicians perform across the UK, with concerts this year in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Oxford and Cambridge.  Every two years for the past 20 years, the school has staged a musical at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is accustomed to gaining five-star reviews.

We compete internationally in cricket and rowing, and we are one of the strongest schools in the country for football, cross-country running and fives; facilities and coaching for these and a host of other sports including basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, fencing, lacrosse, hockey, rugby, and netball are excellent.

We also offer our pupils an extraordinary array of clubs, societies and other extra-curricular activities, many of which take place on a dedicated weekly activity afternoon.  Shrewsbury is surrounded by glorious unspoilt countryside and the School makes the most of its easy access to the Shropshire Hills, the Welsh Marches and Snowdonia.

Above all, in the words of the motto of our youth club, based in inner-city Liverpool, ‘People matter more than things’.  You will find at Shrewsbury a community which is aiming for the stars in every respect.

Facts & Figures

Head

Mark Turner

Address

Shrewsbury School, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, SY3 7BA

Telephone

01743 280 552

Website

www.shrewsbury.org.uk

Residential

80% Full Boarding & 20% Day

Religion

Church of England

Number of Boys

570

Number of Girls

215

Total

785

Age Range

13-18.

Entry at Year 9, Year 10 and Year 12 (Lower Sixth)

Full Boarding fee (termly)      £11,250

Ethos
St Swithun’s is an ‘appropriately academic’ school which means that we celebrate intellectual curiosity and the life of the mind, but not to the exclusion of all else. We expect our pupils to develop individual passions and through them to acquire a range of skills and characteristics. These characteristics will include a willingness to take risks, to question and to debate, and to persevere in the face of difficulty. In the words of Samuel Beckett: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” If a girl can immediately excel at everything we ask of her, we as educators must set the bar higher.

We want all girls to learn about life beyond the school gates, to appreciate the rich variety of our world, to develop an understanding of compassion and to value justice. We encourage all pupils to become involved in fundraising and community work. They should appreciate how their decisions and their actions can affect those around them.

St Swithun’s was founded by Anna Bramston, daughter of the Dean of Winchester, and Christian values underpin our approach to education. We provide a civilised and caring environment in which all girls and staff are valued for their individual gifts and encouraged to develop a sense of spirituality and of kindness. We believe that kindness and tolerance are at the heart of any fully functioning community.

Academic Success
In 2016, girls at St Swithun’s once again celebrated successful A level results this year with over half (54%) of girls achieved three A grades or above and in 10 subjects, including physics, further maths, history and Spanish, 100% of candidates achieved an A*-B grade. 23% of candidates were awarded an A* grade and 66% of entries awarded grades of A* or A. Leavers will now go on to study degree subjects including biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, economics, English, geography, law, mechanical engineering, medicine, music, neuroscience, physics and politics at universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, UCL, Exeter, York, Warwick, Edinburgh and Imperial College.

At GCSE, 57.5% of all entries were awarded an A*, the school’s highest since 2012. 85% of all entries were awarded an A* or A, an increase on last year. 1 in 6 girls achieved A* in all of their subjects, and 45% of St Swithun’s pupils were awarded all A* or A grades.

The school’s aims are as follows:
Academic
To prepare girls for public examinations and higher education in a stimulating and scholarly environment in which the girls develop intellectual curiosity, independence of mind and the ability to take responsibility for their own learning. They are encouraged to achieve their personal best.

School community
To provide a happy, safe and supportive community based on Christian values in which all girls are given the space to develop their spirituality and are encouraged to understand and celebrate difference, and to be kind to others.

Co-curricular
To provide a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom so that girls can discover individual passions and develop a range of characteristics such as resilience, initiative, creativity, perseverance, self-confidence, the ability to work in a team and to honour one’s commitments. To encourage habits to ensure good physical and mental health both at school and in the future such as exercise, healthy eating and the art of relaxation.

Beyond the school gates
To teach the girls compassion, an understanding of the wider world and their role in it, a sense of duty and a desire for justice.

Looking towards the future
To provide high-quality higher education and careers advice and a supportive old girls network.

Keeping in touch
To communicate in a timely and constructive fashion with parents and other members of the St Swithun’s family in order to develop relationships conducive to offering the best possible education.

By the time a girl leaves St Swithun’s she will be well-educated, courageous, compassionate, committed and self-confident with a love of learning, a moral compass and a sense of humour.

To find out more about St Swithuns School, please visit our website: www.stswithuns.com

Location

Malvern College pupils are bright and enthusiastic all-rounders and we very much welcome pupils with spirit, energy and a sense of purpose.   We are a co-educational boarding school for pupils aged 13-18 and 76% of our 650 pupils full board.  This makes us extremely popular with expatriate and overseas families for whom a full programme of weekend activities is important.  The pupils eat in their houses and this fosters a welcoming family atmosphere.  The College is noted for its warmth and friendliness.

We seek to maintain the most important traditions, but are innovative and forward looking.  Pupils of all abilities flourish academically and our ‘value added’ makes us of one the leading independent schools in the country.  In the Sixth Form, pupils have the option to choose A Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB), with 50% of pupils choosing each course of study.  A comprehensive co-curricular timetable encourages the development of the all-rounder. This is a school that produces strong, well rounded pupils who exhibit confidence, integrity and consideration for others.

We benefit from beautiful rural and safe surroundings on the lower slopes of the Malvern Hills and yet we are only 1 hour South of Birmingham airport.  The small town of Great Malvern is a 10 minute walk so close enough for amenities (including a direct rail link to London), but far enough away not to be a distraction. We also provide a coach service to London Heathrow and London Paddington.

Facts and Figures

Location

Offering Young People a Home from Home

Alpha Plus was one of the first organisations to have been accredited by AEGIS (the Association for the Education and Guardianship of international Students), the professional body which regulates guardianship standards. We established the company over fifteen years ago when we realised that a number of children from overseas pursuing their education in the UK had nowhere comfortable and safe to stay during half-term breaks or long weekends when their schools might be closed.  After Richard’s retirement from headship, we gradually expanded the organisation’s operation from its original base in East Anglia to cover students attending more than fifty schools and colleges in most parts of England.

Each of our students is matched up with a host family living close to his or her school. We visit the homes of our host families in advance so that we can be sure that we will select the right environment – safe, stimulating and happy – for each child in our care.

As guardians, we act as the central point of contact between the students’ own families, their schools and their hosts, and we coordinate arrangements for their homestays and their transport – for example, by organising taxis, obtaining tickets and, where necessary, applying for visas.

As one of the longest established guardianship providers in the UK, we have recently been reinspected by AEGIS. We were delighted that once again the inspectors’ judgements were highly complimentary and fully endorsed our philosophy and practice.

Thanks to our experience in schools, we can offer support and advice on a broad range of educational topics. We like to think that the parents of the young people we help to look after trust us to act as their representatives in all matters to do with their children’s happiness and welfare from their earliest days in school in this country until they embark on their university career.

Richard and Jane Youdale

http://www.alphaplusguardians.co.uk/home.php

Cheltenham Ladies’ College opened its doors in 1854, with the purpose of providing girls with a thorough academic education and, over 160 years later, we continue to be proud of our strong tradition of innovation, academic excellence and empowerment in the education of young women.

Educating 850 pupils from around the world, College is one of the largest communities of boarding and day girls in Europe, with expert teaching and pastoral care, and outstanding facilities. The girls also take part in a wide range of co-curricular activities, from sport and music to volunteering.

College is situated in Cheltenham, one of England’s most beautiful Regency towns, with graceful architecture, beautiful gardens and fantastic culture, including the annual Cheltenham Festivals (Jazz, Science, Music and Literature) which enrich the girls’ curriculum though our strategic sponsorship.

We are committed to developing intellectually curious, self-motivated, enthusiastic young women with an enduring love of learning. Our alumnae go on to study a wide range of subjects at top universities across the world and pursue fulfilling careers, often becoming leaders in their fields.

As we look to the future, we take inspiration from our history of pioneering girls’ education and our continued commitment to educational opportunities for young women.

View photos and videos

Location

Radley College is a full boarding school for 690 boys aged 13-18, set on a beautiful 800-acre estate, just three miles from Oxford. It was founded in 1847 by the Reverend William Sewell, fellow of Exeter College.

We believe strongly in the pursuit of excellence both inside the classroom and out, and on encouraging boys to develop their talents and discover new interests. As an unashamedly full boarding environment, Radley defines itself by its caring community where all, staff and boys alike, are passionate about what they do, and are dedicated to it.

A Radley education is about academic ambition, learning to live with others and preparation for the world beyond its gates. Above all, it is about the core values that will underpin success in all its forms throughout a Radleian’s life: as leaders, citizens and human beings.

Location

Rugby School pupils flourish in a supportive community, both spiritually and socially aware, that challenges learners, develops resilience and encourages intellectual risk-taking. We teach tolerance and respect with as much dedication as academic subjects, because at Rugby, the whole person is the whole point. Much copied but never bettered, Rugby initiated the ‘House’ system 200 years ago resulting in a genuine and uncompromised care plan which supports every single student. Girls and boys enjoy a proper ‘home from home’ experience here.

As one of the top academic schools in Britain, teaching and learning is at the core of what we do. Pupils at Rugby have the benefit of fantastic educational facilities and highly qualified staff. They learn what is needed to prepare fully for public examinations but, more than that, they develop a love of learning which stays with them long after they have left the School. We set high expectations of pupils not only in terms of their work ethic but also in terms of their intellectual ambition. Pupils aim high and our record of university success is proof of this.

Rugby boasts one of the most vibrant school alumni networks in the UK with the Rugbeian Society organising more than 50 events each year and actively supporting Rugbeians past and present through initiatives such as the Rugbeian Business Network which works with the School’s Careers Department to assist in identifying jobs and work placements.

Famous alumni are authors, poets, actors, playwrights including: Lewis Carroll, Rupert Brooke, Neville Chamberlain, Anthony Horowitz, Robert Hardy, Will Butler-Adams, Isabel Wolff and Polly Stenham. Not forgetting William Webb Ellis, inventor of the game of rugby football.

Official website: www.rugbyschool.co.uk

Location

A world leader in girls’ boarding education and a place where academic excellence, empathy and integrity thrive.

Wycombe Abbey is one of the world’s most successful boarding schools. GCSE and A-Level results are outstanding (97% A*-A GCSE and 46.5% A* at A-Level in 2016). A third of our leavers went to Oxbridge in 2016 and ten more to US universities including Harvard, Brown, Columbia and MIT. We are proud to promote a love of learning for its own sake and committed to providing a wide range of opportunities for intellectual interest and development outside the classroom.

The School is as proud of its extra-curricular successes. Last year the sports teams reached 16 national finals: ranking us the 5^th Independent School for Sport by the Independent School Sport Magazine. In addition, there is a rich and varied programme of co-curricular opportunities throughout the week, including music, drama, dance and outdoor education as well as an extensive range of other pursuits. These opportunities help girls to develop the confidence and skills they will require to be successful and happy in the demanding and ever expanding global workplace.

The School is committed to full boarding for modern families. Girls who enter the school at 11+ have their own Junior Boarding House. From the age of 12 to 17, pupils live in mixed-age Senior Houses, and in the Upper Sixth move into Clarence House, a newly-renovated study-bedroom complex. September 2017 sees the opening of our £17million two new boarding houses as part of our Abbey regeneration project.

The School has modern, state-of-the-art facilities such as a Sports Centre with a 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool, a dance studio, fitness studio, a climbing wall, a Health and Wellbeing centre, a Courtyard café social space, and a Performing Arts Centre with a theatre and recital hall.

Wycombe Abbey offers a rounded holistic education, and all in the wonderful surroundings of 170 acres of parkland. At the heart of the School’s success is a total commitment to the development of good, caring human beings through our proactive, individualised pastoral care. Everyone at Wycombe Abbey is part of a happy and close-knit community with each girl known and cherished as an individual.

Sophie Langdale

Director of Admissions

registrar@wycombeabbey.com

www.wycombeabbey.com

Location

Sevenoaks School, founded in 1432, is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11 to 18. Just half an hour from Central London and Gatwick International Airport, our superb 100-acre campus is in the Kent countryside. Innovative thinking drives the school forward. Academic excellence is delivered by a broad, balanced programme of study and exciting teaching. Sevenoaks is one of the world’s leading IB schools, and has also developed its own middle school curriculum, which is UCAS supported. Over half of students attend one of the UK’s top 10 universities, with approximately 20% receiving offers from Oxbridge annually. Over 15% opt to study at leading international institutions in the US and Canada.

Location

Tonbridge School is one of the leading boys’ boarding schools in the country and highly respected internationally. It aims to provide a caring and enlightened environment in which the talents of each individual flourish. We encourage boys to be creative, tolerant and to strive for academic, sporting and cultural excellence. Respect for tradition and an openness to innovation are equally valued.

The school occupies 150 acres on the edge of the town of Tonbridge. It lies one hour from Heathrow airport and 40 minutes from London. An extensive and continuous building programme has ensured academic, cultural, sporting and domestic facilities of an exceptionally high standard. In August 2016 a new state of the art library was completed and work on a new £20m science centre begins in the coming year, for completion in 2018. These new facilities will operate alongside the unique integrated Arts, Technology, and Theatre complex, the £10m Sports Centre and the newly refurbished Big School Gallery Space, which has placed the Arts at the very centre of school life.

Examination results are consistently outstanding with over 40% of A level entries being awarded an A* grade and over three quarters awarded A* or A. The GCSE results are similarly impressive with two thirds of all entries being awarded an A* grade and over 90% being awarded A* or A. In 2015, a remarkable 41 boys in the Upper Sixth won offers of places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities – a school record. Almost 150 boys have gone on to Oxford or Cambridge in the past four years.

A well-established house system at the heart of the school fosters a strong sense of belonging and the supportive environment in which our pupils flourish. Tonbridgians should, then, enter into the adult world with the knowledge and self-belief to fulfil their own potential and to become leaders in their chosen field. Equally, we hope to foster a life-long empathy for the needs and views of others; in the words of the great novelist and Old Tonbridgian E.M. Forster: ‘Only Connect’.

Location

‘We chose St Edward’s because it is mixed, with a wonderful reputation for happiness.’ – Current parent

Founded in 1863, St Edward’s, Oxford is a thriving co-educational boarding school offering the unusual combination of a spacious 100-acre site at the heart of an academically and culturally stimulating city. Our long tradition and broad perspective keep our pupils inspired, motivated, and happy, whilst keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

St Edward’s, affectionately known as Teddies, has around 675 pupils who are expected to work with energy and purpose, taking full advantage of their opportunities. Pupils live in 12 houses, 7 boys and 5 girls, with a girl/boy split of 40%/60%, approximately 85% of whom board, and 16% are from overseas. Boarders and day live and work together in the same House, ensuring that all the pupils are fully integrated and equally involved with everything going on in school life.

In their houses, they are all supported by a caring and experienced Housemaster or Housemistress, an Assistant HM and a Day Matron. The School also has an excellent reputation for its pastoral care system for which the Deputy Head Pastoral is responsible. Tutors, our three Counsellors, and our Chaplain all have a part to play in pastoral support, whilst Sixth Formers are trained to offer a Peer Listening service, and a ‘speak up’ culture is also strongly encouraged.

St Edward’s is a committed broad entry school, valuing the freshness and vitality of a deliberately diverse academic community. Despite that, pupils do very well academically at St Edward’s, and results are on an upward trend; combined A Level A*-B and IB Higher Level 6 and 7 results in 2016 were 75%, up from 70% in 2012, whilst GCSE A*-B grades were 88% in 2016, up from 82% in 2012.

Teddies offers both the IB and A-Level in Sixth Form and is proud of the success it has made of running both programmes. Described by the IBSCA Development Manager, at the IBSCA AGM in March 2017, as ‘…the fastest growing IB school in the UK, bucking the national trend’, Teddies gives pupils a rare opportunity to tailor their education to that which best suits their requirements, whether that be A Level or the IB.

The brand new Ogston Music School, together with the North Wall Theatre and Arts Centre, complete a cultural quarter in north Oxford that are an enormous asset, not just for the School, but for the whole community. Teddies has an excellent reputation and tradition of success in the creative industries, stretching back to Lord Laurence Olivier and Kenneth Grahame, through to Emilia Clarke and Florence Pugh.

The exceptional Careers and Higher Education Departments at St Edward’s begin engaging pupils from their first year with the School. Their unique programme offers support and guidance on the next steps in education and employment, ensuring pupils have the right information and advice to fulfil their potential. 80% of pupils go on to Russell Group, or equally prestigious institutions, including Oxbridge and the Ivy League.

As the principal sponsor of a nationally acclaimed professional theatre situated on site, facilities that are second to none, strong results and a burgeoning reputation for academic achievement, a world leading university on its doorstep, and a Head who is determined to strive even higher, this School offers a rare opportunity.

• Headmaster: Stephen Jones (Appointed September 2011)
• Address: St Edward’s School, Woodstock Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 7NN
• Admissions Telephone: +44(0) 1865 319200
• Website: stedwardsoxford.org
• Residential information: Full Boarders (560); Day (115) – No Flexi boarders.
• Religion: Church of England
• Numbers: 60% boys, 40% girls; approximately 85% boarders
• Age range: 13-18
• Fees: Boarding £11,890; Day £9,515

Location

As well as preparing students for exams, Gordonstoun prepares them for life.  The school’s uniquely broad curriculum encourages every student to fulfil their potential academically, as well as guiding each individual to fulfil their potential as human beings.  Gordonstoun follows the English GCSE and A-Level curriculum and students go on to Universities and Colleges all over the world to study a diverse range of subjects.  The school’s location in the North of Scotland provides the background for Gordonstoun’s world beating outdoor education programme.  Through expeditions and sail training voyages, students gain experience in leadership and team building. Their outlook is broadened, their ability to consider the needs of others developed, and they gain resilience – life skills which complement the school’s commitment to academic excellence. Active engagement in service to the local community comprises a core part of Gordonstoun’s curriculum for all Year groups, but from Year 11 each student also commits to one of the school’s nine services.  The Gordonstoun community is both balanced and internationally dynamic.  With students aged from 6-18, the school is fully co-educational and students live and learn alongside fellow students from across the social, cultural and geographical board.  The Gordonstoun International Summer School (GISS) offers courses in July and August which capture the Gordonstoun philosophy of internationalism and learning through challenge.  Students choose an academic subject which is dovetailed into a full and lively programme of sports, creative arts, confidence building, drama, music making and recreation.  The course also includes a six day ‘adventure programme’ based on the beautiful West Coast of Scotland – where students spend three days walking, canoeing, coasteering, canyoning, climbing and abseiling and three days living and sailing on one of the Summer School’s fleet of ocean going yachts.  For over 40 years, GISS has been providing a safe and happy environment for students aged 8-16 from over 35 countries, to come together to learn, have fun and make friends. With an excellent staffing ratio of one staff to two children, parents and children can be completely confident that their expectations of an amazing international summer school experience will be met.

Location

Norwich School is a co-educational, independent day school for pupils aged 7-18. The school is one of the oldest schools in the UK, with nearly 1,000 years of history, and is located within the Cathedral Close in the centre of Norwich. The cathedral is used by pupils each day for morning assembly, as well as many other events during the academic year.

Academically, the school is one of the highest performing independent schools in the UK; it is the highest achieving school in Norfolk and Suffolk, measured by A*/A at A-level and GCSE, and was ranked 58th nationally in The Times A-Level league table 2016. The school was also placed 14th in the national ‘Destination of Independent School Leavers’ table in the Times School Guide 2016. In 2016, 85% of our pupils achieved A*-B at A-Level and 74% of our Sixth Form pupils leaving the school gained entry to their first choice university.

The school owns a large purpose-built sports complex, tennis courts and two large sports grounds. All pupils take regular exercise and gain experience of team games as well as individual events, and the school competes against other schools in 21 different sports. The school also has a strong reputation for its range and achievement in music; over half of pupils take music lessons and there are 47 music groups, including choirs, orchestras and bands. The school encourages pupils to take part in a range of extra-curricular activities in order to broaden their horizons and we offer a full schedule of clubs and societies. In addition to this, all Sixth Formers are heavily involved in our extensive Community Service programme, which sees pupils opting into a variety of voluntary placements, including working for international and local charities, care homes and local history projects.

Our international offering is for academically gifted entrants into our Sixth-Form. Joining us in Year 12 (at age 16), our international pupils live with local British host families and are therefore able to become fully immersed in the English language and culture. Our international pupils are allocated specific international tutors and take part in a coherent programme of English language support in addition to their academic subjects. Entry is very competitive: we expect levels of English to be high and applicants must undergo assessments and an interview to move through the application process.

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Location

Set in a stunning location between the sea and the South Downs, Eastbourne College offers a full education that is so much more than the excellent academic results the boys and girls achieve year after year.

Pupils are given every opportunity to achieve their very best – whether it be in the academic classroom, the creative arts departments, or on the sports field. They thrive in this welcoming and purposeful environment and develop into highly able individuals who leave prepared to live fulfilled, positive lives; able to work with others; self-confident, resilient individuals who show initiative and leadership.

Academically, pupils achieve superb results. The seven-year rolling average A*-B at A level is 81% and each year many leavers gain places at Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities. With 90 full-time specialist subject teachers and more than 20 part-time teachers, the school is able to deliver excellent teaching across a broad range of subjects. Departments are frequently open during the evenings and often provide additional support at weekends and in the holidays.

Every individual is encouraged to participate fully in the College’s extensive sports programme. In addition to the major sports of cricket, hockey, netball and rugby, pupils have the opportunity to try other sports like fencing, sailing, rowing, golf and rugby fives.

The College considers the performing arts to be a vital element in the education of all pupils and performance opportunities are numerous. Co-curricular activity is vigorous and pastoral support renowned. The care and development of each pupil lies at the centre of everything that happens at the College where tried and tested systems are employed to encourage, guide and nurture every individual to achieve their very best.

The College is mid-way through a £33m development project transforming well over an acre of land to deliver 32 state-of-the-art classrooms; a stunning sports centre; a large dining hall with function rooms and café; a three-storey pavilion; a foyer attached to the College theatre, a reception area, a new school shop and plentiful social and exhibition space.

Location

The UK has an international reputation for the quality of its education system. Qualifications offered by British schools, colleges and universities are recognised globally as hallmarks of excellence and distinction. The benefits of studying in the UK reach far beyond qualifications and certificates, however. English is the international language of business and becoming fluent is one of the most important skills any ambitious student can develop.

Studying at an Abbey DLD College can provide you with an unrivalled opportunity to gain entry to some of the best universities in the UK, improve your English and make the best start to your career. Many hundreds of international students come to the UK every year to study with us, because they are ambitious and they want to succeed.

Join us on an exciting journey in which we will support you, challenge you and encourage you to realise your personal and professional ambitions.

Each of our three colleges in Cambridge, Manchester and London offers a tailored education designed to launch students on a successful and prosperous future, including entry to the UK’s most prestigious universities.

Our courses include GCSEs (from 14 years), A Levels in over 30 subjects and international Foundation Programmes (from 17 years).

We work with students to help them gain entry to their chosen university and position students to take on the world of employment with the first class reputation of Abbey DLD Colleges behind them.

Why chose us?

University Progression

Our tailored teaching in small class sizes, our personal care and our support throughout the University application process leads our students to strong exam results and top University offers. In 2016, 52% of our international students achieved A*-A grades in their A levels leading to top universities and programmes of study.

Skills To Succeed In Your Career

Learning how to think critically, analyse astutely and present effectively will prepare you for success in a competitive world. We will help you find your preferred learning style and tailor our teaching through one-to-one tutor groups and supervised self-study programmes. We develop independent learners today for career success tomorrow.

Outstanding Facilities In World Class Locations

The location of our three colleges in Cambridge, London and Manchester is designed to offer a superior cultural experience in close proximity to the world’s best Universities and global businesses .Abbey DLD facilities and premises offer huge advantages, whichever college you choose. We have over 500 en-suite boarding rooms many located on the college site with state of the art facilities, 24 hour security and live-in house parents as well as high speed internet access. An experienced network of vetted host families for students preferring a family setting.

Our Colleges

Abbey College Cambridge

The College opened in 1994 and its success has seen it grow and expand culminating a move in 2016 to new, purpose-built premises. Abbey College Cambridge students come from a variety of international backgrounds and most progress to the top Universities in the UK, including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial and the London School of Economics (LSE).

Abbey College Cambridge has forged strong links with Cambridge University and offers students visits to the University’s colleges and departments with potential internships at the University laboratories. Our 2016 A level results continue to reflect the college as one of the very best independent colleges in the UK. In 2016, 29% of all our A level results were awarded A*, and our A*-A pass rate was 60%.

Our college has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in all areas of our teaching and boarding provision. To help even more students achieve their ambitions our college is located on a truly outstanding modern campus in Central Cambridge.

Our new campus has been designed by our staff and purpose built to perfectly fit the learning and boarding needs of our students.  Our campus includes:

• 120 en-suite bedrooms with full board, and a further 130 rooms within a minute’s walk
• Common rooms and social areas
• 42 fully equipped classrooms
• 12 state-of-the-art Science laboratories
• 2 libraries
• Art studio (allowing us to offer GCSE and A level Art courses)
• 2 dedicated music studios
• Dining Hall serving all student meals
• Coffee bar
• Gym
• Basketball court
• Assembly and sports hall
• On site security and CCTV
• Secure bike storage

Abbey College Manchester

Abbey College Manchester has been providing A Level and GCSE education since 1990. The College has three major faculties: Sciences & Mathematics, Arts & Humanities and Languages & International Studies. It offers over 40 A Level courses and excellent International Foundation Programmes. Popular courses include: Science, Engineering,

Photography and Art and also the Medical Pathway Foundation Programme offering direct entry to University of Central Lancashire Academic English is also a popular choice.

Our contemporary building boasts superb facilities including:

• 25 classrooms
• Three modern science laboratories
• Computer suite
• Art studio

DLD College London

Our oldest College was established in 1931, moving in 2015 to brand new, purpose built facilities in the centre of London, looking over the River Thames, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. With bright, state of the art teaching facilities and secure, on-site student accommodation, all in the centre of the amazing, historic and vibrant city of London, DLD College London is a unique college campus. Students come from Britain and all over the world to study our wide range of subjects.

Our London college offers stand out facilities including:

• 220 secure, en-suite student bedrooms on site
• Restaurant facilities on-site, including a Starbucks franchise
• 6 high specification laboratories
• Nearly 40 tutorial rooms
• Open plan library, study and ICT facilities
• Swimming pool, sauna and fully equipped fitness studio
• A creative arts and media faculty featuring art rooms, photography, drama, music and media

Location