A pathway to excellence www.bishopstrow.com
2 | Bishopstrow College
www.bishopstrow.com
Welcome to Bishopstrow We pride ourselves on our reputation for providing a friendly, supportive and professional learning environment for international boys and girls, aged between 7 and 17. This is a place where students can learn English, discover the British education system, explore the culture of the UK and make friends from all over the world. From day one, we encourage students to speak up confidently in class, and always in English. We provide a broad, inspiring, and exciting curriculum so our students discover many ways to enjoy a UK boarding school education – through sport, drama and music, as well as in their classroom lessons. Our role is to develop our students to be independent learners and critical thinkers and to prepare them for entrance exams, thereby ensuring a successful future. We recognise every student as an individual and want them to reach their full potential, whether they are with us for a term or a year. We look forward to welcoming you to Bishopstrow, so you can see for yourself why our reputation is well deserved.
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Our Aims and Ethos
OUR AIMS ARE: • To give each student the best linguistic, cultural, academic and sporting preparation, so they can enjoy a seamless and happy transition to a British boarding school. • To ensure that each student who leaves Bishopstrow not only feels comfortable in a classroom with English speakers, but is able to compete at the appropriate academic level in their next school.
‘Safe, friendly and exciting’ Designed specifically for students from non-British educational backgrounds, daily life at Bishopstrow is based around creating the most successful and enjoyable learning experience for all. Our caring, kind, well-organised boarding community focuses on respect and tolerance for others. This is reflected in the professional and personal relationships, and the day-to-day experiences of students and staff.
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• To give each student the correct advice, assistance and qualifications to select and gain entry to a suitable British independent school for the next stage of their education. • To emphasise our ‘Five Virtues’ so that each student sets themselves high standards and develops self-awareness, resilience and confidence. • To prepare each student for appropriate Cambridge English Language Assessments and British public examinations.
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Bishopstrow’s Five Virtues The College’s ethos is encapsulated by our ‘Five Virtues’, which underpin all aspects of life at Bishopstrow. From staff to students, every single one of us strives to be: Kind, Polite, Organised, Hard-Working and a Team Player
These Five Virtues are present in every aspect of college life, making sure that the life of our community - international in make-up, character and ambition promotes virtues that contribute positively to global society.
‘Bringing out the best in everyone’
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Bishopstrow College at a Glance ‘Preparing students academically, socially and culturally’ Established in 2006, Bishopstrow College is the UK’s only independent international boarding school, designed to prepare international students for entry into the UK’s leading boarding schools. Each term, we welcome up to 100 boys and girls, aged 7-17 years, from around 20 different nationalities and a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. This is intentional, as it encourages students to speak English while they’re with us. The College operates as a traditional British boarding school, but with an innovative four-term academic year. Terms start in September, January, March and June, and our five-week Academic Summer Programme offers a further start date in July. We offer a variety of programmes, focussing on intensive English language tuition and immersion in the National Curriculum, including Mathematics, Geography, History and Science. From the moment our students arrive at Bishopstrow, they are fully immersed and integrated into British life and culture.
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Their stay can last from five weeks to a full academic year, all based around an intensive preparation for entry into their chosen British boarding school. We are not affiliated to any individual school, so students are completely free to choose where they go next. Students planning to return home to continue their studies will make real progress with their English, while also experiencing the globally recognized British curriculum and British culture. All our students share a commitment to study, a strong sense of purpose, high expectations and good manners. Combined with the exceptional skills and dedication of our teaching, boarding and support staff, Bishopstrow creates a dynamic learning environment, where students can achieve their very best. The success of the College’s innovative approach is demonstrated by our latest British Council inspection report and the quality of the ‘destination schools’. Our students go on to enrol at some of the UK’s leading prep and senior schools, including Bradfield College, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Concord College, The Dragon School, Godstowe Preparatory School, Gordonstoun, Prior Park College and Uppingham.
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KEY FEATURES OF BISHOPSTROW COLLEGE: • Set in eight acres of grounds, surrounded by beautiful Wiltshire countryside • Superb facilities, including a teaching and learning centre, with eight classrooms, a library, science lab and superfast Wi-Fi to every classroom • Small class sizes, 8 students maximum for English and 12 students for other academic subjects, allowing very high levels of individual teacher time • An Individual Learning Plan for every student, detailing progress and areas for improvement in English, other academic subjects, sports and boarding • The College operates just like a traditional British boarding school, with a full sports and activities programme, ensuring excellent preparation for entry into a mainstream boarding school • We are not affiliated to any other boarding schools, providing a stepping stone to any of the ‘Top 100’ boarding schools and colleges in the UK
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Junior College Programme For pupils aged between 7-11, our Junior College Programme combines intensive English language tuition and academic study for Prep School and 11+ Senior School entry. Daily sports and activities, together with a full weekend schedule means our students are fully prepared for boarding school life. This Programme is for international students who wish to improve their English, while following a traditional programme of academic subjects.
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FEATURES Age
7-11 years
Entry Requirements
Applicants are assessed based on their Current School Report, including marks or grades; a Character Reference commenting on their behaviour and general attitude to study; and their performance in an interview, including appetite to study in the UK and interest in Bishopstrow College
Minimum English No pre-requisite Language Level Course Length
1, 2, 3 or 4 terms
Subjects Studied
English, Creative Arts, Geography, History, Mathematics, PSHE and Science
Academic Study
25 hours of academic tuition and 5 hours of supervised prep
End of Course Assessment
Internal assessment and external Cambridge English Language Assessment examinations (where applicable)
Progression
Prep School entry or 11+ Senior School entry
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Middle College Programme FEATURES The Middle College Programme is designed for students aged 11-14, and features intensive English language tuition and academic study for Senior School entry. Daily sports and activities, together with a full weekend schedule, means our students are fully prepared for boarding school life. This Programme is for international students who wish to improve their English, while following a traditional programme of academic subjects.
Age
11-14 years
Entry Requirements
Applicants are assessed based on their Current School Report, including marks or grades; a Character Reference commenting on their behaviour and general attitude to study; and their performance in an interview, including appetite to study in the UK and interest in Bishopstrow College
Minimum English CEFR Level A2 Language Level Course Length
1, 2, 3 or 4 terms
Subjects Studied
English, Creative Arts, Geography, History, Mathematics, PSHE and Science
Academic Study
25 hours of academic tuition and 5 hours of supervised prep
End of Course Assessment
Internal assessment and external Cambridge English Language Assessment examination (where applicable)
Progression
Senior School entry
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Senior College Programme FEATURES The Senior College Programme immerses 14-17 year olds into intensive English language tuition and academic study for Senior School entry, including preparation for GCSEs, A Levels and the International Baccalaureate. Daily sports and activities, together with a full weekend schedule ensure that students are fully prepared for boarding school life. This Programme is for international students who wish to improve their English, whilst following a traditional programme of academic subjects.
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Age
14-17 years
Entry Requirements
Applicants are assessed based on their Current School Report, including marks or grades; a Character Reference commenting on their behaviour and general attitude to study; and their performance in an interview, including appetite to study in the UK and interest in Bishopstrow College
Minimum English CEFR Level A2 Language Level Course Length
1, 2, 3 or 4 terms
Subjects Studied
English, Business Studies, Global Perspectives, History, Mathematics, PSHE and Science
Academic Study
30 hours of academic tuition and 7.5 hours of supervised prep
End of Course Assessment
Internal assessment and external Cambridge English Language Assessment examination (where applicable)
Progression
Senior School entry
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One Year IGCSE Programme FEATURES Students aged 15-16, with a suitable level of English are welcomed onto the One Year IGCSE Programme, featuring 6-8 examinable subjects. This Programme providers excellent preparation for international students before they begin their A Level studies or the IB Diploma Programme. This Programme is for international students who wish to complete the IGCSE examinations in just one year.
Age
15-16 years
Entry Requirements
Applicants are assessed based on their Current School Report, including marks or grades; a Character Reference commenting on their behaviour and general attitude to study; their performance in an interview, including appetite to study in the UK and interest in Bishopstrow College; and their performance in a Password English and Mathematics assessment
Minimum English CEFR Level B2 Language Level Course Length
4 terms (June entry)
GCSE Subjects Studied
A minimum of 6 examinable subjects from English as a First/ Second Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics (for more able mathematicians), Science – Double Award, Business Studies and History
Academic Study
30 hours of academic tuition and 7.5 hours of supervised prep
End of Course Assessment
Cambridge IGCSE examinations
Progression
Sixth Form entry
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Academic Summer Programme The Academic Summer Programme is aimed at international students who will be joining British boarding schools in the Autumn, and those who wish to sample British education in the summer. There are two start dates at the beginning and mid-point of Term 4, with the programme lasting five weeks. FEATURES Junior College
Middle College
Senior College
Age
7-11 years
11-14 years
14-17 years
Entry Requirements
Applicants are assessed based on their Current School Report, including marks or grades; a Character Reference commenting on their behaviour and general attitude to study; and their performance in an interview, including appetite to study in the UK and interest in Bishopstrow College
Applicants are assessed based on their Current School Report, including marks or grades; a Character Reference commenting on their behaviour and general attitude to study; and their performance in an interview, including appetite to study in the UK and interest in Bishopstrow College
Applicants are assessed based on their Current School Report, including marks or grades; a Character Reference commenting on their behaviour and general attitude to study; and their performance in an interview, including appetite to study in the UK and interest in Bishopstrow College
Minimum English Language Level
No prerequisite
CEFR Level A2
CEFR Level A2
Course Length
5 weeks
5 weeks
5 weeks
Subjects Studied
English Creative Arts Geography History Mathematics PSHE Science
English Creative Arts Geography History Mathematics PSHE Science
English Business Studies Global Perspectives History Mathematics PSHE Science
Academic Study
25 hours of academic tuition and 5 hours of supervised prep
25 hours of academic tuition and 5 hours of supervised prep
30 hours of academic tuition and 7.5 hours of supervised prep
End of Programme Assessment
Internal examinations
Internal examinations
Internal examinations
Progression
Return to existing school (in home country) Prep School entry 11+ Senior School entry
Return to existing school (in home country) Senior School entry
Return to existing school (in home country) Senior School entry
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We have been delighted with the level of preparation shown by the students from Bishopstrow, both in their English and their academic work. It has allowed them to begin their courses with us confidently and successfully. Queen Ethelburga’s College
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Destination Schools We’re always sad to say goodbye, but, by securing places at some of the most prestigious schools in the UK and overseas, our students always make us incredibly proud. PREP SCHOOLS
SENIOR SCHOOLS
All Hallows Ashdown House Aysgarth School Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools Caldicott Cothill House Cottesmore School Eagle House School Edge Grove Elstree School Foremarke Hall Godstowe School Junior Kings Lockers Park School Maidwell Hall School Millfield Prep School Packwood Haugh School Orwell Park School Papplewick School Port Regis St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne St John’s Beaumont Sandroyd School Summer Fields Sunningdale School Swanbourne House The Dragon School The Downs Malvern The Elms School Windlesham House School
Abbey College Cambridge Abbots Bromley School Abingdon School ACS Cobham Aldenham School Ashbourne Independent College Ashford School Badminton School Battle Abbey School Bearwood College Bedales Bede’s Senior School Bedford School Beechwood Sacred Heart Bellerby’s College Benenden Bethany School Bilton Grange Bloxham School Blundell’s Bosworth College Bournemouth Collegiate School Box Hill School Bradfield College Bredon School Brighton College Brockenhurst College Bromley School Bromsgrove School Bruton School for Girls Bryanston Canford CATS College Charterhouse Cheltenham College Cheltenham Ladies’ College Christ Church Cathedral School Clayesmore Clifton College Concord College Cranleigh School Culford School Dauntsey’s School Dean Close DLD College D’Overbroecks Dover College Downe House School Downside Dulwich College Earlscliffe Eastbourne College Ellesmere College Epsom College Eton College
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Fairley House School Felsted Gresham’s School Glenalmond College Godolphin School Gordonstoun Haileybury Hampshire Collegiate School Harrogate Ladies College Harrow Hereford Cathedral School Holland Park School Hurtwood House Kent College, Canterbury King Edward’s School Witley King’s Bruton The King’s School Canterbury King’s Schools Taunton Kingswood School Lambrook Lancing College Leighton Park School Leweston School Lime House School Lord Wandsworth College Luckley House School LVS Ascot Malvern College Malvern St James Marlborough College Mayfield School Merchiston Castle School Millfield Mill Hill School Milton Abbey Moira House School Monkton Combe School Monmouth School Moreton Hall School MPW Oakham School Oswestry School Oundle School Oxford Tutorial College New Hall School Padworth College Prior Park College Prior’s Field School Queen Anne’s School Queen Ethelburga’s College Queen Margaret’s School Queen’s College Taunton Queenswood Radley College Reed’s School Rendcomb College Repton School
Richard Huish College Roedean School Royal Russell School Rugby School Ruthin School Ryde School with Upper Chine Rye St Antony Seaford College St David’s College St Edmund’s Canterbury St Edward’s Oxford St George’s School, Ascot St Lawrence College St Margaret’s School, Bushey St. Mary’s Ascot St. Mary’s Calne St Mary’s School, Cambridge St. Mary’s Shaftesbury St Peter’s School, York St Swithun’s St Teresa’s Effingham Seaford College Sedbergh School Sevenoaks School Sherborne Girls Shrewsbury School Shiplake College Stonar School Stonyhurst Stover School Stowe School Strathallan School The Harrodian The Ley’s School The Oratory School The Mount School York The National Mathematics and Science College The Royal High School, Bath The Royal Hospital School Taunton School Tonbridge School Trinity School Tudor Hall Uppingham Warminster School Wellington College Wellington School Westbourne School Westminster School Westonbirt School Winchester College Woldingham School Worth School Wrekin College Wycliffe College Wycombe Abbey
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Destination School Preparation Programme
1 2 3 4 Expert Tuition to Prepare for Admissions Tests
Identification of Target Destination Schools
Support with Applications, including Personal Statement Preparation
Interview Preparation
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
•
Contact parents/ agents to determine plans for ‘destination school’ (if not already shared)
•
Confirm examination requirements for target schools
•
Confirm interview requirements for target schools
•
•
•
Conduct coaching sessions
•
•
•
•
Respond to questions and requests for advice
Organise practice interviews and give feedback
•
Outline process and timeline
Co-ordinate directly with target schools
Confirm other selection requirements, including need for a Personal Statement Offer guidance on what will make the Personal Statement more compelling
•
Provide feedback on the Personal Statement, from first draft to the finished article
•
Organise practice tests and give feedback
Discuss schools and subject choices (if applicable)
Bishopstrow Team: • Director of Studies •
Tutors
•
Resident Tutors
Bishopstrow Team: • Learning Coordinator • Tutors
Bishopstrow Team: • Principal
Bishopstrow Team: • Principal
•
•
Director of Studies
•
Tutors
Tutors
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Student Testimonials ‘A stimulating place to live and learn’ The ‘pathway to excellence’ is different for every student but what they all have in common is their fond memories of Bishopstrow:
Alongside English, Bishopstrow has helped me prepare for my next school, as we have many core subjects such as Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry etc. I have also made many new friends from around the world and have been able to experience and exchange cultures with them. Indy from Thailand Senior College Programme Destination School: Kingswood School
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Bishopstrow College provided me with a good start that successfully led to furthering my studying in England with great confidence. Ayaka from Japan Junior College Programme Destination School: The Dragon School and Marlborough College
I felt that Bishopstrow would help me because the class timetable is the same as a traditional English school, so I could be fully prepared before going to my next school. Bishopstrow also really helped me improve my social skills. I was able to communicate with students from a number of different countries and learned a lot from them. Harry from China Senior College Programme Destination School: Prior Park College University: University College London
I would sincerely recommend Bishopstrow to any international student who has the chance to come and study in the UK. It is a wonderful place. At Bishopstrow, I improved my English and my knowledge of other academic subjects. I learned a lot of cultural things and enjoyed making new friends and talking to them in another language. The College also helped me become more independent and careful with my time. I had the opportunity to challenge myself in different areas, including sports and studying. The only reason not to consider Bishopstrow is if you are fearful of new adventures! Olenka from Ukraine One Year IGCSE Programme Destination School: Cheltenham Ladies’ College University: Durham University
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Sport and Social
‘Exciting ways to learn
English beyond the classroom’ The College’s extra-curricular programme includes a range of sports, activities and clubs. We find this is a great way to strengthen English. Every day, students get to take part in traditional British sports such as athletics, cricket, hockey, netball and rugby, plus basketball and football. Clubs include ‘The Crazy Scientist Club’, Chess Club, Debating Club, Netball Club and Fitness Club. Weekend activities include country walks, outdoor cooking and survival simulation games. Each activity is designed to foster team spirit and build confidence to integrate with others, when students move on from Bishopstrow. Like most British independent schools, we have a House system, with students competing in multinational teams for the House of the Term Award. We are also able to arrange other activities such as horse riding and golf on request, for an additional charge.
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EXCURSIONS • As well as our on-site activities, we organise a stimulating and varied programme of fully-supervised trips at weekends. Some allow students to discover places of cultural, geographical and historical interest; others encourage students to sample the great outdoors, through walking, hiking and other physical pursuits • Sightseeing, cultural visits and even shopping provide contexts within which speaking and listening skills are put to the test; they are also great fun and provide memories to last a lifetime • Excursions may include London museums and art galleries, outdoor activity centres, trips to the beach and coastal walking, visits to neighbouring towns and cities, such as Bath, Bristol, Salisbury and Oxford
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Example Timetable TIME
JUNIOR COLLEGE
MIDDLE COLLEGE
TIME
07.15
Wake-up
Wake-up
07.15
Wake-up
08.00 – 08.30
Breakfast
08.30 – 08.45
Assembly
08.00 – 08.30
Breakfast
08.30 – 08.45 08.45 – 09.45
Assembly Science
09.45 – 10.00
Science Morning Break
SENIOR COLLEGE
08.45 – 09.45
English
09.45 – 10.00
Morning Break Skills for Life
10.00 – 11.00
Mathematics
Geography
10.00 – 11.00
11.00 – 12.00
Geography
Mathematics
11.00 – 12.00
English
12.00 – 13.15
Lunch and Afternoon Registration Business Studies
12.00 – 13.15
Lunch and Afternoon Registration
13.15 – 14.15
Skills for Life
English
13.15 – 14.15
14.15 – 15.15
English
Skills for Life
14.15 – 15.15
Science
15.15 – 16.15
Sport
Sport
15.15 – 15.30
Afternoon Break
15.30 – 16.30
History
Prep
16.30 – 18.00
Sport
18.00 – 18.30
Dinner
18.30 – 20.00
Prep
16.15 – 16.45 16.45 – 17.45
Afternoon Break Prep
17.45 – 18.30
Dinner
18.30 – 19.30
Activities
19.30 – 20.30
Free Time
20.30 – 21.15
Bedtime
21.15
Activities Free Time Bedtime
20.00 – 21.00 21.00 – 21.30 21.30 – 22.00
Activities Bedtime
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Boarding and Pastoral Care ‘We take our students’ safety and welfare extremely seriously’ For many students, enrolling at Bishopstrow is their first time away from home. We therefore realise the importance of our fully-trained residential boarding team always being available to discuss any personal or health matters. The Principal, Head of Boarding and Deputy Head of Boarding live on site, as well as the residential boarding staff, ensuring a high staff ratio and a high level of supervision outside the classroom.
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All of our boarding staff are first aid trained, and all students are registered with the local doctor just in case there’s ever the need for medical treatment. Most students live in Barrow House, at the heart of the main campus. This is also where all meals are served. There are also three further boarding houses – Mandalay, Riverside and Aldhelms – a short distance from the College. All accommodation is owned by the College.
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Dormitories accommodate two, three or four students, with a couple accommodating up to eight students during the summer. Senior College students live in shared rooms of two, three or four, with access to kitchen and sitting room facilities. All students have access to indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, common rooms, study spaces and Wi-Fi. We also provide a laundry service.
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‘An area of outstanding beauty’
Location and Directions Bishopstrow College is set in eight acres of beautiful grounds, with extensive gardens and playing fields.
Bishopstrow College is easily reached by road (M3, M4 and M5) and is close to UK gateway airports.
Surrounded by clean country air and green space, students are encouraged to spend plenty of time outdoors. We are near the ancient market town of Warminster, and have many places of interest within easy reach such as Stonehenge, Bath and the cathedral city of Salisbury.
Trains from Warminster railway station (five minutes from the College) run directly to London Waterloo and London Paddington stations.
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Luton
Heathrow
Bristol Bath Bishopstrow College
Stansted
LONDON 102 miles
Gatwick
Salisbury Southampton
Admissions To apply to Bishopstrow College, complete the online Application Form and submit with the following supporting documents: Passport copy; Current School Report; and a Character Reference. We require all applicants to have an interview with a member of the academic team. The interview will take place at Bishopstrow or via Teams/Zoom.
Applicants may be required to sit a Password English or Mathematics assessment, depending on the programme they are applying to. For further information about the College, including the College policies, exam results and inspection reports, or to arrange a visit, please contact the Registrar: Email: enquiries@bishopstrow.com Telephone: +44 (0)1985 219210 Or visit our website: www.bishopstrow.com
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Part of
Bishopstrow College Bishopstrow Warminster Wiltshire BA12 9HU United Kingdom Email: enquiries@bishopstrow.com Telephone: +44 (0)1985 219210 www.bishopstrow.com