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English as an Additional Language

Leweston has over fifty years experience of teaching EAL and the Department is staffed by experienced, specialist teachers who work with pupils on the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing from beginner to advanced levels.

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Students benefit from EAL lessons in many ways. Leweston has over 50 years of experience in EAL teaching, led by specialist qualified teachers covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing across all levels from beginner to advanced.

EAL Support & Integration

  • Curricular support: EAL lessons are integrated into the mainstream timetable to support subject learning and boost essay writing, research skills, and vocabulary development. 
  • Pastoral support: Weekly drop-in with the Director of International Students in the boarding house, plus lunchtime and after-school support sessions. 
  • Language clubs: Students are encouraged to share and teach their native languages; they're also supported to take GCSE or A‑level qualifications in their first language where appropriate. 

Teaching Environment & Methods

  • Dynamic, small-group teaching: interactive lessons featuring vocabulary games, debates, and tailored one-to-one sessions, supported by dedicated EAL and boarding staff. 
  • Blended digital/traditional methods: 'bring your device' policy using online tools, combined with structured writing practice. 
  • Individual support: especially in Sixth Form, tailored 1:1 sessions to strengthen vocabulary, essay technique, note-taking, or development areas flagged by teachers. 

"Leweston is a place where you can find your talents and work towards your dreams. And if I’ve learned one thing here, it’s that no dream is too far away, not when you’re surrounded by people who support you and believe in you. That’s why I chose Leweston, and I would choose it again every time."

Emma, Year 12

Qualifications and Progression Pathways

Exam Options Key Support Elements
Years 7 to 9 Cambridge Preliminary/First Certificates Integrative lessons + small-group support
Year 10 Cambridge First/Advanced Focus on academic English for subject access
Year 11 GCSE English Language Dedicated support aimed at achieving grade 5+. Native language A Levels on request.
Sixth Form IELTS, plus subject-specific EAL Tiered IELTS courses, university support, and optional academic English coaching. Native language A Levels on request.

Years 7, 8 & 9

New EAL students are assessed on arrival. They receive support either through curriculum-integrated classes or prepare for Cambridge Preliminary or First Certificate exams.

Years 10 & 11

Year 10 students have the option to study Cambridge First or Advanced Certificate, enhancing academic language across subjects. Year 11 provides tailored support focused on passing GCSE English Language (grade 5+), which is compulsory for UK students.

Sixth Form

Year 12 students start IELTS preparation (in 6, 12, or 18-month courses) to meet UK university language requirements. Year 13 continue IELTS preparation or academic English support linked to A‑level subjects; includes university application writing.

Admission Requirements & Policy

  • Entry standards: Students must demonstrate sufficient English to participate fully in lessons and boarding life (usually at CEFR B1 level or above). 
  • Assessment:
    • Years 7–11: EAL & Maths placement tests on arrival.
    • Sixth Form: GCSE-level exams in chosen subjects plus a 500-word essay. Some subject require additional testing.
  • EAL Department: Managed by trained specialist teachers; support tailor‑made to each student’s needs, scheduled in collaboration with parents.

Fees & Additional Support

  • Core EAL: included free in the timetable, replacing another MFL option like French or Spanish. 
  • Extra support: Optional one-to-one or group sessions are available at an additional cost, especially for accelerated progress or GCSE/IELTS preparation.