Welcome from our Director of International Students
- International Students
- Welcome from the Director of International Students
Salut – Bienvenido – Welkom – Willkommen – 欢迎 ようこそ – Mirëseardhje – Witamy – Benvenuto – добро пожаловать
Leweston is the perfect environment for an immersive English experience. We welcome students from a broad range of countries for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL).
Whilst a child is here they receive expert teaching and attentive pastoral care. As well as achieving exceptional grades in Cambridge proficiency exams we also seek to broaden their awareness of cultural experiences and values throughout the core curriculum. As the Director of International Students I will oversee the placement, teaching and care of all international students. Guiding teachers and students to deliver and develop learning.
The EAL classroom at Leweston School is a thriving, holistic learning environment that provides international students with all the linguistic tools that they need to immerse themselves fully into school life. In the lower years students are assessed and then work through the Cambridge Pass Trinity scheme of work or similar depending on their requirements. In Years 9 and 10 students are preparing for their Cambridge proficiency tests such as B1, B2 and even C1 which is tested locally.
In Year 11 there is a more flexible approach so that students can focus on developing their language skills for other subjects. Support is given throughout and themed lessons have been created to help across the curriculum.
At Sixth Form we prepare students for their International English Language Testing System exam (IELTs) that will be taken in Year 13. This exam is extremely important for those students wishing to apply to top universities.
Additional EAL support is available for those students wishing to improve further or in a weaker area that has been noted by teaching staff. These lessons are tailored to the individuals needs and are usually 1:1 based.
I have already brought into the school additional Chinese support for those students taking Native language A levels and hope to build up a strong network of other languages
Holly Kelly- Quick, Director of International Students
Get to know Mrs Kelly-Quick
Leweston welcomes boarders from across the world. Our international students live alongside British pupils in our boarding houses, follow the same curriculum and become fully part of school life, academically, socially and in every activity and club on offer. Mrs Kelly-Quick, our Director of International Students, oversees every aspect of your child's journey from first enquiry through to departure and remains a point of contact for families throughout their time with us. If you can't visit in person, the Headmaster is happy to meet you and your child online. Get in touch with admissions →
EAL Teaching and Academic Support
From Cambridge proficiency exams in the lower years through to IELTS preparation in the Sixth Form, every international student follows a structured English language pathway tailored to their level. Additional 1:1 EAL support is available throughout, and subject teachers ensure no student falls behind in the classroom while their language is developing.
Boarding Life for International Students
Our boarding houses are small, warm and deliberately integrated, international and British students share the same spaces, the same mealtimes and the same friendships. Houseparents are attentive to the particular needs of students who are far from home, and we communicate regularly with families overseas so you always know how your child is getting on.
Joining from Overseas — What to Expect
From your first enquiry to your child's first day, we guide families through every step: entry requirements, visas, guardianship, travel arrangements and settling in. We know the process can feel complex from a distance, which is why we make it our job to simplify it and answer every question honestly along the way.
Read the latest independent review of Leweston School
THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE
"Can I stay at Leweston for the whole year, or if not, just one more term?"
Carmen, Year 7
Take the next step
Whilst all families are welcome to come and visit Leweston this can be more difficult for those overseas. The Headmaster, Mr Paget-Tomlinson, is happy to meet parents and pupils online to answer questions and talk more about the opportunities Leweston offers. Our friendly admissions team are ready to help.
Study International
Discover how Leweston blends academic rigour with heartfelt pastoral care in this feature by Study International. From individual attention and strategic teaching to a unique boarding experience and inclusive community, the article highlights how Leweston supports every pupil to thrive, whether they live five minutes or 5,000 miles away.
Questions international families ask us
What happens to my child during school holidays?
The academic year is divided into three terms and six half terms. During these holiday periods the boarding houses close. We work with each international family individually to make arrangements that suit your child, whether that's travelling home or staying with an approved guardian in the UK. Planning holiday periods is something we discuss with families well in advance so there are no last-minute surprises. See term dates →
Does my child need a UK student visa?
Students from outside the UK joining us for more than six months will typically require a Child Student visa. Leweston is a licensed sponsor, which means we can issue the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter your child needs to apply. Our admissions team will guide you through the visa process step by step, it is more straightforward than it can appear, and we have supported families from many different countries through it. Find out about joining from overseas →
Does my child need a guardian in the UK?
For students whose parents live outside the UK, we strongly recommend appointing a UK-based guardian, a responsible adult who can act in loco parentis during holidays and in any situation where a parent cannot be reached quickly. We can advise on reputable guardianship agencies and will work with your chosen guardian to make sure they are properly briefed about your child and our school. Talk to admissions about guardianship →
How does Leweston help international students settle in and make friends?
We take the induction of new international students seriously. Before term starts your child will receive information about what to expect, and in the first weeks we pair new international students with existing students who can show them around, introduce them to friends and help them find their feet. Our Houseparents and Mrs Kelly-Quick keep a particularly close eye on new arrivals and will flag anything to parents early rather than late. Most international students tell us they feel at home within a matter of weeks — often sooner.
Where can I find information about international fees?
International boarding fees are set out clearly on our fees page, including the difference between EU and non-EU rates where applicable. We are transparent about what is included and what may be charged additionally so families can plan with confidence. See international school fees →
What nationalities are currently represented at Leweston?
Our international students come from a wide range of countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond, you can see some of the locations on the map below. We find that a diverse mix of nationalities actually helps all students integrate more naturally, as no single group is large enough to become a separate social bubble. International and British students mix from day one, in lessons, boarding and activities alike.
Where our pupils come from
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