Sherborne International College

• Location: Sherborne, United Kingdom
• Established: in 1977
• Number of students: 160 people (100% at the hostel)
• Students age: 11 -16 years.

In 1977, the Sherborne International College of the same name was opened in Sherborne: it is the first international British center where students from other countries could qualitatively prepare for studying in the institutions of the United Kingdom. The founder of the college was the famous teacher Christopher Greenfield: having extensive experience in traditional schools in Britain, he saw how difficult it is for foreign students, how difficult it is for them to integrate and adapt, and therefore decided to create a profile international training center. Today, the college accepts children from all over the world, helping them to integrate into the British cultural, academic and language environment, to improve academic performance, to feel comfortable in a new country.

The Sherborne International College campus is located in the picturesque Dorset county (one of the ecological zones of England): you can get to Heathrow International Airport in about two and a half hours, and to London - in two. The international center operates on the basis of the Sherborne School, one of the best boarding schools in the UK, which accepts both boys and girls for studying (there are two branches). The campus invariably captivates students with the majestic, historic Victorian buildings that seem to plunge into the past - but the school's interior equipment meet high modern requirements. According to the latest independent verification in 2016, the institution was ranked "excellent" for all key parameters.

About 100 adolescent foreign students enter the Sherborne International College every year. Strictly adhered to the basic academic rule: even children from one country should communicate with each other in English - this is a common and universal language of the college. An interesting "punishment" is provided for those who violate this rule: instead of resting and playing at a big change, they watch the latest edition of the British news (naturally, in the original), and then discuss them with the teacher, practicing language skills and expanding the vocabulary.

The age of the students is from 11 to 17 years, they usually spend 1-2 years in college. Thanks to a small number of students (160 people) and small classes (up to 8 people), educators know each student by name and in person, pay due amount of personal attention, facilitating adaptation. Teachers have special accreditations that allow them to work effectively with foreign students and international groups as much as possible, and help foreign students to join a new academic environment. Every three weeks an academic check is conducted, and each student receives his own report on successes and weaknesses, which can be "tightened" with a small correction of the curriculum.

The department that helps foreign students enroll in colleges, boarding schools and universities is especially useful: consultants hold interesting Open Doors, invite to lectures and meetings of representatives of the best educational institutions, organize excursions to campuses, organize exams and make up for students the necessary recommendations, select a package of documents. Even children with a zero, basic level of English can study at the center: there are teachers with the qualifications for working with foreign students and are able to build the most effective curriculum (but keep in mind that if you want to enter the IGCSE or GCSE program, the level of English should not be lower Intermediate). A good stage of preparation will be a seasonal language camp - for Easter or summer holidays.

According to 2015, students who completed the GCSE program received highest scores from A * to C in 68.8% of cases. The English language was the most successful: this is especially noteworthy, since it gives foreign students the opportunity to overcome the language barrier and continue their studies abroad. Many graduates continue their education at the main Sherbourne school, some choose other prestigious boarding schools -Eton, Winchester , Sevenoaks .

Mr Steven Allen

Fyling Hall School Principal

When is the best time to apply to UK schools, and what should be expected?

Ideally, start the application process when you feel ready. The unpredictability of recent times, like the 2020 pandemic, highlights the importance of feeling secure and prepared for such a significant step. Research the school's website, subscribe to newsletters, follow them on social media, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

100% of Sherborne International College students live full time in boarding house: mostly in residences, but if the students applied very late, then for them a suitable host family is selected (each house carefully checked by staff). But if the place is vacant in the residence, a student from a host family can live on campus.

Each hostel is equipped with all necessary for rest, study: wireless high-speed Internet, small student kitchens, common cozy living rooms with table games, TV and DVD. All children are under 24 hours a day - the school guarantees absolute safety for everyone.

Thanks to the excellent sports facilities of the Sherborne International College, students can enjoy the widest and most varied opportunities for outdoor activities. Sports teams and prefab schools regularly take part in competitions and tournaments, organize friendly matches and games with other educational institutions.

In our free time there are also many interesting electives, excursions, fun activities. Most of them are for the weekend - yet on weekdays students learn a fairly large and difficult curriculum and there is little free time. For junior students, leisure activities are held on weekdays - for example, on Wednesdays after lunch. Students can attend digital photography courses or cooking, learn mountaineering or horse riding, learn to debate or play board games. Music lessons (playing various instruments, vocals) are organized for an additional fee: the most gifted musicians will be able to take part in the Sherborne School Orchestra or in the choir.

The course price does not include and is paid additionally:

• Visa fees and services, certification and translation of documents
• Consular fee (usually paid at the embassy)
• School registration fee
• Air tickets in both directions
• Transfer 
• Personal pocket expenses
• Medical insurance
• Additional English lessons (2x60 minutes weekly)
• Additional trip to London on Sunday (14-17 years).

The price already includes:

• Studying on the program (26 -30 lessons weekly)
• Accommodation and meals, laundry services, use of the entire campus infrastructure
• Introductory testing
• Company certificate at the end of the course
• All necessary teaching aids, books and materials
• Excursion, sports and entertainment program.

Extras:

• Transfer (one way) 150 GBP

Students of 11-16 years of age can apply to the Sherborne International College. The following documents must be prepared for the Admission Committee:

• The report of achievement;
• Recommendations and characteristics from the previous place of study;
• Certificate of English (IELTS 4.0 or its equivalent).

If the student's level of English is not sufficient for effective teaching, he will be offered to take preparatory language courses.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision