Bishopstrow College

Established in 2006, Bishopstrow College is a year-round fully residential International Study Centre for students aged 7-17 years. English language and academic pathway programmes are provided to prepare international students for entry into leading boarding schools in the UK and overseas.

The programmes provide an exciting and stimulating education through an integrated course, which both engages and challenges students at all stages of their intellectual development. With up to 80 international students enrolled each term, usually from around 20 different nationalities, we provide a diverse culture to enhance a passion for learning.

Bishopstrow College is not affiliated to any other schools and has developed an excellent reputation as a stepping stone to over 125 leading boarding schools, both in the UK and worldwide.

The College operates a flexible four-term academic year: students are prepared quickly for entry into mainstream boarding schools (minimum 1 term to a maximum of 4 terms).

Class sizes are small, with no more than 8 students per class for English and 12 students per class for subjects; teachers are qualified or trained in teaching English as an additional language.

Bishopstrow is all about providing a learning environment for international students: learning English, learning how to make the most of a British education, learning about the culture of the UK, and learning to share the wisdom and insights of their own culture with others.

At Bishopstrow, students participate confidently in class, always in English, and they also discover a variety of ways they can enjoy a UK education – through sport, drama and music.  They learn a positive approach, and develop skills to become independent learners – as well as critical thinkers.  All this in the supportive, friendly and professional environment of Bishopstrow.  Helping students at all levels develop, for a successful future.

Specifically for girls and boys from non-British educational backgrounds, Bishopstrow College is a safe, friendly, and exciting place to live and learn.  Every aspect of Bishopstrow College life contributes to a successful and enjoyable learning experience for our students.

Bishopstrow College is a caring, kind, well-organised boarding community where an atmosphere of respect and tolerance for others characterises professional and personal relationships and the day-to-day experience of both students and staff.

Bishopstrow College has 5 core values that are at the centre of everything we do:

• To be hard working.
• To be a team player.
• To be kind.
• To be polite.
• To be organised.

The Five Virtues represent the core of the character of a member of the Bishopstrow community, staff and students alike.  They are interwoven throughout every aspect of College life, ensuring that the life of our community, international in make-up, character and ambition, promotes virtues that contribute positively to global society.

Consistent with the underlying ethos of the College are its aims.  In everything we do, we aim to:

• Give each student a thorough linguistic, academic, sporting and cultural preparation that enables a seamless and happy transition to a British boarding school.
• Ensure that students who leave Bishopstrow not only feel comfortable in a classroom with English speakers, but are able to compete at the appropriate academic level in their next school.
• Prepare each student for appropriate Cambridge English Language Assessments and, where relevant, for British public examinations.
• Provide each student with the appropriate advice, assistance and qualifications to select and gain entry to a suitable British independent school for the next stage of their education.
• Emphasise the Five Virtues such that children set themselves high standards and develop self-awareness, resilience and confidence.