FAQs

Q1. What is the aim of Bishopstrow College?

The main aim of Bishopstrow College is to prepare students to successfully enter some of the very best UK schools.

Q2. How does Bishopstrow College achieve its aim?

Bishopstrow College offers specially tailored courses in English and other required subjects and works closely with every individual student to build up and extend their skills, confidence and motivation.

Q3. Who attends Bishopstrow College?

The College specialises in preparing non-English speaking boys and girls aged from 8 to17 years to enter UK schools.

Q4. Why attend Bishopstrow College?

The College provides the first step into the UK independent school system in a safe and nurturing environment, and most importantly as we are completely independent we can help to prepare your child for the widest possible range UK schools.

Q5. Why not go straight into a UK school?

Choosing the right school for your child can be difficult from a distance, and making the wrong choice can have serious consequences. Bishopstrow College can really get to know your child well and using our considerable experience we can help you or your agent to carefully match your child’s abilities and talents to the best school possible.

Your child may be very able in his or her own school at home but difficulties with English can often be an obstacle to entry into some of the UK’s premier schools. We can provide both the intensive tuition necessary to improve levels of English and the teaching necessary to be successful in entrance examinations to your chosen school.

Research by some of the UK’s leading guardian agencies shows that those students who have attended a pre-boarding school course settle into prep and senior schools more easily and far quicker academically and socially than students who go straight into mainstream schools. Additionally, and very significantly those taking pre-boarding courses finally achieve better GCSE and A-level results.

Q6. What makes Bishopstrow College different?

Bishopstrow College is not attached to any existing school and therefore its help and advice is totally impartial and objective. We will consult closely with you or your guardian agency to support and help your child enter whatever school is best for them.

Q7. What academic courses are offered?

Bishopstrow College teaches English as a Second Language to accelerate our student’s level of understanding to give them the ability to cope in the classroom and the confidence to integrate socially upon arrival at their UK school.
Bishopstrow College teaches maths, and sciences to include biology, chemistry and physics appropriate to their level of ability, age or school requirements.
Bishopstrow College can prepare students for specific entrance examinations for all schools.

Q8. What about life outside the classroom?

A good all round education involves healthy minds and bodies, therefore all students at Bishopstrow College follow an active daily sport and activity programme from a range of stimulating physical and recreational challenges, offering something to appeal to everyone

An appreciation of British culture and society is promoted through regular trips to places of importance and interest as well as special functions organised at the College.

Q9. Who looks after my child?

All students at Bishopstrow College are fully resident in College under the direct care of the Principal. College creates a blend of the highest possible traditions of a British Education combined with a strong and caring family ethos.

Q10. What happens at weekends?

College staff take care of the students 7 days a week. A busy schedule of activities, trips out and events are organised for all students each weekend. It is important that our students have an opportunity to relax as well as time to see something of the UK and experience its culture and heritage.

Q11. How long do students generally stay at Bishopstrow College?

Most students come to Bishopstrow College for 1 to 3 terms (each term is 10 weeks) depending on their individual needs. Terms start in January, April and September.

Q12. Can students come to Bishopstrow College for a short stay?

Yes. Sending your son or daughter to study in England is a huge commitment, therefore you will need to know that they are happy, well cared for and can cope well. Students can come to Bishopstrow College for a short 4 week “taster” course to see if they would like to study in the UK. Students can enrol at any time during the year on these short “taster” courses.

Q13. If my child stays for more than 1 term what happens during the school vacations?

Unlike other schools Bishopstrow College doesn’t close for school vacations, (except in December).
Some parents prefer their children to remain in the UK during the vacations so that their English immersion experience is uninterrupted and extended. It is possible to enrol for a combination of term time and vacation courses. For example, students starting in September often like to go home to see their families for the first vacation in December and then return for two terms often staying at Bishopstrow College for the April and / or the summer vacation, before starting at their new schools in the following September.

Transfers to and from major UK airports can be arranged through the College for students arriving and departing from College.

Q14. What are the entry requirements?

Bishopstrow College takes students of all abilities, from absolute beginner to the more advanced student. There is no entrance exam to enter Bishopstrow College but a good report from your child’s existing school will be required. Early application is recommended to be considered for a place at Bishopstrow College.

Q15. What are the College’s credentials?

The College is an accredited member of ABLS. The Principal has a renowned previous track record of experience as a Deputy Head and Head of British boarding schools with the associated memberships of IAPS, SHA, NAHT, and BSA. She has strong links with many major international schools and leading UK schools.
The highly professional team of staff are well experienced and expert in their field.