English System Boarding

Children joining the English system at Northbourne Park study alongside British and international pupils in standard curriculum classes. All lessons are in English. From the first day, pupils are supported by experienced staff and a structured programme of English language development.

The curriculum

English-system pupils follow Northbourne Park’s standard curriculum, taught entirely in English alongside domestic pupils. Class sizes are small throughout. International pupils sit in the same classes, follow the same timetable, and are held to the same expectations as their domestic peers.

Years 3–6	Ages 7 to 11. Northbourne Park’s own Key Stage 2 curriculum. English Literature and Language, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Art, Design Technology, Computing, Drama, Physical Education and Games.
Years 7–8	Ages 11 to 14. ISEB Common Entrance curriculum. Subjects as above, with examinations in a range of subjects determined by each child’s teachers.

Find out more about the ISEB Common Entrance curriculum

English language support

Assessment and placement

Every international pupil's English proficiency level is assessed on arrival, ensuring each child is placed appropriately and receives the right level of support from the start.

Years 3 to 6

Younger pupils receive substantial in-class support from experienced staff. Additional support outside lessons is available where needed. The school is experienced in supporting children with little or no English at this age, though it is not without challenge for the child in the early weeks.

Years 7 and 8

Older pupils receive three hours per week of timetabled EAL lessons with a specialist teacher, in addition to full integration into the standard curriculum. Children joining Years 7 or 8 are expected to have at least a basic to intermediate level of English to get the most from their time in the classroom.

Cambridge English examinations

Northbourne Park is an official Cambridge English examination centre, welcoming pupils from other schools as well as its own. Three levels are available:

KET — Key English Test	Equivalent to CEFR Level A2
PET — Preliminary English Test	Equivalent to CEFR Level B1
FCE — First Certificate in English	Equivalent to CEFR Level B2

100% Pass rate

December Mock examinations

Fluid groups Children move as progress develops

Pupils joining in September for the year or at the start of the Summer Term will sit Cambridge English examinations. Pupils joining in June for one month do not sit the examination during that stay.

The culture of English immersion

English language development at Northbourne Park is not limited to the classroom. The school’s approach is immersion: learning English by using it, in every context, throughout the day.

	All lessons and activities in English Every lesson and extra-curricular activity is conducted in English, from morning assemblies, to sports and clubs.
	Language Lunch A weekly lunch where international pupils are paired with English-speaking classmates in a relaxed, informal setting.
	Boarding in English The boarding house has designated English-speaking spaces. Mealtimes are conducted in English. Staff are consistent and insistent about English being spoken in the right contexts.
	Real friendships with local families The Boarding Pass system allows boarders to invite English-speaking day pupils to stay overnight. Many of these friendships extend to weekends and holidays with local families, offering additional opportunities for cultural immersion.

Progress and reporting

Parents of children staying for a term or longer receive formal school reports in the Autumn and Summer Terms, covering all subjects. Parent evenings are held annually, with remote attendance options available for families overseas. Teachers are available by email, telephone or video call to discuss a child’s progress at any time.

Children joining for one term or less receive a shorter report from their class teacher at the end of their stay.

Cambridge English certificates are issued to pupils who sit examinations during their stay. Together with school reports, these provide a recognised record of academic progress and English language attainment to present to home schools or local educational authorities. If additional documentation is required, for example, signed letters, translated certificates or other records, the school is happy to provide these on request.

Book a visit or video call

We are happy to arrange a video call with the Head Teacher or a member of our admissions team to discuss the English system boarding offer before you make a formal enquiry.

Book a visit or video call

Make an international enquiry

Tell us about your child and a member of our admissions team will respond within one to two working days.

+44 (0)1304 611215
admissions@northbournepark.com

Make an enquiry