International Course Options

International pupils join Northbourne Park through one of three pathways. The right choice depends on your child’s age, language background and how long they plan to stay. This page sets out the options clearly, so you can identify the best fit before making an enquiry.


 

Comparing the pathways

  English system Section Française Bilingue Advanced Programme
Who it is for International pupils joining the British curriculum French-speaking pupils following the CNED French curriculum High-ability French-speaking pupils studying in both systems
Age range Year 3 to Year 9 (ages 8–14) CM2 to 4e 5e level only
Language of instruction 100% English French and English (approx. 50:50) Both systems simultaneously
English qualification KET, PET or FCE KET, PET or FCE FCE
French qualification None CNED + Lycée de Londres exams CNED + Common Entrance
Minimum stay One month One term recommended One year
English required Little or none (Years 3–6); basic to intermediate (Years 7–8) None required Strong — working towards FCE
Selection Informal interview with Head Teacher + school reports Informal interview with Head Teacher + school reports MidYIS assessment + Head Teacher's discretion

How long can pupils stay?

One month  From £6,500

The shortest term-time stay. Pupils follow the full curriculum and boarding routine. Available in term time only. Pupils joining in June for one month do not sit Cambridge English examinations during that stay.

One term  £12,000 per term

Long enough to sit Cambridge English examinations (depending on term of arrival), build lasting friendships and make measurable progress in English. Pupils receive a teacher’s report at the end of their stay.

One year or longer  £36,000 per annum

The fullest experience. Formal reports in the Autumn and Summer Terms, parent evening with remote options, and the complete curriculum. Year 7 and Year 8 pupils may work towards Common Entrance examinations depending on their future plans.

No fixed intake windows operate. Pupils may join at any point in the academic year, subject to availability.


The Advanced Programme

The Advanced Programme is a bespoke course for a small number of selected pupils who meet the criteria to study in both the English system and the Section Française Bilingue simultaneously.

Who it is for

5e-level pupils with high academic ability, a strong command of English, and the motivation and independent learning skills to manage an increased workload across two systems.

What it involves

Advanced Programme pupils register for the Year 8 class and follow a personalised timetable spanning both systems: Common Entrance (in English, Science, History, Geography, Theology, Philosophy & Religion and Spanish, with the schedule decided by the Director of Studies), CNED (Maths and French taught with the 5e class, with independent learning time each week) and FCE (Cambridge English First Certificate, taught throughout the year with mock oral exams in March). Some pupils also work towards the Lycée Français entrance examinations.

The Common Entrance course spans two years. Pupils joining the Advanced Programme enter at the halfway point and must be motivated to cover independently content taught in Year 7. Mock examinations take place in February and the course culminates in final exams in the summer of Year 8.

Admission criteria

1 MidYIS assessment demonstrating the required level of cognitive ability and English
2 Already working towards Cambridge English First Certificate
3 Working at a high level in French, as demonstrated in school reports
4 Able to manage an increased workload and complete work for both systems
5 Able to work independently for at least one lesson per week

Admission to the Advanced Programme is at the Headmaster’s discretion, taking into account reports, the assessment result and the pupil’s future plans. Families should register their interest as early as possible in the admissions process.

Download the Advanced Programme booklet


Summer options

For families considering a shorter introduction to school life at Northbourne Park, two summer programmes are available.

Summer Immersion Programme Five to seven weeks of language learning, curriculum lessons and boarding life. Pupils join English-system or SFB classes and receive intensive English tuition in the first week, followed by normal school activities and a residential trip, depending on age. Ages 8 and above. Arrival Sunday 6 June 2027, end Friday 2 July 2027.
Download the 2026 Summer Immersion booklet
English Summer Adventure Camp Two weeks of English language tuition, outdoor adventure and sport. Sunday 6 July to Sunday 20 July 2027.
  Find out more about the Summer Camp

Not sure which option suits your child?

Contact us and we will help you work out the best fit before you make a formal enquiry.

Book a 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