Frequently Asked Questions – Spring Courses 2026

 

What’s the profile of the students?

There are two types of students: British or international (I)GCSE or A ‘level students who need to revise for examinations, and international students who need intensive English + subjects.

Will my child need a visa or ETA (electronic travel authorisation) to attend the course if travelling from overseas?

You can check if you need a UK visa – or an ETA - at the following link What’s your nationality as shown on your passport or travel document? - Check if you need a UK visa - GOV.UK  Simply enter your child’s nationality as shown on their passport, select ‘Study’ under ‘What are you coming to the UK to do?’, then select ‘6 months or less’ under ‘How long are you planning to study in the UK for?’ You will then be advised whether you need a Standard Visitor visa or an electronic travel authorisation to come to the UK and will be able to make the relevant application from the same website. Sherborne International will provide proof that we have accepted your child on our course.

My child is from overseas but attends a British boarding school. Do they need any visas or other documentation?

No. If your child is already in full-time education in the UK there is no need for extra documentation to attend one of our courses.

What are the course arrival and departure dates?

• Boarders - arrivals: Students who are staying in the school accommodation should arrive on the Sunday before the start of the course, ie either Sunday 5 or 12 April, preferably between 10:00 to 16:00 hours.
• Boarders - departures: Students should depart Sherborne on the last Sunday of their course, ie Sunday 12 or 19 April, preferably between 08:00 to 12:00 hours.
• Day students - arrivals:  Students who are travelling in daily should arrive for breakfast at the Sherborne International dining hall at 8.30am, Monday to Friday, ie 6 to 10 April and/or 13 to 17 April.  
• Day students - departures: Students should depart Sherborne International at 18:00 hours, Monday to Friday. 

Are airport transfers included in the course fees?

No, the costs of airport transfers are not included in the course fees, but we can arrange to collect or drop off students at London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Bristol airports for an additional charge of £175.00 per student, each way.  We ask that students arrive at/depart from one of these airports between 08:00 and 18:00 hours on the specified arrival and departure Sundays. Additional charges would apply for airport transfers required from/to other airports. Flight information must be provided at least 30 days before the date of travel so that transport can be arranged with our approved drivers. We advise that you take out travel insurance ahead of your child’s arrival in the UK.

Who are the boarding staff?

The boarding house staff are a friendly, professional, enthusiastic and caring team led by experienced Houseparents. There is a Pastoral Lead who ensures the well-being of all students and oversees the pastoral team. Resident house staff sleep in the boarding houses overnight and other pastoral staff supervise students when they are not in class, for example on excursions, and during sports and activities. They are there to help keep your child safe; encourage them to make the most of their stay with us; and help them with any problems they may have.

What is the accommodation?

All boarders are accommodated in King’s House, which is located on the Sherborne International Newell Grange campus. Boys and girls are accommodated in separate locked-off areas of the house. Rooms are single or double with a study desk, ensuite shower and toilet facilities. The Kings House common room is in an adjacent building, The Barn.  In fact, everything is on the same secure campus including: the dining hall, the classrooms, science laboratories, art and drama studios and a large assembly hall/function room.

Where are the lessons held?

All lessons are held in the purpose-built classroom block on the Sherborne International Newell Grange campus. Classrooms are quite small because there are very few students in each lesson. Sciences are taught in fully equipped laboratories and all classrooms have interactive whiteboards.

What is the structure of the programme?

Revision students attend a daily Study Skills session before morning classes. These sessions cover revision skills, examination technique and wellbeing.

Lessons are one-hour long and there are 30 lessons each week. The content is not repeated, even if students stay for both weeks.

Students joining the GCSE/IGCSE or A-level revision programmes will study their 3 chosen subjects. If they are staying for 2 weeks, they can study the same 3 subjects over both weeks, or they can vary the subjects studied in the second week.

Who will be teaching my child?

Subject teachers: The professional teaching staff are fully qualified with years of experience and knowledge of the exam boards and syllabuses relevant to their subject. They will differentiate for students studying the same subject but working towards different exams e.g. AQA, Cambridge or Edexcel.

EAL teachers: Those teaching English as an Additional Language hold CELTA or DELTA qualifications and have experience teaching both in the UK and overseas.

What is included in the daily Study Skills sessions?

We think it is important that every student ‘learns how to learn’ by introducing them to effective revision strategies, concentration techniques and improve memory skills including the digital tools available. Plus, techniques to reduce stress and improve well-being.

What level of English do students need to join the Intensive English course?

Students of any level, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (native speaker) can join the Intensive English course. Students will be tested in their English language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) on the morning after their arrival and will join a class with students of a similar ability.

My child has a medical condition – can you ensure they receive their medication?

You must complete the ‘Medical information’ section in Stage Two of your application to advise us of any prescribed medication your child will bring with them. All prescribed medication must be handed to authorised staff on arrival, together with the written prescription and signed by the doctor (and translated into English, if necessary). Our Matrons are available from 08:00 to 21:00 each day and will ensure that your child receives their medication as prescribed. Non-prescription medication should not be brought to Sherborne. This includes vitamins, minerals, food supplements and so on. For general, over-the-counter medications, such as for colds, allergies, sore throats, travel sickness etc. our Matrons have stocks of UK-approved medications and will administer these as appropriate. We advise that you take out private Health and Dental insurance ahead of your child’s arrival in the UK.

What if my child has specific dietary requirements, or food or other allergies?

Make sure you tell us about these in advance, by fully completing the ‘Medical information’ section of your application. Then it’s easy – we can cater for all diets including vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, lactose-free, Halal and so on. We really do need to know the details if your child has a food allergy but please don’t just list the foods they don’t like!

My child has specific needs / learning or behavioural difficulties / has a disability / has EAA (Education Access Arrangements) for examinations. Is Sherborne International the right environment for them?

If we can provide any/all necessary adjustments we will, but we need much more information before we can properly answer this question. Please contact us with the full details and we will respond as quickly as we can. All our teachers are familiar with EAAs and if they know beforehand, they can adjust their teaching accordingly.

Will my child be allowed to use their mobile phone?

Yes, it is important that you and your child can contact each other during their stay with us, and wi-fi is provided in the School and boarding house. However, your child must not use their mobile phone in the dining hall or during lessons (unless directed by the teacher for research purposes), or during sports and activities. Boarders should not use their phone after bedtime and staff may take their phone away at night if your child breaks this rule – or if parents request that we do so. If your child brings a phone, we will ask for their phone number so that we can contact them in an emergency or if they are not where we expect them to be.

Does my child need to bring a laptop or other electronic equipment?

No, it is not necessary, but we understand some students may wish to bring a device to help with their studies, particularly if they wish to use the evenings for self-study. The School cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, students’ possessions. We recommend that parents take out an appropriate level of insurance for any valuables.

Can my child leave the campus at lunchtime?

Children aged 12 who have their parents’ consent on the booking form, and all those aged 13-17 can walk into Sherborne Town alone or in groups at lunchtimes. Students under the age of 12 may not leave the campus unless accompanied by a member of staff.

How much pocket money will my child need?

Very little. There are no hidden charges to our courses. Your child may want to buy a souvenir, a drink, or an ice cream and there will be some opportunities for shopping, but we do not recommend that your child brings a lot of cash. We advise that you provide your child with a prepaid credit/debit card or an online wallet via their mobile phone. That way, there is a reduced risk of theft or loss, and you can keep control of your child’s spending.

What should my child bring with them?

All bedding is provided but your child should bring:
- Two towels, soap, personal toiletries etc.
- Machine-washable casual clothes, plus sportswear, swimwear, sports shoes, waterproof jacket.
- Sports equipment is provided but students may bring their own if they wish.

• Adaptors are available for electrical equipment (equipment needs to be 220-240 volts).
• We provide pens, paper, calculators etc, but students may wish to bring their own pencil case.
• Students should bring relevant course books and notes to help us maximise the benefit of the courses. For example, if you are revising for English Literature and have an annotated copy of Macbeth please bring it with you.
• All personal items should be named. We cannot accept responsibility for loss of items that are not named.

Is there a laundry service?

Yes, the School provides boarders with a free regular laundry service on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays) and labelled clothing handed in will be returned to them 2 days later.  However, we recommend that students who are only staying for one week bring enough clothing to last them for their stay. All items of clothing handed into the laundry should be named to avoid loss.

What are the School rules?

The School rules are there to keep the School community safe and happy, and to keep students out of trouble. Students must follow the rules. The most important ones are:

• No smoking (or use of other tobacco products), vaping, drugs or alcohol. This rule applies at all times throughout your child’s stay at Sherborne International, whatever their age.
• Be kind and polite and treat everyone with respect – bullying, including cyberbullying, is not tolerated at our School.
• Obey the laws of England – particularly in relation to drugs, alcohol, theft.
• Follow staff instructions – this will help keep you safe.
• Be on time for lessons, sports, activities and other events organised by the School.

What happens once the course has finished?

Parents will receive a detailed report from all their child’s teachers, outlining the topics covered, progress made and recommendations for future studies and continued improvement.

How can I contact the School?

The School Office is open between 08:30 and 17:00 hours, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted on +44 1935 814743.

In an emergency, you can contact the School on the same number, and your call will be answered by the staff on duty.

You can also contact us by email at spring@sherborne.org