Frequently Asked Questions – Summer Courses 2026

 

What’s the profile of the students?

Students are international boys and girls aged 8 to17 who join the school as ‘boarders’. They can come from any country in the world and will have widely varying English language skills. Some will be proficient in the English language, in which case they are likely to be here on one of our academic courses, such as a Pre-IGCSE course or IGCSE Mid-Course Booster or the new Science, Strategy and Society course. Others are here to boost their English language skills. All come to enjoy a well-balanced mix of academic classes, fun sports and activities, cultural and social events and excursions and, in many cases, to make life-long friends.

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.

Will my child be able to arrive at the School the day before the Wednesday course start date?

This is not usually possible as we are unlikely to have a bed available in the boarding houses – but do check with us if you have limited travel options. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to help.

Are airport transfers included in the course fees?

Yes, the costs of airport transfers are included in the course fees, provided flights arrive at/depart from either London Heathrow or London Gatwick between 0800 hours and 1800 hours on the specified arrival or departure Wednesdays. Additional charges would apply for transfers required from/to other airports or UK addresses. 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. A number of resident house staff sleep in the boarding houses overnight, and other pastoral staff are allocated to the houses and 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 by joining in with all the activities the School has to offer; organise social activities to ensure interaction between student nationalities; and help them with any problems they may have.

What is the accommodation?

Juniors - boys and girls aged 8-11 (and aged 12 if they do not have parental permission to walk into Sherborne town at lunchtime unsupervised) live 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 King’s House common room is in an adjacent building, The Barn.  Juniors have all their classes on the same secure campus and are supervised at all times both in and out of class.

Seniors – aged 12 to 17, are accommodated in Sherborne School boarding houses. Boys and girls are accommodated in separate houses.

All houses have large gardens and outside areas for games such as football and basketball; large communal areas and games rooms with table tennis and/or air hockey/table football and board games etc, as well as kitchens which students will be able to use at designated times and under staff supervision. Toilet and shower facilities in all senior houses are shared. Most bedrooms are double and there are a few larger dormitories which usually suit the younger students in these houses.

Where do students have their meals?

Junior students have their breakfasts and lunches in the Dining Hall on the Newell Grange campus. For their evening meal they join the seniors in the Dining Hall on the main Sherborne School campus.

Senior students take all their meals in the Dining Hall on the main Sherborne School campus.

There are a few exceptions to this. For example:

• on excursion Sundays, students are provided with packed lunches;
• juniors may have a picnic lunch if they go on the Hanford excursion on a Thursday;
• when there is a formal dinner held for senior plus students
• when there are other meal arrangements, such as an outdoor barbecue.

Break time drinks and snacks are provided in both dining halls.

Where are the lessons held?

Juniors - all lessons are held in the purpose-built classroom block on the Sherborne International Newell Grange campus.

Seniors – all lessons are held in fully equipped classrooms and laboratories on the main Sherborne School campus. 

What level of English do students need to join the Intensive English course and is there a test?

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.

What is the structure of the lessons?

For Juniors, lessons are 45 minutes long and there are 26 lessons each week (19.5 hours per week).  

For Seniors, lessons are 45 minutes long and there are 30 lessons each week (22.5 hours per week).  Students joining the Pre-IGCSE or IGCSE Mid-Course Booster programmes will study their 4 chosen subjects. If they are staying for more than 2 weeks, they can study the same 4 subjects over all weeks, or they can vary the subjects studied in the second (or third) 2-week block.

For all students, the content is not repeated, however long the student stays.

You can find example junior and senior timetables on our website.

Who will be teaching my child?

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

Subject teachers: Are fully qualified, passionate and professional teachers with years of experience teaching their specialist subject.

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, signed by the doctor and translated into English. 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, we understand how important it is 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.

Students must not use their phone after ‘lights out’ at bedtime either. In the Junior house, staff will collect in phones at bedtime.  In the Senior houses, students will be able to keep their phones overnight unless they break this rule, or parents request that this is not allowed, in which case staff will take their phone away at night and return it in the morning.

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, we recommend that students leave expensive electronic equipment and other valuables at home. However, they may want to bring a mobile phone so that they can stay in touch with family and take photos, for example during their excursions. 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 brought to the School.

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 loss or theft, 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, sun cream, personal toiletries.
- 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.
• 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 a free daily laundry service on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays) and clothing handed in will be returned to them 2 days later.  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 rules 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.

Serious or repeated breach of School rules may mean your child is asked to leave.

What happens once the course has finished?

Students will be given a printed Certificate of Attendance stating the course and dates attended.

Parents will receive a detailed report from their child’s teachers and house staff, outlining the topics covered and progress made in lessons, and detailing their behaviour out of class and in house.

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 or by email at summer@sherborne.org

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