INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK 2022 - Leweston School
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INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK
2022
WELCOME TO LEWESTON
Leweston has been a presence in the independent school
sector since 1891. It is a thriving co-educational school
with a rich history, providing an outstanding education
for British and International pupils, with over 50 years
experience teaching English as an Additional Language.
We currently have just over 550 children on campus
ranging in age from 3 months to 18 years. Our boarding
starts at Year 4, or 8 years old, and we have both boys
and girls boarding houses.
As a small school with a strong sense of community, Leweston is home to many overseas pupils and attracts
students from all points of the compass. Our international students are an important part of our friendly, diverse
community.
The last boarding inspection conducted by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate highlighted how well our
overseas students were welcomed, how well they integrated and how much they enjoyed their time boarding at
Leweston.
We hope this Handbook will give you detailed information about Leweston and what we can offer, as well as
information on entry requirements, process and ethos. Our dedicated Admissions team look forward to working
with you over the next academic year.
John Paget-Tomlinson
Headmaster
LEWESTON AT A GLANCE Size: Prep (ages 5 to 11) 161 | Senior (ages 11 to 18) 309 | Sixth Form (ages 16 to 18) 50 Boarders: (ages 8 to 13) 80 Location: Dorset, South West England Curriculum offered: GCSE, one year Pre-A-Level, A Levels and BTEC Founded: 1891 Religion: Catholic but welcoming to all denominations and none Nationalities: We are excited to welcome students from around the globe. The home countries of our recent students are shown on the map below: Leweston is: A welcoming community with a strong sense of family. An academic environment where pupils achieve above expectations. Consistently in the top 5% of schools nationally for value-added. An inclusive school where pupils are encouraged to try all of the opportunities open to them. Focused on the individual, with dedicated academic and pastoral staff who know every pupil. A beautiful, inspiring and safe environment to learn and grow with direct train access to London. A specialist Pentathlon Training Hub offering fencing, shooting and riding lessons in addition to traditional team and individual sports supporting elite and developing athletes to compete local, national and international level. A creative environment offering Fine Art, Fashion and Textiles, 3D Design and Photography at A Level and GCSE. A home for performing arts with regular productions, individual music teaching, ensembles and music groups. A busy school with a comprehensive extra-curricular and academic enrichment programme. A competitively priced boarding experience which offers value for money with full time, one year and short stay options available.
LEARN ABOUT LEWESTON The School Leweston was founded in 1891, over the past 130 years it has grown and developed, moving from its original site in Sherborne to the campus it inhabits today. Starting as an all-girls school, Leweston is now co-educational offering boarding and day to boys and girls from around the globe. The school places great emphasis on the importance of relationships: between girls and boys, between the age groups, and between the school and the families it supports. It is known for its warm welcome and strong family atmosphere. Life at Leweston is busy with an extensive academic, creative and sporting programme. Students are encouraged to take up all opportunities because learning takes place as much outside the classroom as within it. The School Structure Children aged 4 to 11 are educated in the Prep School housed in its own, separate area of the site. The average class size in the Prep is 16. In Year 7 pupils move into the Senior School. Year groups are typically split into two or three classes of around 18 students. Years 12 and 13 make up the Sixth Form. The School Day 8.20am School starts 4.20pm School Ends 4.30pm Tea 4.45pm Activities and supervised study 6.45pm Supper 7.30pm Boarding House meetings, further activities and more study time for older pupils Lessons are 60 minutes and, in the Senior School, arranged in a two-week timetable to provide flexible subject choice. Our Pupils Pupils join Leweston in almost every year group. Boarding starts at age 8 or Year 4. Leweston pupils have an impressive range of talents, both academic and otherwise. We send a number of candidates to highly selective universities every year but we are equally proud of those pupils who follow a vocational path or exceed their own ambitions. We have a significant number of elite athletes who compete at a regional, national and international level particularly in Pentathlon and associated sports. We encourage all pupils to have a positive attitude to their physical and mental health and take an inclusive approach to everything on offer. Music is an important part of life at Leweston with orchestras, bands, choirs and many smaller ensembles. A significant percentage study an instrument or voice. The Music Department collaborates closely with Drama with an annual school production and smaller examination and year group performances. Community is central to the ethos at Leweston and our international pupils make a significant contribution to all aspects of the school and are very much welcomed into Leweston life.
What type of pupil chooses Leweston?
Leweston does not have a ‘type’, we embrace a wide diversity of personalities, interests, backgrounds and
approaches to life. Our ‘Leweston Learner’ framework encourages and recognises pupils who are:
Inquisitive
Adventurous
Confident
Resilient
Creative
Activities
Leweston has a comprehensive activities programme. A full timetable is published every term. Music, drama and
sports practices are scheduled throughout the week. Pupils comment on the programme and suggest future
ideas.
The school does not have lessons on Saturday morning but provides opportunities for private study and
relaxation. Saturday afternoons are normally taken up with sporting commitments, trips or onsite games. On
Sunday afternoons pupils have a range of activities to choose from, on or offsite. In addition, House Parents
organise a number of unpublished spontaneous events such as rambles and film parties. Most activities are free
and if they incur a charge parents are notified in advance. Day pupils are invited to join the weekend programme
and often join their boarding friends on trips and in-school activities ensuring that the evenings and weekends
are busy.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a national scheme designed to equip young people with skills for life. Leweston
offers all three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each involves volunteering, physical skills and an expedition.
Pupils can enrol in Bronze from Year 9 and Silver from Year 10, Gold is exclusive to Sixth Form. The award is very
popular and a number of international pupils participate every year.
Chapel
Leweston is a Catholic foundation, which welcomes pupils of all faiths, and none.
The Chapel plays an important part in school life. The whole school gathers weekly for school services. It also
hosts our musical events. It is always open so pupils can find a quiet space when they need one.
Mass is celebrated on Wednesdays for the whole school and at the weekend Catholic boarders attend join the
local community for Mass in the Parish. Pupils of all ages participate in planning the liturgies and take an active
role as servers, readers, choir and musicians. We often welcome parents, friends and neighbours. Pupils of other
faiths are supported in their own worship and an Anglican liturgy is held once a term.
LOCATION AND TRAVEL Leweston is situated three miles outside of Sherborne, in Dorset. Sherborne is an ancient market town with an abundance of medieval buildings, nationally famous Abbey, picturesque Almshouse and two castles. It regularly appears in film and television. There is a strong music, arts and cultural life in the town and local area. Only half an hour away from Leweston is the Jurassic Coast, England’s first World Heritage Site. The 95 mile coastal stretch between Exmouth and Studland Bay provides stunning cliff walks and secluded bays with plenty of opportunities for fossil hunting. A fantastic resource for Geography and Biology fieldtrips and well as fun days on the beach. The school also has Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close by as well as countless museums, galleries, National Trust properties and Natural Reserves. The School postcode is DT9 6EN. Leweston is on the A352 between Sherborne and Dorchester and is within easy reach of the A303 and A35 arterial routes. Traffic dependent, London is approximately two hours’ drive, Bristol airport just over an hour and Exeter airport one hour and a half. Location Journey Length by Car Distance London Heathrow 2 hrs 177km London Gatwick 2 hrs 30 mins 218 km London Waterloo 2 hrs 14 mins 207km Southampton Airport 1 hr 30 mins 106 km Exeter Airport 1 hr 20 mins 85 km Bristol Airport 1 hr 20 mins 74 km
INTRODUCING MISS HOLLY QUICK
Director of International Students
Miss Quick joined Leweston as the Director of International Students and Head of EAL
in September. She has a hands on approach to building relationships with students
and injects energy into all the lessons no matter which level.
Miss Quick trained as a Geography teacher before moving to China and retraining as
an English teacher. She worked for Disney English in Shanghai and Guangzhou
training students from 3 to 11 years old using a variety of resources. After achieving
her TEFL and CELTA qualifications she went on to become the Academic
Manager/Foreign Principal of an English school which grew from 80 to 130 students.
Having spent 5 years there she returned to the UK as Head of EAL at a school in
Herefordshire before arriving at Leweston.
Miss Quick writes: 'Leweston is the perfect environment for an immersive English experience. We welcome students
from a broad range of countries for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL). Whilst a child is here they
receive expert teaching and attentive pastoral care. As well as achieving exceptional grades in Cambridge
proficiency exams I also seek to broaden their awareness of cultural experiences and values throughout the core
curriculum. As the Director of International Students I will oversee the current placement, teaching and care of all
international students. Guiding teachers and students to deliver and develop learning.
The EAL classroom at Leweston School is a thriving holistic learning environment that provides international
students with all the linguistic tools that they need to immerse themselves fully into school life. In the lower years
students are assessed and then work through the Cambridge Pass Trinity scheme of work or similar depending on
their requirements. In Years 9 and 10 students are preparing for their Cambridge proficiency tests such as B1, B2
and even C1 which is tested locally.
In Year 11 there is a more flexible approach so that students can focus on developing their language skills for other
subjects. Support is given throughout and themed lessons have been created to help across the curriculum.
At Sixth Form we prepare students for their International English Language Testing System exam (IELTs) that will
be taken in Year 13. This exam is extremely important for those students wishing to apply to top universities.
Additional EAL support is available for those students wishing to improve further or in a weaker area that has been
noted by teaching staff. These lessons are tailored to the individuals needs and are usually 1:1 based.
I have already brought into the school additional Chinese support for those students taking Native language A
levels and hope to build up a strong network of other languages'.
RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS
A Level, Pre-U and BTEC Equivalent
23% 50%
2021
A* 42% 72%
A*-A 69%
A* Grades A* to A Grades A* to B Grades
A*-B 83%
2017-2021 2017-2021 2017-2021
A*-C 91%
Courses 2015-2021
2%
3%
Sport, Sports 4%
Foundation,
Performance Veterinary Science,
Combined Honours
Agriculture
10% 16%
Art, Design, Social Sciences,
Architecture Politics, International
Relations
12%
Economics,
Business, Finance
13%
Physical Sciences
8%
Engineering,
Technologies,
Mathematical Sciences 4%
Music, Dramatic Art,
7% Film Studies
Linguistics, Languages
9%
and Literature 8% 5% Medicine, Dentistry,
History,
Law, Nursing
Philosophy,
Criminology
Theology,
Classics23% 50% 72% 54%
to Russell Group
A* Grades A* to A Grades A* to B Grades Universities
2017-2021 2017-2021 2017-2021 2017-2021
GCSE and BTEC Results 2021
48% A* (8-9)
67% A*-A (7-9)
81% A*-B (6-9)
98% A*-C (4-9)
Destinations 2021
University of Bath Sports’ Performance
University of Birmingham Psychology
University of Cardiff Geography, Psychology
University of Edinburgh Psychology
University of Exeter Art History and Visual Culture and Modern Languages, Flexible
Combined Honours, Geography, History, Philosophy
University of Manchester Fashion Marketing
University College, London Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Kingston University Business Management
Royal Veterinary College, London Veterinary Science
Royal Agricultural University Real Estate Management
University of St Andrew’s Molecular Biology
St George’s, London Medicine
University of Winchester Media Studies
International Pupils
This summer our international students achieved an impressive 11 A*s A Level with 95% of all grades A* to B. At
GCSE 81% of all grades were 9 to 7. Over the past six years our international pupils have gone on to study at a
variety of different higher education institutions including almost all of the prestigious Russell Group
universities. A full list of destinations and courses can be found on our website but they include:
University of Cambridge Medicine, Natural Sciences
Durham University Business Management, Economics
Imperial College London Mathematics, Psychology and Language Studies, Mechanical
Engineering, Mathematics with Applied Mathematics and Physics
King’s College London Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, Computer Science with
Intelligent Systems
University College, London (UCL) Medicine, Statistics, Pharmacy, Natural Sciences, Mathematics
with Management Studies, Arts and Sciences, Biomedical
Engineering, Electronic and Electrical EngineeringUniversity Destinations 2015-2021
Dundee St Andrews
Edinburgh
Central St Martins
Imperial College
King's College
Kingston
UCL
Royal Central School of
Newcastle
Speech & Drama
Durham
Royal Veterinary College
Royal Holloway
LeedsHull SOAS
York
St George's
Manchester Sheffield St Mary's, Twickenham
Liverpool University of the Arts
University of the Creative Arts
Nottingham Westminster
Birmingham
Aberystwyth
Loughborough
Warwick
& Leicester Kent
UEA
Gloucester Cambridge
RAU
Swansea Cardiff Oxford & Oxford Brookes
Bristol & UWE
Reading Essex
Bath & Bath Spa Essex
London
Winchester Surrey
Exeter
Southampton
Sussex
Plymouth
Bournemouth BrightonCURRICULUM Leweston Prep Prep pupils routinely outperform national averages in all measures. In addition to the curriculum subjects pupils participate in a range of sports and activities including swimming and weekly Forest School sessions. Years 7 to 9 Leweston delivers a broad and flexible curriculum that ensures balanced, appropriate and interesting learning opportunities for every pupil. There is a strong emphasis on independence and learning skills. GCSE (Years 10 and 11) GCSE courses are normally taught over two years and examined at the end of Year 11. Pupils study 10 subjects. Six are compulsory: English Literature and Language, one Modern Foreign Language or English as an Additional Language, Mathematics, Religious Studies and either Combined Science (2 GCSEs) or three separate single sciences. In addition, pupils choose up to three individual options from the remaining subjects. Pre-A Level (Year 11) The programme is ideal for students looking to improve their level of English or expand their subject knowledge before joining Sixth Form. Students will participate in 20-30 hours of lessons per week with additional supervised study periods. Lessons will be taught in English with the majority of classes taken alongside UK students. Each student’s timetable is designed on arrival according to a number of criteria including: previous knowledge, aptitude, career plans, home country requirements and personal preferences. Students will take some subjects to GCSE whilst others are non-examined, they can also study for EAL qualifications and it may be possible to take a Level 1 or 2 External Project Qualification (EPQ) in the summer term. It may also be possible for students planning to stay into Sixth Form to join Year 12 A Level classes and start to prepare their courses. Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) Leweston offers two different Sixth Form qualifications: A Levels and BTECs. Most students take three subjects, some may take four but this is usually when combining Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Subject choice is extremely important, and we understand that some pupils may experience difficulty narrowing their choice. The Head of Sixth Form and the Heads of Departments are available to discuss choices and university ambitions. Sixth Form students will typically have 10 hours of teaching per subject per fortnight and teaching groups are usually 8-10 students in size although popular subjects can be more. All Sixth Formers have the option to study for an Extended Project Qualification. At both GCSE and Sixth Form the timetable is built to accommodate as many choices as possible. Students are not expected to select from prescribed blocks however a subject may not run due to insufficient interest. Applications made after the timetable is agreed in March may be subject to limited choices.
LEARN IN ENGLISH Leweston has over 50 years’ experience teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) from beginner to advanced levels. Pupils benefit from EAL lessons in many ways. They assist progress in their main subjects or support internationally recognised examinations such as Cambridge Preliminary or First Certificate or the British Council’s IELTS. All are available as one-year courses. Prep, Years 7, 8 and 9 Pupils are assessed on arrival and a decision is made about the best pathway. Some will use EAL for support with lessons whilst others will study for Cambridge Preliminary or First Certificate examinations. Year 10 Pupils in Year 10 can select EAL as their foreign language option and study for an EAL qualification in one year. This also builds academic language skills for other subjects. Year 11 Students in Year 11 receive tailored support for the GCSE English Language examination. This is compulsory for all pupils studying in the UK and must be passed at Grade 5 or above. Year 12 Students in Year 12 prepare for the IELTS examination required by all English medium universities. Depending on a student’s level they may take this course in six months, one year or 18 months. Year 13 Students may be finishing their IELTS course or choose to use EAL to support their other subjects. In addition, support is given with writing university applications. Our Head of EAL is available one night a week in boarding to assist with academic or pastoral concerns. In addition to this EAL support is available at lunchtimes and after school. Extra Activities Twice a term events are held with international students from other schools where pupils can collaborate and compete to use their English skills. These events include public speaking competitions, debate evenings and quiz nights. First Language It is important that students feel valued for their ability to use more than one language. Whilst we expect pupils to communicate in English at all times around the school we do respect their own languages. Students are encouraged to teach their language and culture to others. In addition, they can take GCSEs and A Levels in their first language if this is appropriate.
PENTATHLON In 2016 Leweston was awarded Pentathlon Academy status by Pentathlon GB, it has now transitioned to become a Pentathlon Training Hub. Lead by our highly experienced resident coach, Mick Flaherty, the Hub organises and delivers dedicated training and mentoring programmes tailored to individual needs. This allows students to access fencing, shooting, riding, development swimming and running as individual sports as well as a combined training package. Working with National coaches pupils can learn new skills or, in the case of our elite athletes, work towrds regional, national and international competition. A number of the school pupils have competed for international teams and taken part in European and World Biathle, Triathle and LaserRun Championships winning individual and team medals. The school is also developing its Triathlon (swim bike run) offering and is currently taking part in an exciting pilot scheme with British Triathlon.
ART AND DESIGN
The Art and Design Department at Leweston is a
lively and original place which offers the pupils an
opportunity to explore a range of creative areas.
The Art and Design Centre houses:
3D Design Studio
Textile Studio
Ceramics studio
Creative Graphics Suite
Dark Room
Fine Art Studios
As well as a dedicated studio space for Sixth Form
students.
Pottery, fine art, computer aided design,
photography, woodworking and textiles are part of
the curriculum for Years 7, 8 and 9 and the school
offers Fine Art, Fashion and Textiles, 3D Design and
Photography at GCSE and A Level.
Students have gone on to study art, design, fashion
and architecture courses at a range of prestigious
universities and art schools including: Central St
Martins, University of the Creative Arts, University of
the Arts, London, University College London,
Manchester Metropolitan and Bournemouth
University.FACILITIES
Leweston sits in 46 acres of beautiful Dorset
parkland. As a through-school pupils of all ages can
access a range of facilities often unavailable to
individual Prep or Senior Schools or independent
Sixth Form Colleges.
The Prep School is located in the former Coach
House with:
dedicated tennis and netball courts.
a Victorian walled garden play area.
an ‘Enchanted Wood’ for Forest School with full
outdoor classroom.
The Senior School is centred on the Grade I listed
Manor House and has:
a new Music School with individual and class
teaching rooms, ensemble room and recording
studio.
the Pensabene Library with views over the
beautiful grounds.
Sixth Form Centre with social and study space.
The purpose built Senior Science Centre has:
three laboratories
project room
preparation room
The Art and Design Centre is available to all pupils
and houses:
two fine art studios
two Sixth Form studios
a pottery workshop
creative computer suite
dark room
textiles room
3D design studio
Leweston’s excellent sports facilities provide:
an all-weather hockey pitch which doubles as
nine tennis courts in the summer
a sports hall with both an indoor netball and
hockey court, four badminton courts, a
conditioning suite and a range of Technogym
cardo-vascular equipment
six netball courts, six hard surface tennis courts
an indoor heated swimming pool
300m grass track
The Prep and Senior School share the Theatre,
Dining Hall and Chapel.BOARDING AT LEWESTON Leweston has four boarding houses all of which are located within the main school building. This ensures full integration between day and boarding pupils. Day pupils are encouraged to participate in the weekend activity programme and have the option to flexi-board throughout the week and weekends. Martha House (Girls Years 3 to 8) Martha is a welcoming and safe place for girls from age 7 to 13. It is divided into traditional dormitories with 6-8 boarders in each room. It is close to the Head of Boarding’s accommodation and has a strong ‘family’ feel. Cecilia House (Girls Years 9 to 10) Boarders in Years 9 and 10 live in newly renovated, spacious dormitories of between 4 and 5. Each boarder has their own bed and space to decorate with pictures from home as well as a well-equipped common room for relaxation. Eleanor House (Girls Years 11 to 13) Year 11 and Sixth Form boarders move into a separate wing to recognise their changing needs. Year 11 may share a double room but all Sixth Form boarders have a single. Independence is encouraged and the Sixth Form have their own Sixth Form Centre which provides indoor and outdoor social space as well as the facilities to cook for themselves and entertain. They also have facilities to do their own laundry and are encouraged to develop their own independent living skills. Antony House (Boys Years 4 to 13) The boys’ boarding house is divided into junior and senior areas, each providing pupils with individual, double or small group rooms as well as a common room for social space. Induction We make all our pupils welcome from day one. Every September on the first day of term we hold team building and other orientation activities which are carefully planned to ensure all new pupils get to know each other. Each new pupil has a ‘guardian’ on arrival to provide particular support as they settle in. This is often an important factor in forging new friendships. Prefects The Boarding Prefect leads a team of senior boarders who act as role models and are the boarders’ representatives. They chair termly boarding council meetings. International pupils also have the International Boarding Committee which acts as a forum for overseas students and organises and promotes world events and festivals. This is led by the International Boarding Prefect.
COMMUNICATION Support to Parents At Leweston we understand that sending children to study abroad is a significant undertaking. We therefore recognise the importance of good communication between home and school, and take care to be responsive to parents. The parents’ main point of contact will be the house parent and tutor. All staff can be contacted directly by email or telephone; and staff contacts are listed on the school website Parents visiting the UK are always welcome to visit the school, and we can arrange meetings with teachers and other staff if required. Visiting parents are always invited to any school events we are holding at the time. As parents are sometimes unfamiliar with the UK, and might not speak English, they may need to use educational agents and guardians to help them. The school works very happily with agents and guardians. It is particularly important that parents who are not able to communicate easily with the school appoint an agent and guardian. All of the school’s communication is in English, and parents need to make sure they understand our terms and conditions and other documentation. Educational Guardians It is a requirement for all pupils living abroad, including UK nationals, to have a guardian resident in the UK. This is the case even for older pupils as it is no easy matter to move to a foreign country to study. The educational guardian is there to provide support for both the pupil and their parents. Parents are reassured to know that they have someone at hand to visit their child at school, monitor their wellbeing, and help with communication between school and home. Pupils are reassured to know that they have someone outside the school whom they can call on for help if they need it. The UK guardian can also provide somewhere to stay for any occasions when the pupil needs to be away from school but remain in the UK. For example, there may be difficulty getting a flight on the right day, or the pupil may need to stay in the UK after term ends in order to attend university interviews. Educational Agents International agents provide invaluable help to parents, especially those parents who do not know the UK education system and who do not speak English. Leweston looks to collaborate closely with our international agent partners, to ensure that pupils choosing us are making the right decision. Agents are welcome to visit whenever they are in the country. Help for Pupils Leweston has a dedicated Admissions Department, who keep in touch with each family throughout the time between their admission and their actual arrival, sending information, answering questions, helping with practical matters like visas, and putting pupils in touch with teachers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is your admissions process? How quickly can applications be
All enquiries are taken by our Admissions team who processed?
will request the pupil’s name, age and date of birth
along with copies of latest school reports and the The admissions process can be completed in as little
pupil’s passport. If relevant it is helpful to know the as two weeks if relevant information is shared and
pupils’ A Level or GCSE choices. the pupil can make themselves available for
All entrants must complete English and Maths tests interview.
provided by the school to be sat under exam
conditions either at the pupil’s School or Agency.
Alternatively a UKISET report can be submitted if the
How many places do you have for
pupil has one. Tests should be returned to international pupils?
Admissions for review by the Deputy Head and
On average 30 international pupils join Leweston
Director of International Students.
every year representing a wide range of different
After tests have been marked the pupil will be invited nationalities.
to an interview with a senior member of staff,
For the benefit of all students, we maintain a good
typically the Director of International Students. This
balance of British and international pupils in classes
can take place either in person as part of a visit or via
and boarding houses so availability changes
Skype, arrangements should be made with
throughout the year. It is advisable to apply early in
Admissions. Face to face interviews may be possible
the year preceding the point of entry, especially for
when the Headmaster is travelling.
Spanish speakers. There is typically the highest
Offers will be made after interview and testing and demand for spaces in Years 9, 10 and 12.
may be conditional where certain documents are yet
to be disclosed. Offers are typically held open for one
month but this may be shorter if there are limited What are your entry requirements?
places available. Sixth Form international applicants are normally
expected to offer GCSE English, IGCSE English as a
How do you secure a place? Second Language or IELTS Band 5.5 or any
equivalent EAL qualification as pass level or above.
Places are secured with payment of the deposit fee All Sixth Form entrants should have 6 GCSEs (or
and signature of the Terms and Conditions. Deposits equivalent) at Grade 5 or above with Grade 7 in the
are refunded on the pupil’s final bill, they will not be subjects they wish to study.
returned if the pupil decides at a later stage that they
In the lower school pupils are expected to evidence
do not require the place.
that they have the potential to achieve Grade 5 or
above at English GCSE (or equivalent).
What is the deadline for
application? Do you accept pupils throughout
There is no formal deadline and we continue to the year?
accept applications until our places are full, after Pupils typically arrive in September at the start of the
that we operate a waiting list. Interest in Leweston is school year but it is sometimes possible to join after
strong and for 2022 entry some year groups this point. Each application is looked at individually
approaching closure. Candidates are advised to as there will be a requirement to catch up on work
apply as early as they can, especially at GCSE and missed. This is not recommended in Years 10 and 12
Sixth Form to ensure maximum option choice. due to examination courses.At what age do you accept Can families visit the school?
international pupils? Prospective pupils and their parents are welcome
to any time but we recognise this can be difficult for
Boarding at Leweston starts in Year 4 (age 8) and overseas families. Agents are welcome to visit in their
international boarders are welcome from this point. place. Please contact the Admissions team on +44
The school has international day pupils, whose 1963 211015 or admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk
families are living in the UK from Nursery upwards.
If a pupil wants to study at Leweston with the aim of
staying in the British higher education system we Does the school provide transport
would recommend them joining the School as early
as possible.
to and from airports?
From September 2021 the school will provide its
own airport transport service to and from London
Do you accept students for short Heathrow at the start and end of term. The service
periods of study? will use the school’s own minibuses and drivers.
The school is in easy reach of Bristol, Exeter and
Subject to availability students are accepted for Southampton airports and collection can be
short stay visits ranging from a half term to one year arranged using our long-term travel partners
in length. The admissions process will be adapted Hounslows who provide an escorted airport
for short stay pupils according to the requirements collection service. Further details are available from
of the year group and the length of stay. Admissions.
One term or less
Short stays are available from Year 5 (age 9) to Year
How are international pupils
12 (age 17). Pupils can join throughout the year but supported academically?
Autumn and Summer terms are most popular. As
Year 11 is a public examination year short stays are The core purpose of the school is ensuring that
not recommended. pupils reach their academic potential. The teachers
are very helpful and approachable. Every pupil is
Short stays are popular with families whose
assigned a tutor to support their academic
domestic education system prevents them making a
development. Tutor meetings happen three times a
longer term commitment. Many short stay pupils
week and cover a range of topics. All tutors work
return for the same period every year and we look
with the Head of Year, Deputy Head and House
forward to seeing them on an annual basis.
Parent.
It is sometimes possible for the school to accept
small groups for one or two week periods during the The Director of International Students offers
year, again subject to availability. additional support and will have regular check-ins
with overseas students.
One Year Every pupil will receive an annual written report and
Some pupils attend Leweston for a one-year period there is a parent consultation evening for each year
to access a full year’s teaching and complete an EAL group. Guardians or family members based in the
examination. It is an ideal way for pupils to improve UK are encouraged to attend. In addition pupils
their English and learn about British culture. One- receive half termly grades which will be shared with
year courses are most common in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 the families’ agent.
and 12. The academic year starts in September and
runs until early July.Do you charge for English as an Do you have exeat weekends?
Additional Language (EAL)? International boarders can stay for exeat weekends at
no extra cost. The Houses do close for half term when
Free EAL is offered as part of the curriculum where it boarders travel home or to guardians.
takes the place of one other subject, this is typically
French or Spanish. Private individual or group lessons
Do boarders have to share a room?
are charged as an extra for those who need further
support or want to accelerate their learning, Younger boarders share rooms, we believe this is a
particularly A Level students preparing for IELTs good thing as it helps new pupils make friends more
examinations. quickly. Year 11 and Sixth Form pupils usually have
their own study bedroom.
What might be charged as an extra?
School uniform is approximately £330 in the Prep
Do bedrooms have their own
and £510 in the Senior School. No uniform is required bathrooms?
in Sixth Form but pupils are expected to purchase
Leweston currently has no ensuite bedrooms but
Sixth Form sports kit which is approximately £50.
boarders have good washroom facilities. Some Sixth
Examination entry fees, individual music and drama, Form rooms have a basin.
school trips costs vary but are usually between £250
and £500, parents are notified in advance. Students
will need to purchase their own stationery and have
Is there internet access in the
money for personal expenses. More information is boarding houses?
available in the International Fees Brochure which is
available on the website or from Admissions. All boarders have access to the internet with Wi-Fi in
the boarding houses, study areas and IT suites
around the school. There are also private Skype
Where can I buy uniform? rooms for those without individual rooms. Each
The school uniform can be bought online or from the boarding house has its own landline and pupils can
school shop. New pupils will have a uniform fitting use their own mobiles in the evenings.
booked for them on arrival. Current pupils are
welcome to visit the shop during its opening times. Can pupils bring their own
pictures/posters from home?
What medical care is available?
Yes they can, each room has a large pin board for
Pupils are registered with the British National Health
photos and pictures etc. Some pupils bring bunting
Service (NHS) which provides free care (except for
and battery operated lights to make it more homely
some small charges). The school has its own Well-
– often using the cupboards or shelving as a way to
Being Hub staffed by two registered nurses and a
hang things. Pupils can make their rooms really
school doctor who visits weekly. The Well-Being Hub
pretty but they are to avoid marking the painted
is open Monday to Friday with qualified staff on call
wall surfaces.
in boarding overnight and at weekends. There are
two hospitals in easy reach of the school and
treatment can be arranged through the school doctor Are pupils allowed laptops?
as necessary. Pupils can bring laptops but please be aware these
are expensive items and can easily be damaged –
even in transit at airports etc. Please make sure
these items are insured. Every pupil has a school
email address and this is a very effective way to
communicate between staff and pupils.Are mobile phones allowed? Yes although Years 7 to 11 are not permitted to use them during the school day to ensure pupils are fully involved in the life of the school. Please remember that although we understand families want to keep in contact, we do find that speaking on the phone last thing at night can make new pupils a little homesick. House Parents will be in touch if they feel a pupil is not settling in. What are the laundry arrangements? Laundry takes place twice a week – once for a pupil’s home clothes and bedding and once for uniform. All items brought into school must be named. Sixth Form students have access to their own laundry and can do this for themselves if they wish to. Can my child bring money to school? Boarders are able to open UK bank accounts and we will help them do this at the local bank in Sherborne. We also encourage international boarders to travel with a credit card for their personal expenses. However, most cash machines in the UK accept foreign cards. We ask that any money brought to school is given to the House Parent for safekeeping. Valuables should not be kept in students’ rooms. Can pupils wear their own clothes at school? In the evening and weekends, and at certain other times, pupils are allowed to wear their own clothes. There is no uniform for Sixth Form but all students require a dark suit for formal occasions and clothing choices must comply with the official dress code.
Can I take my child out if I am visiting? Yes but please ensure that the House Parent has been informed. There are many good hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in the surrounding areas and the school would be happy to help with recommendations. What is the weather like in Dorset? The South West in the UK has quite a mild climate and there is not a great variation between the seasons of the year. The summers are usually fine. If you have more questions about life at Leweston please visit our dedicated Knowledge Base on the school website.
USEFUL CONTACTS Mrs Simkins-Smith Mrs June Smith Director of Boarding and Registrar Housemistress of Eleanor House Office: +44 1963 211015 Office: +44 1963 211066 smithj@leweston.dorset.sch.uk Mobile: +44 7964 539463 simkinsb@leweston.dorset.sch.uk Mrs Charlotte Ovey Mr Cannon Housemistress of Martha and Cecilia Houses Housemaster of Antony House Office: +44 1963 211018 Office: +44 1963 211018 Mobile: +44 7377401626 Mobile: +44 7772 318643 oveyc@leweston.dorset.sch.uk cannonl@leweston.dorset.sch.uk
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