Frequently Asked Questions for International Admissions

• When should I register my daughter?

We recommend you registering your daughter’s place as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment.

• How do I register my daughter?

Please register via our online registration form.

• How do we travel to school?

We are located two hours from Heathrow Airport and only 45 minutes from Bristol Airport. Transfers are usually arranged with other international students who are catching flights on the same day. We can also arrange for airport collections with our trusted local travel provider.

• Is there a handbook with useful and practical information?

Yes, this is provided as part of our Welcome Pack once our offer of a place has been accepted. The pack is usually sent at the start of the Summer Term in order to give you plenty of time to prepare for your stay with us.

• What Sports opportunities are available?

All students take part in timetabled sports provision. We offer traditional sports such as hockey, netball, cricket and athletics, alongside yoga, Zumba, parkrun and others. We have a ‘Sport for All’ ethos, enabling all students to find the activity which most appeals to them and their interests.

• Do you offer private music lessons?

We offer instrumental and voice lessons, as well as Speech and Drama tuition. All students are welcome to join our many Performing Arts ensembles.

• How are parents informed about their daughter’s progress?

We hold a parents’ evening once per year, to which you would be welcome to attend. We also have annual reports, and work is formally set on ‘Firefly’ so that parents can keep in touch with what is being covered in class.

• Do you have a laptop policy?

All students must bring their own device to School. There are several secure charging lockers around the school where the laptop can be stored when not being used.

• Is attendance at school required on Saturdays?

We have Sport for All every Saturday during term time, from 9:00am until 12:00pm. All boarders attend these sessions, with many of our Day students also taking part. This is when our fixtures take place, so attendance is compulsory for those students who are part of a school team.

• What is your mix of international students?

We welcome students from all over the world and currently have representation from almost 20 nationalities. Many of these are day students, whose families live in the city of Bath or nearby. Our boarders are not all international students; we have a number of UK students who are full or weekly boarders.

• Who do I speak to if I have a concern about my child?

Our boarding staff or your daughter’s tutor would be your first point of contact, depending on your concern. Contact information will be sent to you in the Welcome Pack.

• How do I buy School uniform?

We have two shops here on the School site, a ‘new’ shop and a good-quality second-hand shop. We can arrange a convenient time to purchase uniform either before the start of term, or when your daughter arrives on her first day.

• Does my daughter have to come home during an Exeat weekend?

No, the school remains open for all boarders during these weekends. Your daughter may choose to go home, stay with her guardian or with family or friends.

• What do students do at the weekend?

Our fun-packed weekend programme encourages boarding girls to try new experiences – we actively support our girls as they step outside their comfort zone in a safe and caring environment. Every weekend and during the evenings our boarders also have access to the on-site fitness suite, brand new Steinway Music School and recording studio, and the Library as well as beautiful grounds overlooking Bath. We have links with other local schools and are fortunate to have access to Bath University’s Olympic standard sports facilities.

• Will my daughter need a visa?

From 5 October 2020, all prospective international students, including those from Europe, coming to study in the UK will need to apply through the student route before coming to UK. Further guidance for EEA students can be found here. We are a licensed sponsor so can provide your daughter with the documentation required to support her visa application.

• What is a guardian?

All pupils whose parents are resident outside of the UK require a UK-based guardian. The educational guardian must be resident in the UK, ideally not more than two hours distance away. A guardian may be a family member, a family friend, a guardianship agency, a host family or other responsible UK based adult. Whilst we are unable to recommend particular agencies, we can direct you to AEGIS: The Association of Guardians for International Students.

• What provision is there for students with English as an Additional Language?

Year 7-11 students are required to join us for a Welcome Weekend ahead of the start of the Autumn Term. English language skills are assessed at the start of term, and EAL lessons provided if necessary. Students will receive a number of group EAL lessons as part of their timetabled lessons. If the Head of International Students decides that extra lessons are required, there will be an additional cost.