Short programs

• Short-term programs for international students:
• Pre-A Level Foundation Programme – one year for ages 15-16+ prior to Year 12 entry.
• International Study Centre – for 1-3 terms (shorter-term subject to availability) for students aged 14-16+ wishing to improve their English to mainstream course standard.
• Academic Challenge English – two-week (15-29 August 2017) summer course for students aged 14-17+ wishing to improve their English.
• Encore International Music Summer School – two-week (17-29 August 2017) course for piano, strings, guitar, voice, composition and chamber ensembles for intermediate and advanced musicians.
• International String Week – one-week (6-12 August 2017) music summer school for all abilities aged 8-18.
• International Wind, Brass & Percussion Week – one-week (30 July – 6 August 2017) music summer school for all abilities aged 10-18.
• International Jazz Week – one-week (6-12 August 2017) music summer school for Grade 5+ musicians aged 13-18.
  Study groups: Can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Description

Founded in 909AD, with HRH The Prince of Wales as Patron, Wells Cathedral School is one of the oldest schools in Europe. For over 1,100 years it has
educated the choristers of Wells Cathedral and since 1970 it has been recognised by the Government as a specialist music school – the only one offering a pre-professional level of music tuition within a ‘proper’ school offering a full academic curriculum and co-curriculum. In addition to a second specialism in mathematics, today, Wells is a thriving age 3-18+ co-educational day and boarding through school with 710 students on its roll – 565 Senior School and 170 Junior School – around 15% of whom are international students from over 25 different countries.

Application process

UKiset test or Wells’ own academic entrance tests; certified copies of last two school reports; and interview either in person or by e.g. Skype. For potential specialist musicians, audition – in person or by video clip or DVD.

English as second language

Led by Head of English as an Additional Language (EAL) with a program tailored to each student. Cambridge English, IELTS and CEFR testing offered.

Accommodation

Family-style school boarding houses with international students integrated with domestic students. No third-party home-stays, although some international students are day students living locally with their parents.

Curriculum

Based on English National Curriculum culminating in GCSEs and A-levels.

Sports

All major team sports including cricket, field hockey, netball, rugby, soccer and tennis. Also badminton, basketball and volleyball. Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award offer adventurous outdoor activities (e.g. abseiling, rock climbing, sailing, swimming, etc) as part of a wide range of ECAs with countless clubs and societies.

Student support

All students have an academic tutor with whom they meet twice weekly. Learning Support Centre offers support to students with mild specific learning difficulties e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.

Features of the local area

Beautiful Wells – England’s smallest, mediæval cathedral city; Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; historic cities of Bath (World Heritage Site) and Bristol.