Boarding

At Ellesmere College we believe it is not enough just to make sure that our students are successful at passing exams - important though this is - but that they also get the best of all that a British education can offer. We aim to provide subjects which appeal to all of our students' interests and academic strengths, while keeping class sizes small.

GCSE (Age 14-16 School Years 10-11)

Students study a maximum of 10 subjects at GCSE Level, spread over two years. English, Mathematics and Science are compulsory.

To find out more, click here.

Pre Sixth Course (Age 15+ School Year 11)

This is an intensive one year programme designed to prepare students from outside the UK for Sixth Form studies in both A-Level and the International Baccalaureate. The course includes five to six GSCE subjects which are taught in greater depth.

Subjects include: One or two sciences (specialising in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics) English Language first language, Mathematics, Geography and a language, either first and native language such as German, or if already competent in a second language such as French, Spanish or Latin.  All will also study English Literature and for a student with a high level of English on joining us there is the opportunity to take the IGCSE in English Literature in addition, this will be discussed with the individual once they have completed the first term of study.

For more information on Pre sixth, please click here.

A-Level (Age 16+ Years 12-13)

A-Levels have been the basis of assessment for University entrance in the UK. A-Levels are undertaken across Year 12 and  Year 13. Students normally choose to study between three and four subjects at A Level.

To find out more on A Level, click the link.

International Baccalaureate (Age 16-18 Years 12-13)

The IB course is also another way into British universities and is also helpful if students are hoping to study overseas. It offers a broader programme of study than A-Levels. Students will take six subjects - three at a standard level and three at a higher level.

See more about the IB here.

BTEC (Age 16-18 Years 12-13)

The IB course is also another way into British universities and is also helpful if students are hoping to study overseas. It offers a broader programme of study than A-Levels. Students will take six subjects - three at a standard level and three at a higher level.

To find out more, click here.

With many areas of the Boarding life at Ellesmere College being described as 'outstanding' it is no wonder many pupils choose to board here.

Ofsted: Boarding and Child Safety

The Boarding and Child Safety Inspection, which was conducted recently, involved 2 inspectors spending time in the College, a questionnaire to boarding parents, a questionnaire to students, formal group and individual meetings with students and visits to all the Boarding Houses.

Of the 6 categories the College was found to be good in 3 categories and outstanding in 3. The 3 outstanding categories were "helping children to be healthy", "helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do" and "helping children make a positive contribution".

It is by no means unheard of for Independent Schools to fail a Boarding and Child Safety Inspection so to achieve a Report with a mixture of "outstanding" and "good" is very pleasing.

It is no wonder many pupils choose to board at Ellesmere College - be it full time or weekly - as the offering to the boarder has been classed as 'outstanding' in many areas! Ellesmere is progressive in its thinking and offers boarding based on age group (Junior, Middle and the Sixth Form)

To found more about each of our Boarding Houses please click on the links below:

The College provides hot meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner, for all students, ensuring that they benefit from a nutritious and healthy diet every day, including weekends. Our large dining area is the social hub of the school and we make it our duty to ensure a variety of foods are served. In addition there are catering facilities within each boarding house.

From the day a child starts at Ellesmere College they are assigned to one of our boarding houses where Housemasters and Housemistresses support the younger and new students. Our long term experience with such a diverse community means that our staff are fully accustomed to welcoming students from overseas, helping them to settle in happily, and to quickly feel at ease with school life.

Within this rich mix of people, students come to see themselves as global citizens who enjoy getting to understand different cultures. Living together at Ellesmere, they engage with each other's language, food and traditions as part of their daily life. Events and projects that involve friendly competition between the Houses build bonds across the school years.

Many boarding schools today offer a number of boarding options, but one option in particular is becoming increasingly popular with a large number of parents – weekly boarding - a helpful and viable alternative to, and a bridge between, the world of a day pupil and that of a full-boarder.