INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
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At Denstone College, we proudly welcome students from all over the world. Our international pupils bring valuable cultural diversity, enriching our school community. With a broad-based curriculum and outstanding pastoral care, we ensure every student thrives, regardless of their background.
We do not limit the number of international students we admit each year, though boarding is exceptionally popular and fills up quickly. Our international students are fully integrated into Denstone life as full boarders, becoming an essential part of our vibrant community. International students are welcomed into our junior years, as well as for GCSE and A Level studies. Short-term placements are popular, as well as longer stays- many of our international students who originally come to Denstone for one or two terms choose to extend their time with us!
For more information about our boarding experience, please visit our Boarding Page.
Applications
We usually encourage international applicants to apply through education agencies based in their home country, although this is not a compulsory requirement. Agencies facilitate the application process, including administering CAT 4 assessments for entry. This approach simplifies the process for overseas families, ensuring a smooth transition to Denstone College. If you need any help with any of this, please do contact our Admissions team at admissions@denstonecollege.net.
Transport & Applications
Denstone College is conveniently located on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border in the Midlands. The A50 provides excellent accessibility by air, rail, and road, and we are within an hour's reach of three international airports: Manchester, East Midlands, and Birmingham.
We can coordinate travel arrangements through the school, utilising trusted drivers and local taxi companies to ensure safe transportation for students at the beginning and end of each term.
Our safe, rural campus is also within easy reach of several major cities.
Pastoral Care
Understanding the unique needs of overseas students, we pride ourselves on the high standard of care we provide. We support students in adjusting to boarding school life, which can be challenging when far from home. Our boarding community helps students navigate new expectations and language barriers, and personal tutors offer age-specific support and maintain contact with families.
We celebrate the cultural diversity of our boarding community through honouring national festivals and international evenings where students can showcase their cultures. This cultural exchange enriches the daily British school life experience for all of our students.
Inspectors consistently praise our “Excellent” pastoral care, describing it as “highly effective.” The welfare and happiness of our students, especially those far from home, are paramount and we work diligently to ensure their well-being.
Learning
The Learning Support Department at Denstone College is dedicated to helping students achieve their best in academic subjects and develop lifelong learning strategies. This support extends to our international students, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons available, either extra-curricular or on a rota basis, often replacing a modern foreign language or during activity periods. We also offer support in Maths, literacy, and study skills.
Our comprehensive range of core subjects and elective options caters to the diverse needs and interests of our overseas students. Sixth Form students receive thorough preparation for both British and international universities, with individual advice on courses and careers. Past destinations include the USA, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, and prestigious UK institutions like the Russell Group and the Times Top Twenty.
Short Term Students
A small number of pupils join us for a shorter period of time, usually for a year, but occasionally for one or two terms. They use their time at Denstone to improve their English, play their key sports, enjoy our fabulous Music School, but also to develop responsibility and initiative – and of course to make good friends, sometimes for life. In recent years, students from Germany, France and Spain have enjoyed their time with us and made some wonderful contributions to school life.
What An International Student Will Gain From A Denstone College Experience
We believe that education extends beyond the academic curriculum. For our international students in particular, we aim to broaden their experience beyond the school environment. At Denstone College, international students can expect to:
- Improve their language skills
- Be fully immersed in the cultural life of an English boarding school
- Develop social skills and build confidence
- Explore a vast range of extra-curricular opportunities
- Explore a whole range of enrichment opportunities, with a variety of local, national and international trips and events to enhance learning and personal growth outside of the classroom
- Learn to live collaboratively in our exceptional boarding environment
- Form lifelong friendships
In Denstone’s rich history we have many examples of international students taking senior prefect roles at the end of their time with us, with a number taking the honour of becoming Captain of School.
Weekends
International boarders naturally enquire about weekend activities. For students in the 1st-5th Form, Saturday is a normal school day, while the 6th Form may participate in sports matches and training. Saturday evenings and Sundays are designated for relaxation, but we also offer a variety of activities and trips which the boarders love to participate in. These include visits to local landmarks and events, activities such as go-karting or water sports and shopping trips to nearby cities.
We remain open for international boarders over Exeat weekends, organising additional activities and trips. Many international students also enjoy spending time with their UK friends' families during these breaks.
Next Steps
If you seek an excellent UK boarding school that excels academically, on stage, on the sports field, and in the boarding house, Denstone College is an ideal choice. We look forward to welcoming you to our community. Our Admissions team is always available to assist with any questions you may have. We can also put you in touch with our Head of Boarding, Nic Horan, and the Heads of the relevant boarding houses who would love to support you in making this important transition.
