International Students

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Students from overseas

"We currently have 10 different countries represented in our boarding community. 

We know that learning in a new country is daunting, which is why we run an induction programme with continuous support to ensure our students settle in and adjust to life and learning in the UK smoothly."

Leigh Ware
Head of Boarding at Stamford School

Boarding Community 

Our Boarding Houses are age-appropriate and single-sex to ensure the need for privacy is respected and the right community atmosphere is created for our pupils.

Our boarding community is small, with seven boarding properties, which ensures students and our boarding Houseparents feel part of a close-knit community. Our boarding houses are age-appropriate and single-sex to ensure the need for privacy is respected and the right community atmosphere is created for our students. We offer full, weekly, flexible and occasional boarding, so there is something for everyone, depending on circumstances.

Our Houses are full at the weekends, with students enjoying a social life rich in after-school clubs, sports, fun-packed trips and activities tailored to their age group. Boarders can also make use of our leisure centre and pool, or take advantage of support and advice from tutors and Houseparents during homework time.

Boarding Houses

St Michael’s, Years 3 – 6

Junior Boarding

St Michael’s is our Junior School boarding house for pupils in Years 3-6. We have a maximum of 20 boarders and boast a healthy staff to pupil ratio. St Michael’s is a beautiful period property set in the heart of the Junior School site, surrounded by sports fields and has a tree house, games room and art cupboard so there is something for everyone.

St Paul’s and Byard, Years 7 - 10

Senior Boarding

St Paul’s is our house for younger female students and Byard House is the home of lower school boys. Both houses are located in the heart of the Senior School campus and for students in Year 7 – 10. The neighbouring houses team up for social activities and weekend trips to encourage a really dynamic and energetic community atmosphere.

St Martin’s and Welland, Years 11-12 girls, Park House Y13 girls, Browne House, Years 11 - 13 boys

Sixth Form Boarding

Both St Martin’s and Welland are home to our senior girls in Years 11–12. Both Houses are best described as a home from home. Both offer a nurturing, kind and caring community, with positivity and fun at their core, and a true sense of belonging and camaraderie at their heart. Park House is the home for our eldest female students in Year 13, located close to the Burghley Estate. Park House is a safe and quiet space away from the town centre for students to study, relax and unwind.

Browne House is home to our senior boys in Year 11–13. Located on the St Paul’s site, the house is perfectly positioned close to the large playing fields and sports centre, whilst being close to the town centre and social elements of Stamford to allow for some independence.

Settling In

Our extended induction takes place before the academic year starts in September.

This allows new joining students to find their feet, familiarise themselves with the School and town itself, and complete all necessary induction tasks in advance of their first day of school.

Friends

All new boarders are allocated a current boarder to be their ‘buddy’.

This buddy systems helps new boarders during their first few weeks. It enables students to be able to learn and understand exactly what school and boarding life at Stamford entails and is a great way to begin to make friends.

Houseparents

Our Houseparents are there to listen to any concerns, as well as answer questions and truly make students feel as though they are living in a home away from home.

They are therefore well integrated in a traditional British education, whilst mixing with other students from many different countries around the world. 

Our boarders are surrounded by friendly and helpful boarding, academic and support staff, as well as a strong full UK boarding community.
Weekends

All seven of our boarding houses are busy and vibrant and continue to be at weekends.

Our boarding Houseparents canvas the students’ interests when planning weekend activities and our students often enjoy fun outings to nearby adventures such as escape rooms, laser tag, the theatre, or dinner at a local restaurant.

We have great transport links to nearby cities such as Cambridge, Lincoln, and London, which means a day trip further afield can also often be on the agenda. Closer to home, we are very fortunate to have Rutland Water (which has a fantastic Aquapark in the summer!) and Burghley Park on our doorstep, both of which our boarders enjoy in the warmer months.

Celebrating diversity

Our boarding community is what it is because of our international students.

Our international students are particularly encouraged to share their culture and interests, whether that’s with a House Cooking night making dishes from their home country, or by recognising and celebrating cultural events such as Chinese New Year and Armenian Christmas.

EAL

English as an Additional Language

If English is not a student’s first language, our EAL (English as an Additional Language) Department will help establish the amount of support needed, if any. This will be assessed using their entrance exam results and through discussion with a senior member of academic staff and will be continuely monitored throughout their time with us.

Our EAL Department places a strong emphasis on academic progress, but supports students far beyond teaching English. Our EAL team help students adjust to life in England and learn about British customs and traditions, whilst welcoming and celebrating students’ home cultures. They also work as part of a wider team towards seamless pastoral and academic support.

Securing a Visa

Stamford is licensed to sponsor students under the Child Student route, and can support your visa application by issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

We are not immigration specialists, and therefore cannot provide legal advice.

Guardianship

All international students are required to have an educational guardian based in the UK.

A guardian acts as the parents’ representative and should be available to contact 24/7 in case of an emergency. They are expected to communicate with the School regularly regarding the student’s welfare, and liaise with the School regarding travel and accommodation arrangements during school holidays.

Guardians must be appointed before a student joins us. The School cannot allocate or recommend a guardian on the parents’ behalf; it is an important decision that lies solely with the parents.

Stamford During Covid

Since March 2020, we have done everything we can to make Stamford Schools as Covid secure as possible.

Throughout, we have followed the BSA Covid Safe Charter and complied with all UK Government guidance. We recognise that Covid has been around for over two years now and will likely continue to have an impact on international travel and families' decisions as to whether to send their child to school in the UK.

Read more here

A HMC School Member 

As a member of HMC - The Heads Conference - the professional association of the Heads of the world’s leading independent schools - we provide academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care, and very good co-curricular opportunities. 

Sixth Form Curriculum

We offer 27 subjects at A Level, and students leave us to complete degrees at Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group, elite and international universities, alongside a wide range of career and study choices.

2023 by Numbers

A breakdown of our students' results

Leavers’ Destinations

Around 90% of our Sixth Form go on to university, including Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities, and to elite institutions worldwide.

UK Universities that proved to be popular over the last 5 years:

  • Bristol
  • Newcastle
  • Northumbria
  • Nottingham
  • York
  • Leeds

Fees

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Boarding Overivew

Learn more about all our boarding offering 

Enquire today

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