Frequently asked questions

An International Study Centre is designed to prepare international students aged 12-17 for a successful educational career in the British educational system.

In a nutshell, the quality of education and  pastoral care, the on-site study and recreational facilities and its proximity to leading airports.

• A reputation for language and academic excellence - all lessons are delivered by teachers who are specialists in their chosen field. Our teachers are skilled in presenting the challenging subject curriculum in ways which make it easier for non-native speakers to learn effectively.
• Small class sizes - a maximum 10 students per class ensures staff are able to focus their time and attention on individual students
• High-quality study and recreational facilities - in addition to the library with views of the formal English gardens and well-equipped classrooms and study centres, the school even boasts an on-site riding centre
• An authentic UK boarding school experience - students will wear a uniform, follow a busy timetable and take part in a hectic social calendar of sports, activities and tours around the UK, giving students a true insight into life in the British education system
• Living and learning in English - a diverse mix of nationalities ensures that all students are required to use their English skills to communicate. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment we help students to settle in quickly and make lifelong friendships with other pupils from around the world.
• High standards of pastoral care - we provide a safe, secure and supportive environment for our students 24 hours a day. Boys and girls live in separate accommodation with their own house parents.

Because of the nature of the market, no International Study Centre is able to commit to specific nationality quotas. However, we will endeavour to recruit students from as wide a range of countries as possible. In 2007 we welcomed students from 33 nationalities, from Poland to Paraguay.

The average class size is 10.

Most students will stay at the school for one academic year (three terms) before moving on to a UK independent school. Some students, for example those with a lower level of English, or those continuing onto our one-year GCSE programme, may stay longer than three terms. Similarly, some students may only enrol for one or two terms.

Generally, students need to have IELTS level 4.5 or above although it may be possible for students with a lower level of English to enter the School.

All subject teachers will be PGCE qualified (or equivalent) and EFL trained and/or qualified.

Students will be able to choose to apply to any UK independent school. With more than 2,500 independent schools in the UK, teaching over half a million students, selecting the right school, particularly from the other side of the world, can be a daunting task. Consequently, we provide an academic counselling (link) service, working closely with parents, agents and students, to identify future schools or colleges.

No, the Bell Bedgebury International School will be non-selective. However, students will be expected to provide proof of their English level and we will seek to obtain copies of their school reports.

The Riding Centre will remain separately owned, although it has a contract to supply horse riding to the Bell Bedgebury International School.

Yes. If they wish, students can bring their horses and stable them in the Riding Centre with a range of livery options available.

The Bedgebury site is set in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside, surrounded by a number of pretty villages. Next door to the School grounds lies the Bedgebury Pinetum offering a wide range of activities (including riding & mountain-bike trails and a new ‘Go Ape’ aerial ropeway) as well as hosting a number of large classical and pop/rock concerts during the summer.

A few miles away lies Bewl Water, the largest stretch of open water in South East England and home to a broad range of activities and watersports.

The sophisticated spa town of Tunbridge Wells is just 11 miles away, offering a unique shopping and cultural experience. Its unrivalled combination of specialist shops and big high street names in a charming and historic setting make the town a popular destination with all kinds of shoppers.

The town and the surrounding area have developed quite a reputation as one of the best places to find good high quality food and drink in the south east of England. From excellent traditional English pubs to fine restaurants offering sophisticated modern food and ethnic cuisine and lively street cafes and wine bars.

Regular free shuttle buses will operate from Bell Bedgebury International School to the town.

A little further, but still less than an hour away, lie many places of contemporary and historic interest (e.g. Hastings, Bodiam Castle).

Also under an hour’s travel time away is London and its world class facilities and tourist attractions.

Wherever possible, we encourage students and their parents to visit the school beforehand, for them to assess the school and its facilities and for us to meet the student.

Where this is not possible, it may be possible to interview the student in their own country (for example, with a Bell agent or at local Bell office).

Yes, there will a simple uniform. A key role of an ISC is to prepare students for the kind of environment they will experience in a UK boarding school and uniform is a key element of this.