International Pupils
Exeter Cathedral School welcomes international pupils.
As one pupil recently said "I really like Exeter Cathedral School - it is better than my Japanese school. Although the classes are harder they are better and I like the uniform and boarding".
We have experience of boarding pupils from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa, South Korea and Russia as well as day pupils who have come to us from France, Spain and the United States. Our policy is to have no more than three pupils of any one nationality to ensure the best possible experience and individual attention for our international pupils.
Boarding Provision . We have a small and caring boarding house with approximately 30 boarding pupils. The boarding house consists of three houses, linked internally and is situated behind the main school building. Our Houseparents, Dennis and Ann Brittain, are experienced in dealing with the specific matters regarding international pupils (for example homesickness, language difficulties, dietary requirements, liaison with guardians etc) and welcome all that these pupils offer to enhance the experiences of all the children in the boarding house.
Contact with Home . We understand how vital it is for international pupils to have regular and straightforward communications with their families. Pupils are encouraged to telephone regularly at pre-arranged times, as in the above photograph! (The school has a special contract to allow international calls at a discounted cost). Pupils are also encouraged to communicate regularly by e-mail or airmail. We also aim to send regular photographs via e-mail to the families of our international pupils so they can see exactly what their child has been doing. School reports are sent home at the end of each term and at most half-terms. Parents will also be provided with direct telephone numbers for key members of staff, both teaching and boarding.
Guardians . We have established links with several organisations which arrange guardianship for international pupils at English schools and would be happy to provide information on request. Guardians are usually responsible for the transport arrangements for pupils to and from airports, as well as providing a home for pupils during some of the shorter school holidays. Mrs Skeavington, from Educational Guardians: "I have had dealings with many schools in my role as guardian to international students and, in my opinion, Exeter Cathedral School is the best school I have known. All the staff are kind, helpful and efficient and the boarding house is extremely welcoming. The children are happy, confident and caring to others; the school has been brilliant with H, who has integrated extremely well and quickly into his new situation. I would be very happy to send my own children to ECS".
English as a Second Language . Our international pupils receive individual English lessons with teachers who specialise in teaching English as a second language (Mrs Cathy Hodges and Mr Tom Plant). The cost of two sessions per week (each of 1½ hours in duration) is included in the fees for international students. If a student requires additional sessions, over and above the two provided, these would be charged at £22.50 per 1½ hour lesson, plus £5 travel costs for the teacher involved (the travel expenses in all likelihood would be reduced, if these lessons are timetabled to take place on the same day that Mrs Hodges is already at the school). Additional lessons by request are charged in arrears on the termly fee account.
Registration . If you would like to register your child for a place at Exeter Cathedral School we would ask for a completed registration form (enclosed in the prospectus pack and also on our website), together with a cheque for £25.
Visit to the School . We would encourage a visit to the school wherever possible before a child joins us. Transport to and from the main railway station in Exeter can be arranged for visiting families, as well as lunch with key members of the school and boarding staff, and our teacher of English as a second language.
Assessment and Offer of a Place . We need to have an indication of the academic ability of all pupils joining the School. This can be done in one of two ways - either by a report from the pupil's current school or by assessment at Exeter Cathedral School which could take place during a visit. We would then be in a position to offer a place.
Acceptance of a place. To accept an offer of a place we would ask for written confirmation, together with a cheque for £400 deposit which would be held as a credit against the pupil's final fee account.
Fees . The termly fees for international students in 2005/6 are £4370 (which includes tuition, additional English lessons and a full boarding supplement). Fee levels are reviewed annually.
Contact . Please hesitate contact the Headmaster's PA, Lucy Lewis, if you have any queries or would like to arrange a visit - telephone: 01392 255298, fax: 01392 422718 or e-mail : *hmsec@exetercs.org. Further information about the school is also available on this website.
Click here for details of fees.
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