Last week, we were delighted to host a live webinar exploring the UK boarding school journey – with a spotlight on Earlscliffe and contributions from educational experts. The session provided valuable insights into the varying academic options available for students considering a British Boarding School experience, including entry requirements, student support, and life beyond the classroom.
Expert voices provided practical guidance
The session was introduced by Jenny Seed, who welcomed participants and introduced our expert panel:
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Mark Love, Head Teacher at Earlscliffe
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Shu Chang, International Partnerships Manager at InvestIN
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Lee Tattum, Student Immigration Manager, Dukes Education
Together, they covered a broad range of topics, from course choices and student life to compliance and visa updates.
Academic Pathways at Earlscliffe
Mark Love outlined the courses available for international students at Earlscliffe:
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Pre-A Level (Year 11): For academically capable students who need to strengthen their English skills. Available as:
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One-term
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Two-term
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Full academic year
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GCSE (Year 11): A one-year intensive course for students with stronger English proficiency.
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A-Levels (Years 12 & 13): The gold standard for university preparation.
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Diploma in Business and Management: A focused route for students pursuing business education.
The team is also able to recommend academic choices from across the Dukes Education Group, including University Foundation Year (St Andrews College Cambridge) and one-year A-Level options (Rochester Independent College) – ideal for students seeking a streamlined route to UK universities.
Why Earlscliffe?
Mark highlighted what sets Earlscliffe apart:
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A Truly International Community: Welcoming students from all over the world, creating a dynamic and diverse learning environment.
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Senior Tutors: Providing academic mentoring and personalised development plans.
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Outstanding Boarding and Student Care: With exceptional facilities and a warm, supportive atmosphere.
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Sports & Fitness: Including basketball, football, gym, and more.
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Enrichment Activities: Ranging from leadership and life skills to critical thinking, weekend excursions, and team-building events.
Mark also introduced our partnership with InvestIN, leading into the next section of the webinar.
Career-Focused Experiences with InvestIN
Shu Chang explained how InvestIN gives students the chance to explore real-world careers through immersive, hands-on experiences. These programmes can:
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Help students refine their future ambitions
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Strengthen university applications
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Build confidence, leadership, and communication skills
Shu noted that InvestIN courses are predominantly attended by British students. This ensures that international students receive the very best opportunity to immerse in British culture. She also explored the importance of offering a variety of study options, from business and law to medicine and engineering.
Navigating Student Visas and Compliance
Lee Tattum provided up-to-date guidance on the visa process, entry requirements, and how Dukes Education maintains a strong track record with UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration). Topics covered included:
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Best practices to minimise visa refusals
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The importance of guardianship and medical information
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Updates on the upcoming ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system—and what it means for families
Q&A Highlights
The session closed with a lively Q&A, covering key concerns from families and agents alike:
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“Does Earlscliffe offer a Summer School?”
Yes! Mark confirmed Earlscliffe runs a vibrant summer programme, which is an excellent way for students to familiarise themselves with life in the UK before starting an academic year. -
“How does Earlscliffe support students with university ambitions?”
Through dedicated tutoring, UCAS guidance, academic enrichment, and close personal mentoring from the Senior Tutor team. -
“How have student needs changed in recent years?”
Mark spoke about how students today seek not only academic success but also emotional support, global awareness, and purpose-driven learning – a demand that Earlscliffe meets through its holistic and forward-thinking approach.
A Big Thank You
We’d like to extend our thanks to our speakers and everyone who joined the webinar. If you’d like a copy of the recording or more information about any of the topics discussed, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Earlscliffe is more than a school – it’s a community where academic ambition meets personal growth.
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