COURSES & QUALIFICATIONS International Transition Year (ITY)

International students age 15yrs+ may attend Earlscliffe in order to complete a 3 Year A-level programme or to complete only one of those three years, the ITY.

Why choose the Earlscliffe ITY?

A two year A-level course is not easy and rather than risk difficulties due to a lack of academic English or sufficient previous subject knowledge, some students prefer to take this general academic preparation course to make sure that when they do start their two-year Earlscliffe A-level programme they are well-equipped to succeed academically.

Other students from overseas prefer to take the Earlscliffe ITY as a year away from their own system, to perfect their English, study academic subjects and get involved in boarding college life as fully as possible, with the aim of returning home to their former school and national system after completing the ITY with us. Such students would ordinarily be classified as UK Year 11 or Year 12.

The course content

English Language – either English as a First Language or Second Language.
Mathematics – either the Higher or Foundation tier
One Science subject – Biology Chemistry or Physics
One Humanities subject – Art, Business Studies, Geography
Native language – this includes but is not exclusively limited to – French, Chinese, German, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Turkish
Computer Science can be added upon request

The GCSE course content has been designed to provide the students with a broad balanced curriculum.

It has also been designed with students returning to their national system. If a student wishes to study a non native language, then we will support the student’s request, and if it is possible, it can be introduced to their timetable.

Our students will build strong skills across all subjects, with a particular focus on IT skills essential for their future. ITY students are taught by our usual Earlscliffe academic staff. ITY students participate fully in sports, cultural activities, academic enrichment opportunities and everyday college life alongside their A-level counterparts. All students are integrated socially.

The usual hallmarks of the Earlscliffe A-level programme are applied to the ITY:

small classes
weekly TRaC™ testing to monitor performance and progress
intensive teaching

A limited number of places are available for students wishing to spend one or two terms with us on the ITY.

ITY students take A-level taster lessons at the end of the second term to help them decide which A-level subjects they wish to study in the following academic year. They are fully supported in making their decision, and their parents are involved as well.

In a small class, teachers are able to get to know the students. Everybody is given the opportunity to contribute. Small classes create safe environments in which students are more willing to participate and ask questions. Earlscliffe Academic Philosphy

ITY FAQs

Who is the ITY programme designed for?

The programme is specifically designed for international students aged 15 and over who want to gain UK GCSE qualifications, improve their English and prepare for progression to A-levels or other UK qualifications. It is the UK equivalent of Year 11 and is a full academic year in duration.

Do I need to speak English to join the ITY programme?

Students are expected to have a foundation level of English sufficient to benefit from academic study. However, Earlscliffe’s English for Academic Purposes support means students with developing English can still thrive — language development is built into every lesson, and Cambridge English is studied and examined as a core subject. Contact our admissions team to discuss your current level.

What happens after I complete the ITY programme?

Most students progress to the Earlscliffe A-level or Pre A-level programme. Strong results also open pathways to the International Baccalaureate or further study overseas. Earlscliffe’s Careers Institute and university guidance team support each student in planning the best next step.

Is boarding available and compulsory?

Most students board at Earlscliffe, living in one of six boarding houses. Boarding is central to the Earlscliffe experience and provides the structured study environment, pastoral care and community that international students need to succeed. Please contact admissions to discuss your specific circumstances.

Where is Earlscliffe located?

Earlscliffe is located at 29 Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2NB — on the beautiful Kent coast of southern England. Folkestone is just 54 minutes from London St Pancras by high-speed rail, and close to the Channel Tunnel for easy access from Europe. The school is a short walk from the sea and the famous Leas promenade.

Ready to Begin Your Academic Journey in the UK?

Speak to the Earlscliffe admissions team today. Enquire now to find out more or download the prospectus.

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