Join Us | Earlscliffe
A Gold Standard Education and University Preparation for 15 to 19 Year Olds
Earlscliffe offers the best of English education: A-Levels, the GCSE International Transition Year, University Foundation Year and the Diploma in Business and Management — with average class sizes of 7, full boarding, and a Football Academy in partnership with Tottenham Hotspur for students who want to combine elite sport with academic study.
~7Average A-Level class size
48Nationalities represented
6Boarding houses on campus
54 minBy train to central London
See It For Yourself
Welcome to Earlscliffe
A glimpse into our vibrant, diverse and proudly international school community, straight from Earlscliffe.
Why Families Choose Earlscliffe
A Home From Home, Built Around Every Student
A small community of around 150 students from all over the world, with award-winning pastoral care and a single mission: preparing ambitious students for the UK's, Europe's and the US's most selective universities.
7
Average A-Level class size, so every student is known personally by their teachers.
9
Lessons per subject per week, with weekly TRaC™ testing to track progress.
1:1
UCAS counselling from experienced staff, including Oxbridge and US Ivy League support.
2025
Winner of the BSA Award for Supporting International Boarders.
A-Level Programmes
Enquire About A-Levels
A Rigorous A-Level Education, Designed for International Learners
With an average class size of 7 and dedicated UCAS support, our two-year A-Level programme equips students with the qualifications, skills and confidence to secure places at the world's leading universities.
- Students typically study four A-Level subjects, including their native language where possible
- English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is embedded in every lesson, with IELTS preparation available alongside the timetable
- Every student receives 1:1 UCAS counselling, including Oxbridge and US Ivy League application support
- All students have the opportunity to complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport is also available, equivalent to one A-Level
A-Level subjects offered
| Sciences & Maths |
|---|
| Mathematics |
| Further Mathematics |
| Biology |
| Chemistry |
| Physics |
| Humanities & Social Sciences |
|---|
| Economics |
| Business |
| Geography |
| History |
| Politics |
| Psychology |
| Creative |
|---|
| Art & Design |
| Photography |
| Languages |
|---|
| Chinese |
| French |
| German |
| Italian |
| Japanese |
| Russian |
| Spanish |
| Turkish |
A-Level at a glance
- Course length2 years (UK Years 12-13)
- Typical subjects4 per student
- Class size~7 students
- Exam boardsAQA, Edexcel/Pearson, Eduqas
- UCAS support1:1, incl. Oxbridge & US
University Outcomes
A selection of recent university destinations for Earlscliffe A-Level graduates:
University of OxfordUniversity College LondonStanford UniversityLondon School of EconomicsImperial College LondonUniversity of EdinburghUniversity of St AndrewsUniversity of TorontoKing's College LondonUniversity of BristolUniversity of WarwickDurham University
GCSE International Transition Year
Enquire About the GCSE ITY
GCSE International Transition Year (GCSE ITY) — A Confident Start Before A-Levels
For international students aged 15+, the GCSE ITY builds academic English, subject knowledge and confidence before starting the two-year A-Level programme — or as a standalone year for students planning to return to their national system.
- English Language (as First or Second Language), Mathematics, one Science and one Humanities subject
- Native language support across French, Chinese, German, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Turkish
- Taught by the same academic staff as A-Level students, with full integration into sports, culture and college life
- A-Level taster lessons at the end of the second term to help students choose their future subjects
- The usual hallmarks of Earlscliffe teaching apply: small classes, weekly TRaCâ„¢ testing and intensive teaching
GCSE ITY at a glance
- Course length1 academic year
- Equivalent toUK Year 11
- Minimum age15 years
- Shorter stays1-2 terms available
- Progresses toA-Level or Pre A-Level
University Foundation Year
Enquire About the UFY
University Foundation Year (UFY) — One Year, Four Pathways to UK University
A bridge between school and university, fully internally assessed with no final exams — ideal for students who want a one-year pre-university course and perform better through continuous assessment.
- Officially accredited by NCFE (National Council of Further Education)
- Fully internally assessed through tests, assignments, essays, projects and practical work — no final high-pressure exams
- Includes three academic subjects, English Language, IELTS preparation and 1:1 UCAS counselling
- Minimum English requirement of IELTS 5.0, with pre-sessional options from 4 weeks to 2 terms
- Graded Pass, Merit or Distinction, with typical conditional offers around 65% overall and IELTS 6.5
UFY at a glance
- Course length1 year
- Equivalent toUK Year 13 (ages 17+)
- AssessmentFully internal, no final exams
- AccreditationNCFE
- English requirementIELTS 5.0 minimum
Four Foundation Pathways
STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics — for students heading into engineering, computer science or the physical sciences.
BEM
Business, Economics and Management — for students targeting business schools and management degrees.
Humanities
For students progressing into law, politics, international relations and the social sciences.
Creative Arts
For students progressing into art, design, architecture and the creative industries.
University Foundation Year Outcomes
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| University destinations worldwide | 30+ |
| Student nationalities | 20+ |
| Recent destinations | Durham, Exeter, Leeds, Queen Mary, Toronto, St Gallen, UAL, Melbourne |
In Partnership With Tottenham Hotspur
Enquire About Football Academy
Earlscliffe Football Academy — Train With Spurs, Study for a UK Qualification
Launching September 2026, a full-time pathway for students aged 15-19 who are serious about football but equally committed to A-Levels, GCSEs or the Business Diploma — with a dedicated Tottenham Hotspur coach on site, embedded within Earlscliffe's normal academic timetable.
- Daily coaching from a full-time Tottenham Hotspur coach: technical skills, tactical sessions, video analysis and competitive fixtures
- Full academic studies alongside football — A-Levels, GCSEs and the Business Diploma, with small classes and specialist subject teachers
- Club immersion: visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre and matchday experiences at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Optional US university pathway support, including SAT preparation and athletic profile building
- Full boarding and day options available, with the same pastoral care as every other Earlscliffe student
Football Academy at a glance
- Entry: September 2026 (ages 15-19)
- Full scholarships available for September 2026 entry
- Combines with: A-Levels, GCSEs, Business Diploma
Boarding & Pastoral Care
Ask About Boarding
Boarding — A Home From Home in Folkestone
Six boarding houses, girls and boys housed separately, each led by a live-in House Manager who becomes every student's first point of contact throughout their time at Earlscliffe.
- Live-in House Managers who know every student personally, supported around the clock by a boarding house staff team
- Students live in spacious twin or single en-suite rooms, with shared common rooms, kitchens, laundries and gardens
- A vertical House system, where older students mentor younger ones, plus a School Nurse for physical and mental health support
- Dedicated SENDCo and Deputy SENDCo, supporting students with additional needs or an EHCP
- Winner of the BSA Award for Supporting International Boarders, 2025
Boarding at a glance
- Boarding houses6
- House structureGirls & boys housed separately
- Room typesSingle / Twin, en-suite
- Supervision24/7, House Managers on site
- Medical supportSchool Nurse + GP/dentist access
Students are allocated by age, gender and stated preference gathered during admissions, with House Managers introduced to every student and their family from the very first day.
2025 Examination Results
Results That Rival the UK's Top Independent Schools
Achieved by students who are overwhelmingly non-native English speakers, without a British educational background — the product of small classes, weekly testing and structured academic support.
55%
of all A-Level grades A*/B
100%
A*/A in Photography
100%
A*/B in Further Maths
75%
A*/A in Art & Design
29%
GCSE grades at 9/7 (A*/A)
69%
GCSE grades at 9/4 (A*/C)
In Their Own Words
Student Testimonial Videos
Real Earlscliffe students, from over a dozen countries, on what studying and boarding here is actually like.
What is an Earlscliffe Education Like?
Favourite Thing About Earlscliffe
Student Testimonial — Italy
Student Testimonial — Romania
Student Testimonial — Kazakhstan
Student Testimonial — Russia
Student Testimonial — Ukraine
Student Testimonial — Ukraine
Student Testimonial — Spain
Student Testimonial — Germany
Student Testimonial — Bulgaria
Student Testimonial — Hong Kong
Student Testimonial — Iran
Student Testimonial — Albania
Student Testimonial — France
Swipe or use the arrows to see more student stories →
A Gold Standard Education
Whichever pathway is right for your family, our admissions team is ready to talk through the details.
Part of Dukes Education
29 Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, CT20 2NB
+44 (0)1303 253951
Next Step
Enquire Now to Find Out More
Our admissions team will recommend the best pathway for your student — A-Levels, the ITY, the University Foundation Year, the Football Academy, or a boarding place — and talk you through fees, entry requirements and start dates.