English as an Additional Language for international students
At St Edmund’s College, we are proud to welcome pupils from around the world into our vibrant and supportive day and boarding community. For international pupils whose first language is not English, our experienced EAL (English as an Additional Language) team provides tailored support to help every pupil thrive academically, socially and personally. Through specialist teaching, adaptive classroom strategies and personalised pathways, pupils quickly gain the confidence and language skills needed to succeed across the curriculum while fully immersing themselves in life at St Edmund’s. Whether preparing for GCSEs, A Levels, IELTS or Cambridge English qualifications, our approach ensures that every pupil feels supported, included and able to achieve their full potential.
Supporting International Students at Every Stage
EAL Support in Elements, Rudiments and Grammar (Years 7–9)
At St Edmund’s College, all teachers are committed to support pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL). Staff receive regular training to ensure they are equipped with effective strategies and resources to help international pupils succeed confidently within the classroom and boarding community.
Adaptive teaching approaches are used across the curriculum to meet the needs of all learners and ensure every pupil can fully access lessons and make excellent progress.
For pupils with beginner or intermediate levels of English, personalised timetables are created to include specialist EAL lessons. Depending on individual needs, pupils may receive EAL support in place of mainstream English and/or Modern Foreign Languages. Some pupils may also benefit from additional classroom support, enabling them to continue learning alongside their peers while developing confidence in spoken and written English.
EAL Support in Syntax and Poetry (Years 10–11, GCSE)
Pupils in Years 10 and 11 follow a tailored timetable that reflects their level of English proficiency and academic goals.
Pupils with advanced English skills usually follow a full GCSE timetable and may choose EAL as an additional option subject. These lessons are taught by specialist teachers experienced in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), IELTS preparation and Cambridge English qualifications.
Pupils with intermediate levels of English may study iGCSE English as a Second Language instead of First Language English. EAL can also be taken as an option subject, helping pupils strengthen both academic and everyday communication skills.
For pupils requiring more intensive language support, a reduced GCSE timetable can be arranged. This may combine core GCSE subjects with EAL tuition and dedicated study skills support, ensuring pupils build the confidence and language foundations needed for success in a UK boarding school environment.
Rhetoric (Sixth Form) EAL Support
In the Sixth Form, students are offered support from the EAL Department whilst studying their chosen A Level subjects. They can follow a specialist EAL course designed to develop the advanced academic English skills needed for success at A Level and university study in the UK.
Lessons focus on:
- academic reading and essay writing,
- presentation and research skills,
- discussion and debating,
- confident spoken English,
- and university preparation.
Students are also prepared for internationally recognised English language qualifications required for entry to UK universities, including IELTS and Cambridge ESOL examinations.
Additional Support for International Students
International students at St Edmund’s benefit from a personalised approach to language learning and academic support. All students complete an English language placement assessment before joining the College so that an appropriate level of support can be provided from the outset.
Additional opportunities for international students include:
- preparation courses for IELTS and Cambridge ESOL qualifications,
- the opportunity to gain an A Level in a student’s first language,
- tailored EAL tuition,
- personalised academic pathways,
- and dedicated support for international day students and boarders adapting to life in the UK.
For more information on boarding at St Edmund’s College, please click here.
If you have any questions regarding International Admissions, please contact the International Registrar on +44 (0)1920 824331 or at admissions@stedmundscollege.org.