English as an Additional Language

English language support for international students

Heathfield School welcomes students from overseas who may benefit from additional support in English as an Additional Language (EAL), including preparation for IELTS and other recognised English-language qualifications. Our international students come from a wide range of countries and enjoy the warm, caring and inclusive environment of our school.

Moving to a new country and adapting to a different culture can be exciting, but it can also present challenges. Our dedicated team provides both pastoral and academic support to help international students settle into life at Heathfield and make the most of their education.

We offer a specialised induction programme from the point of arrival, together with ongoing support to help students settle into life at our English boarding school.

English Language Lessons

Students have the opportunity to develop and refine their English through individual tutorials or small-group lessons. Classes cover all four language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing – as well as vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.

Individualised lessons are tailored to address each student’s specific language needs, while subject teachers provide additional support where appropriate. Students may also receive language support that enables them to access and participate fully in their academic subjects.

Students can also prepare for internationally recognised English-language examinations, including IELTS and Cambridge English Qualifications.

IELTS Examination

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally recognised English-language qualification accepted by many universities and other institutions worldwide. Some students whose first language is not English may need to demonstrate their English-language proficiency as part of their university application.

We offer individualised support and preparation for students who need to take IELTS, with many candidates receiving coaching from an experienced IELTS teacher.

To date, all Heathfield students who have taken IELTS at the school have achieved their target scores, with results ranging from 7.0, upwards, to the maximum IELTS band score of 9.0.

The school arranges the examinations at test centres in London or Berkshire.

Cambridge English Qualifications

International students are encouraged to work towards an appropriate Cambridge English qualification where this is suitable for their individual needs and level of English.

Students may prepare for B1 Preliminary and B2 First, while those working at a higher level may prepare for C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency.

Our experienced teachers provide individual or small-group tuition, enabling students to develop the language skills required to achieve these internationally recognised qualifications.

Other Requirements

International students must sit a language entrance assessment as part of the admissions process at Heathfield.
Students joining the school are expected to have sufficient English to access the mainstream academic curriculum.
Many international students attend additional English lessons, which are charged separately. The number and frequency of these lessons are agreed, upon application, with the student’s parent or guardian according to the student’s individual needs and level of English.