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Pre-Foundation Year: Ages 16 – 17

Pre-Foundation Year: Ages 16 – 17

International students at Taunton School International

Our Pre-Foundation Year is a one-year course, providing international students with the necessary skills and qualifications to access our NCUK International Foundation Year.

The Pre-Foundation Year is designed for students who have a keen interest in the world of Business and Economics. The programme is tailored to the needs of individual students and is designed to provide the ideal preparation for the second-year course, when students move on to the NCUK International Foundation Year.

The Pre-Foundation Year provides international students with an outstanding all-round education, comprising a rigorous and challenging curriculum alongside a wide and varied extra-curricular programme, which includes sport, music, art, drama, after-school clubs and societies, lectures, and weekend trips

Speak to a Member of our Admissions Team

Applying to Taunton School is extremely easy, and our friendly Admissions Team are here to answer your questions and guide you throughout the process.

Speak to a member of the Admissions Team >                Start your application today >

 

Learn more about studying Foundation Courses at Taunton School

Entry Requirements for the Pre-Foundation Year

  • Students must be 16 or 17 years old (at the start of the course)
  • IELTS 4.5 (or higher) or CEFR B1
  • Preferably 3 – 4 GCSE already passed at Grade 4 or higher (not including L1)
  • Keen interest in studying Business at an advanced level
  • A decent proficiency in Mathematics (equivalent to GCSE grade 5 or higher)

 

Course Details

  • Three terms (1 year) of approximately 30 weeks starting in September and ending in June
  • 1 x Business Studies AS Level (5 hours/week)
  • 1 x Economics AS Level (5 hours/week)
  • 2 x GCSE/IGCSE subjects (9 hours/week) [Note that students need to take Maths &/or English GCSE if not already passed at Grade 5 or higher]
  • 1 x Enrichment (1 hour/week)
  • 4 x Study Periods (5 hours/week)
  • Private study (7.5 hours/week)
  • Maximum class size of 12 students
  • Frequent and structured mentoring sessions with a personal tutor
  • 650 hours of directed study
  • 350 hours (minimum) of additional independent study
  • Sport on Tuesdays & Thursdays (students are able to choose their sport/activity)
  • No uniform – students are expected to wear their own suits/business attire

female boarder at taunton school

International Boarding at Taunton School

Taunton School International has been welcoming international students for more than 100 years. Our beautiful traditional English campus provides the perfect setting for students to gain an outstanding education.

With a close-knit community of boarders, with 10 boarding houses for boarders aged 7 to 18. Each house has its own unique history, identity, and community. They all share outstanding pastoral care, inviting and spacious rooms, and a fantastic range of modern facilities.

Students are based on our Taunton School International (TSI) campus (part of the whole school campus), which means all of our students enjoy numerous opportunities to integrate with the Senior School Sixth Form students, for example, in sport, music, art, drama, clubs, house competitions and weekend trips.

Learn more about international boarding at Taunton School >

Boarding and Tuition Fees at Taunton School International

Taunton School offers its students a wealth of opportunities for their international students. Study the Pre-Foundation Course for £14,750 per term (x3 terms per school year). Fees are inclusive of all on-site food, boarding, laundry, a selection of trips and activities and uniform.

Find out more about tuition fees at Taunton School >

Still not sure which course is right for you? Speak to our admissions team

Learn more about the pre-foundation and foundation year courses from our pupils

TRICEY FROM GHANA

Tricey Taunton School student IFY
TRICEY FROM GHANA

Tricey is studying at the University of Kent after completing the IFY course at Taunton School International.

“The thing that really appealed to me about this course was the fact that it was really business-focused and it provided me a clear pathway for studying at university. The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) element gives me an advantage over people who follow the normal A-level pathway, as I have been taught how to write university-standard essays and coursework. It was also great to be able to get involved in extra-curricular activities while on the course – I got to play cricket, take part in The Duke of Edinburgh Award and I also organized charity events and volunteered in forest management. I cannot wait to begin the next step of my academic journey at the University of Kent, and I don’t believe I would have received my offers without the help and assistance from my teachers at Taunton School.”

JARRY FROM CHINA

Jarry Taunton School student IFY
JARRY FROM CHINA

Jarry is now attending the University of Reading after completing the IFY course at Taunton School International.

“This course is the most appropriate pathway for me to get to university.I really liked how the coursework element of the course helped me to learn how to study independently, and the teachers at Taunton School have been incredibly supportive.I’ve learned how to manage my time wisely and have learned about time management generally, which is going to be vital when I go to the University of Reading next year.I chose the course because I want to work within my family business in China or set up my own business in the future, and this course has been the perfect preparation for that.”

PAUL FROM FRANCE

Paul Taunton School student IFY
PAUL FROM FRANCE

Paul completed the IFY course in 2021 and went on to study Business at HEC Montreal in Canada.

“One of the things that really appealed to me about the course is the fact that it really guides you through the preparations for university. Thanks to the teachers at Taunton School, I felt supported every day with my classes and homework. I feel ready for the next step in my education in Canada now and that is because of the IFY course.”

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Upcoming Open Days

Attend an upcoming Open Day in April!

Virtual Open Day for Senior and International on 20th April 2024

In-person whole school Open Day on April 27th 2024

Book your place here