Ages 13 – 15 (Year 9 and 10)
GCSE Access Programme
Students in the UK start their initial preparation for GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at the age of 13, and for students with an English level of B1 and below they follow the GCSE Access Pathway programme:
GCSE Access - Year 9
Students with lower levels of English (CEFR ≤ B1; IELTS < 5.0) will join our GCSE Access Pathway Programme, comprising of intensive English coaching as well as studying a broad range of other academic subjects, including Maths, Science, Geography, History, ICT, Art and Games/PE.
Without the necessary English skills, studying at a top UK independent school can be extremely daunting for any international student. This is why at Taunton School, we employ specialist teachers to deliver a varied curriculum in small class sizes (maximum class size of 12 students) with subject-specific vocabulary development at the heart of what we do.
Other than in lessons, our Year 9 GCSE Access Pathway students integrate with the Senior School Students in many ways, whether this is for sport, clubs, meals, house competitions, activities and weekend trips.
Once our Year 9 Access Pathway students attain a high enough level of English (this can take up to one academic year), they are then able to move on to Two Year GCSE course. Alternatively, they will continue with the GCSE Access Pathway into Year 10.
GCSE Access - Year 10
Students with lower levels of English (CEFR ≤ B1; IELTS < 5.0) will join our GCSE Access Pathway Programme, comprising of intensive English coaching as well as studying a broad range of other academic subjects, including Maths, Science, Geography, History, ICT, Art and Games/PE.
For those students requiring further support with their English after Year 9, it may be more appropriate for them to complete the Year 10 GCSE Access Pathway in their second year.
Comprising of intensive English coaching as well as studying a broad range of other academic subjects, including Maths, Science, Geography, History, ICT, Art and Games/PE.
We employ specialist teachers to deliver a varied curriculum in small class sizes (maximum class size of 12 students) with subject-specific vocabulary development at the heart of what we do.
Other than in lessons, our Year 10 GCSE Access Pathway students integrate with the Senior School Students in many ways, whether this is for sport, clubs, meals, house competitions, activities and weekend trips.
Following the Year 10 GCSE Access Pathway, students will move onto the One Year GCSE programme in Year 11.
Discover Boarding
It is important to us that our international students feel safe, happy and at ease in their new environment and that is why at Taunton School, we work extremely hard to create that all-important home-from-home feeling in our boarding houses. Our House Parents and boarding staff are well-versed in welcoming international students to the school and our boarders soon feel at home, making new friends with students from the UK and all over the world.
Life for International Students at Taunton School
Education does not stop in the classroom and every young international learner is able to take advantage of the huge number of extra-curricular clubs and activities available throughout the week as well as trips and outings at the weekend.
Contact our Admissions Team
For further support and advice, please contact our International Admissions Team, who will be happy to help you with any questions you might have or to take you through the application process.