Ages 13 – 14 (Year 9)
Pre-GCSE Programme
Students in the UK start their initial preparation for GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at the age of 13 and for international students at Taunton School, there are 2 pathways available:
Pathway Option 1
Students with lower levels of English (CEFR ≤ B1; IELTS < 5.0) complete Year 9 at the International Middle School (TSIMS) where they join our Pre-GCSE Programme, comprising intensive English coaching as well as studying a broad range of other academic subjects, including Maths, Science, Geography, History, Music, 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 TSIMS, we employ specialist teachers to deliver a varied curriculum in small class sizes (average 8 students/class) with subject-specific vocabulary development at the heart of what we do.
Throughout their time at TSIMS, our Year 9 students integrate with the Senior School students for games, clubs, activities and weekend trips, so that when they transfer to the Senior School (usually after one academic year) it is much easier to settle as they already have many friends, and they are familiar with their surroundings.
Pathway Option 2
Students with higher levels of English (CEFR ≥ B1; IELTS ≥ 5.0) will enter directly into the Senior School (averaging 20 students/class) and study a broad curriculum in preparation for the start of their GCSE course in Year 10.
All Year 9 students study English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Computing, Religious Studies, Art and PSHEE as well as a Modern Foreign Language, and a choice of technology, classical and creative subjects.
Students whose first language is not English have the option of specialist English tuition to ensure language skills are brought up to speed for academic study.
Sample Timetables
To view the timetables, please click on the images.
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.