Frequently asked questions

The questions below are those most commonly asked by parents, guardians, agents and students themselves about living as a boarder at the International College.

Hopefully the answers will help you understand life at the College better. If there are any other questions you wish us to answer which are not covered by the list above, please contact us and we will be happy to try and provide you with an answer.

Many other questions are also answered in the various booklets provided by the College such as "Information for Parents" …..

Do the students need to have guardians in the UK?

Yes, the College insists that all students have a guardian in the UK. If you do not have a guardian in mind, we can suggest names of guardian agencies which we have found to be reliable in the past. Guardians are needed in the UK in case we need to contact someone about academic or social matters as well as for arranging travel and exeats. Guardians should be easily contactable and NOT be another student of a similar age. The Registrar will inform you further of what exactly is required.

How are bedrooms allocated?

Older students (usually Years 9-10) sleep mostly in double rooms and Year 11 students (those in their final year at the College) are given priority for single rooms. It is College policy to try and avoid placing students from the same country and therefore who speak the same language in the same room. This is to encourage students not only to speak English but also to make friends from all round the world.

Do students need to speak English?

In order not only to make friends from all over the world but also to give students the best chance of passing their exams which are set, and must be answered, in English, the College insists that students speak English wherever possible. We are, however, sympathetic to students whose English is particularly weak and do not wish to isolate them. Special guidelines are in place for such students.

Do students go out of the College?

Yes, as well as going into the local town which is only a few minutes walk from the main College campus and from the girls' boarding house at Westcott, trips are regularly organised to places of historical and cultural interest (such as the city of Bath and a British pantomime) as well as shopping trips to local towns/cities and fun trips to leisure parks. We believe in both providing an opportunity for the students to relax and to experience British culture and history. All trips out of the town are very well-supervised to maximise student safety.

What kind of food is provided?

The International College prides itself on providing an interesting, well-balanced menu which reflects as far as possible the different cuisines of the world (although we will never be able to cook it quite as well as mum!!). The menu is varied and religious beliefs are always taken into account. A vegetarian dish is always provided. The students eat in a comfortable, well-appointed dining hall.

Do the students get pocket money?

Yes. Pocket money is given out three times a week by our financial administrator. Pocket money should be deposited with our Finance Office at the beginning of each term. Some students may have their own bank accounts. Students should not have more than £30 on their person at any time. Large amounts of money must not be kept in bedrooms.

What is an exeat?

"Exeat" is the word given to a weekend break during term time spent with either the guardian or parents. Although the College will set recommended dates for exeats which can be found on the information relating to College term dates, these are not compulsory (you do not have to go) and other exeat dates may be chosen. Certain weekends are not allowed for exeat. For example the International College will not normally allow students an exeat whilst they are sitting either school or Public examinations. Students are normally allowed two exeats per term although they do not have to take them if they do not wish to do so. Exeats start from after lessons on Saturday (not Friday evening) and students must return to school by 21.00 hrs on Sunday evening. Requests for an exeat must be made in writing by the Thursday before the exeat weekend and be addressed to the Senior Housemaster (senior boys), the Housemistress (girls) or the Housemaster (junior boys).

How do we get the school uniform?

The main items of school uniform can be purchased directly from the International College on arrival. The boys purchase their uniform from the school shop situated in the Sherborne School sports centre, whilst the girls are fitted in-house by a well-known London firm. The International College always appreciates any parental efforts to collect correct school uniform prior to arrival.

Are students allowed mobile phones?

Yes, but only providing parents and guardians realise that the College can take no responsibility for them. All students must register their mobile phone with either the Senior Housemaster, Housemistress or Housemaster as soon as possible and must turn it off at unsuitable times of the day, eg during lesson times, prep-time and after lights-out.

Who looks after my son/daughter's washing and ironing?

The International College will arrange for all clothes to be washed and ironed during term-time.

Are students allowed to have their own medicines?

All medicines must be given in to our resident matron who will then decide which, if any, medicines to return to your son or daughter. She will contact the school doctor if required to discuss the distribution of medicines. It is most important that the parent or guardian of any International College student completes the College medical form to give us all the information we require to provide medical help to the highest possible standard