Improving your child’s English for a British education
What British schools expect from international applicants
Most British schools assess international students’ language skills to check they will be able to access the curriculum and/or to identify how much support they’ll need.
In most cases, this requires asking students to do one or more of the following: online English proficiency tests; written assessments; cognitive ability tests; and interview(s).
English language tests (CEFR)
An online English test allows the school to place students on a scale such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an internationally recognised standard for language proficiency. The CEFR is a six-level scale that assesses skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, from beginner to proficient levels.
Written assessments
Written assessments, such as essays, allow the student to demonstrate their writing skills and give the school a greater understanding of the applicant’s ability level in English language.
Cognitive ability tests
Cognitive ability tests (eg non-verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning) assess general aptitude, and help in interpreting language assessment results.
Interviews
A face-to-face assessment (albeit sometimes on a computer screen) allows the school to compare the student’s spoken English with their written work. It is also the best opportunity for the applicant to show their character and for the interviewer to determine whether they are a good fit for the school.
Not all schools are after top marks. English requirements for schools in the UK vary enormously, so it’s important to clarify these before you put your child through the assessments. Some schools assess language levels specifically to determine whether a child will need English as an additional language (EAL) support once enrolled.
How British schools support pupils learning English
Preparing children with English as an additional language (EAL) for a British education is something that schools are getting better at, with many now offering a combination of targeted in-class strategies, one-to-one sessions and resources.
What good EAL support looks like
We advise asking the school what proportion of EAL students they have, how many of those need support and, most importantly, if they have an EAL specialist. A good EAL specialist will do comprehensive assessments to identify gaps and will liaise with all teaching staff for targeted support. They may also offer one-to-ones with your child, as well as keeping you in the loop about progress.
In-class support strategies
In-class support can take many forms – clear communication (simple instructions, slower speech, avoiding jargon); visual aids (using slides, images, videos etc so teaching isn’t entirely dependent on language); repetition (reinforcing key concepts, repeating instructions, prompt cards etc); scaffolding (eg sentence starters) and vocabulary support (eg word banks). Schools may also adapt the curriculum to make it more accessible and pair students up for peer support.
One-to-one support (and extra costs)
One-to-one support can also be vital – but note some schools charge extra. These sessions cover needs like vocabulary, grammar, reading and speaking – with the exact content based on both the admissions-phase assessment and ongoing assessments.
It is important to check that the school also values multilingualism, encouraging students to use their home language alongside English and integrating it where possible.
What can parents do to improve their child’s English skills?
Schools can do a lot, but progress is fastest when preparation starts well before arrival in the UK. The earlier you improve your child’s English for a British school, the better. Don't put it off thinking that sending them to the UK will miraculously solve the problem.
Some options are: taking extra language lessons at school; hiring a private tutor; learning online (eg Duolingo); enrolling in British Council classes; getting to grips with the new curriculum. The EAL support worker should be able to recommend further resources.
Can language immersion programmes help?
English language immersion programmes aim to accelerate language acquisition in a real-world setting in one of three key ways: boarding school immersion; summer camps or summer schools; or homestay programmes.
Boarding school programmes
Boarding school immersion programmes for non-English speakers have sprung up as independent wings at well-regarded British schools including Taunton International, King's Ely, Rossall School, Dover College and Sherborne International. They specialise in boosting overseas students’ English while also teaching a basic curriculum of maths, science etc. Youngsters can attend one for as little as a term but frequently stay for one or two years being prepared for public exams such as Common Entrance, GCSEs or IGCSEs and even, in some cases, A levels or the IB diploma. Classes are small and lessons are normally taught six days a week. The overseas students usually wear the same uniform as main school pupils and use their facilities (swimming pools, games halls, theatres, music practice rooms etc). But they are taught in separate premises and sleep in international student dorms.
Summer schools
Summer schools or camps - which are also often attached to well-regarded schools - aim to provide a ‘soft landing’ in the UK for students with limited (or no) English before they move on to a British school in the autumn. They tend to combine language learning with activities like outdoor adventures, sports and other fun activities. The youngsters live in dormitories and socialise with children from around the world. Summer schools are similar but tend to have a stronger academic component with professional teachers and structured learning. Hybrid programmes combine the best of both worlds.
Homestay programmes
Homestay programmes match international students with a host family to provide a more personal, immersive experience at home. Students benefit from constant exposure to a language and its culture through daily activities like meals, conversations and outings.
Be aware that short-term study visas are often required.
