At Read we welcome pupils from both the UK and overseas, and this mix of nationalities and backgrounds enhances the experience of boarding and extends the ethos of these diverse cultures into the wider school community.
We offer a happy, caring environment where every child feels secure and valued, giving them the chance to learn valuable life skills and grow in confidence, whilst learning a new language. We are experienced in ensuring that the often difficult transition period between home and school, is accomplished smoothly and happily for all concerned.
Our overseas pupils come from a diverse range of countries. Currently, and in the recent past, we have had pupils from as far afield as Hong Kong, Dubai, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Macao, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Ukraine, Germany, Belgium, Indonesia, Nigeria, France and Spain. They enjoy the small family atmosphere and do very well here.
Theme nights are a regular feature in the school dining room, when pupils are treated to a taste of different cultures around the world, ranging from Mexican to Thai, from American to Chinese.
Guardianship
To ensure your child feels supported throughout their time with us, all overseas pupils must have a guardian appointed in the UK. If you don't already have a suitable adult in mind, don't worry – we work closely with several trusted agencies to help you find the right fit. Please feel free to get in touch with us for more details.
Your child's safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. For peace of mind, all half-term and end-of-term travel is carefully coordinated exclusively through our dedicated drivers or your registered guardian.
We are also delighted to arrange escorted transport to and from the airport to make travel as seamless as possible for our overseas families. Please note we do not have formal exeat weekends, so pupils are welcome to stay and enjoy their time on campus or visit family when they choose.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Our dedicated EAL department provides comprehensive support to help international pupils flourish both socially and academically.
- Tailored Learning: Lessons are delivered either one-to-one or in small groups of 2 to 4 pupils to ensure personalised attention.
- Recognised Qualifications: We guide pupils through official Cambridge qualification pathways, preparing them for the PET (B1 Preliminary) and IELTS examinations when they are ready.
- University Readiness: EAL support ensures pupils build the high-level English proficiency required for entry into top UK and international universities.