For almost 200 years, Ratcliffe College has provided a world-class British education to students from around the world.
International Study at Ratcliffe
With International boarding students making up 12% of the student body at Ratcliffe College, the diverse community creates an environment where young people learn from each other’s cultures, languages and global perspectives - a valuable part of life at Ratcliffe College.
We welcome International students as full time boarders or one term boarders starting from Year 6 (age 10 upwards).
Some of our international students are British nationals whose families live abroad, while others join us from a wide range of countries around the world.
While English is a second language for many of our International students, a good level of proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential to access the full breadth of the curriculum at Ratcliffe College.
To maintain the diverse environment, we carefully limit the number of students from any one language group each academic year. This ensures that every International student has the opportunity to make friends from different countries, cultures and backgrounds - enriching their experience both in and out the classroom.
Students who board at Ratcliffe College not only improve their English Language skills but also develop a broader world view, cultural awareness, and lifelong friendships that prepare them for life in a global society.
Our Boarding Community consists of students from: Spain, Hong Kong, Chile, Germany, China, Thailand, Japan, Italy, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Peru, Mexico, France, England and much more.
Step 1:
Applying to Ratcliffe
A Registration Fee of £150 per child is payable to register your child as a candidate for admission at Ratcliffe College. The fee is non-refundable. Please submit your online registration below. Early registration is recommended.
Admission and entry will be subject to the availability of a place and the child satisfying the admission requirements.
Before completing the registration process, we recommend discussing availability and sending recent school reports (with English translation) to our Boarding Recruitment Manager, Ms Amie Newell ([email protected]), who oversees all International Recruitment to the College.
If you are joining our GCSE or A Level programme, all subject options will need to be pre-arranged with our Admissions team before processing your application. This will help us to determine the level of the entry paper beforehand.
Registration can be completed online, where you will be asked to upload a copy of your child’s passport. The registration fee can also be paid securely as part of the online form.
For assistance with your application, please contact our Admissions Team on [email protected].
Step 2:
Assessment and Interview
Once registered, applicants will complete an English proficiency test (Password English). These assessments can be invigilated at the student’s current school, by their educational agent, or online. If visiting Ratcliffe, students may take the tests on-site.
A personal interview is required with the Headmaster and can be arranged either online or during a visit to Ratcliffe.
All students take entry tests in English proficiency, Maths and Science (online).
If you are applying to the College for one term, students will complete an English proficiency test online (Password English), and require proof of a recent school report (with English translation).
Step 3:
Offer and Acceptance
If a place is offered and accepted, a deposit of £5,000 is payable to confirm your child’s place. For full details on tuition and boarding fees, please refer to our Fees page.
Step 4:
Visa Support
We are fully licensed by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor international students.
Ratcliffe College partners with trusted immigration advisors, Sable International, to help guide families through the UK visa application process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Join our Mailing List
Are you a recruiting agent for International students looking to join a British Boarding School? Join our partner mailing list.
Frequently Asked Questions – International Families
We expect our international students to be at a certain CEFR language level, depending on what entry point they join Ratcliffe College.
- Year 7: Password 3.0 or above
- Year 8: Password 3.5 or above
- Year 9: Password 4.0 or above
- Year 10: Password 4.5 or above
- Year 12: Password 5.5 or above
| Password | CEFR |
|---|---|
| Password 7.0 or above | C1 |
| Password 6.5 | B2 |
| Password 6 | |
| Password 5.5 | |
| Password 5 | B1 |
| Password 4.5 | |
| Password 4 | |
| Password 3.5 | A2 |
| Password 3 | |
| Pre-Password |
For further information about the CEFR, or to take Cambridge English Examinations at Ratcliffe College Examination Centre, see below
We strongly encourage International students to join Ratcliffe College for a long-term, full boarding place to make the most out of their experience and success with us. International students can board with us from Year 6 (age 10) and continue their education through to GCSE studies, or enter for our 2-Year A Level programme in the Sixth Form (age 16-18).
Our tailored academic and pastoral support ensures international students are fully prepared for future success, whether continuing their studies in the UK or overseas.
While we encourage International students to take up long term study at Ratcliffe, we also offer international students flexible short-term stays designed for those wishing to join one term or two terms.
Our short boarding stays provide a fully integrated experience in both academic curriculum and the co-curricular life of the school. This is an excellent opportunity for students to experience life at a traditional British boarding school with a rich boarding history, improve their English Language skills, build confidence and make lasting friendships.
Whether you are looking for a cultural Immersion or taster experience, before committing to long term study with us, our short term stays offer an authentic and enriching boarding experience.
Please note that Scholarships and Bursaries are not currently available for international students joining Ratcliffe College.
Students whose first language is not English may be required to take EAL (English as an Additional Language) lessons to develop their language proficiency. Our EAL support ensures students can confidently access the full curriculum and thrive both academically and socially.
We recommend families submit their applications as early as possible to secure a place at Ratcliffe College, especially for boarding places which are in high demand.
For guidance on the application process, please contact our Admissions Team at [email protected].
Yes, Ratcliffe College offers half-term stays for students during the February, May and October half-term periods This is a convenient option boarding students allowing them to maintain a routine, relax, explore new interests and excursions, and enjoy a supportive community in familiar surroundings.
- Ratcliffe students: £600 per week, per student (VAT included).
- Non-Ratcliffe students: £900 per week, per student (VAT included).
Enquire a half-term boarding place with our Boarding Recruitment Manager at [email protected].
Absolutely. International students are fully integrated into boarding life, lessons and co-curricular activities, ensuring a truly inclusive experience and lasting friendships.
