Our Cultural Immersion and Taster Programme offers international students the opportunity to experience studying and living in a traditional British, Catholic, boarding school, for two to four weeks during term time.
Experience a Ratcliffe Education
With options to join us during the Autumn, Spring or Summer Terms, our uniquely designed course combines immersion in the school curriculum, together with British cultural experiences, and specialist English Language lessons to improve all key language skills - reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
If you are interested in attending a Ratcliffe College Immersion Programme, please contact Miss Newell (Boarding Recruitment Manager) at [email protected] to enquire.
Immersion Programme Dates (2025-2026)
Live and study alongside British students
At Ratcliffe College, our international immersion experience offers students the opportunity to live and study alongside British students in a traditional boarding school setting with over 175 years of history.
Immersion students follow the British curriculum, take part in co-curricular activities, and enjoy full access to our facilities and pastoral care. Living in the boarding house, they build global friendships, develop independence and confidence, and gain a true understanding of life at a UK independent school.
More than just an academic opportunity, it’s an unforgettable cultural experience that leaves students with skills, friendships, and memories to last a lifetime
At Ratcliffe College, our Immersion experience gives international students the opportunity to live and study alongside British students in a traditional boarding school with decades of history. They experience the British curriculum first hand, build global friendships, develop independence, and leave with memories that last a lifetime.
Immersion Programme Overview
As part of the Immersion Programme, students take part in tailored English Language lessons (if needed), academic classes with expert subject teachers, and daily activities alongside Ratcliffe students from over 20 nationalities. On arrival, students are assessed to ensure appropriate English support, with a minimum of 20 hours of EAL teaching each week across reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary.
Outside the classroom, students enjoy access to over 100 co-curricular activities and take part in twice-weekly excursions to historic towns and cultural sites - enhancing both their language skills and understanding of British life.
Tailored programmes are also available, including our Pre-University Immersion Programme, designed to prepare older international students for Sixth Form study.