Academic Information for International Pupils

Sedbergh is focused on providing the highest quality academic education for all its pupils.

Our curriculum is created with three priorities in mind:

  • To provide pupils with the knowledge they need to understand their world and to make strong, well-informed decisions.
  • To provide for a wide range of interests and talents so that pupils may study subjects they enjoy and will flourish in.
  • To ensure they gain the highest qualifications which are most valued by universities around the world.

The academic year runs from early September to early July and is divided into 3 terms: Michaelmas (September to December), Lent (January to Easter) and Summer (end of April to early July).

Our Senior School curriculum begins at Year 9.

Year 9  (Age 13-14) – A year of discovery

The School’s main intake into Sedbergh is at Year 9, when pupils are 13 years old. This provides one year of education before pupils start exam courses. Sedbergh runs a unique and inspiring curriculum called 9 Inspire which was created by Sedbergh staff with support from some of the of leading Prep School headteachers in the UK.

9 Inspire is designed to instil confidence and cultivate a genuine passion for learning. It allows pupils the opportunity to look beyond the constraints of traditional subject titles and encourages a blend of both skill and topic-based learning. At its core, 9 Inspire aims to equip pupils with indispensable, sought-after skills such as teamwork, project management, and problem-solving, while at the same time emphasising the importance of our school values of humility, ambition, resilience and kindness.

Key benefits of the 9 Inspire curriculum:

  • Values that shape personal success and happiness are integrated into every subject and woven into topic content
  • Utilises collaborative learning approaches
  • Exposure to problem based learning
  • Develops real world skills and competencies
  • Integration of IT skills
  • Encourages innovative, ‘Blue Sky’, thinking to solve problems
  • Grounded in our unique location

Further Information

“We want our pupils not only to excel academically but also to become positive forces in society, contributing meaningfully to the well-being of others.” Mr Dan Harrison, Headmaster

GCSE (Age 14-16)

In the UK, when students reach 14 years of age (as of 01 September) they usually begin a two-year academic programme starting in Year 10 and finishing in Year 11, which results in them taking up to 10 subjects at GCSE level (General Certificate of Secondary Education).

At Sedbergh School we offer a broad range of GCSE subjects and all pupils study English, maths, physics, chemistry and biology. Pupils are taught in classes which are set by ability enabling all our pupils to make the maximum progress. Extra lessons are easily arranged as all our teachers live on site or in close proximity to the School.

For international pupils aged 15 years old we are able to consider them for a 1 year GCSE option.

Further information

A-Level / BTEC (Age 16-18) – 2 Year Course

British A Levels have long been the “Gold Standard” of education because of their breadth and rigour. For this reason, they are the most widely accepted exams in top British universities and widely welcomed throughout the World. Unlike Baccalaureate programmes, they allow pupils to choose any combination of subjects according to their aspirations and interests, for example:

  • Medicine: maths, biology, chemistry
  • Engineering: maths, physics and chemistry
  • Business: economics, geography, psychology
  • Architecture: maths, physics, art
  • Fine art: art, graphic design, music

At Sedbergh we offer a broad curriculum with 29 A level and BTEC subjects to choose from including:

A Level Subjects

Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Digital Media, Drama and Theatre, Digital Technology, Economics, English, French, Further Maths, Geography, Geology, History, IELTS, Latin, Maths, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Spanish

BTEC Subjects

BTEC Agriculture, BTEC Business, BTEC IT, BTEC Sport Foundation Diploma (1.5 A Level equivalent), BTEC Sport Diploma (2 A Level equivalent)

Leavers’ Destinations

Click to view our latest leavers’ destinations.

Further Information

1 Year Pre A Level – (Available for 15 – 17 year old pupils)

A one-year programme of study for international pupils, that is designed to support their transition into the British education system, while acting as a supportive pathway to the next stage of their studies. For many this will be A-level or an equivalent Level 3 qualification.

Why Choose a Pre A Level Course at Sedbergh?

  • Immersed in a full boarding environment with British pupils
  • Intensive EAL support
  • Small class sizes
  • Extensive extra-curricular programme
  • Individual careers and pathway support
  • Pupils will have the opportunity to sit a maximum of 5 GCSE subjects
  • Unique and safe location with outstanding facilities
  • Pupils will stay in one of our nine boarding houses which provide a real family atmosphere offering in-house dining

Further Information

International

VISIT PROSPECTUS APPLY
x

Arrange a Visit

x