The Advanced Intensive English Programme (AIEP) is a modular English language course for international senior school students, running from two to five years, depending on individual needs.
It is tailored to suit academically able students, particularly those preparing to study in a UK school environment.
Flexible Entry Routes
Students can join the AIEP through one of three academic pathways, based on their age, prior education, and level of English. For those needing to improve their English, a one-year advanced English preparation course is available before starting GCSE or A Level studies.
What Is Included in the Advanced English Course?
This course is designed to boost your English proficiency while preparing you for further academic study. You will:
- Achieve an internationally recognised English qualification
- Study up to two additional GCSE subjects
- Integrate into the UK education system
Students with a higher level of English may replace part of their English timetable with an extra GCSE subject.
| Core Curriculum | Optional subjects (for advanced English speakers) |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
How to Join the Advanced Intensive English Programme?To apply for our advanced English course for international students, you’ll need to provide:
|
Course Overview
| IELTS/B2 First |
|---|
|
You will receive up to 14 hours per week of focused English lessons to prepare you for the IELTS and Cambridge B2 First qualifications. You will develop all four key language skills:
These qualifications are internationally recognised by universities and employers and offer a strong foundation for further academic study in English. |
| GCSE Mathematics |
|
You will study topics in:
As part of the Advanced course, the more capable mathematicians can also work towards a Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics. |
| GCSE Biology/Physics |
|
You can choose either Biology or Physics GCSE. The Biology course covers topics including cells, infection, bioenergetics, homeostasis, inheritance, evolution, and ecology. The Physics course covers themes of energy, electricity, particle motion, atomic structure, forces, waves, and magnetism. Both courses also include assessed laboratory-based practical work. |
| Additional Optional GCSEs |
|
If you are confident in speaking English, you may replace five hours of English lessons with one additional GCSE:
|
| Physical Education |
| Choose from a wide range of sports and activities, including: rugby, netball, football, hockey, basketball, badminton, boxercise, swimming, fitness, gymnastics, dance, trampolining, yoga, exercise to music, spinning, athletics, cricket, Zumba, softball, rounders, tennis and table tennis. |
| Personal Development |
| Personal Development lessons cover a breadth of personal, social, health, citizenship, careers, and economic education. Personal Development helps you integrate into the UK lifestyle and will teach you about financial capabilities, revision skills, values, and culture. The programme has been developed to prepare you for the challenges, choices and responsibilities of university, work, and adult life. |
| Super-Curricular Activities |
|
You can select an additional super-curricular activity to explore your interests outside the GCSE curriculum. These courses aim to build your personal skills or knowledge related to one subject area and may be linked to future career aspirations. Explore interests outside of the curriculum in:
|
Final Assessment And Qualifications
At the end of the academic year, AIEP students will sit assessments in:
- IELTS
- Cambridge B2 First in English
- GCSE Mathematics
- GCSE Biology or Physics
- Optional GCSE Subject
- First Language GCSE exam – for Chinese and Russian students only (Please get in touch with our Admissions Team if you would like to take a GCSE in your first language)
Academic Progression Pathways
After completing the Advanced Intensive English Programme, you will be ready to progress to:
- Two-Year GCSE Programme
- One-Year GCSE Programme
- Two-Year A Level Programme
- NCUK Foundation Year
See the table above to see how progression works within the AIEP courses.
Why Choose Our Advanced Intensive English Course for Senior School Students?
- Earn internationally recognised English qualifications (IELTS & B2 First)
- Study up to three GCSEs in your first year
- Access competitive GCSE and A Level pathways in the UK
- Learn in a welcoming, diverse international school environment
Ready to Join Our Advanced English Programme?
If you're looking for a high-quality English course for international students, our Advanced Intensive English Course offers the perfect pathway to academic success in the UK.
Contact our Admissions Team today to begin your application.
Quick Links
-
Advanced Intensive English Preparation Course
For students entering Years 10 to 13, we offer an Advanced Intensive English Preparation Course (IEP) designed to help international students access the regular school curriculum and move forward in their education at the Collegiate.
-
Intensive English Preparation Course
For students entering Years 10 to 13, Queen Ethelburga’s offers an Intensive English Preparation Course (IEP) that is designed to help international students access the regular school curriculum and move forward in their education at the Collegiate.
-
Junior Intensive English Preparation
King’s Magna Middle School offers an Intensive English Preparation Course (KMIEP) that is designed to help junior international students in Years 6 to 9 access the regular school curriculum and move forward in their education at the Collegiate.
-
UK Education System Explained
Learn how the UK education system is structured and what qualifications are available at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate. The page comprises UK's Key Stages and year groups, the collegiate structure, and GCSE, BTEC and A Levels.
