Queen Ethelburga’s College offers an Intensive English Preparation (IEP) course designed to rapidly develop your English language skills so you can successfully access the mainstream academic curriculum.
This one-year intensive English course for senior school students integrates language learning with key academic subjects, offering a comprehensive foundation in English, academic study, and cultural understanding. It is ideal for international students preparing to transition into GCSE, A Level, or BTEC programmes in the UK.
Each course focuses on the following three components:
- Academic development
- Personal development
- Cultural embracement
Our course combines English language development with subjects such as Art, Mathematics, and Science. Research shows that students acquire language skills more effectively when learning through subject content. This integrated approach helps students practise speaking and listening in English within real academic contexts.
Students gain a broad range of skills in:
- Academic speaking and listening
- Subject-specific vocabulary
- Advanced reading and writing
- Social and cultural communication
By the end of the course, you will be well-prepared to thrive in a rigorous English-speaking academic environment.
Immersive UK School Experience
You will be fully immersed in life at Queen Ethelburga’s and the wider British school culture, interacting with students from over 40 nationalities and taking part in a wide variety of clubs and activities. This cultural and social immersion helps students develop fluency and confidence in English, as well as a deep understanding of British values and traditions.
What Is Included In The Course?
| Core Curriculum | Optional Subjects |
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How To Join The IEP Course?This senior school intensive English course is designed for students aged 14 to 18. To assess your suitability, you’ll need to provide:
You will also be required to sit a CAT4 (Cognitive Ability Test) assessment as part of your application, including verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial SAS scores. |
Subject Overview
| IELTS/B2 First |
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You will receive up to 14 hours per week of focused English lessons to prepare you for the IELTS and Cambridge B2 First qualifications. These are internationally recognised by universities and employers, and they provide an excellent foundation for sixth form study in English. You will develop all four key language skills:
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| GCSE Mathematics |
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You will study topics in:
Mathematics lessons focus on problem-solving and applied reasoning, with engaging activities designed to build your confidence and enjoyment of the subject. |
| Science |
| The Science module consolidates Key Stage 3 content and introduces Key Stage 4 topics across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This prepares you for progression to higher-level science studies in GCSE and A Level. |
| 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 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. |
| Art and Design (Optional) |
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The course will develop skills in a wide range of creative areas, such as fine art, illustration, graphic design, fashion, photography and architecture. In the first term, teachers will cover the following before asking students to complete a themed GCSE-style project:
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| Foundation Business & Enterprise (Optional) |
| The IEP preparation course will include one Level 2 BTEC Enterprise component and a series of mini projects. It offers coursework-based learning and the experience of working on mini projects, submitting to deadlines and receiving feedback, similar to a BTEC assessment. |
Final Assessment And Qualifications
At the end of the academic year, you will complete assessments in:
- IELTS
- Cambridge B2 First in English
- GCSE Mathematics
- 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)
What's Next?
After completing the Intensive English Preparation Course, you will be ready to progress to:
| Year 10 | Year 11 |
Year 12 |
|---|---|---|
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Two-Year GCSE Programme OR One-Year GCSE Programme OR Advanced Intensive English Preparation Course |
Two-Year GCSE Programme OR One-Year GCSE Programme OR A Level/BTEC Programme |
A Level/BTEC Programme |
Why Choose Our Intensive English Course for Senior School Students?
- Specialist English preparation for international students
- University-recognised English qualifications (IELTS and B2 First)
- Access to over 30 GCSE, A Level, and BTEC options after completion
- A welcoming, diverse community in the UK
Ready to join the Intensive English Preparation course?
Contact our Admissions Team today to start your application.
Quick Links
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
