High school programmes

Case studies

One year GCSE programme
Bell Bedgebury International School

Many students at Bell Bedgebury International School (BBIS) follow the intensive one year GCSE programme, which allows them to take their GCSE exams after just one year of study - half the time that British students take.

Students achieve this by working hard and studying in small classes (maximum 10 students) with dedicated teachers who are all specialists in their subjects.

Students typically need five GCSE exams at grades A* to C to be sure of a place in the sixth form (years 12 & 13) of a good UK school or college and, at the end of the programme, students can either stay on at BBIS to begin study for A-levels or enter another British boarding school or college (eg. if they wish to follow the International Baccalaureate programme).

All students on the BBIS programme take exams in English, Maths and their own first language. In addition, they can choose a further two or three exam subjects, either Humanities (Business Studies, Geography, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Art) or Science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Combined Science).

Summer Preparation Programmes
Bell Bedgebury International School

The Summer Preparation Programmes take place during August and are designed to offer an intensive foundation course for students aged 13-16 who have secured a place to study either GCSEs or A-levels at Bell Bedgebury International School or at another school in the UK.

Both programmes provide an intensive English language course - designed to boost students’ speaking, listening and writing skills – as well as subject tuition and physical education.
The Summer Preparation Programmes also provide a helpful introduction to boarding school life, ensuring that when students commence their exam studies in September they can quickly and easily adapt to their new school environment.