International Students
Those whose first language is not English and who live overseas take our entrance examinations either at their agent's offices, their own school, or at British Council offices. Interviews are by arrangement, either in person during a visit following entrance exams, or via Microsoft Teams.
Fluency in English
In order to cope with the academic and social demands of being at Dauntsey's, candidates must have good spoken and written English. Ability in written and spoken English is tested as part of the entrance selection process.
On entry to Dauntsey's, pupils receive the appropriate level of individual support from experienced EAL teaching staff.
Most international candidates apply to Dauntsey's through an educational agent who will be able to advise on suitability for Dauntsey's. Please contact the Admissions Office if you would like information about our approved educational agents.
Guidelines for admissions and ability levels in English - First Form, 11+ (Year 7)
Pupils take our own English as an Additional Language (EAL) exam and a Maths exam in January of the year of entry. Spoken English is assessed during an interview with a senior member of staff.
Offers of places are made at the end of January and parents are asked to pay a deposit to secure the place. If places remain after this process, we will test and interview applicants by arrangement.
Guidelines for admissions and ability levels in English - Third Form, 13+ (Year 9) and 14+ (Year 10)
At 13+ (Year 9) pupils take our own English as an Additional Language (EAL) exam and a Maths exam; at 14+ (Year 10) pupils sit an EAL exam, Maths exam and a Science exam. All exams take place in the November prior to the year of entry. Spoken English is assessed during an interview with a senior member of staff.
Offers of places are made in early December and parents are asked to pay a deposit to secure the place. If places remain after this process, we will test and interview applicants by arrangement.
Guidelines for admissions and ability levels in English - Sixth Form
Pupils take our own English as an Additional Language (EAL) exam, a Maths exam and a General Paper in November proceeding the year of entry. Spoken English is assessed during an interview with a senior member of staff.
Offers of places are made in early December and parents are asked to pay a deposit to secure the place. If places remain after this process, we will test and interview applicants by arrangement.
Sixth Form pupils are prepared for the IELTS examination, where level 7 is required for entrance to top UK universities.
Meet Julia...
Julia is in the Third Form at Dauntsey’s, based in The Manor, the Lower School boarding house. Her family live in Hong Kong.
“We chose Dauntsey’s as it had really good reviews and we liked the sound of their adventure education programme – that really stood out and we haven’t been disappointed. Moonrakers is the adventure programme for Third Formers where we do activities one afternoon a week. It’s great fun we do things like rope courses, raft building, outdoor cooking and climbing. I have really enjoyed trying some new things and working in teams with other pupils.
“I honestly have found it really easy to settle in here. I had contact from a buddy before I joined who helped me with a few questions before coming to the UK and I really like my dorm mates, one is from the UK and the other from Jordan. I also have a friend from Hong Kong who is in the dorm next door. My Tutor has been really helpful too and very supportive. If I have any worries I know I can talk to my friends or my Tutor.
“When I first started I did get lost a few times as the School is really big compared to my school in Hong Kong. But everyone is very helpful and tells you where you need to be. I love all the space we have here. In Hong Kong I would often stay in bed as there was not so much to do, but here there is just so much to do! I like to get up and try the new experiences and make the most of all the facilities we have here.
“The only thing I don’t like is the bed time which feels early but I am often quite tired after the busy days we have here.
“The food is great – especially the desserts – I absolutely love the ice cream!
“I have joined the International Society which I love – they organise trips and it’s a great way to meet other students form overseas in different year groups. If I am not going to a friend’s house or my guardian during an Exeat, then the Society often organises a fun trip somewhere.
“I am really happy here – it was a big step moving to a boarding school in England but – so far – it has been a great experience.”