Westonbirt School Full Boarding Experience (Full academic year September - July)

Course Description: Westonbirt School Full Boarding Experience (Full academic year September - July)

Boarding at Westonbirt is about becoming part of a community. It’s the friendships made over dinner, the conversations that continue long after lessons have finished, the encouragement of housemates, and the confidence that comes from learning to do things for yourself. 

Our boarders come from more than 25 nationalities, living and learning alongside one another in a community that is wonderfully diverse, yet closely connected. Every pupil brings their own experiences, contributing to a place where everyone belongs. 

Where is Westonbirt?

• Nearest Airports: 

• Bristol Airport: 60 minutes away, offering domestic and international flights 

• Birmingham Airport: 90 minutes away, offering a wider range of international flights 

• London Heathrow Airport: 90 minutes away, offering a wider range of international flights 

• Nearest Train Stations: 

• Kemble Station: 20 minutes away, with direct services to/from London Paddington 

• Stroud Station: 26 minutes away, with direct services to/from London Paddington 

• Chippenham Station: 26 minutes away, with direct services to/from London Paddington 

• Travel to Westonbirt School by car: 

• 90 minutes by car from London

• 50 minutes by car from Bristol 

• Additional Travel Arrangements: 

• Travel to/from Westonbirt should be coordinated with the student’s guardians in the UK. 

• School arranges transport to/from airports and train stations 

• School bus service to London during exeats and half terms

Key features of the programme:

• English language development: Specialist lessons focused on improving fluency, building speaking confidence and developing communication skills.

• English language qualification: The opportunity to work towards an English language qualification during the programme.

• Classroom immersion: Join English-speaking pupils for lessons across a range of curriculum subjects.

• Co-curricular opportunities: Get involved in Westonbirt’s clubs and activities, from sports matches to performing arts.

• Cultural excursions: Enjoy weekly trips to places of interest, including London, Bath, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Cheddar Gorge and Longleat Safari Park.

• Weekends at Westonbirt: Make the most of our boarding programme, with access to on-site sports facilities and trips to explore nearby towns and cities, including Tetbury, Cirencester and Bristol

Explore Our Facilities

Set within a magnificent Victorian mansion and 210 acres of beautiful Cotswold parkland, Westonbirt offers an inspiring setting to learn, explore and make new friends.

• Inspiring learning spaces: Discover our Design Studio, Music Technology Centre, Orangery Theatre and outdoor amphitheatre.

• Outstanding sports facilities: Enjoy our 25-metre swimming pool, fitness centre, astroturf and golf course, alongside opportunities to try sports including rugby, cricket, lacrosse, netball, tennis and athletics.

• A home from home: Experience British boarding life in our welcoming boarding houses, with comfortable accommodation and dedicated pastoral support.

• A vibrant community: Join our international community of over 25 nationalities and choose from more than 170 clubs and activities.

A Day in the Life

From the moment they arrive, pupils become part of life at Westonbirt, joining lessons and activities alongside our students and experiencing school life as a member of our community.

The Immersion Programme invites them to explore the British curriculum, discover new interests and try subjects ranging from science and drama to food technology, coding, art and music. Engaging lessons, led by expert teachers, encourage curiosity, build confidence and support each pupil’s progress.

With our beautiful Cotswold setting and outstanding facilities, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Pupils might investigate the lake in science, take to the stage in the Orangery Theatre, swim in our 25-metre pool or try British sports such as rugby and lacrosse on our modern pitches. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, explore and make lasting memories.

Daily schedule

What to expect

Morning

Build your confidence in English through engaging lessons with specialist teachers.

Before lunch

Join Westonbirt pupils in the classroom, explore new subjects and experience everyday school life.

Lunch

Share a meal, practise your English and get to know pupils in your year group

After lunch

Get curious with STEM projects, prepare for your English qualification, try new sports or head out on a trip.

After school

Discover new interests and make friends through Westonbirt’s vibrant co-curricular programme.

Evening

Enjoy dinner, spend time with fellow boarders and take part in evening activities, with time for prep.

Boarding

Boarding at Westonbirt is an opportunity to make new friends, build confidence and become part of a welcoming community.

Our boarding houses each have their own character, with comfortable single and shared rooms offering a place to relax and feel at home.

Our dedicated houseparents and residential staff create a caring, supportive environment where every pupil is encouraged to settle in, feel a sense of belonging and make the most of their experience. There’s plenty to enjoy beyond the school day, with evenings filled with activities such as cooking, swimming and film nights, alongside weekend adventures and opportunities to explore the local area.

Our on-site Health and Wellbeing Centre provides access to medical care, counselling and physiotherapy, while our pastoral team is always on hand to offer guidance, encouragement and support.

Jump into boarding life

Whether you’re considering a short stay or a longer academic pathway in the future, Westonbirt’s short-stay boarding opportunity is the ideal introduction to British education.

When: 

• Autumn Term 2027: 3 September - 15 December

• Spring Term 2027: 5 January - 29 March

• Summer Term 2027: 18 April - 5 July

Full Boarding Programme Cost (incl. VAT): 

• Years 7-11 £50,400 per year

• Year 12 and 13: £51,600 per year

What is included?

• All lessons and academic timetable

• EAL (English as an Additional Language) support

• Co-curricular activities

• Local weekend and evening excursions

• Boarding accommodation

• All meals, WiFi and laundry

• Airport transfers from Heathrow or Bristol (group bookings)

Westonbirt School — Google Maps ↗

Tetbury GL8 8QG, UK Google Maps ↗