What is a Study Centre?

An international study centre is an excellent stepping stone from home into the British education system. Normally study centres in the UK are connected to an independent school so they are able to share the excellent facilities which most UK boarding schools offer. It also means that students are able to adjust in the security of an international community, but they still have the opportunity to integrate with the British students and be part of the main school.

Academically a study centre prepares students for their future studies. Courses normally aim to improve students’ level of English and the focus is on the academic English that is needed for studying in the UK. Students also continue with other academic subjects following the National Curriculum up to GCSE. Many study centres offer a One Year GCSE Programme which allows students to obtain between 5-8 GCSEs, which most good schools in the UK require as an entry requirement for A levels or the IB Diploma. (Please click here for details of our One Year GCSE / Pre-IB Programmes) Students often also complete courses in Study Skills, British Studies, Theory of Knowledge and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) as well as Sport, to help them to adjust to the education system in the UK, and to develop culturally, pastorally and socially.  

In a study centre students are given the opportunity to learn in very small classes with teachers who are experienced in teaching international students. One of the biggest difficulties for international students is the subject vocabulary which they will require to make progress in academic subjects. Teachers can obviously help students with this specialised vocabulary. They can also help them to adjust to the classroom culture in the UK so when they do go on to another school or college they know what is expected of them. A study centre can give students the confidence and the academic results that they need to be able to achieve what they want in their future studies, and be a successful student in the UK.

Pastorally, a study centre can help students to adjust to the boarding school culture in the UK, giving students the extra help which they may require in the beginning so they feel happy and secure. When a study centre is connected to a main school, students have the opportunity to join in activities, events and sports with the British students and, therefore, are able to feel part of a British boarding school.

Study centres normally help students with their placement in  future schools within the UK boarding system. Students can either continue their studies at the main school which the study centre is part of, or can move on to another boarding school/college in the UK.  (Please click here for details of our on placement service)

The best study centres are normally accredited by the British Council as an International Study Centre (ISC) and are members of the British Association of International Study Centres (BAISC) www.baisc.org.uk . Taunton School International are delighted that we have been accredited by the British Council as an ISC and we are members of BAISC as it is important to protect and enhance the concept of an International Study Centre. The members of BAISC are high quality providers and they share expertise and best practice with each other.