9. ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Years 10 and 11
The course that our sixth form international pupils follow leads to an IELTS (International Language Testing System) qualification, which is recognised as the standard test for those wishing to continue their higher education in an English-speaking environment. It develops their speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with particular focus on the type of tasks that are encountered at university. The cost of the course changes annually and payment for the whole year is made at the start of the academic year with the school fees. In the event the College decides that a pupil no longer requires EAL tuition, any unused charges paid in advance will be duly refunded. Charges are listed under the Schedule of Fees.
Eastbourne College welcomes all pupils for whom English is a second (or additional) language, so long as they have the aptitude and ability to cope with being taught in English. To support them in becoming stronger in English and so they can benefit fully from all the educational opportunities on offer, the English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme provides compulsory tuition for international pupils throughout their time at the College. In accepting a place at the College, parents agree to the provision of EAL tuition as a mandatory chargeable extra if a pupil’s first language is not English. As and when the EAL department feels a pupil no longer needs the additional support, they will be unenrolled (although they will always be welcome to continue to take EAL lessons if they so wish).
Places for entry are predominantly sought by some European pupils, and priority is given to those seeking a minimum study period of three terms. A copy of the most recent school report is required, together with a handwritten English essay and a recommendation from a trusted agent. Pupils have five/six periods over a two-week cycle. These lessons are taken alongside three other option subjects. Pupils sitting GCSE examinations will take the IGCSE ESL exam, in addition to their courses in IGCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language.
Sixth form
The programme:
The level of English required for sixth form entry depends to some extent on the subjects the pupil wishes to study, but in general they need to be at a level of competence that is equivalent to IELTS Level 5.5. International sixth form pupils will sit the IELTS exam, in addition to at least three A levels. Pupils have one or two periods over a two-week cycle depending on the individual’s needs and timetable restrictions. In addition to working towards a good grade in IELTS, linguistic support in A-level subjects can be given if needed.
Year 9
For Year 9 entry the English requirement is generally classified as an Upper Intermediate level. This is so that the pupil can benefit from education in all subjects and play a full part in the life of the school. Pupils have five periods of specialist tuition over a two-week cycle from a qualified English specialist. During these lessons they are taught English intensively.
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ADMISSIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR PUPILS 2026
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