Author: Sarah Simms, Director of Marketing and Development, Sidcot School
At Sidcot School, we believe that a well-rounded education goes beyond academics; it’s about nurturing curiosity, integrity, and a global perspective that prepares students for a lifetime of learning and contribution. Founded on Quaker values, we strive to create an inclusive community at Sidcot where students from diverse backgrounds feel empowered to pursue their academic goals and personal interests while being guided by compassion, honesty, and a commitment to peace.
When visiting Bishopstrow, or speaking to members of the community, I have been struck by how well Sidcot’s values align with the College’s Five Virtues, which are often in evidence. Both Sidcot’s and Bishopstrow’s commitment to promoting a positive contribution to global society, and our shared international outlook, are key factors in making our partnership such a successful and important one.
For us, partnering with Bishopstrow means more than simply receiving students who are prepared academically; it’s about collaborating with a College that shares our values and dedication to nurturing well-rounded, globally-minded individuals.
Why Partnership Matters: Creating a Seamless Path for International Students
We count ourselves extremely fortunate to have been partners with Bishopstrow College for a long time. On some occasions, we meet students who would like to study in the UK but who require additional language support before being able to fully embrace and benefit from a mainstream secondary school education in the UK. If we are unable to support these students within our own Pathway programmes, we know that Bishopstrow College offers a tailored approach to education that gives students the tools they need to feel confident, integrated, and academically prepared before they later arrive at Sidcot.
With intensive English language support, cultural orientation, and rigorous academic preparation, students are encouraged at Bishopstrow to adapt to new systems of learning and assessment, so they’re ready to step into Sidcot and fully participate in our dynamic community of both day students and international boarders from 30 different nationalities.
The Benefits of Partnership: An All-Round Support System
At Sidcot, we focus on the student experience, prioritising each individual’s journey from the moment they arrive until they graduate. Partnering with Bishopstrow allows us to extend this journey even further, so that support begins before students set foot on our school site. We’ve identified several key benefits of this partnership that are designed to make the transition smoother for students and ensure they can thrive both academically and personally:
- English Language Support: Mastering academic English can be a significant hurdle for international students, but Bishopstrow’s intensive English language courses are designed to give students the confidence they need. By providing this support early on, students are better able to focus on other aspects of their education and engage in meaningful discussions within the classroom. Bishopstrow’s Junior, Middle, and Senior College Programmes are each carefully structured to support EFL learners, enabling them to access subject content with confidence and clarity at the right stage of their language development. The College’s curriculum adapts to meet the unique needs of EFL learners. Lower-level language classes focus heavily on EFL support while gradually introducing key subject concepts. As students progress, language support is reduced and syllabus content is deepened, ensuring a smooth transition towards their next phase of education. A distinctive feature of Bishoptrow’s approach is the integration of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) classes across all key stages. In these classes, students engage with subjects such as Science, Maths, and Business Studies, using English as the medium of instruction.
- Academic Preparation: Bishopstrow’s curriculum is aligned with the UK educational system, covering core academic subjects in preparation for GCSE, International Baccalaureate and A-Level courses (which are all offered at Sidcot). This ensures that when students arrive at Sidcot, they are academically equipped and familiar with the demands of the UK curriculum.
- Cultural Acclimatisation: Adjusting to a new country can be daunting, especially for young students. At Bishopstrow, students are introduced to British customs, traditions, and ways of life, allowing them to navigate cultural differences with confidence. By the time they arrive at Sidcot, they’re comfortable and ready to participate fully in both academic and extracurricular activities.
- Shared Values and Principles: Bishopstrow’s commitment to fostering independence, resilience, and respect aligns closely with Sidcot’s Quaker values. This alignment ensures that students are not only prepared academically and socially but also share an appreciation for qualities such as integrity and respect for others – values that are at the heart of our School ethos.
- Student Wellbeing and Support: Both Sidcot and Bishopstrow are deeply committed to supporting the mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of students. By ensuring that Bishopstrow graduates arrive at Sidcot having already been part of a nurturing environment, we are able to support their wellbeing in a continuous and comprehensive manner.
- A Commitment to Global Citizenship: At Sidcot, we see ourselves not only as educators but as facilitators of global citizenship. We aim to foster a sense of responsibility in each student and encourage them to think beyond national boundaries. By partnering with Bishopstrow College, we are helping young people from around the world feel at home in our community, preparing them to become compassionate, capable individuals with a global outlook.
Looking Forward: The Future of Our Partnership
As we continue to work with Bishopstrow College, we’re excited to explore new ways to support our international students and deepen the pathways available to them. We believe that each student’s journey is unique, and by partnering with like-minded institutions, we can offer a broad spectrum of support, helping each student thrive and reach their full potential.
Ultimately, the Sidcot-Bishopstrow partnership is about much more than academic preparation. It’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive space for students from all backgrounds to discover their strengths, forge lasting friendships, and embark on a transformative educational journey that will stay with them for a lifetime. Together, we are creating a world where learning knows no boundaries and every student is empowered to shine.
Sarah Simms
Director of Marketing and Development, Sidcot School
