International Admissions Welcome

We’re proud of our global outlook in welcoming students from around the world. The diversity of the community is of great benefit to all. All pupils at the College, value the friendships they make with those whose families live overseas. Both can learn from each other, sharing knowledge and the experience of different cultures and language whilst enjoying the value of an excellent British education together.

International entry is normally from Year 6 upwards (excluding Years 11 and 13) Applications can be made to join other Years subject to availability. Students entering Year 12 must be 17 or under by 1st September on the year of entry.

We are also happy to consider pupils to join for a short-term placement to allow them to improve their English and enjoy the British Boarding School experience.

We have a very strong EAL department which helps students who are non-native speakers to access the curriculum. There is a dedicated EAL centre in the College, with two specialist members of staff, which students are encouraged to visit at any time as well as during timetabled EAL lessons.

All our EAL lessons are conducted in small classes and our EAL teachers work closely with subject teachers and Form Tutors to ensure that EAL students are receiving the specific language support they need. Homework is given every week to help reinforce learning.

Prior to joining the College, students will have sat our Entrance Examinations in English and Mathematics. The number of EAL lessons each students receives will depend on individual needs and are reviewed each term. There is an additional charge for EAL teaching which is detailed in the College fees

We help our students prepare for external examinations, such as IELTS, the English Proficiency Test accepted by British and worldwide universities. Students in Year 11 are able to take the IGCSE English As A Second Language examination.

All families interested in applying to study at St. Francis’ College should contact our Registrar, Miss Esther-Tofi Williams via admissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk and she will guide you through the admissions process. We also work with partner educational agents, based all over the world, who will also help you with your application. Please contact Miss Williams for details of an agent in your home country.

Further information about the College can be obtained by clicking here  to view the prospectus.

If you have any specific queries, please contact Miss Williams.

All students are required to sit Entrance Examinations in Maths and English. If you are unable to attend an assessment day at the College, then we can arrange for you to sit the papers overseas.

All students are also required to have an entry interview with a senior member of staff. This can be via a video call if you are unable to visit in person.

We do welcome visits from all applicants and encourage families to come to the College prior to joining. Please contact Miss Williams to arrange a mutually convenient time via admissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk.

Following the interview, the Registrar will advise if the applicant has been successful in securing a place, and the acceptance paperwork will be issued.

An offer of a place is valid for two weeks. To accept the offer, a student must return the acceptance form and pay the acceptance deposit of £4,500 (£1,000 for a short-term stay). We urge successful candidates to return the acceptance paperwork and pay the fee as quickly as possible, as if it has not been received within two weeks, we can no longer guarantee a place at the College.

To enrol at our school, students must hold the appropriate immigration status. Enrolment is not possible for students with an incorrect visa within the UK. Please use the UK government’s website to verify the right visa for entry: Check UK Visa. Parents or guardians accompanying students must also have the proper status for residing in the UK during their children’s enrolment.

We strongly recommend families utilize the services of Sable International to help adhere to the visa requirements.

To help ensure a smooth process, Inspired Learning Group is proud to announce its new partnership with Sable International, a leading provider of immigration services with over 30 years of expertise. This collaboration will allow for a more streamlined child student visa application process for perspective international students hoping to attend St Francis College.

With a stellar reputation in immigration consultancy, Sable International will provide you with comprehensive support to help navigate the complexities of visa applications. From preparing your application to collecting the necessary documents, Sable’s services will help deliver peace of mind through the process. Through using its services, you can be confident that all visa applications submitted through Sable International on behalf of ILG clients will adhere to the regulations set forth by UK immigration authorities.

Their website can be found HERE.

Important Information for EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals:

EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens with EU Pre-Settled or Settled Status must provide official confirmation. Those without either status require a Child Student Visa for studies at our school. Refer to UK Government guidelines:

EU Student Information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-points-based-immigration-system-eu-student-information

Check if you require a visa: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Child Student Visa: https://www.gov.uk/child-study-visa

Parent of a Child Student Visa: https://www.gov.uk/parent-of-a-child-at-school-visa

Students needing a Child Student Visa can obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from our school. This document can be used by students to apply at the appropriate consulate. In order to ensure a smooth and efficient visa application process, we kindly request that any students or families requiring a Child Student Visa use the professional visa and immigration services provided by ECA Legal. As a regulated immigration firm based in the UK, ECA Legal is dedicated to assessing your visa documents, working closely with the school to approve the CAS assignment, and guiding you through the entire visa application process. They will act as your legal representative, preparing and submitting your child’s visa application along with the necessary supporting documents.

Kindly note that this invaluable service incurs an additional cost of £950 per student visa application. For parents seeking a Parent of a Child Student visa, there is an additional cost of £650 per application. Additionally, please be aware of the supplementary charges from UK Visas and Immigration, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge. To streamline this process, we emphasise that payments for these services are to be made directly to ECA Legal, ensuring a secure and efficient transaction. Please note that, in accordance with UK tax regulations, the legal fee will have VAT added if you reside in the UK. If you don’t reside in the UK, VAT will not be applicable.

Special Arrangement for Full Year’s Fees (3 terms):
As a token of our appreciation for your commitment to your child’s education, Inspired Learning Group has crafted a special arrangement. Families opting to pay the full year’s fees in advance (3 terms) will have the £950 visa application legal fee associated with the Child Student Visa application absorbed by Inspired Learning Group. It’s important to note that this arrangement excludes students who receive a scholarship or bursary from the school.

We look forward to welcoming your child to Saint Felix School and facilitating a smooth transition into this exciting chapter of their academic journey.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly Admissions Team, who will be happy to help.

A condition of acceptance of the offer of a place at St. Francis’ College is that students joining us from overseas have an English-speaking guardian whose residential address is in the UK. This may be a relative or close friend, but must be a responsible adults over the age of 25 years.

Overseas students stay with their guardians during the holidays when the College is closed. Guardians are invited to join in with the life of the College and will receive information and invitations to keep them fully involved in their ward’s education.

The College currently works with several reputable organisations that provide guardianship services. Their contact details can be requested from our Registrar via admissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk.