Padworth College (preparatory program)

Padworth College – This is a small international boarding school for teenagers from 14 to 18 years old with a tutoring style of teaching. The school has only about 100 students. 

The college's location in a quiet rural area provides students with a calm and safe environment. At the same time, it’s a stone’s throw from here to the city of Reading and only a 45-minute drive – to Heathrow Airport.

The foundation program consists of intensive English language teaching and academic tutoring for all international students who need to improve their English before enrolling in GCSE, A-level and Foundation courses.

Depending on the level of English and academic knowledge, the preparatory program can be studied over 1, 2 or 3 semesters. In addition to improving English, the program perfectly prepares you for studying at a British school. This includes developing study skills, project work, reading, discussion work and team building. Mathematics, science and business are also taught as part of the program to ensure students are prepared for the next level of their education. Sports are also part of the curriculum

Director (for 2024)

Crispin Dawson, education - Cambridge University, postgraduate certificate with the right to conduct teaching activities; University of Buckingham, Master of Education; University of Bristol, BA.

Key factors

• The school has high exam results. After training at Padworth Colledge, graduates tend to enter the best universities in the UK, including Oxbridge.
• Small class sizes (average 8-10)
• Childcare and teaching of English as a foreign language are of a high standard at the school.
• Most students come from abroad and join the active international community here.
• Foreign students are provided with free additional English classes. At the same time, the share of British students remains consistently high.

Equipment

Padworth College's beautiful 6-hectare campus is surrounded by beautiful West Berkshire, providing a safe and secure learning and leisure environment.

On the territory of the college there are educational and residential buildings, 3 scientific laboratories, a computer class, a library, a studio, recreation rooms, 2 dining rooms, tennis courts, playgrounds for team sports and a swimming pool.

The current structure includes classrooms for physics, chemistry and biology, with modern analytical facilities for research. Before starting classes, students receive instructions on how to use it. Academic classrooms have projectors and multimedia boards. The library area is equipped with a wide range of educational literature and works of art. A large selection of fiction and access to information through electronic services are recommended. Students read books of various genres to improve not only their spoken English.

Music rooms provide an opportunity to explore musical excellence through a variety of instruments, from the flute to the cello.

The drama club has a studio space for rehearsals, with the required lighting equipment. There is an assembly hall for viewing productions.

IT centers with impressive resources and wireless Internet access are designed to comprehend the science of graphics and computer design.

There are common lounges with educational and recreational resources, playgrounds, tennis courts and a large outdoor heated swimming pool.

There is a medical center on site with 24-hour service. Each student is registered and undergoes a routine examination. Where appropriate, the school nurse may prescribe treatment. She also runs a health education program.

Program

The preparatory program (Study Abroad Programme) starts at the beginning of each semester: in September, January and April. Students can come for one semester or all three.

There are two different levels of the program: level 1 and level 2 – depending on the student’s level of English and the requirements of the program the student plans to enroll in (GCSE, A-level or Foundation). Students can move from Level 1 to Level 2 depending on their academic progress.

Every semester, students take IELTS exams to track their progress. They also receive feedback from teachers and receive a certificate upon completion of the program.

Accommodation and accommodation

Students are accommodated in comfortable single or double rooms. The rooms are bright and spacious, there is a bed, a wardrobe, a small chest of drawers and a desk. Each room has a small living room where you can receive friends and have a good time. Amenities and laundry facilities are available on the floor. Clean bed linen is provided every week.

Guys and girls live in separate residences. There is access to a kitchen where you can prepare snacks and drinks. Large lounges with TVs and gaming areas are designed for shared leisure time.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in one of two dining rooms. The food is varied and there are dishes to suit all preferences and dietary requirements. There is a healthy lifestyle policy as one of the basic concepts of human life. Appropriate nutrition, physical training, morale and giving up bad habits – welcome and encouraged.

Sport

For harmonious development, the school invites its students to take part in various sports, such as: swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball, fitness center classes, badminton, running, golf, shooting, athletics, cricket and football. Outside Padworth College there is horse riding, ice skating, bowling etc. Sports, intellectual and social skills are developed.

Additional activities

There are many hobby groups where students can show their strengths, improve their knowledge and have a good time.

The Economists Club meets every Thursday and discusses the latest economic news. They study major current events that relate to the economy, such as the recent referendum in Scotland, the budget plan of political parties in England, etc. The founder and chief curator is always guided by the goal of helping students understand the essence of the matter and enjoy the practical side of the issue.

Most teenagers choose music classes. Individual instrumental and vocal lessons are provided, ensembles are created and performances are organized.

There are also drama, debate, chess and book clubs. Creative individuals are encouraged to engage in applied arts.

Cost, 2023-2024

£12,320 per semester.
There are 3 semesters in the academic year.

Included in price

• Training
• Accommodation and meals

Additional charge

• Registration fee – £350
• Deposit - £600
• Air travel
• Transfers to/from/airport
• Visa
• Educational company services
• Selection of a guardian, which is a mandatory requirement of a British school

Paradise Education London services and fees 

How to choose a school