Rochester college

Rochester College was founded in 1984 and is located in the city of Rochester, in Kent, southeast of London. Rochester — a small city with a rich heritage and a thriving contemporary art scene. It offers a quieter lifestyle than London, close to areas of outstanding natural beauty while still being within easy reach of everything the capital has to offer. London is 40 minutes by train.

Rochester has a variety of vintage shops and boutiques, as well as museums, delis, used bookstores, and several excellent restaurants, micropubs, and coffee shops. Rochester is famous for its links to Charles Dickens, as well as its magnificent Norman cathedral and striking castle, which can be seen from classrooms and bedrooms. The traditional cobbled High Street regularly hosts events, including the Dickensian Christmas Festival.

Rochester college – it is a successful alternative to traditional schools. There are no school uniforms, only 345 students, small classes. The school has a very relaxed atmosphere and the emphasis is on passing exams without too much pressure.

Pupils are taught not to be afraid to speak their minds and to think critically, creatively and independently. Education is based on mutual respect between teachers and students. Students leave school not only with results that exceed expectations, but also with optimism and enthusiasm for the future, confidence in themselves and their education.

Director (for 2024)

Alistair Brownlow, education - University of St. Andrews; University of Glasgow.

Key factors

• Small class sizes: on average 8 people.
• Rochester College is consistently ranked among the best British boarding schools and the best British Sixth form colleges.
• Graduates enter top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds, Nottingham, Exeter and Imperial College. And also to the best art universities and medical schools.
• There is a one-year A-level course, which is rarely offered in British schools. Rather than enrolling in a Foundation program (to prepare for university entry), more able international students can take a year's A-level course and increase their chances of getting into top UK universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, as well as highly competitive fields such as medicine .
• The school has outstanding teaching in mathematics and science. The school produces young people who go to the best Russell group universities in subjects such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, natural sciences, mathematics, engineering.
• Rochester college – winner of the Good Schools Guide award (a guide to the best British schools) in the fields of mathematics, chemistry, film studies, sociology and English literature.
• 70% of school students – from the UK, 30% – foreigners.
• Among the teachers – practicing photographers, graphic designers, artists and musicians. The school taught: BAFTA award-winning film director Clio Barnard, artist and musician Billy Childish.
• The school has a special program for preparation for architectural faculties. Graduates go on to study architecture at leading universities, as well as related subjects such as architectural engineering and interior design.
• Rochester college – one of the best British boarding schools for preparing for entry into medical schools and creative professions.

Equipment

The school has spacious studios with separate work areas for students studying art, graphics, textiles, ceramics and photography. The school has strong links with local teams and clubs, meaning pupils benefit from top-class facilities. The school has a fully equipped gym and sports ground. Rochester College has eight fully equipped laboratories.

Program

Pre-GCSE (13-14 years old)

Preparatory course for entry into the British GCSE program.

1. Students with a lower level of English proficiency (CEFR ≤ B1; IELTS < 5.0) can join the Pre-GCSE program. It involves intensive teaching of English and a range of other academic subjects with UK pupils, including mathematics, science and geography, history, music, computing, art and PE.
2. Students with a higher level of English proficiency (CEFR ≥ B1; IELTS ≥ 5.0) enter straight into Year 9, where they study alongside British students (maximum 12 per class) and study a broad curriculum in preparation for starting GCSEs in Year 10.

Two-year GCSE courses (14-16 years old)

Two-year program to obtain a certificate of general secondary education. The school has 2 options depending on the level of English:

1. Students with a lower level of English (CEFR <B1; IELTS <5.0) can join a two-year GCSE program with English support. It includes intensive English language teaching, as well as studying a number of other academic subjects with British students.
2. Students with a higher level of English (CEFR ≥ B1; IELTS ≥ 5.0) enter directly into Year 10, where they will study alongside British students (maximum 12 per class) and study the curriculum within preparation for GCSE exams in grade 11.

One-year intensive courseGCSE (15-16 years old)

Ideal preparation for high school for foreign students 15+. For international students, a one-year course can be an excellent introduction to studying in the UK and good preparation for A-level or IB programmes. If a student is unhappy with their previous year's grades, this course may be a good way to effectively prepare for a resit. In just one year, students prepare for and take the GCSE exams needed to progress to high school. The course covers a wide range of academic subjects and English lessons.

Pre A-level (15+ years)

The program prepares foreign students for further studies in the A-level high school program. It is especially useful for those who need to improve their English language skills. This course is a mixture of intensive English language instruction and GCSE level academic courses. Ideal for students who require additional English language support to achieve the level required for A-level studies.

Two-year A-level course (16+ years)

University preparation program. Students choose 4 or 5 subjects for in-depth study. At the beginning of the course, students have the opportunity to try subjects for a while before making a final choice.</ p>

One-year intensive courseA-level (17+ years)

The advantage of a one-year A level course for international students is that they can quickly begin to receive a British higher education. Students usually concentrate on three subjects, although each year three or four students successfully study four or even five subjects from scratch. If necessary, preparation for IELTS is combined with this course.

Classroom instruction is complemented in all subjects by a structured revision program and weekly testing. Many school leavers go straight to leading universities such as KCL, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Warwick and Imperial after just one year of study.

The school specializes in mathematics and science and can offer a full range of A-level subjects (including higher mathematics and statistics), ensuring that students have the necessary qualifications to enter science, engineering, accounting, finance and management.

This course is also suitable for those students who have decided to change the list of subjects and direction in the A-level program and need to catch up. For those who have already studied in the IB program for a year, but decided that the A-level program is more suitable for them. And also for students who need to retake A-level exams and spend an extra year at school in order to gain entry to their chosen university, such as the most prestigious Russell Group universities.

Accommodation and accommodation

Accommodation in a residence on the school grounds. Students live in single rooms, many of which have a bath and toilet. The residence has a common room, a kitchen for students and a beautiful garden. The atmosphere is more like a university dorm than a school. The emphasis is on creating a comfortable, happy and relaxed environment. International students are fully integrated into the life of the school, rather than in a separate international training center. In addition to common rooms and classrooms, students at the boarding school have accessto the school's sports ground, fitness center, own cinema, art studios.

Sport

Rochester College takes sports very seriously and is committed to providing students with experiences that develop athletic skills. Now among the students – several talented athletes, including national swimmers, fencers, BMXers and some international karting competitors.

Besides football, rugby, basketball and netball, the school thinks outside the box. Sports such as rock climbing, shooting, horse riding and martial arts ensure that students are able to try activities they may not have previously considered.

Additional activities

Art classes are incredibly popular at school. Students specialize in one of the following areas:

• Fine arts (including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics).
• Graphic design (including corporate identity, packaging, illustration, printing and computer design).
• Photography (including traditional and digital photography, studio techniques, lighting and Photoshop).
• Textiles (including fashion).
• Film, animation, digital media and design (including music videos, short films, animated shorts, photo installations and photo essays, web design, social media promotional films, mobile phone games).
• Architecture.

Students can combine Fine Arts courses with additional A-level subjects in Art History, Theatre, English, Film Studies and Media Studies. Upon completion of the courses, students have good opportunities to continue their studies at art colleges and universities, including UAL Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion. In 2021, the school received the Independent Schools Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Fine Arts.

The school offers theater lessons for GCSE and A-level programs. London's West End is just 40 minutes away, and students can attend a variety of plays and performances. Children can additionally take LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) exams in speech and drama. These qualifications also provide points towards university entry.

The school is next door to the Medway Theater and students actively take part in youth theater productions. The graduation performance of A-level students is especially popular. The classes have been working on the theater production since January. The audience consists of current and former students, as well as parents and staff who come to support all students.

Music – an important part of school life. Students are given the space and support to explore their own interests and develop their own approach to music making. During lunchtime, the music room is a popular place for students to work on their own projects, play in a band, sing in a choir, or simply spend time listening to music that interests them.

Students can study music and music technology at GCSE and A-level programs. Students have access to Mac software and use the latest technology to create music. Children have the opportunity to take instrument lessons organized by the Kent Music School. Students take part in bands, choirs and ensembles, and there are many opportunities for practice and performance.

Cost, 2023-2024

£37,200 - £48,600 per year (depending on age and type of residence).

Included in price

• Training
• Accommodation and meals
• Laundry
• Transfers to/from the airport

Additional charge

• Registration fee - £295
• Deposit - £2,750
• English as a Foreign Language Classes - £1,100 per semester
• Individual training - £450 for 10 hours of lessons
• Trips and excursions
• Air travel
• Visa
• Educational company services
• Selection of a guardian, which is a mandatory requirement of a British school

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