International Admissions Process
Learn about the international admissions process at Prior’s Field for entry at 11+, 13+, 16+, and beyond. Discover our support for overseas applicants and English as an Additional Language (EAL) students.
We understand that finding the right school can be a difficult process. Our Admissions team will happily assist you with your enquiries, answer any questions you may have and arrange visits. Applications for entry to the school can be made for girls at age 11+, 13+ and for the Sixth Form. 12+ and 14+ places may be offered at any time, subject to availability.
Applying and settling into a senior school is a big step for a family and we aim to do all we can to make this a gentle, easy and successful journey. The Overseas application process can be long and rigorous We strongly advise overseas applicants to consider the length of time it will take to gain a visa and make travel arrangements.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) students for whom English is not their first language are assessed on arrival for the level of language support needed. Tuition is given on an individual basis or in small groups to help the girls to work towards specific internationally recognised EAL examinations (such as PET, FCE and IELTS) and to support English in the classroom.
In years 7, 8 and 9 the girls have two- three sessions of EAL tuition sessions per week. At the end of year 9 they are assessed to provide an indication of their British National Curriculum levels. In this way the EAL teachers can decide on the level of support each will need for her GCSE English courses. If they are struggling to achieve the appropriate level in English at that time, then a choice of external examinations may be considered. Prior’s Field’s EAL students aim to achieve grades A*-C in GCSE English Language and Literature.
In Years 10 and 11 the students will have two- three hours of EAL tuition per week. Sixth Form EAL students have two to two and a half hours EAL tuition per week. These girls study the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) courses, with the academic papers taken as preparation for university entrance.
