short stay programmes at UK boarding schools
At Bright World, we offer immersion programmes at UK boarding schools for international students to experience daily school life. Students join a regular school timetable and live in boarding houses with long-term pupils to enhance academic understanding, the English language, and gain cultural insight.
who are immersion programmes for?
Immersion programmes are designed for international students aged 7-17 who want to experience the UK in a short, supported way.
They are typically suitable for:
- International students considering UK boarding school – students who want to explore the UK boarding school system and get a feel for school routines, academics, and pastoral care before making a long-term decision.
- Students wishing to improve their English, confidence, and cultural understanding – students looking to build their English language skills in a natural environment whilst developing independence and social confidence.
- Students wanting to “test” boarding school life before long-term enrolment – students who want a trial experience before committing to full boarding school enrolment.
At Bright World, we’re here to support children and young people in making the first steps to studying abroad through immersion courses, before potentially moving on to full enrolment.
finding the right boarding school immersion course
We work with many schools that offer short-term courses, and we can support families at every stage of the process.
Bright World’s team has extensive experience working with international students and parents, so we can guide you through the enrolment process and help you to select your school in the right location and for the duration you require. We will take into consideration your short and long-term academic goals, needs, and preferences to help you select the most suitable school and programme.
During your child’s stay, we can provide ongoing support, including safeguarding, welfare monitoring, and emergency assistance. Contact us for more information on our role in finding your child the right course.
pricing and fees
Bright World's school placement service is free of charge. We receive a referral fee from schools and therefore request that our parents allow us to make the initial contact with the school on your behalf. We can then guide you throughout the enrolment process, or you can handle that yourself, depending on your preference.
The cost of Short Stay Courses varies. We can guide you through the different programme options and courses.
some of our partner schools offering Short Stay Courses
Ashford School
Ashford School offers Short Term Stays for years 7-12. Students can stay for half a term or a full term with start dates in September, November, January, February, April and June.
Farlington School
Farlington Language School provides a British Boarding School experience for international students looking for a short-term English language immersion and cultural experience in the UK. Their language courses include specialist teaching in technology, computer science and entrepreneurism. Pupils will have the opportunity to share some activities with students attending Farlington School.
Mayfield School
Mayfield School offers a unique, fully immersive cultural experience for girls aged 11–14, where international students learn alongside British pupils. Students may choose a 2/3 week course, where they receive expert English lessons, specially designed cultural British studies sessions, stay in their boarding house alongside current pupils, and enjoy day visits to historic castles, London museums, and other iconic sites.
RGS Surrey Hills
Immersion stays at RGS Surrey Hills are available for any length according to your requirements. Students will stay in the boarding houses, join lessons with other students and participate in sports and activities. There is also a full programme of activities and excursions available at weekends.
Ruthin School
The Ruthin School Immersion Programme is designed for international students aged 11–16, offering a genuine taste of academic and boarding life at the school. Minimum stay is 2 weeks. Students are fully integrated into the school community, joining lessons with British students and living on campus as full boarders. It’s an ideal short-stay experience for those considering future UK study or simply wishing to experience an authentic British education in a friendly, high-achieving environment
St Joseph's College
The St Joseph's Short Stay Immersion Programme aims to enhance students’ ability to access the College’s main curriculum and qualifications more effectively and successfully. The course also seeks to improve students’ academic attainment and overall achievement by developing and improving their spoken and written English and their ability to comprehend effectively, when reading and listening to English.
Kings Brighton and Bournemouth
A short-term programme of 4-8 weeks, designed specifically for international students aged 14+ who want to experience the British education system in a supportive and immersive environment. It offers: Academic subjects combined with English for Academic Study, a wide range of academic enrichment activities, highly personalised learning, with weekly tutor meetings and tailored study plans, a diverse nationality mix and full integration into the school community.
Windlesham House School
Windlesham offers short immersion courses for students wanting a taster of prep school life. These are for students who already have a good level of English as they fit into classes with other students and do not need extra English.
guardianship during immersion programmes
Students coming to the UK for short-term courses still require a UK-based guardian to act in an emergency while they are here. A guardian is a responsible UK-based adult who provides international students with welfare support, accommodation during holidays, communication with schools and parents, and acts as the parents’ local representative.
To ensure students receive comprehensive care and support, Bright World has designed an immersion package to accommodate a shorter period of guardianship, whilst also allowing for emergency and exeat host family accommodation in host families to be provided if necessary. For more details on what our guardianship service includes, please visit our Immersion Guardianship page.
proud to be a BBSN approved education agent
Bright World Education is delighted to be approved by the prestigious British Boarding Schools Network. Membership Requirements include having high standards of professional and ethical behaviour, having properly trained staff and to abide by the BBSN Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions. Three references were obtained from UK boarding schools in order to obtain this level of recognition. Membership is reviewed annually.
enquire about short stay programmes and guardianship
Immersion Guardianship
For more details on what our guardianship service includes, please visit our Immersion Guardianship page.