One of the UK's best boarding schools, near London
Leighton Park is a prestigious IB World School offering a leading British boarding school education to students from all over the world, currently representing 45 countries.
Why international families choose Leighton Park
- Award-winning
We’re proud to have won UK Senior School of the Year in the Independent Schools Association Awards. We won the national award for Future Readiness this year, recognising the school at the forefront of preparing students for a fast-changing world. - Well connected
Located between London and Oxford, we’re 25 minutes from London Paddington on the train, 20 minutes from Oxford and a 30 minute taxi ride from London Heathrow. - Stunning setting
The School is set in 65 acres of beautiful parkland, offering you a safe, calm and healthy environment in which to thrive. - Values-led
Our strong values support a kind culture, where you can develop in a safe and supportive learning environment. - Exceptional STEAM academic programme
Our students achieve some of the best academic progress in the country in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics, with 64% of our students going on to universitiy degrees in areas like Engineering, Medicine and Science. - One of the UK's very best music departments
Our Music Department has been a finalist for the Outstanding School Music Department Award for two years running in the prestigious Music & Drama Education Awards, with 60% of our students studying an instrument with one of our 27 music instrumentalists. - Summer school
Our Summer School Programme for international students offers an immersive two-week experience of british boarding school life.
A Modern Boarding School
Near London
Develop your independence and grow as an individual at our award-winning boarding school in Reading, Berkshire.
As a boarder, you’ll have a warm and welcoming place to call home. Each House is like its own cosmopolitan community, with British and international students living together.
Five teachers live in each boarding house, providing a wholesome and supportive environment where you can develop a strong and positive sense of self, and thrive academically.
Academic programmes
We welcome students between the ages of 11 and 18.
Entrance Points
Most students join us for a full academic programme, but there are also options to come for a single term or year.
| Term Stay Boarding |
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Available in Years 7, 8 and 9 for one term or more. |
| Academic Year Stay |
| Available in Years 7, 8, 9, 10, Pre-Sixth (Year 11) and Lower Sixth. |
How to Apply
The first step is to complete an application enquiry form for international students, which you’ll find on our application portal. It asks for some pre-application information upfront so that our Admissions Team can support you in the best way.
Then you can complete the online registration form via the portal and pay the non-refundable registration fee by credit card.
You’ll need to upload a copy of the student’s passport and latest school report.
Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. Does Leighton Park School accept international students? |
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| While 80% of our students are British, we warmly welcome students from around the world into our diverse and inclusive community. We currently have students from 45 different countries. |
| 2. What is the admissions process for international students? |
International applicants follow the same admissions process as UK students, which includes:
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| 3. What English language support is available? |
| We offer tailored English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to help international students thrive both academically and socially. |
| 4. Are there entrance exams for international students? |
| Yes, international students are assessed in English and Mathematics to ensure appropriate academic support. |
| 5. Do you offer short-term study or termly boarding options? |
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Most international students join as full boarders for the entire academic programme or year. However, we do consider termly placements in Years 7, 8 and 9 (when students are between 11 and 13 years old), depending on availability. Find out more on our Term Stay Boarding page |
| 6. What are the boarding arrangements like? |
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Boarding at Leighton Park is in comfortable, friendly Houses overseen by experienced House staff. Something that is unusual about our boarding is that five or our teachers live in each boarding house - meaning that you are living with some of your teachers. International students are fully integrated with UK boarders, enjoying a warm, family-like atmosphere. |
| 7. How do you support students who are new to the UK? |
| We provide a dedicated induction programme, EAL support, and a friendly buddy system to help international students settle in smoothly. Each student is also part of a small Tutor Group. Their Tutor will meet with them multiple times each day and provide pastoral and academic support. |
| 8. How do parents stay informed about their child’s progress? |
| We maintain regular communication through email updates, academic reports, and online parent-teacher meetings. House staff and Tutors also provide updates every two weeks. |
| 9. What visas do international students need? |
| Students from outside the UK typically need a Child Student Visa. Leighton Park has a sponsor licence with UK Visa and Immigration and can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance of Study Certificate. This enables students to secure their Study Visa and we provide guidance and support throughout the visa application process. |
| 10. What is an educational guardian and do I need one? |
| Yes, all international students, whose parents live overseas, must have an educational guardian based in the UK. A guardian is a responsible adult over 25 years of age who can act on behalf of parents in emergencies, provide additional support during holidays, and liaise with the school if needed. We can recommend reputable guardianship organisations and are happy to advise you. Family members like Aunts and Uncles, as well as family friends can also act as a student’s educational guardian but they will need to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as permission to live in the UK and proof of residence. All educational guardians must live within two hours travelling time from the School. |
| 11. Can I come to Leighton Park as a Day student? |
| You would be very welcome to apply to Leighton Park as a Day student but Leighton Park can only sponsor a Child Student Visa for you if you attend as a full boarding student. This means you could only join us as a Day student if you had permission to live and study in the UK from another source, for example through your parents’ visas or immigration status. |
Where Next
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Our Spaces
Take a look at how our buildings and grounds are designed to inspire both creativity and calm.
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Future Ready Curriculum
Our innovative curriculum prepares you to be a changemaker in today’s world. Find out how.
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Distinctive By Design
A values-led school creating unrivalled opportunities for personal development alongside academic achievement.
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Be Your Best Self
With nearly 100 co-curricular clubs, award-winning personal development programmes, D of E Awards, and incredible school trips, there are many ways to enhance your time at Leighton Park.