At Ardingly College, the EAL Department supports international pupils in developing the English language skills needed to succeed academically and socially within our vibrant boarding and day community. We welcome students from across the world and value the perspectives they bring to College life. Our aim is to help every learner feel confident, included and fully prepared for their studies in the UK.
All overseas pupils complete an initial language assessment when they join the College. This allows us to identify those who would benefit from targeted support. Our specialist EAL teachers work closely with academic departments to provide structured lessons that develop fluency, accuracy and the academic literacy required for GCSE, A Level and IB programmes.
(Please note that EAL tuition carries an additional charge.)
“Pupils who speak EAL make progress which is at least as good, and often better, than that of their peers.”
— ISI Inspection Report, June 2024
Integrated Academic Pathway (IAP)
The Integrated Academic Pathway (IAP) is designed for students in Years 7–11 who are academically able but require additional support with English to access the full curriculum. The IAP combines dedicated language teaching with mainstream academic study, ensuring pupils build confidence while progressing at the right pace.
- The IAP focuses on:
- developing academic writing and extended reading skills
- building subject-specific vocabulary and language for learning
- strengthening comprehension, analysis and critical thinking
- improving spoken communication through discussion and presentation
- supporting a smooth transition into full mainstream timetables
This approach allows pupils to flourish linguistically while remaining fully involved in the wider academic, co-curricular and pastoral life of Ardingly College. Our goal is to ensure every learner feels equipped, supported and ready to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
