Short Term Immersion
Immersed in St Joseph’s College
Our Short Stay Immersion Programme aims to enhance students’ ability to access the College’s main curriculum and qualifications more effectively and successfully. Importantly, 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.
By reducing the stress and anxiety often associated with enrolling in a UK boarding school, our pathway will ensure that the transition to mainstream education at St Joseph’s College, is a smooth and positive experience for international students to enable them to go onto exciting and prestigious destinations.
Building Language Skills
Our Short Stay Programme
16.5 Hours EAL per week
Our highly experienced EAL teachers work with small groups, tailoring lessons to help build students’ confidence and fluency in a safe learning environment. Through their iPad, students have instant access to a wide range of learning resources, from textbooks to interactive activities, allowing them to foster good study skills for learning beyond the classroom. Engaging lessons are enhanced by language games, group projects and storytelling, all designed to aid the students’ journey from a passive to an active user of English. Culture is embedded into lessons to broaden students’ understanding of everyday life in the College and the U.K.
British Life and Culture
British life and culture covers many aspects of relationships and life skills which will help students to navigate their way through an ever-changing world. It gives students the skills to adapt, build resilience and to thrive both academically and personally in a safe and encouraging environment.
Students cover a diverse range of topics such as British culture, online safely, healthy lifestyles and budgeting, taught through a variety of lessons including class discussion, drama and research. International pathway students will join these classes alongside their day peers although some topics will be covered exclusively.
Games and Enrichment
Welcome to our vibrant 60-acre campus, where sports and academics thrive together. Here, sports are more than just activities; they are integral to our community. Our elite performance sports programs, including Rugby, Football, Netball, and Cricket, have earned us numerous national titles and global recognition. These programmes are led by our exceptional team of teachers and coaches who are dedicated to nurturing each student’s personal growth and athletic skills.
Beyond sports, we partner with Arts International to foster Confidence, Creativity, Collaboration, and Compassion. This partnership allows our students to shine and develop skills essential for higher education and their future careers. Our dynamic extracurricular program features over 100 clubs and societies, all guided by our passionate teaching staff. These activities bring academic concepts to life and inspire critical thinking, curiosity, leadership, and teamwork. Through these enriching experiences, we aim to develop well-rounded individuals ready to excel in university and the professional world.
Boarding Support
Our boarding staff provide dedicated support to our students each evening, ensuring they complete homework and engage in productive revision during designated study times. A member of our teaching staff is also present during the weekday study time to assist the boarding staff. We offer a comprehensive library with a wide range of books to aid learning and vocabulary enhancement. Additionally, our staff have access to various resources and useful websites to support English learning.
Hear from our Short Stay Students
Discover how our Short Term Immersion programme supports our International students with their grammatical proficiency, literacy and conversational fluency.
Welcome to Boarding
Meet Head of Boarding Jonathan Sim and discover the St Joseph’s College Boarding provision
Short Stay Testimonials
The school we chose for our son Simon, 13 years old, St Joseph’s College in Ipswich, met our criteria and proved to be a good choice from the start. This was evident through the welcoming school environment and boarding facilities, the quality of monitoring, training, the visibility of his work, the sports activities, and the outings. We were professionally guided by Charlotte Lestienne from The Way to UK. As parents, we were also warmly welcomed and were able to closely follow his progress, especially with regard to his life at the boarding school, thanks to the spontaneous connections that were created. The International Relations department was a great help from the very beginning of this journey. We would like to thank the teachers and the boarding staff who ensured his excellent academic and social integration.
As a short-term student at St. Joseph’s College, I am very grateful to have been part of this community. I have been to the school twice, staying in the boarding house, where I have met wonderful people who will always stay in my heart, both students and staff, and I have reconnected with people I met during my first stay here. I would also like to mention the warm welcome I received from both teachers and students; they made me feel like just another student and made me feel part of St. Joseph’s College. If I could, I would choose to relive this incredible and unforgettable experience a thousand times over, during which I have learned many tools to improve my English skills, which has helped me to obtain the Cambridge First Certificate in English. Finally, I have been able to discover English culture in depth, and it has helped me grow as a person. A part of my heart will always remain at St. Joseph’s College. Thank you all for making this experience a memorable one.
Boarding and EAL staff
Meet the team
Sabrina Deng
I was an international student in the UK 20 years ago, and I fully understand the challenges international students face when adapting to a new country with different language, food, and culture.
With 18 years of experience working in education focused on helping international students, I am dedicated to supporting their academic and personal success, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that empowers them to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Miss Lucia Jesenaiova
Boarding Student Academic Co-ordinator
With 16 years of experience working in the boarding school sector, I have developed a deep understanding of the needs of students, helping them excel in their academic pursuits while providing a nurturing environment for personal growth.
Mrs Caroline Pope
House Mistress & Non-Residential Matron
I joined St Joseph’s College in 2019 as a Matron in Boarding and I love my role. Supporting our students in our Boarding Houses to feel at home while away from home is my joy. I love long-distance running and some students have joined me in my Sunday morning runs.
Ms Morag Strong
Head of Modern Foreign Languages and English as an Additional Language
Since 2017, I have delivered a culture-based curriculum at the College. A focus on culture fosters an inquisitive mind, boosts the desire to communicate and enhances understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learn more about our Short Term Immersion
Who can enrol in the International Pathway Program?
The programme is open to international students of all academic backgrounds who wish to improve their English proficiency and prepare for mainstream academic studies including GCSE and A Level qualifications.
Are there different levels in the EAL program?
Yes, the EAL program is structured into different levels to accommodate students’ varying levels of proficiency. Students are placed in appropriate levels based on their initial language assessment and can progress through the levels as they improve.
How will my child integrate with other British students if they join this programme?
While your child will have dedicated EAL classes, they will also attend mainstream academic classes and electives with British students. We also have Games and enrichment sessions every week which allows for natural interaction and collaboration. Our school operates a house system where students from different year groups and backgrounds are grouped together. Students will be allocated to different houses and tutor groups to foster a sense of community and belonging, encouraging your child to build friendships across the student body.
Is there a deadline for applications?
Yes, however we have rolling entry points to make sure all students can have access to the programme. We have four terms each academic year. Please refer to our admissions calendar or contact the admissions office for exact dates.
What is the Short Term Programme at St Jo’s?
Our short term programme provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the academic and social life at St Jo’s for a limited period. It’s perfect for those who want to experience a UK boarding school either as a taster for future long-term study or as a unique educational experience before returning to their home school. Short-term students are integrated into the appropriate year group based on their age and English ability. They follow the same timetable and daily routine as our full-time students, ensuring an authentic and enriching UK boarding school experience.
What year group will my child be placed in?
Your child will be placed in the year group that aligns with their age, following the UK school system, ensuring they are learning alongside peers of similar age and stage of development. However, it is common for short-term students, particularly those for whom English is a second language, to be placed in a year below to help them adjust more comfortably. Please note, we do not place short-term students in Year 11 or Year 13, as these are critical exam years in the UK.
Where will my child stay for accommodation?
If space is available, your child will stay in one of our welcoming boarding houses, just like our full-time boarders. This allows them to enjoy an authentic UK boarding school experience, fully immersing in school life. In cases where our boarding is full, your child can attend as a day pupil if a parent/s is able to stay nearby in the UK during their stay.
Are there extracurricular activities available to short-term students?
Absolutely! Short-term students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. We offer more than 100 after school clubs including sports, arts, music, debating, homework, just like our full-time students. This helps them fully integrate and make the most of their time with us. In boarding
Can my child participate in weekend activities and trips?
Yes, all short-term students will join weekend activities, trips, and outings organised by boarding along with our full-time boarders. This is a great way for them to explore the local area, bond with other students, and experience more of UK culture. Weekend activities include cinema night, Go-Karting, LaserQuest, Cambridge day trip etc.
How do I apply for the Short Term Programme and what is the process?
Applications can be submitted by contacting our admissions office by filling out the Registration Form and return along with current school reports and a copy of your passport to [email protected] . Once we receive your application, our team will be in touch to discuss availability and the next steps which include entrance assessments and a virtual interview with the Principal or Deputy Principal. A £500 deposit is requested for a short-term programme and will be refunded to your account upon your child completing the study at St Jo’s.
What are the application deadlines for the Short Term Programme?
While we accept applications year-round, we recommend applying as soon as you can and at least 3 months in advance to secure a place in school and boarding for your preferred dates. Please check our Term Dates to avoid school holidays.
Do I need a visa for my child to attend the Short Term Programme?
For international students, a visa may be required depending on the length of stay and nationality. If your child’s stay is 6 months or less, a Standard Visitor Visa can be secured for their study. For students from countries that do not require a visitor visa to enter the UK, please inform our admissions team, who can provide guidance on the process and assist with any necessary documentation.
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