Staying at Itchen College for a full academic year offers students the opportunity to complete their AS and A Level qualifications, which are highly regarded by universities when considering prospective applicants. Beyond academic achievements, students who spend a year abroad develop resilience, academic aptitude, and outstanding adaptability—qualities that give them a distinct advantage.

The academic rigour of A Levels also provides thorough preparation for future studies. While students across Europe study multiple subjects, at Itchen College, our students select 4-5 subjects and explore them in far greater depth. In this respect, A Levels can be considered foundation courses, equipping students for degree-level studies or careers in their chosen fields. Many of our international students frequently mention how our lessons introduce them to concepts in greater depth than they’ve previously encountered.

Due to the comprehensive nature of A Level courses, students often experience cross-curricular learning, allowing them to continue building on skills from subjects they study in their home countries. For instance, A Level Spanish and French require students to analyse films and books in the target language—skills that overlap with those learned in English Literature. Similarly, subjects like English, Media, and History emphasise fact-checking, critical thinking, and research, while Business and Economics involve significant use of mathematics. As a result, even if students miss some lessons in their home countries, their time at Itchen College ensures they are well-prepared to catch up and reintegrate into their academic systems.

Itchen College, in addition to being an “outstanding” rated institution, is equally an outstanding option for students seeking high quality education without paying the private school prices; for students who want the full cultural immersion and homestay, without the same restrictions of a boarding school. Our students can pursue their academic passions, obtain their A Levels, and get full support with UCAS for their university applications.

What if my child misses important subjects back home?

Because of the depth of study, A Level courses often incorporate cross-curricular content, meaning students continue to use and develop skills from subjects they study in their home countries. For example, A Level Spanish and French require students to analyse films and/or books in the target language, skills that overlap with those developed in English Literature. Similarly, subjects like English, Media, and History emphasise fact-checking, critical thinking, and research, while Business and Economics heavily involve mathematics. As a result, while students may miss some lessons in their home countries, their time at Itchen College equips them to quickly catch up and assimilate back into their academic systems.

Can you convalidate my child’s grades?

Given our strong partnerships with countries that require convalidation, we have extensive knowledge and experience dealing with convalidation in a number of countries, particularly in South America. We have a dedicated solicitor who signs off the students’ report before we send it to the embassy.

It’s important to note, however, that students will complete their AS exams at the end of the academic year, which are accepted by universities worldwide. Should a student extend their stay, they can then complete their A Levels (which British students complete at the end of their sixth form education), paving the way to their academic future.

The cost is too prohibitive!

Many countries offer scholarships for students studying abroad, so it is important to check with these schemes to help fund the fees.

Itchen College is competitively priced, offering this life-changing experience with fees well below are nearest local competitor, and significantly lower than private boarding schools. However, our lower price does not compromise on the high quality of education we provide, underpinned by our most recent inspection that rated us as “outstanding” by OFSTED.

Our fees cover more than just tuition; Itchen College offers an exceptional array of student support, including:

• College nurse
• Mental health counsellors
• Student Support for both academic and pastoral matters
• A specialist international team, including a dedicated homestay officer
• Lunchtime enrichment programme, with over 50 different lunchtime clubs including
  • Trading club, business club
  • Holiday French and Spanish
  • Gaming club, Dungeons and Dragons, board game club
  • Sports, including football, basketball and volleyball
  • Surviving adulthood, serial killer case study workshops
  • Film and podcast club, video editing, music clubs and more!

Students come through our doors as teenagers and leave as young adults. The growth, development, skills and opportunity is priceless.

I don’t understand the visa process!

Many agents have dedicated visa experts who can support with the visa application. Our admissions officer is also very knowledgeable, and can signpost you.

The UK visa is no more expensive than a US, Canadian or Australian visa.

Why go to the UK when I can choose the US or Canada?

With cities such as Southampton small and safe enough to traverse on public transport, students get their first true taste of freedom and independence. The US and Canada are very car dependent, leading to students relying on their volunteer homestays to chauffeur them around cities, whereas students in the UK can organise their own social lives independently.

Southampton has a wealth of culture, heritage and entertainment for people of all ages, including ziplining, dry slope skiing, bowling, laser tag, Ninja Warrior among great retail opportunities and historical sites abound. Students can’t get bored here! Discover more here.

But even with the excitement in Southampton, we understand that students have wanderlust. Southampton is in a strategic location for travel across the UK, with London, Bath, Oxford and Brighton within a two-hour commute, and Winchester, Portsmouth and the New Forest accessible within half an hour. Similarly, on top of our own airport, we’re close to Heathrow, Gatwick and Bournemouth airports, opening the world to our students from our very own doorstep.

Why Itchen College? There are other colleges in the UK.

We’ve already covered the wealth of support, enrichment and quality of education that the tuition fees cover. Itchen College, offers the best of multiple worlds. Big enough to educate over 1,900 students on over 50 different A Level and Level 3 courses, it’s also in a quiet residential part of Southampton. And despite its quiet residential location, it is a stone’s throw from the vibrant city centre.

At Itchen, we form the pathway to students’ futures. The vast majority of our students leave us with a university place in the bag, and our Extended Project Qualification helps our high attainers into the Russell Group universities, including Southampton, Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh. A 99% A Level pass rate over the last few years is testament to the quality of our teachers and education programmes.

Itchen College is an esteemed sporting college, with its Academy of Sport producing elite level athletes, including international footballers, Olympians, professional basketballers and national golf champions, with a trophy cabinet that underpins the decades of success. For students that are already successful in their field, our Academy of Sport will help them reach their potential.

I would prefer my child to be in a boarding school.

Itchen College exclusively offers homestay accommodation for a variety of reasons, and safety is of course paramount in our reasoning. All of our hosts undergo extensive police checks, and our homestay officer personally inspects each home to ensure it reaches our own high standards, while maintaining compliance with OFSTED’s vigorous standards.

While Itchen College acts in loco parentis of its international students, our community of experienced homestay hosts are assets to the international experience, and truly embellish students exchange programmes. Living in a home from home environment gives students an extra layer of bespoke support, alongside integration into a British family.

Not only do our homestays integrate students into family life, including simple things such as watching Netflix together or going on a family outing, but they are bastions of local knowledge, helping students to discover their local area.

Students and parents will complete pre-arrival and medical forms, which will ensure that we can place students to the right homestay for their needs. Upon allocation, we encourage both homestays and students to reach out to build a relationship prior to arrival. One of the most heart-warming parts of the job is arriving back at College with a coach full of students, welcomed by excited hosts who greet their new family member with a warm embrace.

Discover our range of courses here. International students can enrol in any A Level or Level 3 Vocational subject. We advise that students confer with their school back home when choosing subjects to ensure all required learning is accounted for.

Course length: 1 or 2 years

Start date: September

Number of hours of study: 20-25 hours per week

Course Level: A Level or Level 3 Vocational

Entry requirement: A minimum of a pass at CEFR B1 in a Secure English Language Testing (SELT) from a UKVI approved provider, or 5.0 in IELTS for UKVI.

Satisfactory school reports

Age requirement: 16 or 17 years old

Book an online meeting with our Marketing and Programme Manager to learn about our international programmes.

We warmly welcome applications from international students and recognise the unique journey they are about to embark on. Studying abroad requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, along with a commitment to regular attendance, which is essential for success in our programmes. We encourage you to thoroughly research our programmes, visa requirements, and life in Southampton to ensure a smooth transition. We understand that moving to a new country can be challenging, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. From pre-arrival orientation to ongoing academic and personal support, we’re committed to helping you thrive in our vibrant and diverse community. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you at Itchen Sixth Form College!

1. Send the following documents to international@itchen.ac.uk
   • Application form
   • School report
   • Passport photo page
   • English certificates (if you have one)
2. Complete an informal interview with a member of International Management
3. Sign and return your Offer Letter
4. Take your IELTS for UKVI or Secure English Language Test (SELT) if you haven’t already done so. You must score a 5.0/ B1
5. Apply for a Student Route Visa
6. Book your flight and join us on an opportunity of a lifetime!

Applying for a Student Route Visa

Secure English Language Tests (SELT)

Summary of Shared Responsibilities whilst studying under a Student Route Visa