Boarding school in England: discover Bournemouth Collegiate School

England offers some of the best boarding schools in the world. Among them is the Bournemouth Collegiate School (BCS), an institution that combines academic excellence with a unique coastal environment. Located in the charming city of Bournemouth, the school provides students with a complete educational experience in one of the most sought after countries for international education.

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What makes Bournemouth Collegiate School special?

BCS is strategically positioned in Bournemouth, a vibrant coastal city with approximately 183,000 residents. The most striking difference is its location: just 90 minutes from London and with the beach literally as part of the Senior School campus in Southbourne.

The local academic environment is enriched by the presence of Bournemouth University, recognized as one of the leading modern universities in the United Kingdom. The proximity to the Arts University Bournemouth, one of the best institutions specializing in art and design in the country, creates a unique educational and artistic ecosystem.

British academic system in practice

Unlike traditional high school in England, BCS offers a more personalized and international approach. The system follows the standard British curriculum, but with specific adaptations for international students.

Structured academic progression

Years 10 and 11 (GCSE 1 and 2):

• Core subjects (mandatory)
• Wide range of optional subjects
• Intensive preparation for GCSE exams

Years 12 and 13 (A-Levels): Two-year program with more than 20 subjects available, including specialized options such as Chinese (for native speakers) and Russian (for native speakers).

Pre-A-Level Program for International Students

The school offers a specific program for international students whose level of English does not yet allow direct access to A-Levels. This program focuses on developing the language skills necessary for later academic success.

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Boarding: quality residential living

The boarding experience at BCS goes beyond simple lodging. The school offers separate accommodations for boys and girls, with modern facilities and 24-hour supervision.

Residential facilities

Girls' Boarding (Years 7-13):

• Shared dorms for younger students
• Single or double rooms with private bathroom for Sixth Form
• Equipped kitchen and common areas
• Protected WiFi

Boys' Boarding (Years 6-13):

• 38 rooms in total
• 26 double and 11 single rooms
• Four apartments with private bathrooms
• Three shared bathrooms and two kitchens

Pastoral support

House parents reside in the same building, ensuring ongoing support. The school maintains 24-hour emergency numbers and an on-campus medical center with regular office hours.

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Elite sports program

BCS won the Independent Schools Association Award for Outstanding Sport in 2021. The school offers gyms that specialize in:

• Soccer - with a tradition in talent development
• Basketball - competitive program
• Swimming - 25m (Senior) and 20m (Prep) pools
• tennis - outdoor courts
• Badminton - equipped gym
• Remo - taking advantage of the coastal location
• Rugby - traditional British sport

For students interested in combining sports with studies, the experience can be compared to sports exchange, offering professional athletic development together with academic training.

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Outstanding alumni

The school can be proud of former students such as:

• Ajani Burchell: former student who signed a contract with Aston Villa Football Club
• Leo McCrea: competed at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics
• Emma Wilson: bronze medalist in Windsurfing at the Tokyo Olympics
• Alice Tai: Paralympic, world, Commonwealth and European swimming champion

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Excellence in performing arts

BCS reached the finals of the ISA Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Performing Arts in 2023. The artistic program includes:

Theater and performance

• Annual public theatrical performance (Grease! in 2024)
• Collaboration with Big Little Theatre Company
• Workshops with industry experts and West End artists
• Shakespeare School Festival

Music

• Individual instrumental lessons (piano, violin, guitar, drums)
• LAMDA (Acting, Verse and Prose, Public Speaking) Classes
• ABRSM, Trinity, and Rock School exam preparation
• Multiple performance opportunities

Visual Arts

• Collaboration with Arts University Bournemouth
• Annual Creative Arts Festival
• A-Levels in Fine Art, Photography and Textiles
• National exhibitions and competitions

University preparation

BCS offers comprehensive college preparation support, including:

• UCAS Support - guidance for university applications
• Tutorial sessions - personalized accompaniment
• IELTS preparation - preparation for proficiency exams
• University Preparation program - specific preparation program
• EAL support - support for English as Additional Language

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Extracurricular activities

The school offers more than 50 extracurricular activities, including:

Sports and fitness:

• Swimming, triathlon, rowing
• Football academies, basketball
• Strength & conditioning, circuits

Arts and creativity:

• Dance Company, School Choir
• Rock bands, music technology
• Art Clubs, Drama Productions

Personal development:

• Debate society, eco club
• Computer programming, robotics
• Mindfulness, cooking classes

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How to compare to other boarding school options

When considering BCS, it's important to understand the Differences between boarding school and traditional high school. Boarding schools offer a more immersive and structured experience.

While High school in the USA focuses on the American cultural experience, and the boarding school in Canada Combining academic excellence with sports, BCS offers the British educational tradition in a unique coastal environment.

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Admission process

BCS only accepts enrollment for the full academic year, requiring:

Initial documentation:

• Full Application Form
• School transcript (last year + partial grades)
• Certified translation of the history
• English proficiency test (ELTIS or BCS test)

Additional steps:

• CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test)
• Handwritten writing
• Online interview with the student

Guardianship requirements

All underage students must have a guardian in the UK:

• Over 25 years old
• Friend or relative resident in the country
• Or a company that specializes in guardianship

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Be Easy

A Be Easy acts as a bridge between Brazilian families and exceptional international educational opportunities such as the Bournemouth Collegiate School. Our expertise in educational exchanges guarantees complete support throughout the process, from choosing the institution to adapting to the destination. With our expert guidance, the educational journey abroad becomes an enriching and successful experience. Contact us to find out how we can help fulfill the dream of quality international education.