EAL immersive short stays

What are EAL immersive short stay programmes?

Windlesham House offers EAL immersive short stay programmes that allow pupils to experience authentic British prep school life. These programmes provide a wonderful opportunity for children to improve their English, make international friends, and sample the benefits of boarding education.

Short stay pupils are fully integrated into school life, attending lessons, participating in activities and living alongside our full-time pupils. This immersive approach ensures they gain genuine insight into what makes Windlesham House special.

These courses provide a greater prep boarding experience and all our pupils thrive from the diversity shared in the classroom and boarding houses. Term-time immersion courses typically last from two weeks to one full term, depending on family requirements.

Who are short stay programmes suitable for?

Our immersive short stay programmes are ideal for

  • International pupils wanting to improve their English in an authentic environment
  • Families considering British boarding schools and wanting to try before committing
  • Pupils who attend schools overseas but want to experience British education
  • Children of expatriate families returning to the UK for holidays
  • Pupils preparing for entrance to senior schools in the UK

What is life like for short stay pupils?

Short stay pupils follow the same routine as our full-time boarders

During the day

  • Attend lessons across all subjects
  • Receive additional English support where needed
  • Participate in sports and games
  • Enjoy lunch with friends in the dining hall

After school

  • Join co-curricular activities and clubs
  • Complete prep with support from boarding staff
  • Enjoy free time with friends
  • Participate in evening activities

At weekends

  • Choose from over twenty Saturday programme activities
  • Go on trips and outings
  • Enjoy structured activities and free time
  • Participate in residential adventure weekends

How do short stay programmes benefit pupils?

Immersive short stays provide rapid English language development, cultural understanding and a genuine taste of British boarding school life.

  1. Language immersion
    Living and learning in English 24 hours a day accelerates language acquisition more than any classroom course
  2. Cultural experience
    Pupils gain authentic insight into British culture, traditions and school life
  3. Try before committing
    Families can experience Windlesham House before deciding on longer term boarding
  4. International friendships
    Pupils make friends from around the world, creating lasting international connections
  5. Confidence building
    Living independently away from home builds resilience, confidence and life skills

How do I apply for an immersive short stay?

To apply for a short stay one term programme, please contact our admissions team with the following information

  • Your child’s age and current year group
  • Current level of English
  • Preferred dates and duration of stay
  • Any special requirements or interests

We will provide details of availability, costs and next steps. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Interested in a short stay programme?

For more information about our immersive short term and full boarding programmes for international pupils, please contact our admissions team.

Phone +44 (0)1903 874700
Email whsadmissions@windlesham.com

“Our son spent four weeks at Windlesham House during the summer. His English improved dramatically and he made wonderful friends. He is now applying for senior schools in England thanks to the confidence he gained.” Parent of summer course participant