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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
Prospectus 2025-26
2 the worthgate school Inspire
Our ambitious and stimulating education experience develops
inquisitive mindsets and motivates students to recognise and
embrace opportunities in life.
Empower
A nurturing and supportive environment is key to strengthening a
student’s resolve, giving them the attitude, skills and confidence
to overcome any challenge.
Achieve
We recognise the ambition of each student, work with them
to understand their goals, and support them to persevere and
achieve success.
The Worthgate School is an international
boarding school that goes beyond the
classroom to inspire and empower students
to contribute positively to our world,
achieve academic success, and thrive in life.
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
We enrol students from age thirteen and upwards, offering a wide range of qualifications from
GCSE to A Level and UFP. We are proud to be one of the few institutions in the UK to offer the
International Baccalaureate. As an International Baccalaureate World School, we are recognised
for providing a prestigious all-round education that gives students a qualification sought after by
the top universities looking for the brightest candidates.
Student welfare is central to our ethos, and we provide a stimulating and inclusive environment
that goes beyond the classroom. Our academic provision is complimented by extra-curricular
activities that encourage students to deepen their academic knowledge, continue interests and
hobbies and develop new talents. Our friendly staff provide each student with a home away from
home and the school achieved an ‘Excellent’ for Educational Quality in our recent ISI inspection
(January 2023).
During their time with us, students develop a growth mentality. We recognise that as well as
achieving academic excellence, our students leave Worthgate with key characteristics that enable
them to contribute positively to the local and global community and become agents for change.
In all we do, The Worthgate School aims to inspire and empower our students to achieve
greatness.
Dr Ian Gross, FCCT
Principal
he Worthgate School
has been inspiring and
empowering students to
achieve for over 70 years. Our
campus is nestled in a leafy corner
of historic Canterbury, a city that
is renowned for its safety and
beauty, and for being home to three
universities that have educated
generations of young minds.
4 the worthgate school Contents 6 Why Worthgate? 8 The Worthgate Characteristics 9 The Worthgate Baccalaureate
10 Student Experience
11 School Houses
12 Learning at The Worthgate School
13 University Progression
14 The Worthgate Futures Programme
16 Our campus
18 Boarding and Campus Life
21 Activities
22 Canterbury
24 A Prestigious International Education
26 International Baccalaureate
28 A Level
31 University Foundation Programme
33 GCSE
34 Pre-A Level
35 Pre-GCSE
36 UK High School Term
37 Academic English
38 Admissions
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
The Worthgate School
is a boarding school in
Canterbury for ages 13+
that has been inspiring
and empowering
students to achieve for
over 70 years.
6 the worthgate school An Empowering Experience
For over 70 years, we have been committed
to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive
environment where students are empowered as
learners and as individuals.
Our research-led teaching approach focuses on
identifying each student’s academic needs and
aspirations, providing them with a supportive
education that empowers their achievement.
Regular, personalised feedback enables students
to improve their academic progress and prepare
fully for exams.
Our immersive English environment empowers
students to be confident communicators in
academic and social settings. opportunities in
English.
An Inspiring International Education
Since 1952, we have been committed to
delivering an engaging and challenging
curriculum that inspires and empowers our
students to achieve their goals.
As an International Baccalaureate
(IB) World School, we are
passionate about providing a
well-rounded and academically
challenging education that
encourages all students to thrive in our
connected world. Every academic programme,
from pre-GCSE to A Level, offers broad
educational experience through subject choices,
extra-curricular activities and wider school life.
Students are empowered connections between
their academic knowledge and real world
situations.
Our aim is to inspire every student to be
intellectually curious, to pursue their personal
goals and to contribute positively to our world.
Why Worthgate?
Our school values inform every aspect of the student experience. From engaging
academic opportunities to empowering experiences for personal development, The
Worthgate School inspires and empowers every students to achieve their success.
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
Our rigorous curriculum and supportive
teaching has empowered many students to
secure places at top UK and international
universities.
Our Director of Higher Education provides
personalised support and advice with university
selection and application to help students find
the right university for them.
Recent Worthgate School alumni have
progressed to study at the University of Oxford,
London School of Economics and Politics (LSE),
Imperial College London, University College
London (UCL) and Durham University.
International destinations include the
University of Hong Kong (HKU), the University
of Melbourne and Nanyang Technological
University (NTU, Singapore).
Achieving the Best Academic Outcomes
8 the worthgate school At The Worthgate School, we are committed to providing a holistic
learning experience that balances academic progress with personal
development. Our approach encourages students to develop five
characteristics that empower them to become positive agents of change
in the world. These characteristics are attributes and skills that enable
students to achieve in success in academics, the workplace and beyond.
The Worthgate
Characteristics
Caring
We act with care, empathy and respect to make a positive
difference to our and others’ lives he lives of others, our
community and the world around us.
Communicators
We listen carefully to different perspectives, express
ourselves confidently and collaborate positively with others.
Open Minded
We appreciate and learn from our own and other cultures,
traditions, values and experiences.
Resilient
We approach uncertainty and challenges with
determination, using innovative strategies to adapt and
move forward.
Critical Thinkers
We develop critical and creative thinking and research skills
to develop knowledge and understanding across disciplines
and beyond the curriculum.
Students are encouraged to demonstrate the Worthgate Characteristics
in their academic, pastoral and boarding activities. We inspire and
empower them to become positive contributors to their communities
now and in the future.
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
The Worthgate
Baccalaureate
The Worthgate Baccalaureate is an internal school award that
recognises and celebrates student participation in school life. Award
winners demonstrate the Worthgate Characteristics in their actions in
the classroom, boarding accommodation and beyond. Students can
achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold Worthgate Baccalaureate Award. Gold
Worthgate Baccalaureate Award winners are celebrated during our annual
graduation ceremony.
The Gold Award celebrates students who demonstrate enhanced
engagement with the school community, epitomising the behaviours of
The Worthgate School “Agent for Change”. Gold Worthgate Baccalaurate
Award winners are recognised at our annual Graduation Awards.
Our “Agent for Change” Award winners are selected from the Gold
Worthgate Baccalaurate winners each year.
10 the worthgate school At The Worthgate School we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and
supportive education environment. We understand that studying in the UK may be
a very different experience for international students and over our 70-year history
have created a school that makes sure all students are prepared to achieve their best.
Student Experience
A Supportive Environment
All students are allocated a Personal Tutor (PT) who leads a group of around 15 students. Personal
Tutors guide and assist in all areas of life at the school and meet students each week to discuss personal
development – from personal wellbeing to aims and targets, challenges and accomplishments.
Our team of live-in House Parents become a familiar face for every student and are always on hand to
provide the highest standard of safety and pastoral care and help students settle into
their residences by creating a caring and comfortable home.
We aim to provide the best educational outcomes. As a result we pride ourselves in offering the best
professional development for all staff at the school. Our Quality Assurance processes are inclusive,
supportive and thorough, and they involve staff and students alike.
Personal Development
Being in the UK is not just about studying, but also about understanding cultures which may be very
different from your own. Each week students have a Personal Development session with their Personal
Tutor where they can discuss issues they may have and explore what they want to get from their
education journey.
Immersive English
The Worthgate School offers a fully immersive English environment. School life, including lessons and
activities, is conducted in English, building every student’s confidence with the language. Our students
master both academic and social English, enabling them to pursue further study and build relationships
with other English speakers.
Search Worthgate School
houses to find out more
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
The Worthgate School uses a House System
to provide an inclusive environment in which
every student can feel they belong. Our
House System provides students with a
fun, diverse community that supports and
celebrates them in addition to their classmates
and boarding accommodation friends.
Every student joins one of our four pastoral
houses when they arrive. They receive a House
lanyard, which indicates for everyone their
House. Joining a House allows students to be
a part of a friendly and inclusive team of peers
from the moment they arrive.
The Houses meet regularly for activities,
competitions and celebrations. Students
participate together, developing strong
friendships, sharing their cultures and having
fun. Our House activities promote the ‘family’
ethos and atmosphere that makes The
Worthgate School a close-knit and inclusive
community.
We have four houses: Dover, Deal, Leeds and
Hever. The houses are named for historic
castles near Canterbury, and represent the
unity, strength, support and protection
afforded by them.
School
Houses
Dover
Deal
Leeds
Hever
12 the worthgate school Our teaching staff are committed to getting the best out of every student. Teachers set challenging
targets, providing personalised support and regular feedback to help students continuously improve.
Students are encouraged to deepen their learning through further study and research utilising resources
in our Learning Resource Centre.
Encouraging Success
Students are invited to join activities that will
extend their learning and enhance university
applications. Our teachers organise a variety of
workshops, visits and lectures to enable students
to expand and deepen their subject knowledge.
Students can also participate in academic
challenge and competitions, independent
research projects and undertake online courses.
Additional Sessions
We offer extra sessions for students who need
them, and staff are always more than happy
to help with any academic support. The aim
of our additional learning support is to raise a
student’s level of independence, increasing their
enjoyment of learning and empowering them to
succeed academically.
Immersive English
The Worthgate School offers a fully immersive
English environment. Our students master both
academic and social English, enabling them to
pursue further study and build relationships with
other English speakers.
Learning at
The Worthgate School
Education Expertise
The Worthgate School was the first school
in the UK to offer the University Foundation
Programme, meaning students can feel
confident they are being taught by the
most experienced staff who know what
universities are looking for in a candidate.
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
Achieving The Best Academic
Outcomes
We understand that attending a top UK
university is a dream of many young people.
To give our students the best advantage when
applying to university, we have developed an
enhanced package of application support that
ensures students are fully prepared for the
university application process and their chosen
future careers. We work closely with every
student to discover the path that best suits them
and give them confidence in selecting the best
university for them
Personalised Advice
Our academic team and our Director of Higher
Education works with each student individually
to identify their academic and career aspirations.
Every student receives personalised advice on
the most suitable degree courses and universities
for their individual goals. Our advice and support
covers all aspects of the journey to university.
Students receive advice on selecting their IB,
A Level and UFP subject choices to ensure that
course entry requirements are met and on
selecting extra-curricular activities, conducting
independent research projects and coordinating
voluntary and work experience to enhance their
application. They receive individualised support
with their personal statement to make their
application stand out. Our personalised support
is complimented by extensive academic and
English language support from our teachers that
facilitates students achieving the examination and
IELTS results needed for their chosen university and
course.
Visits from Universities
We have regular visits from universities with over
100 universities visiting our campus each year.
These visits provide students with useful insights
into the university admissions process.
Progression Agreements
We have guaranteed offers with over 40 UK
universities to give you the confidence that you can
progress to a leading institution upon successfully
meeting academic and English language entry
requirements.
University Progression
14 the worthgate school University Fairs and Events
All Worthgate School students have access to our exclusive Colleges University Fair where over 70
universities attend, including the University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics and Imperial
College of London, as well as world-leading US and Canadian universities. This event gives every student
a valuable opportunity to talk directly to university admissions teams about their degree programmes,
locations and specific entry criteria.
We also run an annual Oxbridge Applications and Admissions online event, featuring expert guidance
from Oxbridge academics and admissions tutors, alumni who are now at Oxbridge and academic staff
from across our school group who have overseen many successful undergraduate applications.
• Medics Preparation
• Model United Nations (MUN)
• Myths & Legends
• Poetry Slam
• Psychology Society
• Science Society
• Shackleton Leadership Award
• Sports Science Research
• STEP Preparation
• Sustainability Committee
• The Worthgate World Challenge
• Thinkology
• UK Mathematics Challenge
The Worthgate
Futures Programme
Our exclusive career education programme is designed to develop career-relevant skills and knowledge
to guide every student’s future pathway to university and beyond. Students can choose from a vast range
of electives to complement their academic timetable and develop their interests, passions and supercurricular skills.
This exciting programme gives Worthgate students skills and experiences that go beyond the typical
school curriculum and allow our students to stand out when applying for university and support their
future career paths.
Students can choose one or two of the electives below to develop their skills, interests and passion in
their careers. These electives are available every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon:
• Art Society
• Creative Writing
• Diversity Committee
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Economics Society
• Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and
Responsibility
• Extended Project Qualification
• Fast Fashion
• GLEE
• International Literature
• Introduction to Econometrics
• Language Leadership
• Law Society
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
“The Director of Higher Education has really helped me a
lot … after every consultation with him, I would know what
to add, what to remove, how to edit my personal statement.”
Chelsea, from Nigeria, obtained a place to study Dentistry at Queen’s University Belfast.
She studied A Levels at The Worthgate School, achieving AAA in Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry.
16 the worthgate school Our campus
Safe & Secure
Our campus dates back to the early 20th century with many of our buildings and boarding
houses being constructed more recently to suit the changing needs of 21st-century students.
Key Campus Fact
Rated ‘Excellent’
for Educational Quality
by the ISI
12-minute walk
to the city centre
Over 30
different activities
On-campus boarding
houses with 24hr
Supervision
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
Harvey Building
Raemore Ersham Lodge Archbishop’s Knight’s
5 minutes 5 minutes 4 minutes 3 minutes
Boarding Accommodation
18 the worthgate school
Our accommodation facilities and school campus are all on the same quiet, leafy road, close to the city
centre.
At The Worthgate School, accommodation buildings are called ‘residences’. The residences are a safe
space to study and rest but also a social hub for our students.
Our boarding residences include single and shared en-suite rooms, providing students with a comfortable,
safe and secure home-from-home experience. We offer a range of accommodation options with separate
provision for students aged 13-17 and students aged 18+.
Accommodation for ages 13-17 is catered and we offer catered or self-catered options for over 18
students.
Boarding
Premium Accommodation
Single rooms with private
ensuite bathroom
Shared Social Spaces 24-hour supervised
boarding houses
Full catering for students
aged 13+
All boarding houses are
within walking distance of
the school
Laundry facilities
available on-site
Monitored Wireless internet
access
Cleaning service included
Boarding and
Campus Life
Search Worthgate Boarding
to see all our accommodation
You can take advantage of more space to study, relax and socialise with our premium accommodation
option. You will benefit from a larger area to live and work; with additional storage space.
Our Premium Rooms come complete with towels, bath robe, bed linen, laundry bag, power adaptors,
extension cables, water bottle and other amenities to help students feel at home.
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Boarding Life
Through shared living, activities and trips, students
develop their personal identity, build lasting
friendships and precious memories. Boarding is a
great way to develop their independence, resilience
and perseverance necessary for success beyond
school.
House Meetings
House meetings are held regularly in each
residence. This allows students to have their say in
how their home is managed and what activities they
would prefer.
Wellness Centre
Our fully trained onsite healthcare staff manage
the Wellness Centre and provide physical and
emotional health support, including medicine
and health advice, information on healthy living,
assessing and providing treatment if required,
making referrals to doctors, dentists and other
specialists, as well as a counselling service for
personal issues.
International Food
All meals are served on campus for catered
students, cooked by our team of onsite chefs. As
we look after students from all over the world, we
know the importance of enjoying a taste of home as
well as trying food from different cultures. Recent
menus include: lamb tagine, stir-fried noodles,
risotto and vegetable stew. Halal, vegetarian and
vegan options are available every day.
Religious Worship
The Worthgate School is a non-denominational
organisation. We respect each student’s right to
practise their religion and a quiet room is available
for prayer and reflection at the school. We can help
students attend places of worship and can put
them in touch with local members of their faith.
Leaving The School Campus
Students wishing to leave the campus overnight or
to leave Canterbury for the day can apply for an
exeat, which will allow students to explore other
amazing parts of the UK, such as nearby London, or
attend university open days and events.
Life on Campus Search Worthgate Student life
to see a sample table
20 the worthgate school
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
By taking part in some of our wide range of activities students develop their interests outside of
the classroom, build on existing skills and nurture new interests – and stand out on their university
application. If students wish to take part in higher-level sporting activities, our Activities Team will
assist with trials for local teams.
Sports Arts Academic Leadership
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Climbing
• Cycling
• Equestrian
• Football
• Futsal
• Paddleboarding
• Running
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Art Society
• Creative Writing
• GLEE (Music and
Performance)
• International
Literature
• Language Leadership
• Myths & Legends
• Poetry Slam
• Entrepreneurship
Ethics,
Sustainability
• Extended Project
Qualification
• Fast Fashion
• Law Society
• Medics preparation
• Psychology Society
• Science Society
• Sports Science
Research
• STEP Preparation
• Sustainability
Committee
• Thinkology
• UK Mathematics
Challenge
• Diversity
Committee
• Duke of Edinburgh
Award
• MUN – Model
United Nations
• Shackleton
Leadership Award
• The Worthgate
World Challenge
Please note: available activities may change as we welcome and try to accommodate student requests.
Activities
22 the worthgate school As a city that attracts 40,000 students a year, as well as
boasting three world heritage sites, Canterbury is perfect
for any student looking for an education in a safe and
secure location that can inspire them to greatness.
Kent’s Heritage Coast has made it into the Lonely Planet
Best in Travel 2022 list*. Meaning Canterbury is officially the
4th best region to visit in the world! International students
can enjoy one of the top destinations whilst studying at one
of the top schools.
The Worthgate School’s nurturing approach is
complemented by Canterbury being a friendly and inclusive
city that gives students from any location or background the
chance to flourish. Being located in Kent, known in the UK as
the Garden of England, gives students access to a wealth of
opportunities both academic and extra-curricular.
Cultural hotspot
Home to three
UNESCO World
Heritage Sites
Excellent
transport links
Only 50 minutes
by train to London
A student city
Home to three
universities with over
40,000 students
Medieval England
Explore the city
that inspired
‘Canterbury Tales’
Canterbury
England’s most storied city
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
* Lonely Planet Best in Travel (Kent)
24 the worthgate school YEAR 11 A Prestigious
International Education
We empower every student to achieve their best academic outcome. Our range of internationally
recognised qualifications has been developed to give students opportunities that suit their individual
needs and aspirations and reach their university goals.
UK SCHOOL YEAR YEAR 9 YEAR 10
US GRADE EQUIVALENT
QUALIFICATION
GCSE is a qualification that
enables progression to a preuniversity programme such
as A Level or International
Baccalaureate. Students will
need 8+ years of schooling.
Language and subject
preparation for A Level,
International Baccalaureate
Diploma or University
Foundation Programme.
UK High School Term allows students to take classes in the British education system
before returning to their studies at home or continuing to study in the UK.
UK High School Term (1, 2 or 3 term)
Language and subject
preparation for the next stage
of your education at The
Worthgate School – GCSE or
Pre A-Level.
10th Grade 8th Grade 9th Grade
Pre-A Level
(1 year)
Pre-GCSE
(1 year)
GCSE
(2 years)
Ages 13-15 Ages 14+ Ages 15+
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
YEAR 12 YEAR 13
HIGHER EDUCATION
A higher level qualification
recognised by universities around
the world. Choose 3+ subjects
to focus on over the two-year
programme.
A higher level qualification that
challenges, encourages and inspires
you to become a caring and critical
thinker, ready for university study.
A full-time intensive programme
designed to help students
meet English Language entry
requirements to progress onto our
other programmes.
A programme designed for
international students to bridge
high school in their own country to
university in the UK. Choose 3+
subjects to focus on.
Worthgate School students receive oneto-one impartial guidance on applying
to the best university for them. We also
have guaranteed offer agreements with
over 40+ UK universities to give students
the confidence that they can progress to
a leading institution upon successfully
meeting the entry requirements.
Students applying to The Worthgate
School receive conditional offers from:
11th Grade
Junior year
12th Grade
Senior year Ages 15.5+
Ages 16+
Ages 13+
Ages 16+
Ages 16.5+
A Level
(2 years)
University Foundation
Programme (1 year)
Progress to
top universities
International Baccalaureate
Diploma (2 years)
Academic English
Search Worthgate
University Partnerships
to see our full list of
university partnerships
26 the worthgate school As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we are recognised for our commitment to providing
an all-round education that encourages students to thrive in our connected world. The prestigious IB
diploma is highly popular with top ranking universities looking to offer places to the brightest candidates.
Subject Choice and Structure
The IB curriculum is made up of the diploma core and
six subject groups.
Three Core Elements
• The Theory of Knowledge asks students to reflect
on the nature of knowledge and on how we know
what we claim to know. It is assessed through an
oral presentation and a 1,600-word essay.
• An extended essay prepares students for the study
skills required at university.
• Creativity, Activity and Service comprises arts and
other activities, including sports, outdoor pursuits
and community engagement, such as volunteering.
Why study IB at The Worthgate School?
94.3%
of students achieved the IB
Diploma in the last six years
33.2
Average Point Score
in 2024*
1 in 3
students received a Bilingual
Diploma in 2022
International
Baccalaureate
Key Facts
Ages
15.5+
Entry Requirement
A good school record
Language Requirement
IELTS 5.5+ (or equivalent)
Average class size
9
Hours per week
32+
Duration
6 Terms (2 years)
Search Worthgate International
Baccalaureate to discover more about
the course and subject choices.
*Global average point score 30.32 in 2024
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
Develop an excellent
knowledge of key
academic subjects
Explore the nature of
knowledge through the
programme’s unique Theory
of Knowledge course
Complete an extended
essay similar to a
university dissertation
Achieve as an individual
through Creativity,
Activity and Service
“IB gives us many opportunities to study different areas of
knowledge; also it makes us think in different ways.”
Alexander from Brazil obtained a place to study Mathematics at the University of Warwick.
He achieved the International Baccalaureate Diploma, achieving 39 points.
28 the worthgate school A Levels are the classic British pathway into higher education and offer an excellent route to study at
high ranking UK universities. A Levels are a highly regarded qualification, and can open the widest
choice of UK universities. At The Worthgate School, students can join Year 12 in either September
and January to study for the A Level qualification.
Overview
A Levels are a focused qualification studied
usually over two years, with examinations in the
second year. Students choose three subjects
with additional English language if necessary.
The Worthgate School A Level provision is
specifically designed for motivated students
to help them excel in their studies. We offer
a wide range of subjects and work with
each student to choose the best subject
combination to achieve their university goals.
Why study A Levels at The Worthgate School?
A Level
Key Facts
Ages
September start: 15.5+
January start: 16+
Entry Requirement
At least 10 years of schooling and a good
school record
Language Requirement
IELTS 5.0+ (or equivalent)
Average class size
14
Hours per week
22+
Duration
6 Terms (September start)
5 Terms (January start)
A Level qualifications in a
wide choice of subjects,
including Sciences,
Humanities and the Arts
Develop desirable study
skills, such as critical thinking,
essay/report writing and
solution-based thinking
Unlock progression to a UK
or international university
Complete challenging
research and homework
tasks
92%
of Russell Group universities have
accepted our students*
77%
of all grades awarded were A*-B
in 2024
Search Worthgate A-level
to discover more about the
course and subject choices. *over the last five years
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
“I would recommend A Levels at the Worthgate School
because of the teachers here, They are super nice. They know
how to help with your study, they know your strength and
weakness, so they can easily help you to boost your grade.”
Simin from China obtained a place to study Chemistry at the University of Manchester.
She achieved AAA in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in her A Level exams.
30 the worthgate school “At this school, they produce the very best students,
who are well prepared to go to the university.”
William from Myanmar obtained a place to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham.
He studied UFP, achieving A*A*A* in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
Designed specifically for high achieving international students, the University Foundation Programme
(UFP) acts as a bridge from students’ high school education in their own country to university in the UK.
At The Worthgate School we offer a UFP programme starting in either September and January.
Qualification Overview
The CATS UFP recognises the specific academic challenges that
International students face and uses assessment strategies that
offer the best opportunities to demonstrate a student’s academic
level and potential. Students each choose three academic subjects
with exams at the end of the qualification. In addition, all students
attend academic English classes designed to develop their English
skills for university.
Final UFP grades are determined by exams as well as a significant
amount of coursework, which simulates the structure of most UK
university courses.
Choosing a subject combination is important as universities look
for students that have good grades in appropriate subjects. We
work intensively with each student to choose the best combination
to help achieve their university and career aspirations.
Why Study UFP at The Worthgate School?
1985 95 100%
The Worthgate School is the original pioneer
of the University Foundation programme,
developing the qualification in 1985
Our UFP is accepted by 95
of the 100 top UK
universities
of Russell Group universities
that accept the CATS UFP have
accepted The Worthgate School
students.
University
Foundation Programme
Unlock progression
to UK or international
universities
Develop skills needed to succeed
at university with a focus on
improved capacity to learn with
confidence and independence
Aquire the foundation
knowledge needed to
study a specific subject at
undergraduate level
Experience life at an international
school and prepare for life at a
UK university
Key Facts
Ages
September start: 16.5+ years
January start: 17+ years
Entry Requirement
At least 11 years of schooling and a
good school record
Language Requirement
IELTS 4.5+ (or equivalent)
Average class size
14
Hours per week
20+
Duration
3 Terms (September start)
2 Terms (January start)
Search Worthgate UFP to discover more
about the course and subject choices.
32 the worthgate school “Studying at Worthgate is quite nice because it is quite
comforting and you have many friends from different
cultures and countries.”
Sidharth from India studied GCSEs at The Worthgate School. He achieved a mixtures of A*s, As and Bs.
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
The General Certificate of Secondary Education
(GCSE) provides students with a high-quality
secondary education foundation which offers
progression to A Level, UFP or IB.
Qualification Overview
At The Worthgate School students can join Year 10 in
September to study our GCSE qualification. Classes
are taught by subjects specialists who are trained in
how to teach students who have English as a second
language. The qualification encourages students to
explore their academic potential and discover where
their interests lie. The qualification is internationally
recognised and is normally obtained after two years
of study.
GCSE
Key Facts
Ages
14+
Entry Requirement
At least 8 years of schooling with a good
school record for our two-year programme
Language Requirement
IELTS 4.0+ (or equivalent)
Average class size
15
Hours per week
30+
Duration
6 Terms (September start)
5 Terms (January start)
Achieve GCSE
Qualifications in a wide
range of subjects
Develop subject knowledge
for university preparation
programmes
Improve English fluency
and proficiency ready for
university preparation
programmes
Enhance study skills
required to excel in
a chosen university
preparation programme
Search Worthgate GCSE
to discover more
34 the worthgate school Qualification Overview
Pre-A Level is designed as an introduction to the UK
Further Education system and follows a similar approach
to GCSE, but with a duration of one year or less. Students
experience a wide range of subjects, which prepares
them to progress to A Level or IB. This programme is also
suitable for students wishing to progress to study UFP if
they are of the appropriate age.
Pre-A Level offers students the opportunity to improve
their English prior to moving to more advanced study and
students should expect to take external exams in English
and Maths. At The Worthgate School, we offer either
September and January starting points for Pre-A Level.
Key Facts
Ages
15+
Entry Requirement
At least 9 years of schooling with a good
school record
Language Requirement
IELTS 4.0+ (or equivalent)
Average class size
16
Hours per week
30+
Duration
3 Terms (September start)
2 Terms (January start)
Pre-A Level
Introduces a student to UK
teaching and prepares them
for further study
Develop subject knowledge
for university preparation
programmes
Improve English fluency
and proficiency ready for
university preparation
programmes
Enhance study skills required
to excel in a chosen
university preparation
programme
Search Worthgate Pre-A Level
to discover more
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
Language and subject preparation for moving on
to GCSE or Pre-programme.
Overview
Pre-GCSE develops the academic skills needed to excel
in the next stage of a student’s education, whether that
be a GCSE or Pre-programme qualification.
Students study a range of subjects encouraging them
to explore their academic potential and discover their
interests. Intensive English tuition is given alongside
specialist subject tuition to develop the level needed
for the next programme of study. The programme
prepares students to take the Key English Test (now A2
Key) or Preliminary English Test (now B1 Preliminary)
and develops essential study skills including listening,
note-taking and essay writing.
Key Facts
Ages
13-15
Entry Requirement
At least 8 years of schooling, plus a school
report that identifies English needs that can
be met by this qualification and describes a
student who is willing to learn and develop.
Language Requirement
IELTS 3.5 (or equivalent)
Average class size
8
Hours per week
26-27
Duration
3 Terms (September start)
2 Terms (January start) Search Worthgate Pre-GCSE
to discover more
Pre-GCSE
Build confidence and
independence in students
Improve subject knowledge
to prepare students for the
next step in their education
Develop English fluency
and proficiency ready for
studying GCSE
Enhance study skills
required to excel in studying
in the UK education system
36 the worthgate school The UK High School Term gives students an insight into
British education and culture. Students are enrolled in
classes depending on their schooling level in their home
country and English level. Our aim is to ensure that
students are placed in a suitably challenging education
environment where they will soon reach the level of
their peers and be able to flourish.
This programme is ideal for students looking for an
international experience without disrupting their
academic studies at home. Classes are designed to
complement a student’s current studies and a notarised
report can be produced showing the individual progress
and achievements of the student.
UK High School Term
Experience studying in the
British education system
Enjoy a range of activities
and trips around the UK
Study with peers from over
70 countries and gain a
global perspective
Earn study credits in your
home country
Key Facts
Ages
13+ years
Entry Requirement
A good school record
Language Requirement
3.5+ for Pre-GCSE
4.0+ for Pre-A Level
4.5+ for UFP
5.0+ for A Level
5.5+ for IB
(or equivalent)
Duration
1, 2 or 3 Terms
Search Worthgate UK High
School Term to discover more
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
A full-time intensive English programme designed
to help students meet English Language entry
requirements for our academic programmes.
Overview
Our pre-sessional Academic English programme helps
students develop their English skills to excel in their
chosen academic programme: A Level, International
Baccalaureate or University Foundation Programme.
This programme is designed to be taken before an
academic programme. Students engage in intensive
English Language study, including Academic English,
essay construction and note-taking with projects and
assignments to use and improve their skills. Students
also select other subjects to study alongside their
intensive English lessons to maintain their knowledge
and skills in preparation for further study
Academic English
Prepares a student for
further academic study in
the UK
Prepares students to take
the government approved
IELTS for UK visas and
immigration
An introduction to the
vocabulary required for the
student’s chosen academic
programme
Students learn about
the following subjects in
English: Maths, Business,
History and the Sciences.
Key Facts
Ages
16+
Entry Requirement
A school report that identifies English needs that
can be met by this qualification and describes a
student who is willing to learn and develop
Language Requirement
IELTS 3.5+ (or equivalent)
Average class size
8
Hours per week
27
Duration
1, 2 or 3 Terms Search Worthgate Academic English
to discover more
38 the worthgate school Please visit our online application page to make
an application to The Worthgate School. Applying
online is quick and easy and is the fastest way for our
admissions team to process your application.
All current fees and dates are available on our website.
worthgateschool.com/admissions/
worthgateschool.com/apply-online/
Admissions
Search Worthgate Admissions
to discover our fees, dates and how to apply
CGS22_010
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INSPIRE • EMPOWER • ACHIEVE
Contact our Admissions Team
+44 (0) 1223 341 300
admissions@worthgateschool.com
The Worthgate School
68 New Dover Road
Canterbury
CT1 3LQ
www.worthgateschool.com
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