Why do an International School Exchange?

Attending a school abroad is a transformational experience. There is no better way to improve a language than studying it in an immersion environment. Enrolling in a school for any amount of time will improve foreign language skills, confidence and awareness of other cultures.

 

          • See the world – the opportunity to see a new country
          • Education – to gain a new perspective on education
          • Take in a new culture – new foods, customs, traditions and social atmospheres
          • Hone your language skills – to immerse yourself in a new language
          • Make new friends – you can meet friends from different backgrounds
          • Personal development – increase confidence and independence
          • School admissions – helpful if applying to boarding schools/universities in the future

 

Locations

Windrush Valley School

 

Windrush Valley School is set in The Cotswolds, which is one of the most ‘typically English’ and unspoiled regions of England. The unique region is the country’s largest officially designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ owing to the beautiful countryside with historic market towns, river valleys and sleepy limestone villages.

At Windrush Valley School, they aspire to give every child the best possible start. Class sizes average 10, giving pupils an intimate environment where they receive one-to-one attention, and the best possible access to high quality education.

The Sunday Times newspaper ranked Windrush Valley in the top 50 independent preparatory schools in England, also earning it the prestigious award of Best Prep School Oxfordshire. The Independent School Association has also presented the school with an Award for Excellence.

Windrush offers an exciting and varied curriculum, delivered in a positive and supportive environment. Their curriculum includes; English literacy and language, mathematics, science, technology, human & social, sports, art and music.

There are many extra-curricular activities offered at Windrush; Children have the option of playing in the school band, performing musicals, competing in public speaking events and singing in the school choir. Sport is also very important at Windrush, with students competing in sporting events in swimming, athletics and cross country throughout the year.

There is an extensive after-school programme, as well as daily wrap-around care provided from 8am-6pm. During this time, children can enjoy a variety of activities, including; first-aid training, cooking classes, forest school, horse whispering and cycling proficiency.

School meals

All school meals are prepared on-site daily using fresh, local and nutritious ingredients.

      • A daily, hot school meals is available for all pupils.
      • In addition to the main meals, fresh vegetables are served each day as well as desserts and fresh fruit and yogurts.
      • Any dietary requirements can be fully catered for, please inform ahead of time.

School days

      • 08.00-09.00 – Before School Care – available to all children
      • 09.00-15.30 – Traditional school day
      • 15.30 – 16.30 – After school activities
      • 16:30 – 18:00 – After school care – available to all children

 

Please click on the images below to view our Windrush Valley School gallery:

Course Dates, Fees and Travel

 Course dates for Windrush Valley School

Possible start dates are any Monday within the normal school term dates.  Windrush operates a Trimester (3 Term Year):

                  • Autumn Term 2019: 3rd Sept – 13th Dec 2019 (excluding 23rd Oct – 3rd Nov)
                  • Spring Term 2019: 6th Jan – 27th March 2020 (excluding 12th Feb – 23th Feb)
                  • Summer Term 2019: 20th April – 3rd July 2020 (excluding 20th May – 30th May)

School classes start at 09:00 and finish at 15:30 unless extra-curricular activities are undertaken.

 

Fees

1 week: £650

2 weeks: £1,300

Additional weeks 3-4: £550 per week

The minimum course period is 1 week, and the maximum is 3 weeks. A single registration fee of £65 is payable for all courses.

 

Travel

The nearest International airports to Windrush Valley School are Birmingham (BHX) and London Heathrow (LHR). If you arrive at one of these airports, your journey will be quicker, easier and cheaper.

Visa documentation and flight travel can also be organised for an extra fee. Please email info@cherwell.org.uk for more information on this.

Airport pick-up

Private Hire 

In the event that you choose to travel by private taxi hire, we can arrange everything for you for an extra fee. Our driver will meet you in the Arrival’s Lounge and will take you directly to your accommodation. They can stop at motorway services where needed and will introduce you to the family with whom you will stay. Transfer prices are one way to/from the airport but can be shared by students or parents who book their flights together.

Public Transport

If you prefer to use public transport, we will send you the details of routes, times and prices. On arrival, you phone your hosts and they will come to the coach or train station to meet you.

Saturday is the best day to travel if you choose to use public transport.

 

UK airport  Taxi Public Transport (approx.) Taxi Price (one way)
Birmingham (BHX) 1h15m 1h45m £140
London Heathrow (LHR) 1h30m 2h £180
London Gatwick (LGW) 2h15m 2h30m £300

 

Accommodation

Host Families

Home-stay: immerse yourself in the English culture from £440 per week

Our priority is to ensure that the accommodation enhances your child’s stay with us and provides a safe home environment. Stay with a family, who may have a child at Windrush, and who will speak to you in English and share their family space and meals.

 

What’s included

Standard Homestay 

Single bed and shared bathroom.

Superior Homestay

Double occupancy of a larger room (parent and child). Two beds, shared bathroom.
Breakfast Yes Yes
Evening Meal Yes Yes
Lunch at weekends Yes Yes
Laundry Yes Yes
You are the only guest of your mother tongue Yes Yes
Bed linen and towels Yes Yes
Transport to and from school 5 days a week Yes Yes
Price per week £440 £880

 

Programme

Year Group Details of Weekly Lesson 
 

Year 3

(aged 7-8)

Must have an accompanying parent

 A typical week comprises: English: 7.25 hrs.  Mathematics 6.25 hrs.   Science: 1.5 hrs.   Computing: 1 hr.   Art/DT: 1.75 hrs.   History/Geography: 2.5 hrs.    Music: 0.75 hrs.    French: 0.75 hrs.  P.E.: 3 hrs.   Drama: 0.5 hr.    RE: 1 hr.   Sport: 3.25 hrs.
 

Year 4

(aged 8-9)

Must have an accompanying parent

 A typical week comprises: English: 7.25 hrs.   Mathematics 6.25 hrs.   Science: 1.5 hrs.   Computing: 1 hr.   Art/DT: 1.75 hrs.   History/Geography: 2.5 hrs.    Music: 0.75 hrs.    French: 0.75 hrs.  P.E.: 3 hrs.   Drama: 0.5 hr.    RE: 1 hr.   Sport: 3.25 hrs.

Year 5

(aged 9-10)

  

A typical week comprises: English: 7.25 hrs.   Mathematics 5.5 hrs.   Science: 3 hrs.   Computing: 0.75 hr.   Art/DT: 1 hr.   History/Geography: 1.75 hrs.    Music: 0.75 hrs.    French: 0.75 hrs.  P.E.: 3 hrs.  Drama: 0.5 hr.   Reasoning: 0.75 hrs.   Sport: 3.25 hrs.

Year 6 

(aged 10-11)

  

A typical week comprises: English: 7 hrs.   Mathematics 5 hrs.   Science: 2 hrs.   Computing: 1.5 hrs.   Art/DT: 1 hr.   History/Geography: 2 hrs.    Music: 0.75 hrs.    French: 1 hrs.  P.E.: 3 hrs.  Drama: 1 hr.   Reasoning: 1.5 hrs.             Sport: 3.5 hrs.

 

Contact & Application

Please click on the links below to view / download the documents listed:

Enquiries – info@cherwell.org.uk

5 Southampton Place, London, WC1A 2DA

+44 (0) 2034 054092