Rossall Boarding School
This content has been reviewed and approved by Professor Lucy Heller
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia, GOV.UK, International Baccalaureate
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Rossall Boarding School
Quick overview: A two-year British course for pupils of 14-16 years, designed to receive incomplete secondary education and the certificate of the same name, the General Certificate of Secondary Education. The final exams are surrendered to 8-10 disciplines:
- Some of them are compulsory (for example, mathematics and English);
- Some are chosen by students themselves as electives.
This gives an opportunity to determine their interests and priorities before entering the A-level course, Choose a specialty and faculty for higher education.
Brief information: "Gold standard of British education": a two-year course of intensified, in-depth and complex pre-university preparation. The A-level certificate with high enough marks gives graduates the opportunity to enter even the most prestigious and rating universities without additional examinations and entrance tests.
The students complete the curriculum themselves:
- For the first year (AS-level) they study 4-5 subjects of choice;
- In the second year there are only 3-4, for which exams are taken.
Such academic concentration gives the opportunity to maximize knowledge of priority subjects and areas, to prepare for enrolling in the chosen faculty and specialty. Teachers and consultants help high school students to make a curriculum, choose exactly those subjects that will help enter the required faculty, form a positive impression at the university admission committee.
Brief information: Internationally recognized and well-known IB course is an excellent variant of pre-university training, designed for 2 academic years and for students of 16-18 years. Its advantage is that the IB certificate is accepted and highly rated around the world - which means that graduates are not limited in choosing a university for further education.
In total, 6 disciplines are independently chosen for studying on the IB program:
- 3 are studied at the standard level;
- 3 - on a more complex, advanced level.
Additionally, all students attend lessons in writing an extended academic essay, a general theory of knowledge (TOK) course, a CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) program.
Quick overview: A one-year preparatory program for foreign students aged 15-16 is offered by the International Training Center ISC. The program is equivalent to the accelerated yearly GCSE course and serves as an excellent preparation before entering the A-level or International Baccalaureate. The list of subjects studied is quite large:
- English Language and Literature;
- Mathematics;
- Exact sciences;
- Natural sciences (chemistry, biology, physics);
- Social sciencies;
- Classical Latin;
- Business course;
- Art and Design;
- Spanish;
- Geography;
- French;
- German.
Quick overview: The preparatory academic program can also serve as a preparation for the IB course. It is intended for students aged 15-16 who already have a sufficiently high level of English (from Intermediate and above). You can start the program three times a year - an additional bonus for foreign students (duration of the course is 1 year).
Academic and personal educational skills develop in a complex way, an intensive program for learning English helps in a short time to improve basic skills and knowledge. Among the subjects studied the following areas:
- English;
- Second foreign language (modern);
- Art;
- IT and computer literacy;
- Mathematics;
- Science;
- Geography;
- Business course;
- Art and design.
Quick overview: A universal intensive program for foreigners aged 11-16 who already have a good level of English (from Intermediate and above).
A small list of basic academic subjects is being studied:
- English;
- Second foreign language (modern);
- Art;
- IT and computer literacy;
- Mathematics;
- Science;
- Geography;
- Business course;
- Art and design.
Emphasis is placed on the development of personal academic skills, as well as on the rapid increase in the level of English. You can start the program three times a year.
About the educational program: Holiday academic programs are designed for students of 11-17 years old who plan to enter British educational institutions. There are two main options:
- Intensive English course + events (groups of up to 10 people, duration from 1 to 8 weeks at the request of the student);
- Preparation for A-level or IB (intensive course in mathematics and English for those who plan to study these subjects on programs for high school students Sixth Form).
Junior School (7-11 years old)
A stimulating, enriching environment, together with rich infrastructural opportunities, allows children to grow and develop harmoniously, quickly: a swimming pool with 25 m lanes, a contact farm, two theaters, a sports ground with an all-weather astro-tour cover.
The program for primary school students is the first stage of a comprehensive course of the International Baccalaureate (IB), which not only provides in-depth knowledge of subjects, but also stimulates curiosity, inquisitiveness of mind, independence, and research skills. Individual and team work, a balanced curriculum, moderate responsibility of the students themselves - these are the secrets of the success of this educational stage. The academic course is complemented by sports and creative electives, excursions: football, rugby, fives, RossHockey and much more.
Senior School (11-14 years old), 7-9 years of study
A structured training program in which students 11-14 learn to think independently, interact socially, love learning and self-development, and strive for continuous personal development.
Middle school students are accommodated in the Farrell Building, including boarders who live here with their tutors and mentors.
Main subjects:
- English language
- Maths
- Discipline PSHE
- Science
- Game forms of learning
- physical Culture and sport
- Modern foreign languages.
Additional subjects:
- Latin
- Story
- Geography
- Music
- Art
- Religious Studies
- Technology design.
Description of Rossall Boarding School
Rossall School is a UK boarding school that has welcomed boarders since 1844. Boys and girls study together. Its divisions are:
- Nursery,
- Pre-Prep,
- Prep School,
- Senior School,
- Sixth Form.
The headmaster is Andrew McBride.
- Age range: three months to 18 years,
- Study options: day school and boarding,
- Student body: 70% British and 30% international, with international students from 70 countries.
Academic results of Rossall School graduates are very high. According to statistics, annually 95% of students successfully enter the best universities in Great Britain, including famous universities of the prestigious Russel Group. The International Training Center is worth mentioning separately. For more than 10 years, it has offered balanced, comfortable and effective studying programs for foreign students - almost 100% of ISC graduates successfully enroll in the main courses of schools in the UK and successfully master complex national curriculums in the future. In general, the academic adaptation course takes 1 year, but often enough for students and 1-2 trimesters to prepare for studying in the main programs.
Attention is paid not only to learning English, but also immersing foreign students in a new British language and cultural environment for them. During classes, lectures, leisure activities and excursions, foreign students will be able to better understand the English mentality, to learn the main historical milestones of the UK, to better understand national traditions and rules.
In Prep School, children learn in small classes through an inquiry-based curriculum. When choosing GCSE subjects, students are encouraged to consider their academic results, interests, and future plans.
Every student has a form tutor, head of year, and houseparent who work together to oversee their academic progress and wellbeing. The school also has a director of wellbeing and a mental health nurse. Staff and students receive ongoing training to identify safeguarding and wellbeing concerns.
What makes British schools so special for families around the world?
— British Secondary School gives children the opportunity to try different subjects during GCSE programs (high school course for children aged 14-15) and determine the priority direction for themselves when entering the university. Moreover, the certificate of the British school gives the opportunity to enter the most famous and respected universities in the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, etc. At the same time, the educational model at secondary schools in England teaches children to think critically, work with information correctly, organize their time, and approach any issues structurally. And, of course, a teacher in England is a friend who helps to maximize the child's potential, work with his strengths. The student is listened to, his opinion is important.
Faculties and colleges
- Nursery serves children from three months to four years old and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Its Sanderlings Baby Room caters to children from three months to around two years old,
- Pre-Prep is for children ages 4–7,
- Prep School is for children ages 7–11,
- In Years 7–9, students study English, math, science, history, geography, and modern foreign languages, including Mandarin. Design Technology, Drama, and Food Studies rotate between groups each term. In Years 10–11, students study their chosen GCSE subjects. English, math, science, and one foreign language are compulsory, while options include art, drama, physical education, and Design Technology,
- Sixth Form offers A Levels, BTEC qualifications, the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP), and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Students can combine A Levels with BTEC qualifications,
- The Medstream Program introduces students to medical and healthcare careers. Students in Years 10–11 have taken part in the West Manchester Medical Careers Day through this program.
Things to know about
- Rossall School was a filming location for a German television drama,
- The school hosted the Sale Sharks rugby team for a training camp,
- Nursery children wear uniforms,
- With funding from Rossall Rose, the Eco Society purchased a small greenhouse, a rainwater tank, gardening tools, and a compost bin next to Rossall Kitchen, a space for cooking lessons. Members grow herbs, strawberries, peppers, and leeks near the English language classrooms for international students.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Rossall School has 9 boarding houses on campus. There are 8 senior houses: Rose, Wren, and Dolphin for girls, and Maltese Cross, Mitre Fleur de Lys, Spread Eagle, Pelican, and Dragon for boys. Anchor is a separate house for students ages 11–14. Houseparents and tutors support boarders in daily life. Staff in Anchor also help students with their academic needs.
The senior houses have single, double, and triple bedrooms, with space for studying. Each has a common room, a large game room, a kitchen for snacks and baking, and a library with computers and internet access. Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus.
Full boarding includes weekends. Weekly boarding covers overnight stays from Monday through Thursday, with weekends spent at home. Flexible boarding lets day students stay for two, three, or four nights a week. Occasional overnight stays are available to day students and those on weekly or flexible boarding arrangements.
Boarders eat in the communal dining hall with day students and staff. Breakfast includes cooked dishes, fresh foods, cereals, yogurt, muesli, fruit, juices, and hot drinks. Lunch offers hot and vegetarian dishes, pasta, baked potatoes, homemade soup, salads, and desserts. A light supper includes sweet and savory options. Snacks, including toast and fruit, are available in the senior houses. Students in Years 3–6 can arrive before 8:00 and have breakfast with children from Anchor.
An on-campus team prepares nursery meals to meet all dietary requirements. Children in Sanderlings eat home-cooked food in their own room. Diapers and wipes are provided for children in Sanderlings.
Subjects and sports
Activities Rossall Boarding School
Among the most popular sports at Rossall School are:
- Archery;
- Golf;
- Tennis;
- Lightweight Athletics;
- Football;
- Badminton;
- Fighting;
- Hockey;
- Rugby;
- Basketball;
- Squash;
- Cricket;
- Swimming.
It is believed that physical training not only supports the physical form of students, develops endurance, but also bring up leadership qualities and ability to work in a team, perseverance, diligence.
There will also be classes for creativity gifted students - hobbies and electives are presented in a wide variety:
- Dancing;
- Table tennis;
- Board games;
- Theater and dramatic, acting;
- Riding;
- Literary club;
- Sewing and modeling clothes;
- Drum ensemble;
- Chess club;
- Discussion Club;
- Orchestra and more.
Music lessons are held in the beautifully equipped Derby Art School, as well as in special rooms named after Thomas Beecham - Founder of the London Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras.
Advantages
- Rossall has All-Steinway School status,
- In the school's published extract from its 2024 Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report, student behavior is described as good,
- Rossall describes its nursery's 2024 ISI report as outstanding.
At Rossall School, we prepare students for entry into Cambridge, with a specialization in Product Design and Development, which provides students with opportunities for creative research, development, and innovation. Students who choose this course will have the opportunity to expand their research and analytical skills through research, development and improvement of ideas.
Special attention is paid to the use of traditional sketches and presentation methods, along with the use of complex virtual modeling using computer-aided design systems, Photoshop, as well as CNC machines and 3D printing, to which our students will have access.
This course may be interesting both for a wide range of students, as for those who want to get a higher education in the field of "Design and product development", and for those who want to specialize in related fields.
Facilities and equipment at Rossall Boarding School
Rossall School is located in the small town of Fleetwood in Lancashire (north-west of England). The total area reaches 65 hectares of land - everything there is absolutely necessary for children to rest, study and live:
- Two information technology complexes;
- International restaurant;
- Sports fields for rugby;
- Theater;
- 25-meter heated pool;
- Courts for playing in files;
- Beach;
- Squash courts;
- Hockey pitches;
- Track and field athletics tracks;
- Cricket fields;
- Soccer fields;
- Library;
- Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences with its own planetarium and observatory.
In the last 5 years, the school has been reconstructing and renovating its infrastructure, investing heavily in it (including the renewal of student Residences).
ISC is located in the very center of the school campus and has everything you need for a modern, effective learning:
- Audio-visual rooms;
- Computer classes with Internet access;
- Scientific laboratories;
- Language labs;
- Libraries.
The nearest major cities are Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool - can be reached in about an hour, which provides children with interesting walks and excursions on weekends. Especially worth noting is the unique Lake District park, located just an hour's drive from the school.
Admission dates and extra charges
On school days, boarders are woken at 7:15 and then go to breakfast. Lessons begin at 8:35 after roll call. There are six 55-minute classes each day. Teaching ends at 16:30, and the school day finishes at 17:25. Dinner starts at 17:30, with evening roll call at 18:25. Boarders then complete two hours of homework under a teacher’s supervision. Senior boarders have free time from 20:30. Students in Years 9–11 must be back in their houses by 21:30. Sixth Form students must return by 22:00.
Younger children follow a separate schedule:
- Nursery, Reception, and Years 1–2 welcome children from 8:00. Supervised activities take place before lessons begin,
- Reception and Years 1–2 finish the school day at 15:20, with clubs ending at 16:00. Supervised free play is available from 16:00 to 18:00,
- In Years 3–6, the school day ends at 16:00. Clubs, dinner, and homework sessions are available afterward,
- The nursery is open 50 weeks a year. Sanderlings offers full-day care, while Sandpiper Room and Nursery Hall have morning and afternoon sessions.
Nursery charges include all meals, snacks, drinks, and additional supplies. Some activities occasionally carry an extra charge, which is announced in advance.
The medical center is open on weekdays from 8:15 to 17:15 and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 16:00. The school doctor sees boarders on weekdays from 8:30 to 9:00. Occasional overnight stays are charged per night and can be arranged during the term, subject to availability.
Extras:
- Registration fee (for a programme/course) 100 GBP
- Transfer (one way) 80 GBP
- Medical insurance 99 GBP
- Deposit for a course/programme
- Study materials
- Visa fees
- Flight tickets
- Documents translations
- Guardianship
- Consular fee
- Pocket money
Enrolment process
You can get to know the school at an open house or on a private tour.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
- Boarding is open to British and international students ages 7–18,
- Entry to Pre-Prep, the preparatory division, and Prep School, the elementary division, involves no formal assessments, but references are requested from the applicant's previous institution,
- Sixth Form entry requires at least five GCSE/iGCSE results at grades 5–9 or equivalent qualifications from the applicant's home country, along with a satisfactory report from their current school,
- Some Sixth Form courses require a GCSE/iGCSE grade of at least 6 or 7 in that subject or a related discipline.
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Rossall Boarding School
Impressions of studying:
Positive expectations were met. The training is very good, the lessons are informative, the teaching staff is professional, everyone approaches the lessons very responsibly. I am in the 11th grade, at the end of which you have to pass the exams, gcse. Teachers provide the necessary support, after the new year, additional lessons will begin to prepare for them. As for me, I successfully passed the mock exams with grades of 7-9, which I am very happy about.
The living conditions in my dormitory are decent, I have a separate room, all the amenities are there. Unfortunately, I am not entirely satisfied with the food in the canteen. The weather is also quite specific, we live on the seashore, we need to keep in mind when entering this school.
Preparation for admission:
All communication with the school went through an agent, which greatly simplified the process. The necessary documents were collected on time, the manager David accompanied in admission and very quickly and clearly responded to the requests and questions posed.
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
