St Bees School

• Established year: 1583
• Location: Cumbria, United Kingdom
• Age of students: 11-18 y.
• Number of students: 300
• Language of instruction: English.
• Type of education: private boarding school.

St Bees has more than 400 years of history – it is one of the oldest schools in England, and the new St Bees draw inspiration from this source. Located in the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St Bees offers unrivalled education and accommodation for children between the ages of 11 and 18. The unique setting is complemented by modern academic programs.

St Bees School provides students with a unique education: thanks to the Fusion curriculum, they discover and develop their potential.

Studying at St Bees reflects a partnership with Full Circle, an educational group based in Shenzhen in southern China. Full Circle includes a growing number of schools that share the same educational philosophy. With experience running one of the oldest private schools in China with 4,000 students, Full Circle collaborates with various institutions with similar values to develop schools around the world.

Full Circle's vision includes Fusion – integrating the best Eastern and Western approaches to education. The experience they gain in school management provides a variety of support perspectives: strategic development planning, school management, curriculum management, operational management, financial investment.

Full Circle Schools are committed to providing students with a well-rounded education that spans both academic and holistic aspects. Students gain knowledge, develop interpersonal skills, the ability to think and act creatively and independently, taking responsibility for their development.

The work of two St Bees schools in Dongguan and Shijiazhuang resumed immediately after the quarantine ended in China. The Dongguan campus provides secondary education, while Shijiazhuang provides elementary + 7th grade.

Latest A Level and GCSE results:

• IGCSE: A*, A*-A, A*-B – 100% 
• A level: A – 80%, A-B – 100%.

All British students learn Chinese as a first foreign language, and their bilingual competence provides additional benefits when applying to university and in job interviews.

• St Bees has been a boarder's student for hundreds of years. The boarding school today is focused on the care of educators and the provision of holistic education outside the usual school hours.
• Being a boarder at St Bees means being part of a large family of students and staff. Children learn, dine and play together, helping each other to develop as individuals and as a group.
• Particular attention is paid to providing a warm, safe, healthy, caring and peaceful environment for all boarders. The experienced team of House is committed to the well-being of everyone, provides constant medical, pastoral and security support.
• School House, the main guesthouse, has been recently renovated and offers modern facilities in a traditional setting. Students live in single, double or triple rooms, have access to large common areas and a kitchen.
• St Bees School prides itself on offering healthy and wholesome food: food is prepared on-site by its own team using local ingredients. The school provides students with fresh, high-quality and healthy food, offers a varied and balanced diet. All meals are included in the tuition fee. 
• At 13:00 lunch is held in the school canteen, there is always a choice of 2 menu options. This is an important social event where students can talk about their day in an informal setting.
• The school tries to take into account special dietary requirements: parents provide information about this to the school before admission. The catering team also makes sure that nuts (as a strong allergen) are not contained in any of the cooked dishes.

Upon admission to St. Bis, the student is enrolled in one of the four Houses and remains a member of this group for the duration of his stay here. Homes are communities of students of all ages, genders, nationalities, and interests.

The House system allows competitions to be held within the school and between schools.

• Each house has an elected captain (student) and a team of student assistants, the head of the house (appointed teacher).
• The merits of students for good work and positive contribution to school life are combined in the House.
• During the year, competitions between the Houses are planned, including sports and drama.
• At the end of each year, the best House is awarded a trophy. 

The Swimming Academy is part of the Swimming Teachers Association's International Swimming Instruction Program (STA).

• St Bees is where The West meets the East: the two campuses – St Bees UK and St Bees China – are united by a common curriculum.
• Students develop academic achievement in tandem with character qualities, grow into self-confident, caring, creative, independent young people who are able to use global thinking and competencies that will ensure their future success.
• Sports, outdoor activities, music, art and drama all contribute to the development of confidence, independence, personal organization, teamwork and leadership.
• Small classes, individual mentoring, attention to mental well-being ensure that everyone at St Bees develops a readiness for the challenges of the world outside of school.

On campus there is a swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, squash courts and golf courses.

St Bees Golf Club welcomes golfers of all ages and abilities, providing the perfect platform to start the game. The fields welcome visitors all year round, 7 days a week.

The village surrounding the school is an important part of the St Bees school community. Students often go out into nature to help with beach cleanup, local activities, even attend local elementary schools to teach young children useful skills.

Many are attracted by the beauty of these places, the exceptional coast and rural unhurriedness. On the outskirts of the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, students get great opportunities to explore the lakes and mountains that the National Park offers.

The intensive schedule means that students receive an additional 72 days of study per year compared to public schools.

School fees include tuition fees, textbooks and meals, reviewed each school year.

School uniform:

• Blazer – from £35.99
• Kilt – from £24.99
• Grey trousers for girls – from £ 17.99
• Hooded sweatshirt – from £25.99
• School tie – £6.99
• Set of 3 white shirts – from £ 21.5
• School jumper – from £ 18.99
• Blue polo shirt          – from £10.99
• Polo House shirt – from £13.99
• Sporty shorts – from £24.99
• Dark blue leggings – from £ 22.99
• Dark blue top – from £ 17.99
• Fleece hoodie – from £15.99.

The purpose of the process is to identify the potential of the applicant. St Bees School is looking for versatile students with a genuine interest in education in the broadest sense of the word, with interests beyond the scope of the academic program.

The school has a unique Fusion concept – combining the academic rigor of the British curriculum, along with Western character traits such as teamwork and leadership with the hard work, depth and determination of the East.

There are many extracurricular activities, all of which are important for the development of a balanced, confident personality – all students are expected to participate fully in them.

• Entrance grades are given during the admission process - in English and mathematics. All prospective students are interviewed by the director and head of the marketing and admissions department. The interview includes a series of informal questions to assess character.
• Candidates applying for a scholarship must submit additional samples of their work.
• The offer of places in the 12th grade depends on whether the candidate scores at least 5 points out of 5 for GCSE subjects, including English and mathematics, as well as at least 6 points for subjects offered for study in the Sixth Form.
• If the proposal is not accepted or is not answered, a place will be offered to the candidates on the waiting list.

Applicants must be fluent in English according to age. The level of English proficiency will be assessed through reports, entrance grades and interviews.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) can be taught for a fee.

Scholarships are designed to encourage excellence and recognize exceptional talents, are awarded by the school principal on merit and are accompanied by specific commitments.

Parents are asked to indicate on the registration form whether they want to apply for a scholarship. Students who apply will be invited to the school for an interview. A small number of scholarships are awarded each year: the award depends on standards of conduct, full support for the goals and spirit of the community, the student's ability to act as an ambassador of the school in everything he does.

Academic scholarships are awarded to candidates who have passed a separate exam or submitted academic reports from their previous school. Admission requirements:

• Outstanding results or predictable results at the current academic stage.
• Providing a 500-word essay on a given topic.
• Interview with the director.

Creative Art scholarships are awarded to candidates who excel in music, art. Admission requirements:

• Applicants must obtain a teacher's certificate from their current supervisor and a recommendation from the director.
• Candidates will be required to demonstrate their abilities by submitting work or a portfolio.
• It is expected that the student will make a significant contribution to the creative life of the school throughout the stay.

Sports scholarships are awarded to outstanding, versatile athletes who have achieved a high level of competence in sports. Admission requirements:

• Interview with the principal or teacher
• It is expected that the student will demonstrate leadership qualities and team play skills.
• Candidates will have to provide a certificate of a sports coach and recommendations of the director.
• It is expected that the scholarship holders will make a significant contribution to the sports life throughout their stay at the school.

Engineering fellowships are awarded to those who are passionate about STEM, especially with a focus on robotics, coding, and engineering. Admission requirements:

• An interview with the director, where candidates will demonstrate their engineering hobbies through any appropriate means.
• Students will have to provide a certificate from a teacher from the previous school.
• Proof of participation in STEM activities held outside of school will be required.
• Fellows are expected to lead the Lego League team and become a STEM ambassador to St. Bis.

St Bees School is under the scrutiny of Full Circle Education Group, an educational consultancy that embodies the true spirit of Saint Bees – hard work, determination and ambition. This scholarship is awarded to only one student annually – it covers 30% of the tuition fee, available for British and international students. Admission requirements:

• An interview with the director of full Circle Education Group, in which the student demonstrates the key character traits of St Bees.
• Additional interview with teachers.
• Recommendations from the principal of the previous school.
• Proof of academic performance, as well as personal recommendations (EQ).
• A 500-word essay answering the question "What is bravery?"

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision