TASIS the American International School in England

• Location: Thorpe, England,
• Year of foundation: 1976,
• Number of students: about 650,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of studying: mixed.

TASIS The American International School in England is an international school offering secondary education programs based on the American education system to students from all over the world. The studying is designed for a wide age range — from 3 to 18 years old.

From the very beginning of its existence, the goal of TASIS has been international education, open to students from different countries. Modern approaches to learning, regularly updated technologies, a large campus with a diverse infrastructure for learning and self—development, highly qualified teachers and mentors - this and much more awaits students who want to receive a prestigious diploma in school education. A balanced schedule of academic classes, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for development in clubs and sections allows students not only to acquire high-quality knowledge, but also to devote time to their interests, recreation, and communication with classmates.

The school attracts many international students every year, which makes it really interesting to be at school - hundreds of students from more than 60 nationalities speak more than 30 languages, creating a friendly, diverse atmosphere. International students adapt quickly thanks to the comprehensive support of staff, teachers and mentors, participation in student clubs, and a variety of activities. TASIS takes care of each pupil, providing the best conditions for learning and self-development, helps in solving many issues during and after studies: from obtaining a visa to university admission.

Remco Weeda

Specialist in international admission of students in Russia and the CIS at Scarborough College

What do parents typically consider when choosing a school, in addition to teacher qualifications?

Parents have various criteria. If choosing a more affordable private school, ensure it's genuinely high-quality. Location, overall expenses, cultural programs, boarding house conditions, and level of care should be considered. Once narrowed down to a few schools, it's beneficial to meet and communicate with their representatives and form a personal opinion.

As part of their high school education, all students participate in the Community Service Program (CSP), giving them the opportunity to participate in a number of rewarding projects each year. Students must achieve at least the following metrics: 

• Freshmen — 10 hours,
• Sophomores — 10 hours,
• Juniors – 20 hours,
• Seniors — 20 hours.

The Community Service Project gives students the opportunity to learn more about themselves in the context of a larger community. At the end of the project, students complete a final assignment in which they reflect on their experiences and describe the challenges they faced and their impact on their lives.

For students enrolled in the two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, the Creative, Active and Service (CAS) course is a prerequisite that reinforces and expands what students learn in the classroom. The CAS program begins in the first year of study and lasts at least 18 months: students take part in various social events, develop their own project in the field they like. 

TASIS England has several academic departments focused on educating students of a certain age: junior, middle, high school. During the holidays, a summer camp opens on campus.

Students must have their own laptop for classroom work and homework.

The TASIS England Residence offers students aged 13-18 a welcoming living conditions away from home, accommodating them in comfortable double and triple rooms. Residential buildings separate boys and girls, providing comfort and safety for each student. Common places in the residences are bathrooms, self-study classrooms, laundry rooms, living rooms and walking areas. TASIS staff live next door to the students, who are ready to help or assist around the clock.

Each resident is provided with three meals a day based on a varied, balanced menu: meat and fish dishes with cereals and vegetables, soups, salads, a variety of drinks and healthy sweets are served in the dining room of the campus. A qualified team of chefs prepares food according to the standards of proper nutrition appropriate to the age of students. They also meet special food needs by providing delicious meals for vegetarians, vegans, Muslims, and other students with medical, religious, or dietary needs.

Subject list: Art, biology, chemistry, drama, ecology, economics, English literature, geography, history, Information Technology, maths, music, Natural science, painting, photography, physical education, physics, Political science, reading

Non-classroom life at TASIS includes a variety of activities focused on developing children's creative, athletic, social, and research abilities. Students can either try their hand at new directions or continue their studies in an area they are already interested in. On weekends, holidays, and even some weekdays, students go to explore the surrounding sights and natural beauty of Surrey County.

The program of field events includes:

• London theaters, art galleries, museums,
• Trips to rope parks, hiking tours,
• National Park walks,
• Attending sports matches.

In addition to traveling, boarders can enjoy collective evenings where they watch movies, talent shows, discuss literature and other interests, barbecue and much more. Art is included in the academic curriculum of most classes, but it is also taught in the form of clubs. Students can devote time to such areas as theater, visual arts, vocals, playing musical instruments, and filmmaking.

Both training sessions and clubs are conducted by professional teachers with many years of experience in their field. Sports are also anchored in the curriculum of all ages, available as standard physical education lessons and in a more professional training format. Sports sections organize activities by season, which allows the leisure schedule to change regularly, and students to try their hand at a new hobby. The campus features activities such as:

• Basketball,
• Football,
• Lawn tennis,
• Lacrosse,
• Rugby,
• Swimming,
• Badminton,
• Golf,
• Cheerleading,
• Volleyball.

Another important part of extracurricular activities are student clubs, small communities that bring students together by interests, where workshops are regularly held, events and meetings are organized. The clubs are focused on developing abilities and skills in the leisure area they like, allowing students to make their hobby more professional. Some of the TASIS England theme communities include:

• The UN Model,
• Literature, Computer Science,
• Animal Welfare Union,
• Investments,
• Dungeon and Dragons game,
• Crocheting,
• Knitting,
• Cooking,
• The debate,
• Journalism.

Every year, middle and high school students travel to other countries.

The travel program is aimed at broadening the horizons of pupils, developing their social skills, and gaining new knowledge. In previous years, these were:

• February ski tour, spring charity trip to Romania,
• Debates in The Hague, Barcelona,
• UK Language Tour,
• A historic trip to Greece.

• The school is awarded by the Association of Independent Schools (ISA) as the best institution with a residence in 2023,
• American academic programs from elementary to high school education, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate,
• Individual mentoring for admission to the university for four years,
• The multinational student community consists of about 60 nationalities and 30 languages,
• The average class size is 10-12 students,
• Excellent admission to universities in the UK, USA and other countries,
• The summer program has been separately awarded with many citations,
• Campus near London, international airports,
• Mandatory dress code: winter and summer school uniforms.

The TASIS England campus is located on an area of 46 acres, it is a small town with buildings in the same architectural style. The studying area is 45 minutes from central London and 25 minutes from Heathrow Airport.

There are several dozen buildings on the campus, each with its own purpose: kindergarten and elementary school buildings, a large library with a reading room, a high school building with specialized laboratories and design studios, residential residences and many others. Each room is equipped with the latest technology: interactive whiteboards, projectors, computers, wired Internet access and high—speed WiFi - all this is used by students during school days, at some time on weekends.

Special attention is paid to the TASIS sports infrastructure, which includes a full-scale football field, a tennis court, multifunctional playgrounds and gyms, studios for additional classes and sections. Equipped walking areas are added to them, where you can both train and relax. The campus has a full-fledged security system, providing round-the-clock video surveillance, and has limited access to the territory.

The academic year consists of two semesters:

• Autumn: end of August-January,
• Spring: January-June.

During the semesters, rest is provided on weekends, days of national and international holidays, and vacations. Studying sessions are held on weekdays, followed by leisure activities and participation in student clubs. The cost of tuition in the lower grades includes the academic plan, educational materials, most activities, snacks, the cost of most activities related to the curriculum, and excursions.

The price does not include:

• Bus transfer,
• Uniform,
• Sports trips and exercise equipment,
• Some excursions: for example, the October travel week, a trip for the February holidays and others,
• Expenses for external exams — SAT, AP or IB,
• Private health insurance,
• Annual fees related to vaccinations or student visa costs.

Upon admission, the student will have to pay a non-refundable registration fee.

Accommodation in the residence is included in the program price if the student has booked a place upon admission. In this case, the annual cost will include:

• Tuition fees,
• Accommodation and three meals a day,
• Textbook rentals,
• Most of the expenses are for IT and laboratory work,
• Annual maintenance of a personal laptop,
• Some educational materials,
• Most of the activities related to the curriculum,
• Excursions,
• Travel insurance for school-sponsored trips.

For grades 9-12, the cost of the October tourist week is included in the room rate, however, parents must register their child to participate in the trip. For the 8th grade, a study tour before the start of school is mandatory, the cost of it is included in the accommodation fee.

Extras:

• Application fee 150 GBP
• Deposit for a course/programme 2000 GBP
• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 750 GBP

The admission procedure is a step-by-step enrollment:

• Clarification of requirements, deadlines for admission,
• Filling out the registration form, providing documents,
• Payment of registration fees,
• Receiving an invitation to campus or communicating with the admissions committee in an online format,
• Passing possible entrance exams, interviews,
• Receiving an official invitation to study,
• Arrival at the campus: accommodation in residence, start of classes.

Annually, TASIS England high school students achieve amazing results in their final exams, giving them the opportunity to enter leading universities around the world. The International Baccalaureate diploma is recognized all over the world, it is a competitive criterion for admission, so students enter prestigious universities such as:

• Boston University,
• Cornell University,
• Duke University,
• King’s College London,
• John Hopkins University,
• Oxford University,
• University of Cambridge,
• University of Toronto,
• Ohio State University,
• New York University and others.

Foreign applicants for admission to any of the levels of school education will need documents: a passport, medical insurance, a visa or a residence permit. The admissions committee also requires academic reports for the last two academic years, proof of individual achievements, if any.

For comfortable learning, the student will need a fairly high level of English proficiency; If desired, he can use the services of a school tutor and attend additional classes. For high school students, English is the most important, so the language criteria for them are higher than for other applicants.

TASIS England offers financial support to enable children to thrive regardless of their life circumstances.

Programs are granted on the basis of a means test + if there are good academic results. The amount of the reward depends on several factors, including: 

• Confirmed financial need of the family,
• The total number of students in need of financial aid.

Average rewards range from 5% to 25% of the tuition fee.

Global Community Scholarships are means-tested awards that are given to both full-time and boarding students entering grades 8 through 11 who excel in academics, sports, the arts, or community service. One of the awards is reserved for graduates of the summer program. The average award ranges from £500 to £2,500, but larger awards are paid to outstanding candidates (the premium will be deducted from tuition fees). 

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision