International FAQs

There can be so many questions to consider when you are looking to study abroad. We have collected together on this page some of the most common questions that we get asked by international parents. If you have a question for us, or would like to know more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Travel and transport

At the beginning and end of each term, the school provides coach and minibus transport to and from London Heathrow Airport.  The school can also organise taxi transport to other regional airports.

The school also provides a coach service to Newport railway station for quiet weekends and at half terms.  The coach departs from the school at 16:15 and pupils are collected from Newport railway station at 19:00 for the return journey.  Anyone wishing to use this service must book a seat in advance with their Houseparent or Housemistress.

Travel Guidance Notes 2020-2021 (PDF – 198Kb)
Meeting Place LHR T3 Arrivals MAP (PDF – 265Kb)

Guardians

All students whose parents reside overseas are required to have a suitable educational guardian.  This is someone with whom they can reside during half term holidays or weekends when the school closes and who can act in case of emergency.  It is the responsibility of parents to arrange their daughter’s and/or son’s guardian and not the school.  It is imperative that the school is kept up to date of any changes of guardianship.

Guardianship for Pupils (PDF – 205kB)

Percentage of international boarders

We are proud of the diverse and vibrant community at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools. Below you can find a breakdown of the Nationalities for International boarders at our schools.

Boys School

Girls School

Exeat weekends

We have no exeats during the pupil’s boarding at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools and provide engaging activities, camps and trips for boarders that remain over half-terms. Our staff are dedicated to creating a friendly, homely atmosphere for all pupils so that you can have confidence that your child is happy and safe.

Whilst we do not have exeats, we do have “quiet weekends” once or twice a term where there are no boarders activities.

International admissions journey
  • Candidates in Years 7 – 10 are required to sit online entry papers in English and Mathematics and a report is sought from the Headteacher of the candidate’s current school or from a recognised international agent. The Head or Head of EAL also seeks to conduct an interview over Skype, if possible.
  • Sixth Form Foundation Year (SFFY) Candidates are required to sit online entry papers in English (to meet EAL requirements) and Mathematics and are asked to provide a report from their present school or a recognised international agent. The Head and/or Head of EAL also seeks to conduct an interview over Skype.
  • Sixth Form Candidates may select two papers taken in the subjects of preferred A Level choice. In addition, a report is requested from the Headteacher of the candidate’s current school or from a recognised international agent. The Head and/or Head of Sixth Form and/or Head of EAL also seeks to conduct an interview. An online assessment in English and Maths will also be required.
English Language support

Our EAL (English as an Additional Language) department offers support to students from International countries, according to each individual pupil’s needs. We understand that cultural and linguistic heritage impacts on learning and use of language and, as a community, we aim to support and learn from cultural diversity.

You can find out more about EAL by clicking here.

Short-term students

We understand that every child and family are going through different circumstances and we are happy to accommodate, wherever possible, students who would like to attend the school on a short-term/temporary basis. This could be for one year or one term. If you are interested in your child becoming a temporary student, please get in touch with our Admissions team. 

Medical facilities

Your child’s wellbeing is of the utmost importance to us and we do everything we can to ensure that our pupils are healthy and happy at school. Our experienced medical team is on standby 24 hours a day so that students have access to medical care whenever they need it.

Our schools’ nursing team is fully qualified and experienced in caring for boys and girls with minor illnesses, mental health concerns, sports injuries and chronic conditions including asthma, epilepsy and diabetes. The School Doctor, based in a nearby surgery, is available for consultations during Open Surgeries and by appointment.

School shop

Our spacious school shop carries a wide range of items intended to provide for the day to day needs of pupils. Appointments can be made in advance by emailing the school shop or using our online booking system.

Class sizes

Class sizes vary from year group, school and subject. Our maximum class size is 24 pupils. Please get in touch if you would like to know the average class size that your child will be in.

Boarding house accommodation

We have single-sex boarding houses grouped into Years 3-8, Years 9-11 and Sixth Form. Each boarding house at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools has a team of dedicated house-parents and tutors to ensure your child has support throughout their stay with us.

We have a mixture of single and shared rooms available for students, with our outstanding library, sport, music & arts facilities available after school hours for boarders to use.