Welcome to Leweston School – A World of Opportunity at the Heart of Dorset
A Warm Invitation to International Families
At Leweston School, we understand the significance of choosing the right educational environment for your child—especially when that journey begins far from home. Nestled in the heart of the Dorset countryside, our co-educational boarding school offers a safe, supportive, and academically ambitious setting for boarding students aged 8 to 18.
Whether you're joining us from Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas, Leweston is more than a school—it's a home away from home.
Want to know more about Leweston School?
"Leweston is a school which puts the children's interests first and at the heart of everything they do in the classroom and beyond."
Current Parent
Why Choose Leweston?
Family-Friendly Boarding: Our four boarding houses—Martha, Cecilia, Eleanor, and Antony—are located within the Manor House, creating a warm, integrated environment where academic life and family life blend seamlessly
Internationally Minded: With students from around the world, Leweston celebrates diversity and fosters global friendships that last a lifetime whilst providing an immersive English environment.
Academic Excellence: 90% of boarders progress to their university of choice, supported by dedicated tutors and evening prep sessions in our beautiful Pensabene Library. Leweston has been shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Careers Advice for two years running.
English Language Support: We offer tailored English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes with expert EAL teaching integrated into the curriculum. Students work toward Cambridge proficiency exams and IELTS, supported by themed lessons and one-to-one tutoring tailored to individual needs.
Admissions Made Simple
Our experienced Admissions Team is here to guide you every step of the way:
Virtual Interviews – Meet our Headmaster and our Director of International Students online.
Academic Assessment – Submit recent school reports and complete our own English/Maths testing.
Personalised Support from a Dedicated International Team
Life Beyond the Classroom
Leweston’s international boarders enjoy:
- A vibrant weekend activity programme
- Access to extensive sports and arts facilities
- Opportunities for leadership and personal growth
- A supportive community where staff and students know each other well
Leweston’s on-site Equestrian Centre offers students the opportunity to pursue their passion for horse riding while studying in the UK. Our Riding Academy offers British Horse Society-accredited instruction, opportunities to compete in NSEA events and livery and loan options. Riding is integrated into school life, with flexible scheduling and weekend activities designed around equestrian pursuits.
Leweston is one of the few UK schools offering training in Modern Pentathlon, an Olympic sport combining fencing, swimming, running, shooting, and riding. Our students benefit from expert coaching across all five disciplines, pathways to national and international competition and a unique blend of academic and athletic development. Whether you're aiming for elite competition or simply want to try something new, Leweston provides a supportive environment to grow your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Leweston different from other independent schools?
Leweston stands out for its personalised approach, supportive community, and emphasis on holistic development. Here, pupils are encouraged to try new things, embrace challenges, and grow into confident, independent individuals. Leweston has a dedicated Director of International Students, Mrs Quick, who oversees every aspect of international pupils’ experience—from placement and academic support to pastoral care and university preparation. This personalised guidance ensures students feel supported and achieve their full potential.
What support is available for students whose first language is not English?
How are international students supported in their transition to boarding life?
Leweston’s pastoral care team ensures a smooth transition through orientation activities, dedicated boarding staff, and peer mentoring. The boarding environment fosters a close-knit, family-style atmosphere where students feel safe and supported.
Does Leweston provide transport to and from the airport?
Yes, the school offers transport services for international students on designated travel days at the beginning and end of term. Staff can also assist with booking taxis and arranging accompanied travel to major transport hubs like the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras.
How many different nationalities study at Leweston?
Leweston School welcomes approximately 20 international pupils each year, representing a wide range of different nationalities from across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. The school maintains a balanced mix of British and international students across classes and boarding houses to support integration and diversity.
You might also like . . .
From Germany to Dorset: My Short Stay at Leweston
One of our short stay students, Emma, write about her time at Leweston and provides some insights for others who might be considering the same journey.
What are the benefits of boarding?
Many parents, both in the UK and abroad, but there are a number of proven advantages to boarding, some obvious and others less so. We share our top six:
Top Tips for New Boarders and their Parents
How to prepare? What to pack? Mrs Simkins-Smith, Director of Boarding, shares her top tips on how both pupils and parents can prepare for boarding.
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