Leweston School's Short Stay Programme: Your Adventure Awaits
A Short Stay That Feels Like Home
Set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, Leweston School offers a warm, inclusive, and academically enriching environment for international students aged 10 to 17 seeking short-term placements. Whether you're looking to improve your English, experience British culture, or prepare for future study in the UK, our Short Stay Programme is designed to meet your goals.
Why Leweston Short Stay?
- A School with Heritage and Heart: Founded in 1891, Leweston offers quality education with strong values, fostering care, integrity, and ambition in every student.
- English Language Support: Personalised English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes with expert teaching integrated into the curriculum.
- Confidence & Independence: Students thrive in our supportive, family-style boarding community.
- Academic Integration: Join mainstream classes tailored to your age and ability.
- English Immersion: Daily interaction with native speakers accelerates language development.
- Enrichment Activities: Enjoy sports, music, art, drama, and outdoor pursuits.
- Full Boarding Support: Live on our beautiful countryside campus with 24/7 pastoral care.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience British traditions and make friends from around the world.
- Convenient Location: Situated near Sherborne, with direct train access to London and transfers from Heathrow at the beginning and end of each term.
Book an online meeting with the Headmaster
Hear from our students . . .
""Since the first week in Leweston I have been happy. The thing I have most appreciated is how much people care about you and your feelings. My life has changed since I joined .""
Martina, Year 12
""Leweston is a place where you can find your talents and work towards your dreams. And if I’ve learned one thing here, it’s that no dream is too far away, not when you’re surrounded by people who support you and believe in you. That’s why I chose Leweston, and I would choose it again every time.""
Emma, Year 12
Short Stay Options
Choose the duration that suits your needs:
Half a Term (Approx. 5 Weeks)
Ideal for a first taste of British boarding life.
- Join mainstream lessons and evening/weekend activities
- Participate in House competitions and school trips
- EAL support included; additional tutoring available
- Activities Week in Summer Term (extra cost may apply)
One Full Term (Approx. 3 Months)
A deeper immersion into school life.
- Join concerts, plays, and charity events
- Full academic and enrichment programme
- Tailored EAL and subject support
- Sixth Form students join LEaD enrichment programme
One and a Half Terms (Approx. 6 Months)
Popular with students aged 15–16.
- No visa required
- IELTS preparation available
- Two LEaP enrichment options for Sixth Form
- Full integration into academic and boarding life
Full Academic Year (Approx. 10 Months)
The complete Leweston experience.
- Participate in all school events: Carol Service, Speech Day, Prizegiving
- CEFR and IELTS qualifications available
- Join Schola Cantorum (Chapel Choir) from Year 9
- Full academic and pastoral support
Life Beyond the Classroom
Leweston's Short Stay international students enjoy:
- A dynamic weekend activities programme
- Access to extensive sports and arts facilities
- Leadership and personal development opportunities
- A supportive community where staff and students know each other well
The Leweston Chedington Riding Academy offers students the opportunity to pursue their passion for riding while studying in the UK. Our Riding Academy provides British Horse Society accredited instruction, opportunities to compete in NSEA events, and options for stabling and horse loan. Riding is integrated into school life, with flexible scheduling and weekend activities designed around this discipline.
Leweston is one of the few schools in the UK offering Modern Pentathlon training, an Olympic sport combining fencing, swimming, running, shooting, and riding. Our students receive expert coaching in all five disciplines, with pathways to national and international competition, and a unique blend of academic and sporting development. Whether you're looking to compete at elite level or simply try something new, Leweston provides a supportive environment to develop your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages can apply for the short stay programme?
International students aged 10 to 17 are welcome to apply. We offer tailored academic and boarding experiences for different age groups, from Year 7 to Year 12.
What lessons are included?
Short Stay pupils join classes for timetabled lessons every week.
Students in Years 7 to 9 will study academic subjects including:
- Mathematics
- Sciences - biology, chemistry, physics
- English – literature and language
- Modern foreign languages (as required) – Spanish, French
- Humanities - history, geography, religious studies, personal social health education
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 can choose some of the subjects that they study.
Complementing this is a co-curricular programme of activities including:
- Physical education – team games, skills development, health and fitness activities
- Music
- Drama
- Art
Short Stay pupils are offered English as an Additional Language (EAL) support as part of their curriculum. This improves their skills in English and enables them to benefit more fully from their stay at Leweston.
What is boarding life like at Leweston?
Leweston offers a warm, family-style boarding experience. Students live in houses located within the main school building, participate in weekend trips, and enjoy a wide range of activities with their peers. There is adult supervision in each of the Houses and a strong pastoral team to support students with settling in.
Younger students share bedrooms with between 2 and 4 other boarders with older students in single rooms.
What is the admissions process?
Applicants will:
- Meet online with the Headmaster
- Have an interview with the Director of International Students
- Submit a recent school report
Students coming for longer periods of time are asked to complete tests English and Maths to support their academic programmes.
Next Steps . . .
- Book an online meeting with the Headmaster
- Speak to our friendly Admissions team
- Read more about short stay at Leweston
"I am having so much fun this year, meeting new people and trying things for the first time."
Rocio, Year 9
Hear about Short Stays from our students
From Germany to Dorset: My Short Stay Experience at Leweston
One of our Short Stay Programme students, Emma, shares her transformative experience at Leweston and offers valuable insights for those considering embarking on the same educational journey in Dorset.
What Are the Benefits of Boarding School for International Students?
Many parents, both in the UK and internationally, ask this question. There are several proven advantages to boarding education, some obvious and others less well-known. Here we share our top six benefits for international students.
Essential Tips for New Short Stay Students and Their Parents
How to prepare? What to bring? Mrs. Simkins-Smith, Boarding Director, shares her top tips to help both students and parents prepare for the Short Stay Programme and boarding experience at Leweston.