All overseas applicants complete the relevant entrance examinations and an online interview with the Headmaster or a member of the Senior Management Team. These assessments help us understand each pupil’s academic progress and ensure that Sutton Valence School is the right environment for them.

We use Password, an online, age specific testing tool to assess English and Mathematics.

Entrance assessments are completed online. If the pupil’s current school can invigilate the tests, this may be arranged, or our Admissions Team can help support alternative arrangements.

We accept UKiset for overseas applicants who already hold a valid report. We also request a reference from each applicant’s current school.

An offer of a place is made following successful performance in the assessments and interview. To accept the offer, families complete the School digital acceptance form and pay the international deposit. For pupils whose normal residence is outside the United Kingdom, the deposit is equal to one term fees.

Boarding is available for boys and girls from the age of 11. This allows pupils to begin their British education with us from First Form (Year 7).

Our main entry points are:

• First Form (Year 7)
• Third Form (Year 9)
• Lower Sixth (Year 12)

We may consider applications for other year groups if places are available and if applicants meet the required entrance standard.

Short term places may be available. Pupils joining for less than one year take the IGCSE in EAL as their only examinable qualification. Those wishing to sit GCSE or A Level examinations must complete the full duration of the course.

We offer excellent support for pupils whose first language is not English. Pupils who require English as an Additional Language attend EAL lessons in place of First Language English. They sit the IGCSE in EAL rather than the English Language and Literature examinations.

Pupils achieve strong results in Cambridge English, IGCSE and IELTS examinations and benefit from specialist teaching designed to support their academic success.

Sutton Valence School is an official Child Student Sponsor. We provide guidance for families who need a CAS document to apply for a visa. A small administrative fee of £441.60 (incl VAT) is applied during the pupil first term.

Our Admissions Team works closely with families to ensure all documentation is completed accurately and in good time.

Pupils whose parents do not live in the United Kingdom must have a suitable guardian living in the United Kingdom to whom parental responsibility may be delegated.

We work closely with AEGIS, the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Pupils. Families may view AEGIS accredited organisations through the following links:

• AEGIS Gold Standard accredited organisations
• AEGIS Preliminary accredited organisations

Once a place is accepted, we provide clear information to help your child prepare for School life. This includes guidance on boarding routines, EAL arrangements where required, travel, uniform and day to day expectations. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil feels confident and ready to settle quickly.

Whenever possible, we encourage international families to visit us. A visit to Sutton Valence School is designed to be calm, personal and welcoming.

Families can expect:

• time to ask questions and explore the School
• a tour shaped around the pupil strengths and interests
• opportunities to meet senior staff and pupil ambassadors
• a warm close to the visit with a personal welcome from the Headmaster.