EAL (English as an Additional Language) supports pupils whose first language is not English. The EAL Department ensures that those pupils who do not have English as a first language are able to access the curriculum and develop their study skills in English, and participate fully in all aspects of school life.

Preparing Pupils for Qualifications

  • The EAL Department ensures pupils leave school with the proof of their English language attainment which they require for further education or employment. All pupils with English as an additional language can study for an internationally recognised English language examination to prove their linguistic proficiency.
  • In 5th Form, pupils can sit the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language as an alternative to English GCSE.
  • In 6th Form, pupils can sit the IELTS Academic qualification where necessary for university entry.
  • All EAL pupils can sit a suitable level of the Cambridge ESOL examinations (Cambridge Proficiency, Certificate of Advanced English, Cambridge First and Preliminary).

  • The EAL staff are experienced and fully qualified in TESOL.

Open Door Policy

The EAL Department is a friendly and safe space for pupils with EAL. In EAL, we understand the challenges of being far from home and managing in another cultural context. Our door is always open for a chat, any advice and support we can give or help with studies or any areas of school life. The EAL Department liaises closely with all the subject teachers and pastoral staff to ensure that our international pupils are monitored in their progress and supported with the language in all areas of life at King’s.

Pastorally Speaking

  • The EAL Department takes special care of all our international pupils whether they have extra English lessons or not, liaising closely with Housemasters and Housemistresses and matrons.
  • We organise cultural trips and outings for our international pupils to afford them a wider experience of British culture and heritage outside school. We encourage our international pupils to share their national culture with the rest of the School, and we celebrate their cultural festivals and festivities.

Examination and Fees

EAL incurs an extra charge so please see the School Fees page for additional charges. Examination charges will also apply accordingly.

Read our Guidelines For The English Language Levels for Admission

EAL Curriculum

IGCSE Curriculum

The Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language Extended with the count-in-oral covers similar material to the First Language examination and is acceptable at British universities with a ‘C’ or higher. The examination consists of a two hour Reading and Writing paper, a Listening paper and a Speaking test with the Head of Department, a qualified CIE Oral Examiner. The examination can be sat in either 4th or 5th Form depending on progress and commitment.

Alternatively, the Cambridge First Certificate can be taken in either 4th or 5th Form depending on progress.

IGCSE Specification

Cambridge First Certificate Specification

Cambridge First Certificate: Short stay pupils are encouraged to sit the examination to gain proficiency at B2 CEFR Level English as it is an extremely thorough examination covering: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing and Use of English.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): C1 Advanced | Cambridge English. This exam proves a C1 level of proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference – CEFR. The level of English required to succeed in this examination is equivalent to a grade of 6.5 and upwards in IELTS. A grade B in Cambridge CAE is accepted by a vast number of universities and employers worldwide.

IELTS: The International English Language Testing System is a mandatory examination for entry to a British university as it is one of the British Government’s SELT (Secure English Language Test) examinations. An overall band of 6.5 and nothing lower than a 6.0 across all four skills of Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking is required for undergraduate study.

Link to examination specifications:

Cambridge First Certificate Specification

Cambridge Advanced

IELTS Specification

A Level Curriculum

Cambridge First Certificate: Short stay pupils are encouraged to sit the examination to gain proficiency at B2 CEFR Level English as it is an extremely thorough examination covering: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing and Use of English.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): C1 Advanced | Cambridge English. This exam proves a C1 level of proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference – CEFR. The level of English required to succeed in this examination is equivalent to a grade of 6.5 and upwards in IELTS. A grade B in Cambridge CAE is accepted by a vast number of universities and employers worldwide.

IELTS: The International English Language Testing System is a mandatory examination for entry to a British university as it is one of the British Government’s SELT (Secure English Language Test) examinations. An overall band of 6.5 and nothing lower than a 6.0 across all four skills of Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking is required for undergraduate study.

Link to examination specifications:

Cambridge First Certificate Specification

IELTS Specification

SELT Specification

Staff Contact

Academic Departments

Academic Departments

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