International Applicants

In any given year around 25% of our pupils come to The Leys from around 30 different countries, making our school a diverse and exciting community in which to live.

We are committed to providing all our pupils with the best possible experience and have therefore created an enhanced package tailored specifically to the needs of overseas families. The enhanced fee for families residing overseas allows us to offer more to this important part of our community. Whilst receiving everything which our UK-based boarders do, the package includes:

• all weekend trips and activities at no extra cost
• an enhanced communication programme with regular touch points with parents throughout the year
• a three-day induction programme to all new pupils at the beginning of their first year before the start of term

The induction programme includes orientation around the school and local area, a chance to meet with the international support team, as well as the opportunity to meet with key members of staff and other new pupils. Term dates can be found here.

Visas and Guardians

The Leys School is able to sponsor international boarding pupils and issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once all required information is received. From the 2026 admissions cycle, we will be working with a specialist external agency to support families through the increasingly complex UK visa process and ensure full compliance with UKVI regulations. To cover the cost of this enhanced service, a compliance management fee of £595 will apply to all pupils requiring sponsorship. This partnership will help streamline applications, reduce delays, and provide expert guidance to families throughout the process. We do not sponsor day pupils for Child Student visas.

It is a legal requirement that pupils whose parents live outside the UK must have a named guardian living in the UK. For pupils who have a Child Student visa sponsored by the school, there are specific UKVI requirements on who can act as a guardian. More information will be provided as part of the onboarding process.

UKiset

It is not a requirement for your child to complete a UKiset test prior to applying. However, The Leys is an academically selective school and some of our candidates, particularly those not at a UK school or those for whom English is a second language, may wish to have an early indication of their suitability. If this is the case, you may wish to consider a UKiset test. You are welcome to share the results with us if you wish.

Further information can be found below: