Interview with Kari Butler of Concord College Summer School

Why do you think your Concord College Summer School is a Quality Education college?

We pride ourselves in preparing and delivering a quality summer school experience for all of our students. Aged 10-17 from over 35 nationalities our students are able to study English, Science, Maths or Economics with expert teaching, in a safe and beautiful rural environment. We obtain regular feedback during and after each course, and review the comments and suggestions to improve the student experience, in addition to providing peace of mind to parents, guardians and agents. The aim of our school is to build confidence in individuals, whilst improving skills in English and subject knowledge. We provide opportunities to enjoy student life, whilst seeing something of Britain. The feedback we receive enables us to deliver an outstanding learning experience with the opportunity to study alongside international students, and make life-long friends from around the world. We are committed to the safeguarding of students, group leaders and staff, and offer training opportunities for staff and students involved in summer school to learn more than just their course of study.  

What made you join Quality Education?

Quality Education is renowned for representing the best schools and colleges who strive to maintain and promote the highest standards. The organisation takes a keen interest in academic standards and the professional development of all key stakeholders in education. They offer fantastic networking opportunities between quality agents and schools. We are a long established college with an exceptionally strong academic background, and over the years we have invested in improving the quality of our summer school. Along with our British Council accreditation for the teaching of English in the UK, we knew joining Quality Education would provide further validation of the college’s and staff’s passion for education, professional attitude and care for all students, agents and group leaders. 

Why would you recommend Quality Education from what you know so far?

Being a member of Quality Education assists tremendously with the sharing of good practice through a network of support, advice and guidance from other quality schools and colleges. It offers a sense of belonging to a quality group who have the same high standards and expectations. Quality Education have a strong history of providing agents and students with comprehensive information to assist with the right selection of school for individuals. From the short time we have been  part of Quality Education, we are delighted with the high calibre of agents that we have been in communication with and look forward to meeting their students in July or August 2017 with the confidence they are sending aspirational students who are serious about improving their own academic achievement.

What are the main reasons to recommend Concord College Summer School to an international student wishing to study in English?

Concord College is a very special place.  It is a school in which young people can flourish, find confidence and a sense of self-worth whilst achieving the very highest academic standards. Our summer courses are broad and appeal to a wide range of international students. Our English language course teaches students from A1 beginners up to C1 advanced in small classes and we are able to accommodate the learning needs of students aged 10-17 following an age appropriate curriculum. Our science course starts with an introduction to the sciences for the juniors, through GCSE to Advanced Level following the English syllabus. Our new Oxbridge preparation programme for students aged 16-18 supports aspirational students who plan to apply to the UK’s top universities or any other prestigious university outside the UK for some of the most competitive subject specialisms in law, medicine, humanities and STEM. As a result of our impressive main term record of top university offers and our extensive teaching experience, along with our well-resourced campus and passionate and knowledgeable staff, we are able to consistently deliver an outstanding summer school experience for all students. Due to the diverse range of subjects on offer, we are able to attract high quality staff to deliver an engaging programme which is complemented by a comprehensive on site recreation programme including access to two sports halls, a swimming pool, theatre and music studios, science laboratories, student social room and outdoor education high ropes centre. Our 73 acre campus can accommodate up to 300 summer school students each term from 10-17, benefiting from single bedrooms and a designated house parent. All students profit from the support offered by staff at Concord, whilst improving their confidence and developing independence. Combined, quality agents will have the confidence to name Concord College a quality partner to work with.