International Students
Welcome to Sheffield!
Sheffield is one of the most popular study destinations in the UK.
A vibrant, friendly and safe city in the heart of Yorkshire, known for its green spaces, culture and community feel, it offers the perfect balance of city life and nature. It is home to two major universities and has a large student population, creating a welcoming atmosphere for young people. Sheffield is a multicultural city and in 2023 was voted the best UK city outside London for food and dining. Excellent transport links make travel across the UK and to nearby airports simple and affordable. Sheffield is an inspiring place to live and learn, and a brilliant home from home.
Coming to the United Kingdom with family
We welcome a number of international students into our school every year. If you are moving to the United Kingdom and bringing your daughter with you on your own visa, or if she holds a UK passport, she may join Sheffield Girls’ by following our standard entry procedures.
Please contact our Registrar, Louise Froggatt, on L.Froggatt@she.gdst.net for further information or complete a contact form on our website.
Coming to the United Kingdom without family
We are able to sponsor students travelling to the UK without their family for the purpose of study. Each year we welcome international students into our Senior School and Sixth Form who will stay with a host family whilst they complete their studies. We ask all such students to complete their applications and organise accommodation through a recognised agent.
We work closely with the following agencies who are accredited by the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS):
We can also accept applications from students using alternative agencies.
All students wishing to join the school, who require a visa and won’t be staying with family, must apply through a registered agent. The agencies will arrange for the appropriate examinations and interviews to take place. We ask that girls joining Sixth Form hold an average IELTS score of 5.5 if applying from non English speaking countries.
As we are a day school, all students without family in the UK will stay with host families in the local area, which is arranged via the homestay agency. All offers made to study at Sheffield Girls’ are done in conjunction with the agency contract for homestay.
At this time, we only sponsor international students who come through ICON Education or an appropriate alternative AEGIS accredited homestay agency.
Transport
Sheffield is a surprisingly accessible and walkable city for its size. Student discounts are available for buses, trams and trains and the city boasts excellent transport connections to other major cities and locations all over the UK. You can be in London within 2 hours via a direct train, or jump on a bus to York and experience one of our most historic northern cities.
Manchester Airport is just over an hour from Sheffield, with direct train links every hour. For those arriving via London airports, there are direct trains or bus routes to Sheffield. Your agent will provide advice and support as you plan your trip and we can answer any questions you might have in advance.
Beyond school: routes to university
We achieve amongst the best A Level results in the region and every year the majority of our Sixth Form students accept their first choice offer for University.
Our international students receive dedicated, bespoke support and guidance from our Head of Careers as they complete university applications through UCAS. We can also provide support for those applying for universities elsewhere in Europe and overseas.
We provide additional activities and support for those students applying for Oxbridge or for particularly competitive courses such as Medicine and Law.
EAL and Pastoral Support for International Students
We are experts in girls education and have a long tradition of welcoming international students into our school. Whether relocating with family or joining our Upper School or Sixth Form on a student visa, we provide our international pupils with all the necessary support to ensure they thrive academically, socially and personally during their time with us.
Our pastoral support team work closely with our international students to provide advice and guidance as they settle into life at school. This support continues throughout the school year.
We provide full language support for pupils of all ages with English as an additional language (EAL).
Support is tailored to meet each individual’s needs but includes:
- Specialist EAL lessons with our dedicated full time EAL teacher
- Reduced timetables where appropriate
- Regular meetings with Head of Year for pupils and parents
- Liaison between EAL lead and subject / Form teachers
- Support to integrate in school life and take part in co-curricular activities
- Support with preparation for IELTS and other SELF exams in Sixth Form
International fees
Visit the fees page for information on international fees.
