What happens on the day I arrive in the UK?
If you are arriving by plane, our staff meet you at the airport (see below for full details). They take you to the school where your course is taking place.
Free airport transfers are available from:
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Harrow |
Mill Hill |
Rugby |
Dulwich |
Heathfield |
| Heathrow |
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| Gatwick |
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| Stansted |
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| Birmingham |
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| Luton |
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If you are under 13 years old, you should travel as an Unaccompanied Minor (UM). Your airline or travel agent can tell you about this procedure. If you are making your own way to your course, please ask us for a map.
There will be an extra cost if your transfer is not on the published arrival/departure dates. There will also be an added cost for accommodation. Please check availability with us before booking.
What happens when I arrive at the school?
We welcome you and, after registration, we show you to your boarding house. You have time to unpack, to take a shower or rest. We make sure that you have something to eat. We help you to call your parent/guardian to say that you have arrived safely.
Please note that rooms may not be available until mid-afternoon.
When does the English language programme start?
The day after you arrive your English is assessed. You are then placed in a suitable class and your lessons begin.
What happens to my pocket money and valuables?
Your passport, pocket money and tickets and any other valuables are collected on the day you arrive and looked after by us until you leave. You do not need money for programmed activities but it is a good idea to bring some pocket money to buy sweets, ice-creams and souvenirs. As a guideline, we suggest a maximum of £50 per week. Some BABSSCo centres have individual safes in students' rooms.
We cannot lend you money under any circumstances. Please note that the personal insurance you are given when applying for the course does not cover the loss of more than £250 worth of pocket money.
It is best not to bring valuables such as expensive cameras, jewellery, etc. For reasons of personal safety, we cannot always give you a key for your room. Most rooms have lockable cupboards.
Where will I be living and sleeping?
In one of the boarding houses of the school. Boys and girls are accommodated in separate areas or Houses. There are members of staff in the House in the evenings and during the night. The House is securely locked at all times and only the BABSSCo students and staff have access.
The accommodation is standard to UK boarding schools. The Houses have single, twin or triple study bedrooms. We will, where possible, take your rooming requests into consideration but we cannot guarantee to be able to fulfil them. Each House has at least one TV room where you can also watch videos and usually there is a games room too. There are plenty of shower facilities. There are card or payphones. You can buy phonecards from the Course Office. You can phone home but your parent/guardian cannot phone you direct. Messages from your parent/guardian can be left at the Course Office. (If you bring your mobile phone, you cannot use it during the scheduled activities and it must be turned off during these times.)
What clothes should my child bring and what about laundry?
After you have booked we will send you an information sheet. Students do not need to bring any specialist clothing or equipment. (Students on the golf/tennis academy and Rugby course will be sent a list of their clothing requirements).
What about meals?
You eat most of your meals in the school dining hall. Both salad and hot food are provided at lunchtime. Water is provided with meals and soft drinks machines are available at most schools.
Packed lunches (picnics) are provided for excursions. Sometimes we pay for you to have a meal in a café or restaurant.
Drinks and biscuits are generally available in the lesson breaks.
What about special diets?
Please tell us at the time of application if you have any special dietary requirements.
What about the safety and welfare of students on the BABSSCo courses?
The course staff accompany you at all times. On excursions, if you are 12 years old or over, we allow you to go shopping unsupervised in nearby areas but only if you are with other students. We must be told in writing by your parent/guardian if they do not want you to do this. Students aged 11 or under are not allowed to go shopping without a member of staff.
Can I send emails and use the internet?
Yes. You have regular access to the computer facilities (except at Heathfield School). The BABSSCo schools' computers have a filter system to safeguard students from accessing inappropriate internet sites.
Can I follow my normal religious practices while I am on the course?
Yes. Please tell us at the time of application if you want to attend a place of worship.
Can I have visitors during the course?
Yes. They must arrange it with the BABSSCo Course Office in advance to make sure that you do not miss important classes or activities.
Can my parent/guardian/friend take me out during the course?
Yes. We must have advance permission in writing from your parent or guardian.
What happens on the departure day?
This is a very busy day as students will be leaving at different times. The course staff continue to take care of you and make sure you have all meals until it is time to leave. If you are leaving by plane, our staff help you check in and stay with you until you have gone through into the departure lounge. It is essential that we are informed on the student travel details form if the student has been booked as an Unaccompanied Minor with the airline that they are travelling with.
Please call or email us if there is anything else you would like to know. We are always happy to help!
