LEAP Course
To live and study abroad often requires something of a leap of faith, but all our new international students start their time here confident that their personal language and social needs will be met from day one. New overseas students join Felsted six days before the official start of term and take part in our unique and long-established ‘LEAP WEEK’ – a special mixture of lessons, activities, trips and social events that together ensure each student gets off to the best possible start!
LEAP Week 2025 will start on Wednesday 27 August. More details to follow.
We were extremely privileged to have arrived at Felsted a week earlier than our classmates in L6, spending our time with all new international students in LEAP week. In such a short time, we have already gained an intense connection with the school and its spirit. The friendships we have formed in these days are some of the closest we’ve made in our entire lifetimes, and for that, we’re incredibly grateful.
Academic Programme
The week course allows students to develop their English language skills, if needed, but also to understand the culture, etiquette and traditions of Felsted School, which is an essential step in preparing for term time. A variety of morning lessons throughout the course play a strong role in helping to achieve that.
During LEAP Week, our team of experienced teachers will:
- Offer support for any student requiring assistance with their English language skills
- Introduce students to their main programmes of study
- Introduce key vocabulary and concepts
Social Confidence
LEAP Week gives our new international students the chance to make friends with other students who have just arrived in addition to some of our existing students who help out during the course. Pupils will spend time together in a range of social settings so students become confident in speaking English as the common language used at Felsted. Friendships forged during LEAP Week often last a lifetime.
Enjoying Boarding
Many of our new students will be boarding for the very first time. LEAP Week allows students to settle into boarding life before the term begins.
During LEAP Week, students will:
- Stay together in one boarding house, moving to their actual house at the end of the week
- Receive care and assistance from the LEAP Housemaster or Housemistress, Matron, Resident Tutor and Student Assistants
- Receive advice on any required uniform or equipment
Keeping Active
Our daily programme of activities is a regular part of life at Felsted for all students.
During LEAP Week, students will:
- Enjoy a range of recreational sports, using Felsted’s excellent sports facilities
- Enjoy a varied social activities programme, which may include team building, a barbecue, a trip to the cinema and other entertainment
English Culture
Our LEAP trips are designed to be enjoyable and to give our students the best possible starting point for understanding English culture.
During LEAP Week, highlights may include:
- A day trip to London, to include treats such as riding the London Eye, an educational tour and a West End Show
- Experiencing the historic atmosphere of Cambridge, where punting down the River Cam is a memorable experience
- Taking a shopping trip to ensure students have everything they need
Felsted Culture
Every school has its unique set of rules and systems, and LEAP Week is an opportunity for students to get used to how things work at Felsted.
During LEAP Week, students will:
- Get used to the structure and rules of a normal school day
- Learn where to find important facilities such as the Computer Centre, the Library and the Medical Centre
- Ensure their laptop and other technological devices are aligned to the School’s network
- Explore our beautiful school site
LEAP into your future
All new international students, whether fluent in English or not, will be registered automatically for the LEAP course when accepting a place at Felsted School.