CASE STUDIES
PAULA, Spain
Hi, my name is Paula, and I am from Santander, a city in the north of Spain. I joined Rendcomb College in 2020 and I am currently in Year 13. Being a member of the Rendcomb College family is a great new experience for me, as I have not been to a boarding school before. I can remember when I came to Stable house for the first time, which is the girls' boarding house. I was extremely nervous, but the houseparents and girls living there made me feel right at home and comfortable. In a really short period of time, it felt like I had known all of them for so long. I never thought living in a house full of girls would be as good as it really is. I believe you become a better person and learn about different people and cultures.
The biggest change for me going into Sixth Form was gaining independence and learning how to manage my time. Choosing specific subjects that you are interested in makes everything easier, as you enjoy doing your work. For my A-levels, I chose economics, geography, maths and EAL (English as a second language) which is a subject for international people. I am glad I chose them and hopefully, I will achieve good grades. Also, even if Year 11 was different due to COVID-19, It was an amazing year and I loved it!
There are lots of memories I made at Rendcomb College that I’m never going to forget. I loved going water-skiing, the Sunday trips, going shopping, the boarders’ activities, when I got the most merits of Year 12, watching movies, singing karaoke, and having sleepovers in each other’s rooms. Completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award, even if sometimes things went wrong and were difficult, was an amazing experience. Summer term was great too as it was hot, and we played tennis, my favourite sport. And on the last day of year 11, we all went in our clothes down to the river and we signed each other’s shirts. That is also something special about Rendcomb, learning how to say goodbye when you are not ready to say it. I am so grateful for all the experiences that Rendcomb College has given me, and I can’t wait to make new ones.
Florentine, germany
My name is Florentine. I am 16 years old and I joined Rendcomb College this term. I am from Germany and staying here for two terms. I am currently in year 11, and for my year here I chose to take IGCSEs in History, Geography, Art and EAL.
I wanted to come to the UK to get out of my comfort zone and experience new things, make some friends and learn to speak English better.
I never imagined that what I had read on the website about Rendcomb was completely true. At Rendcomb College, you are a family. I thought living here, I would be way more distanced from the other boarders, but that did not happen. At the very beginning, my first couple of days, I already felt included like I had been here for a long time. I love how you can just start talking to someone and you are treated like an old friend, no matter what age they are. Not only with the boarders but also with the day pupils!!
But especially in the boarding house, we have a family-like atmosphere since we spend every free minute with each other, by choice! We went from strangers to family. A big part of that was going on trips together: like Shopping Centres or Paddle Boarding, and doing activities: like watching rugby matches and simply spending the evenings with everyone.
I was also surprised by how small the classes are here. In Germany, I was used to sitting in classes with a lot more students. But personally, I like this way better. The teacher can focus more on you since there are not as many people to watch. They take a lot of time to explain everything and are patient. I was also not aware that the teachers would put so much effort into your individual academic development, for example, offering practice lessons in break time or going through an exam with you after to see what you can improve.
Even though we already have to say goodbye to some of our new friends, because they are only staying for one term, I am incredibly happy I came here. I am sure we are going to stay in touch, and we won't forget all these little adventures through the first term. I am very much looking forward to the second term, and I am sure we will have just as much fun as we did in the first term.
aNTHONY, cHINA
Being a part of Rendcomb’s family would be one of my favourite memories in all my life. During my time at Rendcomb, I was not only focusing on academics but was balancing my time between working and socialising. During the school day, I have been proactive to enhance my knowledge; I have undertaken BTEC Business, Economics A Level as well as Mathematics A Level. Although there are only three subjects required for A Level, those subjects are still challenging and need strong independence and extra reading to keep updated with the knowledge. I am pleased to have gained loads of support from my subject teachers. They are keen to help me by giving me abundant feedback on my work to analyse my performance. Such feedback allows me to explore my weaknesses and strengthen my strong sides.
Outside school, I have spent most of my time with my friends at the weekend. As a Sixth Former, it is more flexible for when we can leave school to visit the local town. My friends and I enjoy shopping and having meals in Cheltenham. Getting to Cheltenham from school is by taxi or by bus. Sometimes, we will get some ingredients from Cheltenham and take them back to our boarding house to make a traditional Chinese hot-pot. There is so much enjoyment I can gain through school life in Rendcomb.
Max, gERMANY
I am from Hamburg, Germany and came to England after primary school. I am currently in Year 8 and study all subjects including one language, I also have extra EAL lessons. My favourite lessons are sport. This includes PE, rugby and hockey; we play and win many matches.
I love boarding mainly because I have made good friends and we have a lot of fun together. We go on boarding trips at weekends. We have been kayaking, shooting and had a go at archery. This picture was taken on the Year 7 Adventure Weekend last year, I am in the middle!
I was really proud of myself when I got my end of year grades! I got a Headmaster’s International Commendation Award for excellent all-round performance.
I love Rendcomb because I feel confident here and it feels familiar to me.
DANIEL, CHINA 
Daniel joined Rendcomb College at the end of year 8, progressing through to the completion of his A Levels. He studied Maths, Chemistry and Physics. Daniel had always been interested in Psychology and studied it independently supported by the Head of Psychology in one-to-one lessons. He achieved all A* or A grades in his A Level examinations joining the University of Oxford to study Experimental Psychology. He really developed his English Language skills, gaining an A and A* in his English Language and Literature GCSEs and developing his love of reading.
Daniel led discussions of current affairs, issues and debates with his tutor group and tutor when they meet each morning. Daniel was a member of the Senior Chemistry Society, who regularly attended lectures on topics above A Level standard, he achieved a Copper Award in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and attended workshops in Chemistry at Bristol University.
Leavers Destination: Oxford University, Experimental Science.
Najya Sophia, MALAYSIA
Family; after three weeks of being at Rendcomb College, that would be the one thing I have observed and I am happy to say I feel a part of it.
From the moment I stepped in I was welcomed, my differences celebrated instead of criticised, and my opinions respected. Even in the short time that I’ve been here, I’ve already made friends that I know I can trust, and that’s very much helped me find a sense of belonging, especially being so far away from home.
I decided to apply and take up the challenge of studying abroad. I’d always wanted to feel what it was like to live in the countryside, so the location was a bonus. I now wake up to a beautiful view every morning, and walk past sheep everyday on the way to my classes. Definitely something I wouldn’t find back home in KL!
My teachers have been very helpful and I really enjoy my lessons. There are so many co-curricular activities to choose from that I’m still conflicted on which ones I’m going to do, from horse-riding, to dance, music, not to mention the surprising interest I have found in playing hockey.
It’s a balance of work and play here at Rendcomb, everyone is very much focused on their studies, but banter and laughter are a constant.
In Rendcomb, I’ve found a home away from home.
Leavers Destination: Keele University, Law.
ASHI, NIGERIA
ASHI began her Rendcomb adventure when she joined the College in Year 7, at the age of 11. New to the UK, Ashi quickly found her feet and indeed her sports skills with both lacrosse and hockey. Whilst getting to grips with running across pitches in rain, sun and snow, Ashi also tried her hand at learning the trumpet, singing and life on the stage. Perhaps one of the best activities that Ashi has embraced is the world of Dance Therapy, working closely with her Dance teacher where she blossomed from a quieter persona into the outgoing, bubbly personality that she is today. The beauty of Rendcomb for Ashi is that it offers an holistic education, focussed totally on her individual needs and style.
MOMO, jAPAN
Hi! I’m Momo. I’m from Japan and stayed for one year at Rendcomb as a boarder in Stable House which has many friends from different countries. The first day I visited Rendcomb a little party was held for the new boarders. I was extremely nervous but the Head of College and pupils talked to me very gently and slowly to help me to understand English easily. This allowed me to adapt to the new conditions with ease.
The experiences offered to me were totally different from the ones I have in Japan. Each opportunity was so interesting, playing hockey and lacrosse was the first experience for me and finally I joined in matches with my friends. These sports are not in common in my country, so it was a precious experience. I have also carried out many investigations for Science in particular. The most surprising one was dissection of a sheep heart or kidney to investigate what function and structure each part has by looking at them in Biology. It was little disgusting, but again it was one of the precious experiences!
I’ve learnt many things from my experience at Rendcomb that I wouldn't know if I had remained in Japan. I met so many people and I have decided to do voluntary work for the Olympics in Tokyo, 2020 to help people from different countries by using my English skills that I have gained. I haven’t decided what to do for my career in the future, although I will get a job where I can communicate with a variety of people and who have different cultures to expand my horizons further. I had amazing and incredible experiences at Rendcomb and I’ll never forget them.
CHAMI, JAPAN
I came to England from Japan in September 2017 to join Rendcomb College and it has already been a year since then. I experienced a lot of things during this year, in this school.
I joined Year 10, I studied GCSE's throughout this year. I chose Music, Design Technology, Computing and EAL as my GCSE subjects. I especially liked Computing because it was the one of the subjects which I had never tried before I came to England. Biology was my favourite with the detailed practical experiments so that I could enjoy the classes more. For the games session, I played hockey, lacrosse and tennis. All of these were new sports for me. I struggled at first, but once I got used to it I enjoyed playing the games with my team mates.
There are loads of memories I made at Rendcomb; among them I’ll say my boarding life and D of E are the best memories. I was worried about the life in a boarding house at first but I soon realised that everyone was awesome. We had pizza night, sleepovers in common room and shopping to Cheltenham. D of E was also something I had never tried before so it was a completely new thing for me. I had three expeditions to complete which was very tiring, but at the same time I had a good time. My favourite bit of the D of E was volunteering: I taught junior students about Japanese culture and easy words in Japanese.
I really appreciate the teachers and friends at Rendcomb College because they made my Rendcomb life an absolutely wonderful thing. I came here to study English, but there was even more than I expected that I could learn. It was pleasure to challenge myself with new things and the life in Rendcomb has become the most important part of my life.
BOLU, NIGERIA
Fear and excitement twirled and swirled in me even before I ever arrived at Rendcomb. Would I be appreciated? Would I settle in? What problems would I face in this new and foreign environment? As I passed through the gates of Rendcomb on my first day those thoughts for the first time in recent weeks began to die down. The beautiful surroundings rendered me speechless and I thought to myself no harm could befall me in this beautiful place.
During the next few days my initial fear of not fully integrating into the Rendcombian society disappeared totally and utterly, the staff are reassuring and always eager to help. The students are kind and full of philia (brotherly) love.
Although a new fear has arisen, a fear that I will not fully utilise the facilities here at Rendcomb, but if I do the moon is the limit because Paul Brandt once said:
“Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon.
Bolu joined Rendcomb College from Lagos, Nigeria in September 2016 for a two year A Level programme. He proved to be an exceptional pupil with genuine curiosity and deep interest in the subjects which was evident in both his written work and contribution to class discussions.
A quietly confident individual, highly reliable and helpful. He embraced the opportunities offered at Rendcomb College, involving himself in many extracurricular activities, from International Evening to charity fundraising events. He proved to be a competent soccer player and took the lead in games lessons, working to get the most out of his fellow students. He was a College Prefect, a responsibility he discharged very effectively with intelligence and good humour. He was part of the College buddying system, helping younger students navigate their way through College life.
In the words of his Maths teacher, Bolu is “highly motivated and ambitious for his future”. He is the model student, combining genuine intellectual ability with an irrepressible curiosity that lead him to always want to learn more.
Leavers Destination: Warwick University, Economics.
Leona, Austria
When I first arrived at Rendcomb, I was really nervous. I was scared of not making any friends and feeling homesick. I remember the first day like it was yesterday. I was sitting in the common room of Stable House squeezing my Dad’s hand. I had to say goodbye to my family and my friends for half a year, I was not in my comfort zone, I was not even in the same country as my family, but that is what life is about. One cannot experience new, exciting things if one does not take the risk and step outside of your comfort zone. On that day, I learned a very important lesson: “life begins outside your comfort zone”.
It takes a few days to get used to everything but you quickly get to know everyone. Of course, you sometimes miss home, that is completely normal. You can always keep in touch with your friends and family at home via Skype, however, the people at Rendcomb become your new family.
Before I came here everybody told me that I would make friends for life. At first I was a bit sceptical and could not believe it, but now I can confirm that this is 100% true. One great advantage about boarding schools is that you are able to be around your friends 24/7. That way you get close to people very quickly. If you want to talk to your best friend, you just need to knock at the door next to yours.
On Sundays the whole boarding house usually does fun things, like going to Cheltenham, going camping, laser tag, going to the cinema, going canoeing. I cannot even list all the fun things we have done together as a family. Additionally, you get the chance to meet people from different countries and you improve your English and you make your first contact with the English school system. One thing that comes to my mind, is the Chinese New Year, which we celebrated in February. You get the chance to explore different cultures.
Of course Rendcomb is not only your second home, but your school too. It can sometimes get stressful around here, especially in exam weeks, but all the teachers do their best to prepare you for your exams. If you do not understand something you can just ask them, even after school. Some teachers even offer revision periods on Sundays which is extremely helpful.
The time I spend here really changed me. I have definitely grown as a person. I am so glad and grateful that I had the opportunity to spend such amazing six months at Rendcomb College. If I hadn’t come to Rendcomb I would not have met all these lovely, sweet and caring people. My advice to everyone, who is considering to spend some time abroad is do it! If you get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like that, do not miss it.
LEONIE, GERMANY
Boarding, being away from home for so long, was a new experience for me, but I was very happy in Stable House and never really felt homesick or lonely. There was always someone to talk to who could help me and give me advice and take care of me, just like at home.
Watching a movie with the other girls with some popcorn in the cinema room on Saturday was always very nice and relaxing after and before a long week of school. The time in Stable was always fun and I felt very homely and comfortable!
The experience I had at Rendcomb has changed me and so everything is a bit different now, of course, but I got back into my "old life" very quickly. As I really enjoyed playing hockey at Rendcomb, I stopped ballet dancing in Germany and now play hockey. The experience I had at Rendcomb and the social life were very precious.
I had a good start back in my old school, but still miss Rendcomb a lot and hope to come back to visit and see everyone again.
ASIER, SPAIN
The time that I have spent at Rendcomb has been an experience that I will never forget. I joined aged 12 and as every new student I was scared, I didn't know what to expect, I was in a new country where they spoke a language that I wasn't familiar with, but I noticed my English quickly improve, I quickly made some friends from all over the world, amazing people that I loved spending time with.
When I left my family behind in Spain I thought that it was going to be hard and that I was going to miss having someone that could look after me, but my House Parents showed me that they could look after me as a new member of their family and they were supportive and helpful in every single way.
I was introduced to new sports and experiences such as rugby, hockey, cricket and many more, which helped boost my confidence and team working capabilities.
The school also has great facilities such as the frequently used Science laboratories, the library and the new Performing Arts Centre, this makes lessons more exciting and easier to cope with.
Rendcomb was like a second family to me and if I had the chance to redo my time I would definitely do it over and over again!
TASHMIT, INDIA
I've been in Rendcomb College for almost a year now and I, myself, fail to understand how-come I've never felt homesick even once.
My experience has been incredible, going up and down like a rollercoaster. I'm not going to lie, it was not all ups, I've had my bad days here too and living away from my family isn't fun all the time, but Rendcomb has played a major part in teaching me life skills about how to face obstacles and actually shaping my personality in a different direction
Rendcomb has this very home-like atmosphere which really helps in settling quickly for any new domestic or international student. I joined school a month late and not even for a single minute did I feel pressurised about the work that I'd missed, instead the support I'd received from all my teachers made me realise it's not about cramming things up, it's about understanding them.
Rendcomb shapes you not just in a single aspect, but tries to get you to reach your full potential in every aspect of life, be it social life, academic or sports, you are guided at every step. You get appreciation when you deserve it and you get support when you fail, it's very simple here.
This is a place where you get the best of both worlds, with countryside views and city-like teaching. People here are very down to earth, but equally witty at the same time. The amount of work equals the amount of fun you have. You have shoulders to cry on for your bad days and you get hands to walk along with for your happy days. Rendcomb has the perfect blend to make you a responsible adult which, according to me, is the most important thing.
ANNA, ITALY
I am 17 and I am from a little town in Italy called Chianciano Terme. I have always wanted to study in England, and for the last six months I've been attending Rendcomb College. I was associated to 6 different schools, of which I visited 3 in March 2015. Rendcomb was the second one, but it immediately seemed like the right one. The first thing that impressed me wasn't only the beautiful Victorian structure, but the warmth with which I was welcomed.
Students, teachers, but also members of staff have included me from the outset, making it even easier for me to call it "my second home", now. After only a month of thinking, I decided that in September I would start my A levels at Rendcomb. My English was already acceptable, but I have to admit that the integration system for international students is extremely easy: every year students arrive from Germany, Spain, China, Austria, and India. In these cases, Rendcomb offers EAL,"English as a second language". In these lessons you don't only learn grammar and lexicon, but you are also prepared for the IELTS exams, fundamental for foreign students that want to attend an English university.
Personally, I attended EAL for a term and then was awarded a level C2, showing how useful the course can be. Apart from giving me the chance to learn another language, Rendcomb has offered me many other opportunities. I can continue playing my violin here, and three times a week we do sports, alternating hockey, lacrosse and tennis during the year. Thanks to "games" I have learnt to love physical activity by working in a team where everyone supported and knew each other.
I am a "full-time boarder" in the sense that I eat, sleep and live at school, and even if it may look scary, I think this is the best part of the Rendcomb experience. Living in a house like Park changes you radically. I have learned to cohabit with both sexes and to respect others, but most importantly I have surrounded myself of people that are now a family, for me. I can't deny that my first two weeks were quite tough, I missed my mother, brother and sister; but everyone, from the first to the last student, have been next to me, always trying to make me smile.
The teacher-student relationship, then, is very different to the traditional one: we are treated as adults, and because the classes are very small (my maximum is of 8), we are given a lot more attention. Additional revision sessions are organised for whoever has the need, and every student is thoroughly prepared for exams.
Having studied at a very challenging Scientific High school I thought that studying 4 or 5 subjects would have been easy, but I was wrong. English educational system is everything but superficial, and I find the fact that it is possible to choose to study only certain subjects, based on the student's interests, really positive and preparing the student for university.
Another advantage of Rendcomb is that university choice and application are assisted. The teachers help students to find the perfect course and location, all in the expected time.
I'd be an advocate for Rendcomb no matter who you are: it has made me more curious, mature and independent both inwardly and towards other people.
Leavers Destination: Oxford University, French.
Sergiy, Ukraine
I am 17, and I am from the Ukraine from the city which is called Odessa. I joined Rendcomb in Year 11 and have been studying here for already 3 years.
Before, studying in England was like a dream for me, however dreams come true! I was lucky to join this place because the atmosphere in this College is really friendly.
A big part of Rendcomb life is boarding; I think it creates an impression of being at home. House Parents will always provide you with the assistance which you need whether it is in the day or at night, and they will always try to create an atmosphere of being at home, which I think they sucessfully do.
I never felt 'home sick' as I get involved in different sorts of activities taking place in the College. This could be a wide range of activities involving indoor, outdoor sports or it could be more of a 'lesson based' activity like a revision session or a clinic for a subject which you find challenging. You will always be offered help from your subject teacher, it could be a one-one extra lesson or a group of students with simlliar challenges.
I would certainly recommend Rendcomb College as a place to study but as well, a place in which you will be always be warmly welcomed!
Ethan, South Africa 
I joined Rendcomb at the start of Year 7, in 2017 and I have enjoyed everything through out the year. I moved with my family and our two dogs from South Africa. When I arrived, I was a little behind academically, but the school helped me catch up quickly and now I have achieved academic commendations. I found making friends easy at Rendcomb, everyone was so welcoming and that’s what makes Rendcomb great. When they say Rendcomb is a family they mean it!
I am not the sportiest of children, but I do like playing some sports. Our compulsory sports are rugby, hockey and cricket. I really enjoy playing cricket for the school. My favourite sport has to be football. It’s such a fun sport and it always keeps me active so I love that Rendcomb has football as an after-school club. My favourite hobby to do is Golf. I started playing golf at the age of 8 and I still love doing it.
I think Rendcomb offers a wide range of things to do, voluntary and compulsory. The teachers are also great, and they sometimes take you on really fun school trips. The best one was when we went to Germany for a week as part of our German studies. We had such an awesome time visiting Aqualand, the carnival and the Haribo shop. I really think Rendcomb has given me lots of opportunities to be the best I can, and I think it’s the right school for me.
ANNA, GERMANY
My time at Rendcomb was the best time of my life!
When I first visited Rendcomb, I read a letter from Ricky, one of the German girls who attended Rendcomb the year before. She said a lot of great things about Rendcomb life and especially about Stable House ; at first I thought she was exaggerating but now I know that she wasn't!!!
I decided to go to England to have new experiences and to improve my English, but what I didn´t expect was to "find" a new family, but that's what I found. I met the best people in the whole world!
In the summer I am going to fly to Spain to see Laia , Bego and Carlota again and I am already so excited!
Stable House wasn't just the boarding house I had to live in, it was my home. Rendcomb is , and will always be my home.
I hope that someday I will have the opportunity to return, at least to say 'Hello'.
LUKAS, GERMANY
On the first day of the Michaelmas term everyone was a bit reserved, but a good few friends were made very quickly! Together we explored everything around the beautiful campus of Rendcomb College. Everything was so calm and stunning, in particular Main College. I thought I would become homesick in the first week, but I was only happy.
The first school day was nothing to worry about. With the support of our house parents and tutor we got used to things like the timetable, meal-times and all other things we needed to know. Even if the daily routine was quite highly structured in contrast to mine in Germany, I would never like to have missed it because this structure makes the day more interesting! The games and activities were my highlights of the week. I very much enjoyed doing specific activities like Digital Media Club or Podcasting. Playing Rugby became one of my favourite things at Rendcomb, it is not very hard to play and it was so much fun!
At Rendcomb you need to study very hard, but in a way I enjoyed very much. The small number of pupils in each class enables the teachers to work with you on problems and answer every question to improve your knowledge in each subject very quickly.
I enjoyed being part of Rendcomb very much and I think being a part offers you new opportunities to succeed in becoming the person you want to become. I would like to say thank-you that I had the chance of being a part of the 'Rendcomb Family'! I will never forget the time I had!