Rochester Independent College in Kent

Studying at the Rochester Independent College in the UK:

RIC takes as its unofficial logo not an emblem of classical myth but a flying pig, a riposte to the cynicism that greeted the College’s chances of success when it started. The many hundreds of students who have passed through its doors and the outstanding grades so many have achieved have long since successfully proved those cynics wrong. RIC now teaches students from year 7 and boasts one of the largest independent sixth forms in Kent. Students over the years have gone on to flourish, sometimes despite earlier hurdles in their education.

Campus and facilities at Rochester Independent College in the UK:

Rochester Independent College is in Kent, just southeast of London. Kent is known as the garden of England but is also close to great beaches and home to historic cathedral cities. It’s a tourist hotspot with Lonely Planet placing it on a list of Europe’s best holiday destinations. Rochester itself is a small town, with a rich heritage and a flourishing contemporary arts scene. There’s a vibrant student buzz.

Rochester offers a quieter life than London, close to areas of outstanding natural beauty like the North Downs, yet within easy reach of all the facilities the capital city has to offer. Regular trains run from Rochester to London in just under 40 minutes and Ebbsfleet for Paris and Brussels on the Eurostar is just 10 minutes away. Rochester has parks in the castle and along the Esplanade and Shorne Woods Country Park has 288 acres of ancient woodland. It’s a 30-mile drive or a 45-minute train ride from Rochester to Whitstable, so seaside day trips are a breeze.

Language requirements for applying to Rochester Independent College in the UK:

In general students requiring English Language support are aiming for university places. RIC offers tuition in the Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) which is universally recognized and accepted by all UK Universities. The examination is organized around the four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.  The IELTS course at this college uses official IELTS coursebooks as the curriculum guide and other activities are designed around the content in the textbooks. This content is skills based and provides guided progression in all aspects of academic language.

Authentic language, most often that found in newspapers or online, is brought in as much as possible within the time constraints of teaching students on one-year courses. Pronunciation is at the core of lessons wherever possible. Before coming to the College, most students have received intensive training in the structure of the language and, while form is an important part of the course it is not the main focus. The main aim is communication and improving students’ ability to notice the language around them and bring it into their own use.

Courses offered at the Rochester Independent College in the UK:

This college offers number of courses to all international and UK applicants in different ages and levels of education. For example, lower school years for the students from 7 to 11, one year GCSE, medical courses, retakes, creative arts, and so on. You can refer to the specific webpage of each program to learn more or even contact us for more information.

Scholarships offered at the Rochester Independent College in the UK:

A small number of scholarships are awarded to highly academically and creatively gifted students. Sixth form scholarships of up to 20% of fees are awarded in the following subject areas:

• Maths and Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Film and Media
• Creative and Performing Arts

In the Lower School, they are able to offer a small number of scholarships at 11+ and 13+ for entry into year 7 and year 9 of up to 50% of tuition fees based on academic attainment and commitment to their school. These awards are highly competitive and successful applicants have generally passed the 11+ or done well in their Common Entrance exams.

Bursaries are not academically selective but awarded after a financial assessment. Families with household incomes over £90,000 or with significant investments or equity are unlikely to be considered for a bursary award. Bursaries generally only reduce the fees payable up to a maximum of 50%.

The Rochester Independent College partnerships:

This college can introduce graduates to the best international schools in the UK right after graduation which will help them continue their studies and reach the best academic results right after graduation.

Other expenses:

• Registration Fee: £295
• Day students: £1,500
  
• Boarding students: £2,750
  
• Practical fees: £500 per subject per term (maximum £1000 per term) for Fine Art, Textiles, Graphic Design, Photography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• Individual tuition/SEN support can be arranged where required at: £450 for 10 hours
• English Language (EFL) tuition: £1,100 per term
• Boarding during Easter holidays: £75 per night including all meals (if required)
• Full A level: £235 per subject