A Gateway to Global Success: The Year 11 Pre-IB Course

Bridge the gap between international curricula and the prestigious International Baccalaureate with a bespoke, flexible foundation at Windermere School.

Transitioning to a new country and a more rigorous academic system is a significant step. Our Year 11 Pre-IB Course is specifically engineered for international students who wish to immerse themselves in the English boarding school experience while building the academic “muscles” required for the IB Diploma Programme.

Set against the inspiring backdrop of the Lake District, this course offers more than just classroom learning; it provides the cultural fluency and confidence needed to thrive in a global environment.

Flexibility to Suit Your Journey

Recognizing that every student’s path is unique, we offer entry points that align with your needs. Whether you require a full year of preparation or a shorter cultural immersion, our modular approach ensures you are always moving forward.

• Three Terms (Full Year): A comprehensive academic and linguistic immersion.

• Two Terms: Focused preparation starting in the Spring.

• One Term: A short-term intensive “taster” of Windermere life and IB methodology.

Students enrolling for the full academic year benefit from an accelerated dual-track curriculum: completing three or four intensive one-year GCSEs alongside their Pre-IB studies. This path doesn’t just prepare them for the rigours of the International Baccalaureate; it grants them internationally recognised qualifications that serve as an invaluable addition for university applications and career opportunities worldwide.

The Academic Advantage

The Pre-IB curriculum is not a “holding pattern”—it is an active, engaging curriculum designed to introduce the core philosophy of the IB.

Life at Windermere: Your Home Away From Home

We understand that for our international boarders, the school is more than just a place of study.

• World-Class Boarding: Join a vibrant, multicultural community in our comfortable boarding houses, supported by dedicated house parents.

• Adventure as Education: Take advantage of our status as a Round Square school. From sailing on Lake Windermere to fell-walking, we use our environment to build resilience and leadership.

• A Global Network: Study alongside peers from across the globe, forming friendships that span continents and cultures.

Why Choose the Pre-IB at Windermere?

At Windermere, we don’t just teach students; we nurture “World Ready” citizens. By the time you complete the Pre-IB course, you won’t just be ready for Year 12—you will have the confidence to lead, the curiosity to question, and the skills to succeed in one of the world’s most demanding educational frameworks.

“The Pre-IB course gave me the breathing space to adapt to life in the UK without losing academic momentum. By the time I started the Diploma, I felt like a local.” — Recent Pre-IB Student

Ready to begin your Windermere adventure?

Contact the Admissions Team