International pupils

Applicants are expected to complete entrance tests assessing English language and mathematical ability.

Candidates for whom English is a second or another language also sit an ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) assessment to ascertain whether their English is at a sufficient level for accessing the curriculum.  Places are allocated on the basis of performance in these assessments and evidence from a school report. 

With our experience and expertise in teaching English to non-native speakers, St George’s is a popular choice for international students who want to improve their English and earn ESOL certification (IELTS) through living and studying in a friendly, home-from-home environment in the UK.

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) teaching support is provided at a range of levels and individually and in small groups.

 Contact admissions for more details

With our experience and expertise in teaching English to non-native speakers, St George’s is a popular choice for international students who want to improve their English and earn ESOL certification (IELTS) through living and studying in a friendly, home-from-home environment in the UK.

This programme is for International students who are 15 – 16 years old (Year 11) for whom English is not their first language, and who want to experience life in a highly regarded girls’ school in Edinburgh.

We can provide details of reputable guardianship agencies. All international students with parents who live overseas require a UK resident guardian preferably living in the local area. The guardian acts on behalf of parents in the UK, looking after students during half term and weekend holidays. We must be able to contact the guardian in an emergency. 

Due to UK visas and immigration regulations, students are required to show the school their passports. All pupils must fulfil UK visas and immigration regulations for study in the UK. We require all applications for visas to be made with Newland Chase (info@ttplaw.co.uk), a firm of immigration specialists. An additional cost will be incurred for this service. Visa sponsorship is available to full-time boarding students only.

Information about the UK Visa and Immigration website. 

If you’re from Hong Kong and are a British national (overseas) you and your family members can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa. This is known as a BNO visa. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK. For additional information on the cost and requirements of the BNO visa route, please refer to the UK Visa and Immigration website. 

Mandarin introduction to St George's pdf download

Every year we welcome several girls who join the boarding house from China. There are direct flights from Beijing to Edinburgh via Hainan Airlines.

Live and Study in Edinburgh

Many international families specifically choose Edinburgh as their destination for their children's education, seeking an English-speaking European country with excellent transport links. They are drawn to Edinburgh's reputation for safety, friendliness, and the exceptional quality of life it offers. 

Read a Hong Kong parent's story: “I have such a grateful feeling towards St George’s for the care, kindness and guidance given to my daughter Ashley over recent years. Being based in Shanghai and having to deal with China’s strict Covid policy meant that I couldn’t visit her in Edinburgh as much as I wanted to. But day by day, year by year, she became so attached to St George’s and her life here. Ashley has so many fond memories ranging from Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions to working at The Royal Highland Show, assisting the after-school library, and learning violin, percussion and piano. Now she intends to pursue her strong academic interests in Maths and Physics at university. Parent. Read Anthea's full story

Edinburgh is well connected for travel links. Edinburgh International Airport is one hour's flight from London.