CATS College Canterbury

Designed to give international students an insight into British education and culture. Students follow individualised study programmes to improve their language and follow a range of subjects which offer credit for their studies in their home country.

Key features:

• Improves English language skills
• Broadens students‘ horizons by studying with peers from over 70 countries
• Earns study credits in students‘ home country
• Full-time intensive course
• Individualised study programmes tailored from a wide range of subject options

Quick facts:

• Age: 15+
• Entry requirements: A good school report
• English language level: IELTS 4.0+
• Start dates: September, January
• Course length: 1, 2 or 3 term(s)

GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a two-year study plan which provides a solid secondary education foundation before choosing the right study pathway onto university.

By choosing to study GCSE level education at CATS, our students allow themselves time to develop a solid foundation in English language and culture, to give them a distinct advantage as they progress through their education in the UK. Our younger students are cared for in out family-oriented campuses.

Key features:

• Individual learning plans tailored to meet each student’s needs;
• Supervised study and homework form part of the timetable;
• Extensive range of extra-curricular activities, sports and trips;
• Progress to A levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma or a University; Foundation Programme upon successful completion.

Quick facts:

• Age: 14+;
• Entry requirements: 8 or 9 years of schooling completed with a good school report;
• English language level: IELTS 4.0+ (4.5+ for April start);
• Start dates: September, January, April;
• Course length: 6, 5 or 4 terms;
• Average class size: 10;
• Hours per week: 30+

A flexible programme of study designed to prepare students to study A level, International Baccalaureate or University Foundation, with the option of GCSE or IGCSE if required.

Key features:

• Progress to A level, International Baccalaureate or a University Foundation; Programme upon successful completion;
• Options to study over one, two or three terms;
• Includes one-to-one coaching on future study pathways;
• Includes compulsory sports, activities and personal development;
• Includes supervised homework times;
• Students study a minimum of seven academic subjects
• including Maths, English and Science.

Ideal for:

• Age: 15+;
• Entry requirements: 8 or 9 years of schooling completed with a good school report;
• English language level: IELTS 4.0+ (3 terms);
• Start dates: September, January, April or July;
• Course length: 3, 2 or 1 term(s);
• Average class size: 10;
• Hours per week: 30+

The classic route to university in the UK, and recognised by many of the best universities around the world. It is designed for confident students who aspire to the most competitive degree courses at UK universities and beyond.

Usually studied over two years in the UK. We teach A level at all of our UK campuses, offering students the opportunity to choose from a wide range of subjects.

Key features:

• Focused study of three or four subjects in year one, and three subjects in year two;
• The traditional UK qualification offering access to the widest choice of universities.

Quick facts:

• Age: 15 ½ +;
• Entry requirements: A secondary or high school level of education and a good school report;
• English language level: IELTS 5.0+;
• Start dates: 6 term: September and January | 5 term: January;
• Average class size: 7;
• Hours per week: 25+

Designed for students who are able to complete a two-year A level programme within a shorter period of time – students who are highly ambitious or requiring additional revision for examination retakes.

Key features:

• Three-term, full time, intensive course;
• Three subjects are usually studied;
• Many of our fast-track students progress to study Law, Banking, Finance and Medicine.

Quick facts:

• Age: 17+;
• Entry requirements: A good secondary or high school level of education and a good school report (previous experience in the subject and level is preferable);
• English language level: IELTS 5.5+;
• Start dates: September;
• Course length: 3 terms;
• Average class size: 6;
• Hours per week: 30+

A one-year programme designed for international students looking for UK university entry. Designed for motivated students looking for a supported and focused bridge programme from international high school to UK universities.

Depending on university and career aspirations, we work with all of our students to help them choose the most suitable combination of subjects to study for University Foundation.

Key features:

• One year of full-time study;
• Three subjects are usually studied plus English language;
• Progression to university on successful completion of the programme.

Quick facts:

• Age: 16 ½ +;
• Entry requirements: A good secondary or high school level of education;
• English language level: IELTS 4.5+;
• Start dates: September and January;
• Course length: 3 terms (Fast-track, 2-term option available in London);
• Average class size: 10;
• Hours per week: 20+

A two-year programme, designed for motivated, capable students who show an interest across a broad range of subjects.

The IB is the fastest-growing, most respected qualification in the world, and a passport to the best universities. It is a qualification which challenges, encourages and inspires internationally minded students to become caring, critical thinkers, ready for university study and a global career.

Key features:

• Six subject choices are studied – Language & Literature, Language; Acquisition, Sciences, Maths, Social Sciences and the Arts;
• Promotes critical thinking, independent research and real-world; comparison through the additional subjects of Theory of Knowledge and; Creativity, Activity and Service;
• An extended essay prepares students with the study skills required for university study;
• Recognised by the best universities in the UK and overseas;
• Founded on the value of international mindedness;
• Native language tuition in up to 26 languages.

Quick facts:

• Age: 15+;
• Entry requirements: A good secondary or high school level of education;
• English language level: IELTS 5.5+;
• Start dates: September;
• Course length: 6 terms;
• Average class size: 8;
• Hours per week: 32+

Additional support for students interested in developing a successful career in law.

The CATS Law Preparation Programme is designed to give our students the right preparation for the demanding university application process. The programme encourages our students to engage in extra-curricular activities which will help them stand out from all the other applicants.

CATS Law Preparation Programme provides:

• One-to-one UCAS support;
• Mock interviews;
• Advice regarding personal statements and any additional work/information requested for by universities;
• Talks from university admissions tutors;
• Opportunities to participate in activities ranging from Duke of Edinburgh’s; Award, Olympiad challenges, Excelsis Awards, Leadership awards and challenges, and weekly debating clubs – all designed to help our students‘ application stand out;
• Visiting speakers and visits to magistrates‘ courts;
• The opportunity to apply for work placements;
• Regular mentoring by UKC Law Dept, Critical Lawyers Group (Canterbury);
• Annual visit to UN for debates in New York (Canterbury)

Specialist advice and guidance for Oxbridge applicants, designed to stretch you further, to achieve additional UCAS points and to develop skills prized by top universities including leadership, critical thinking, motivation and management skills.

If you are one of the most promising students from our Gifted and Talented group you may be selected for the Oxbridge Programme where you receive a range of extra tuition and advice.

In order to prepare you for one-on-one Oxbridge interviews we offer practice with a panel of experts, help with writing personal statements, additional one-on-one tutoring and critical thinking seminars.

We also organise seminars with visiting Dons and Admissions Tutors from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Additional stretch activities include Olympiad Challenges, STEP papers, UK Maths Challenge, Excelsis Awards, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and our weekly debating club.

Guiding your studies towards a professional career.

We also offer a strong support programme for those students set on entering the leading professions such as Law, Engineering, Accountancy, Architecture, Finance and Banking:

This additional support programme includes weekly seminars, workshops and lectures relating to the key profession you are interested in. This is in addition to the main academic course you are following. You will benefit from:

One-to-one UCAS support;

• Mock interviews;
• Advice regarding personal statements and any additional work/information requested for by universities;
• Advice regarding applications to non-UK universities;
• Talks from university admissions tutors;
• Visits to/from professional bodies such as the Institute of Mechanical Engineers;
• Visiting speakers relevant to occupation/profession;
• Critical thinking workshops;
• Visits to professional conferences and institutions such as the Bank of England and the Houses.

This programme guarantees entry to all CATS academic programmes and teaches grammar, common terms and expressions regularly used in academic subjects.

This flexible programme is designed for students who need to improve their English before they embark on an academic programme in the UK.

Key features:

• Full-time, intensive course, tailored to students‘ needs;
• Includes the study of General English and English for Academic Purposes;
• Provides an introduction to the vocabulary required for Business, Maths, Science and Humanities;
• Develops students‘ confidence in English language;
• Flexible study dates to fit in with academic programmes.

Quick facts:

• Age: 14+;
• Entry requirements: A good school report;
• English language level: IELTS 3.5+;
• Start dates: Any Monday or termly;
• Course length: 1 week to 4 terms;
• Average class size: 7;
• Hours per week: 25+