North London Collegiate School Jeju
Welcome to Boarding at NLCS Jeju Start here. Go anywhere.
Welcome to NLCS Jeju
NLCS Jeju is an International School located on the UNESCO world heritage island of Jeju in South Korea. We welcome boys and girls from around the world from the ages of 4 to 18. Every student will benefit from an exceptional British education delivered by highly qualified, passionate and inspirational teachers. We are an academically selective school and our students are prepared for the IGCSE programme (UK) and the International Baccalaureate. We encourage a variety of different paths in our students - though the majority go on to study at prestigious universities in the UK, US and beyond. Our Class of 2020 has surpassed all records for Korea with 10 offers at Oxford and Cambridge and a further 11 from Ivy League universities. Graduates of NLCS Jeju are studying a breadth of subjects from Mathematics, Computer Science and all branches of Sciences. We also have many who have chosen the Arts and Languages. Our students are able to develop their passions in school and go on to courses in Fine Arts, Architecture, Performing Arts and so much more. Many of our graduates are awarded prestigious scholarships.
The majority of our students are native Korean speakers who leave NLCS Jeju with incredible scores at IGCSE and IBDP - far higher than the world average and than most native English speakers. They emerge with bilingual skills which are much sought after in a demanding world.
History Our founding School was opened in London in 1850 by Frances Mary Buss - a pioneer in British education for girls. The School soon became known for its excellent standards in all areas and these soon developed into the Three Pillars of School which we embrace and promote today at NLCS Jeju • Academic Excellence - we set Korean and global standards • Pastoral Care - second to none in all areas • Co-Curricular Activities - whatever your passion we can help you pursue your dreams!
Why Boarding? We offer the option to be a day student or a boarder and highly recommend our students take advantage of our comprehensive boarding programme. Our pastoral care is second to none and we offer every student - whatever their age, background and interests - a safe and welcoming home from home. British education has a long history of boarding. Many of the UK’s most prestigious and sought after schools employ the boarding model to develop independence and character in their students. Boarders perform better in many subjects and many prefer the academic rigour and access to tuition and optimum study environments provided in a boarding setting.
Co-Curricular Activities We provide a full programme for all our boarders including Arts, Music, Sports, competitions, outings and challenges. Boarders have access to an enhanced after-school programme which extends to Saturday mornings. Over 150 activities are on offer including service programmes, community projects, global challenges and initiatives, plus all forms of team and individual sports. If Theatre, Music and Drama are your passion you are in the right place! We support our boarders’ passions - be they on our timetable or beyond.
English Immersion NLCS Jeju is an English speaking school. All our lessons are taught in English and we encourage all our students to speak English at all times. Many parents choose NLCS Jeju to ensure that their children are prepared fully for further education delivered in English around the world. Our boarders are able to immerse themselves in English while speaking with House staff including Housemasters and -mistresses and supporting Gaps and Grads and in-house tutors. Our aim is to produce bilingual students as comfortable in English as their mother tongue. We offer Korean, Mandarin and other modern languages within our curriculum. We understand and support the value of preserving and celebrating our students’ heritage and they can study other languages at IB while becoming bilingual through their holistic education.
Our Boarding Houses We operate a House system where each of our boarders are assigned a House in which they will live throughout their boarding life. This builds loyalty and familiarity and our students make friends for life within the Houses. Many of our older students refer to meeting their closest confidantes at the age of 10 or 11. These are bonds that are never broken. Each House has a Boys side and a Girls side. They are separate, private and individual but they come together in activities, house challenges and competitions, for meals and much more throughout the school day, term and year! Our Houses are named after Jeju oreums and each year the students climb their oreum in a team building collective activity. Our houses are Halla North Halla East Mulchat Geomun Jeoji Sarah Noro Darangswi (Junior Boarding)
Years 12 & 13
Years 7 - 11
Years 3 - 6
Our Boarding Staff - Taking Care of Your Children We are very aware that when your children board at NLCS Jeju you are entrusting us with your most precious possessions. We take our roles extremely seriously in providing a safe and secure home where every child can thrive in all areas. Each child is placed in the house which will work best for them. We listen carefully to what makes each child special and ensure they have access to all that they will need. Whether you are a parent in Seoul, Busan, Beijing or beyond you will be updated regularly on your child’s progress and well being. We welcome your input and feedback and want you to be as happy as your children.
Head of Houses Mr. Peter Scargill Our Houses are overseen by Mr. Peter Scargill. He is entrusted with ensuring children access the academic and co-curricular timetable. He manages their pastoral care and looks after diet, exercise, health and safety with the help of the teams of caring and highly qualified staff. Mr. Scargill tells us “I grew up in the boarding system myself so I believe in it wholeheartedly and I understand how the children in our care feel. We believe that the Houses should epitomise the Three Pillars of the NLCS Jeju ethos. We support the academic progress and excellence of our students; we provide understanding and comprehensive pastoral care catering to the physical and emotional needs of the children; finally we create an incredible out of school programme covering arts, sports, service and adventure. I want every child to feel as if they are coming home when they return to school.�
Housemasters/Housemistresses (HMs) Each House has a Housemaster who looks after the Boys side of the house. They live in the House with their charges - often along with their own family. They are responsible for every part of the lives of the students in their care - from the moment they wake up to the time they go to bed. The Housemasters like to say goodnight to each child. Each one feels responsible for the happiness of the boys whatever their age. Mr Daniel Long, Housemaster of Noro sums it up - “ The boys are like my own family. I really appreciate the time we spend together just chatting about normal, everyday things. The boys are interesting, active and lots of fun to be around.� On the other side a Housemistress does exactly the same for the girls in her care. Our Housemistresses are a key part of the lives of the girls. They ensure each house is individual and has its own personality. Some of the girls bake, do yoga, watch films in the cinema room. The girls often like to talk about academic issues or social issues and the Housemistress’s door is always open. Assistant Housemasters/Housemistresses (AHMs)/Academic Support The Assistant HMs do just that - they assist the Housemaster/mistresses in running the houses and supporting the daily lives of the students. Like the HMs they are also teachers so they are uniquely qualified to talk to the students about a huge range of subjects and to advise on study habits, too. Academic tutors spend time in the evenings helping children with their homework and further studies.
Gap and Grad Assistants At NLCS Jeju we believe in investing in the future and we run a comprehensive employment programme for Gap students and Graduates from some of the world’s most prestigious universities. These young adults live in the boarding houses and mentor, support, tutor and train our children. They are close in age to our students and can offer an insight into applying to university, study techniques and extra curricular ideas. They form excellent bonds with their young charges and provide extra relationships as part of our pastoral care team. Our current team includes English graduates from Oxford University, UK, Sports Science graduates from Loughborough, UK and a current student at Imperial College, London. Residential Assistants, Matrons and Cleaners Matrons and other Assistants work and live in the Houses and support the House staff. They ensure that the rooms and common areas are clean and tidy and that the students’ daily needs are met and supplies replenished. Students’ laundry is done regularly and we aim to make both private and communal areas a haven for each student.
Our Boarding Students Many of our students choose to be boarders and to go on to be long term boarders. The Houses create a sense of belonging and many students talk about the bonds and friendships that they have made for life. Our Houses help students develop independence and leadership skills - leading to many taking roles in the wider school. Our current Head Boy, Head Girl and many other student leaders are long term boarders. “ My seven years of valuable experience as a boarder have allowed me to discover new dimensions of myself as an independent creative and active individual. I have learned that not setting limits is the first step.” Helen Joung, Year 13 - Head Girl. “ I came to NLCS Jeju as a boarder aged 9 and have stayed as a boarder until now. I have never regretted my choice. It has taught me the value of friendship, rules, discipline, trust, honesty and resilience. I truly cherish my memories.” Jerry Rim, Year 13 - Head Boy. “Within the supportive boarding environment that NLCS Jeju has created, I have been given the chance not only to grow academically but to take numerous opportunities to express myself creatively through the arts.” Bella Kim, Year 13.
The first thing that many parents ask us is “What does a typical day look like?� All parents need to know that their children are being cared for, protected and nurtured. They want to know where they are sleeping and what they are eating. Are they getting enough exercise and are they eating properly?
We can assure all parents that the answer is an emphatic ‘yes’. Our students thrive and grow in a home-from-home environment that has been designed so all of our students will succeed. We listen to our students and our parents. We suggest a tour and a taster sleepover before you make this important choice. We welcome all questions no matter how big or small. Our teams are here to help and advise. We can put you and your child in touch with current boarders - there is no better way to understand how empowering and challenging life as an NLCS Jeju boarder can be!
A Day in the Life of An NLCS Jeju Boarder Julia Back, Year 11, tells us about the benefits of boarding. She has boarded for several years and is a huge fan. Julia is a boarder in Jeoji Girls and has just been made House Captain. She credits the House teams with making her life happy and fulfilled. From getting ready in the morning through lessons, meals, cocurricular, hobbies and leisure time she enjoys every minute and cannot imagine any other life! “I have always been a boarding student since I first entered this school in Year 8. I am so happy being here and would encourage all students to join us here in our boarding world!
My English has improved a lot since I started living here. I think the person who influenced me the most was my Housemistress. From everyday conversation to emergency situations, I had to use English, so my English could only improve.The short conversations I had with my HM at lights out in the evening have been very helpful for me to learn everyday expressions. Also, when I was sick or had a problem, I was able to improve my ability to convey the situation calmly in English. My HM is also my English teacher in school. This helped me a lot when I was doing my English homework or writing an essay. Sometimes I get feedback on my essays before I submit my homework. This is invaluable . My HM listens carefully to every word I say and helps me all day. Now I’m as comfortable in the House as having a conversation at home with my mom. Living life as a boarder is great. I wouldn’t change a thing!” Julia - and all our boarders can access specialised Art rooms, Music rooms, Cinema rooms, study areas, kitchens, games areas and much more.
Junior Boarding We are delighted to have a new home for our younger students. We have developed Darangswi House as a complete home-from-home for students in our younger years. We have long had enquiries from new and current parents about opening up the full boarding House experience for children aged 7-11. This house will be very different to the Senior Houses and will focus on creating a caring, playful environment. Darangswi Housemistress, Ms Akinyi Freeman is a positive and nurturing presence in the House. “We welcome all our young boarders with open arms. We recognise that parents may be anxious as the children are still very young. We assure you that we will care for them and listen to them and be there for them from the moment we wake them to the moment they go to sleep. Talk to us at any time to transfer your children to Junior Boarding. We would love to have them!�
Students will build on the academic challenges of the school day, the extensive co-curricular programme after school and on Saturdays with the full pastoral experience. Children will benefit from an excellent sleep and diet regime; they will have access to all the school facilities and they will be able to speak English 24 hours a day leading to the highly sought after bilingualism. There is a great deal of academic support and reading is encouraged at all times. Older students will mentor and encourage the students while a dedicated Housemistress and her team will act as “house parents� all term long.
CONTACT US If you are a current student and would like to transfer to Boarding please contact
AVP - Head of Houses - Peter Scargill (pscargill@nlcsjeju.kr)
VP - Pastoral - Toby Waterson (twaterson@nlcsjeju.kr)
If you are new to NLCS Jeju then please contact
Admissions (admissions@nlcsjeju.kr)
AN EXCEPTIONAL BRITISH EDUCATION
Start here. Go anywhere.