Rendcomb College Senior School Joining Instructions
Joining Instructions
Rendcomb College Senior School
Welcome to Rendcomb College!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are delighted that your child is joining Rendcomb College. Rendcombians are free to be themselves and free to take on big challenges because they know that to FAIL is only the First Attempt In Learning. Rendcomb is a strong community and we are excited that your child will become a part of this.
This booklet offers you the joining instructions and contains all the information that you will need to prepare for your child’s arrival to Rendcomb College. Our induction process takes various forms and further details shall be provided along with this booklet as part of your introduction to starting Rendcomb. Each induction programme is informal and carefully designed to be informative, helping ease pupils into Rendcomb life. It is also an opportunity for families to meet key staff, who will be central to your child’s career here at Rendcomb and allows them to become familiar with the school.
Once the induction has taken place, your child’s care will be in the hands of the in-house team. Your first point of contact will be your child’s Tutor for anything academic and their Houseparents for any pastoral matters.
I know that our Admissions Team has guided you through the first part of your journey so please do not hesitate to contact them directly at any point should you have further questions. It is quite normal for pupils and parents to feel a little nervous and perhaps apprehensive in the days leading up to arrival. The team at Rendcomb will do all they can to make the new pupils feel at home and put them at ease.
You shall also receive a House Handbook which outlines day-to-day life in the Houses as well as covering logistics.
Our House system is a long standing tradition which promotes good work and behaviour, encourages teamwork and provides opportunities to take on responsibilities. The Houses also play an active role in supporting the pastoral aims of the College and our Houseparents, along with our Assistant Houseparents, are paramount in supporting your child. Please do contact them for further support where needed ahead of joining the College.
Please check the supporting documents for details of the first school day for your child and for information regarding the induction process.
I very much look forward to seeing your son or daughter around the College and wish them every success!
With best wishes,
Rob Jones BA (hons),
Head of College
All new pupils will be introduced to their Buddy who will be taking care of them, especially in the first few weeks until Rendcomb feels like home.
MEd
Uniform and Equipment
School Uniform
Rendcomb College has an online uniform service provided by Schoolblazer: www.schoolblazer.com. Here you are able to set up a personal account, enter sizes, and order items directly associated with your child’s year group.
Please note: free postage and packaging is available for orders over £150 and free returns are offered before 30th September. For September entry, we strongly advise that any uniform purchases are made before 10th July to allow time for delivery and returns.
For parents of Boarders - If you wish to have uniform sent directly to Rendcomb, please ensure it is clearly marked on the outside of the parcel with your child’s full name. Delivered uniform will be placed in your child’s room within the Boarding House ready for their arrival.
Please do ensure that your child arrives with all the regulation uniform and kit listed, ensuring that all items are fully NAMED.
Second Hand Uniform Shop
There is a uniform shop in the main building of the College where second hand uniform can be purchased. Uniform can also be handed in for sale and parents receive the money for the items when sold.
The uniform shop is open every Monday during term time, from 3pm until 5pm. No appointment is required.
Please contact Mrs Jill Roberts should you wish to see which items are available by simply emailing your child’s chest and waist measurements along with the uniform requirements. Mrs Roberts will let you know what is available and will put it aside for your child to try on.
Mrs J Roberts: +44 (0)1285 832300
Uniform@rendcombcollege.org.uk
Uniform List for Boys
Key: All items must be purchased from ‘Schoolblazer’, except where indicated with an asterix*.
Years 7-11 Boys
Working uniform
Blue and white striped long-sleeved shirt
School tie
Navy V-neck jumper with badge (does not have to be worn)
School blazer
Charcoal grey trousers
Black socks*
Black shoes* (polished and leather)
Plain navy or black coat*
College scarf (optional but no other scarf allowed)
Plain dark woollen hat and plain dark gloves (optional in cold weather)
Games Kit for all Boys
Crested tracksuit top
Navy midlayer – crested
Navy/burgundy tracksuit bottoms
Senior games shirt
Rugby shorts
Summer polo shirt
Games socks (navy with red and yellow tops)
White PE shorts*
White PE socks*
White cricket trousers*
Sixth Form Boys
Working uniform
A tailored, plain long-sleeve shirt
A tailored, plain long-sleeve white shirt for formal occasions
A plain V-neck jumper (optional and can be sleeveless)*
Dark ‘business’ style suit*
Plain or subtle patterned tie*
School Sixth Form tie for formal occasions
Black socks*
Black shoes* (polished and leather)
Plain navy or black coat*
School scarf or plain coloured scarf* (optional)
Plain dark woollen hat and plain dark gloves (optional in cold weather)
Optional Games Kit from Schoolblazer
School hoodie
Base layer top - crested
Navy base layer leggings or shorts
Navy puffer jacket
Cricket fleece
Cricket shirt
Crested kit bag
Uniform List for Girls
Key: All items must be bought from ‘Schoolblazer’, except where indicated with an asterix*.
Years 7-11 Girls
Working uniform
Blue and white striped long-sleeve fitted blouse and/or short-sleeved fitted blouse
School navy jumper with badge (does not have to be worn)
School navy skirt (must be on the knee or longer)
Knee high socks or tights (navy)*
Black polished leather shoes (heel – 40mm maximum)*
School blazer (fitted)
Plain navy or black coat*
College scarf (optional but no other scarf allowed)
Plain dark woollen hat and plain dark gloves (optional in cold weather)
Games Kit for all Girls
Crested tracksuit top
Navy midlayer – crested
Navy/burgundy tracksuit bottoms
Senior girls’ games shirt
Navy skort – with burgundy panels
White skort – with burgundy panels
Summer polo shirt
Games socks (navy with red and yellow tops)
White PE socks*
Sixth Form Girls
Working uniform
A plain, long-sleeve and/or short-sleeve fitted blouse*
A plain, white long-sleeve and/or short-sleeve fitted blouse for formal occasions*
A plain jumper (optional and can be sleeveless)*
Plain black or navy ‘business’ style suit with skirt or tailored trousers* - Trousers must be full length and skirts must be on the knee or longer
Or a plain dark tailored dress and jacket, the dress must have capped sleeves and be knee length or lower
Socks or tights (black or flesh coloured)*
Black polished leather shoes (heel – 50mm maximum)*
Plain navy or black coat*
School scarf or plain blue or black scarf/pashmina* (optional)
Plain dark woollen hat and plain dark gloves (optional in cold weather)
Optional Kit from Schoolblazer
School hoodie
Base layer top – crested
Navy base layer leggings or shorts
Navy puffer jacket
Crested kit bag
Games Kit and Equipment by Term
Term and Sport Compulsory Uniform Items Girls
MICHAELMAS
Girls - Hockey
Boys - Rugby
All
• Full tracksuit
• Reversible shirt (male and female options)
• Winter sport socks (long navy)
• Navy midlayer
LENT
Girls - Lacrosse
Boys - Hockey
Girls - Navy skort
Boys - Navy shorts
SUMMER
Girls - Tennis
Boys - Cricket
All
• Full tracksuit
• White polo shirt (male and female options)
• Winter socks (ankle length)
Girls - White skort
Boys - White cricket longs
Hockey equipment
• Hockey stick
• Shin pads (compulsory)
• Mouthguard (compulsory)
• Trainers/Astro boots
Boys
Rugby equipment
• Mouthguard (compulsory)
• Rugby boots
Recommended protective equipment:
• Head gear
• Shoulder and chest protector
Lacrosse equipment
• Lacrosse stick (can be purchased via the sports department)
• Mouthguard (compulsory)
• Studded boots
Hockey equipment
• Hockey stick (compulsory)
• Shin pads (compulsory)
• Mouthguard (compulsory)
• Trainers/Astro boots
Tennis equipment
• Tennis racquet
• Trainers
Cricket equipment
Minimum recommended equipment:
• Box
• Helmet
• Cricket spikes
Optional: bat, gloves, leg pads, helmet
Additional Items
Mouthguards
In order to take part in Games at Rendcomb College, all pupils require a mouthguard. The Rugby Football Union, Hockey Association and British Dental Association, alongside the College Sports Department and Medical Centre, strongly recommend that pupils have a customised mouthguard fitted by their Dentist; this will provide the safest option to protect your child’s teeth.
We ask that your child arrives at College with a suitable mouthguard. We do hold a stock of ‘Boil & Bite’ mouthguards which can be purchased from the Sports Department or via Reception and added to the end of term bill. Please note, while these are of the highest quality, we still recommend a Dentist fitted mouthguard for the best protection.
Shin Protection
We ask that pupils have appropriate shin protection for playing sports where they are at risk of injury (e.g. hockey and football).
School Bags
We recommend that pupils have a rucksack/backpack/ satchel for carrying their books to lessons, Prep and home. No set style is required, navy blue is recommended.
Mathematics Equipment
For a student to be able to follow the Maths curriculum in Years 7-11, they will be expected to have the following equipment, along with pens, pencils and a rubber: protractor
15cm ruler
pair of compasses
scientific calculator
The calculator model used in the department is the Casio 85 (battery and solar cell) or Casio 83 (battery only). These models are frequently updated and identified by additional code letters after the 83 or 85. However, all of the Casio 83/85 models are suitable. These can be bought from most supermarkets, stationers and online stores.
Dress Code
Years 7–11
Pupils must wear the uniform shown on the clothing list appropriate to their year group. All pupils should appear in clean, black, polished, leather shoes. Girls’ shoes should be no higher than 40mm and block heeled (platform soles and kitten heels are not permitted). No pupil should be wearing trainers with school uniform.
All sweaters for Years 7-11 should be regulation navy with the Rendcomb badge and in a good state of repair. All shirts/ blouses must be tucked into trousers/skirts. Girls’ skirts must be on the knee or longer. Trousers must be worn up to waist height, if necessary fastened with a plain black belt that does not have a large buckle.
Rendcomb tracksuit tops must not be worn as a coat over school uniform. No coat or outdoor jacket should be worn in a classroom. Coats should be of a plain style in black or navy. Scarves, if worn, must be the school scarf.
Boys’ socks must be plain black and girls must wear knee high navy socks or navy tights in winter.
T-shirts may not be worn under an open-necked shirt/blouse. In the Summer Term, boys do not need to wear their blazer or jumper and may roll up their shirt sleeves. Hats and gloves are not permitted except in exceptionally cold weather where plain navy blue or black hats or gloves may be worn to and from College.
Sixth Form
There is a little more flexibility for Sixth Form pupils and their uniform, although they are expected to conform with the uniform list and purchase the necessary clothing from ‘Schoolblazer’ where it is specified. Any pupil not adhering to this will be asked to purchase the required uniform as soon as possible.
All shirts/blouses must be tucked into trousers/skirts, unless it is a tailored blouse designed to be untucked. Boys may roll their shirt sleeves up when permitted in the summer. Trousers must be worn up to waist height. Working jewellery should be kept to a minimum. Hair should be kept tidy, at a reasonable length and not obviously dyed.
Make-up and Jewellery
Girls’ jewellery should be kept to a minimum. For Years 7-11, one set only of gold or silver stud earrings, and only a plain chain necklace. Boys may not wear earrings or any necklaces other than a simple chain.
Year 7 and 8 girls may not wear make-up and Year 9-11 girls may only wear subtle tones of mascara. No nail varnish, blusher, lip or other eye makeup will be allowed. Sixth Form are allowed more freedom, however, their make-up must not be of an extreme nature or garish.
Games
School Games clothing must be worn for all Games sessions, including those students not involved in the major sport of the term. If pupils are travelling away to matches in Games kit, they must wear the full tracksuit, unless it is cricket when they should wear their cricket whites.
Wearing Games Kit in Lessons
Occasionally pupils may need to change into Games kit at the beginning of the day, in the long break or in lunch break due to a PE or Drama practical lesson, or Games at the end of the day. In these situations, pupils must wear their clean school tracksuit while attending their academic lessons. After PE lessons, pupils are expected to change back into working uniform in the next available break. No pupil should change into Games kit for afternoon lessons because of a commitment in activity time.
Hair
It is important to consider safety and it follows that all girls who are involved in a Science practical, Art and Design work, Games or similar situations should have their hair tied back tightly if it is longer than or touching the shoulders.
All girls in Years 7-11 should have their hair tied back tightly during the school working day if their hair is long enough to touch the shoulder. Hair ties and grips should be of a simple design in navy or black. Boys should be clean shaven.
Boys’ hair should be clearly off the collar of a shirt or sweater. It should not be allowed to grow outwards excessively nor should it be cut severely short. Hair should not be obviously or garishly dyed. If it is dyed, it should be of a natural colour.
Medical Centre
Medical Centre
+44 (0)1285 832329
sister@rendcombcollege.org.uk
The Medical Centre is staffed by three registered nurses, with one nurse on duty at a time. There is a treatment room in the Medical Centre where pupils are assessed and appropriate treatment administered. If a G/P appointment or a hospital assessment is required this will be arranged and you will be notified as soon as possible. There are beds available in the Medical Centre where pupils may stay until they are well enough to return to House or can be collected and taken home by a parent or guardian. The Medical Centre also offers a Safe Space for pupils who want to drop in for support or a friendly chat.
The Medical Consent Form
Please complete the Medical Form including as much detail as possible and declare any past or existing medical problems, both physical and psychological illness. Please provide details of any current treatment or medications that are required and include copies of Doctor’s letters where possible as this will assist us in managing your child’s condition. Please ensure to inform us of any allergies or food intolerances. Please update the Medical Centre Nursing staff of any updates or changes in medication or treatment as soon as possible so that we can support your child as effectively as possible.
Please attach a print out of your child’s vaccination history according to the National Health Service Schedule which can be seen on line at www.nhs.uk. Any international pupils will be asked to provide an up to date copy of their vaccination schedule.
While we would prefer for all pupils to have received the recommended vaccinations please state clearly on the Medical Form if you have decided not to vaccinate your child.
The GHC Immunisation Trust regularly visit Rendcomb College Senior to administer the Year 9 Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio and also for Meningococcal groups ACWY DISEASE (Men ACWY). The HPV vaccination is offered to girls and boys in Year 8 and a second dose in Year 9.
Without a detailed and complete Medical Form, the admissions process for your child may be delayed.
For Boarders
Pupils who board will be registered with the doctors at Rendcomb Surgery. If your child is a flexi-boarder and you wish them to be registered at Rendcomb Surgery, please let the Medical Centre know so this can be arranged. If your child is registered at Rendcomb Surgery but you would like them to see your local family GP during the holidays, an appointment may be made with your family GP. You will be required to complete a temporary resident form at the time.
Medicines
Do not send any medicines into school with your child unless they have been prescribed by a Doctor. All medicines must be handed in to the Medical Centre or Houseparent and will be correctly stored. They must be in the original container with the prescription label attached. If during the school day your child needs any medicines, these can be dispensed in the Medical Centre. The Medical Centre is able to administer over the counter medicines as approved by Rendcomb Surgery. A full list of these is available from the Medical Centre on request.
A student is allowed to keep asthma inhalers with them at all times. Senior students may be allowed to keep their medicines with the medical team’s knowledge and a written protocol to make sure the medicine is kept safely and taken appropriately. If your child carries an adrenaline injector it should be carried on his/her person during the school day and must always be taken on school trips. During Games it is to be handed to the Games teacher. A spare injector should be kept at home but if your child is a boarder, the spare will be kept in the Medical Centre.
Infectious disease
If your child has been in contact with an infectious disease please inform the Medical Centre before he/she travels to school to discuss the incubation period and recommendations on when they can return.
The School Counsellor
The School Counsellor is available to see students in a private room within the Medical Centre. An appointment can be made via the Medical Centre. However, we are not able to inform you if your child sees the School Counsellor; it is up to your child to tell you if they wish.
This is a confidential service which serves as a first point of contact. If the School Counsellor is concerned about the welfare and/or safety of the child, the Designated Safeguarding Lead will be informed. If extra counselling or therapy is required on a longer term basis, referrals can be made to relevant professionals.
Routine dental/optical appointments
Please attempt to make all routine appointments after school or in the school holidays. Please inform the Medical Centre if your child has an appointment during the school day.
Transport to other appointments
We are only able to provide transport to appointments for those pupils who live abroad or too far away for parents to take them. If you live locally we would prefer you to accompany your child to any medical appointment. If for any reason this is impossible, then transport can usually be arranged and a charge will be added to the end of term bill.
There is no charge for transport to Rendcomb Surgery or emergency hospital visits.
Fitness for Games and sport activities
All students needing to be excused from Games and sport activities must be seen by a nurse as early in the day as possible. This allows the Games staff time to adjust teams for matches. Pupils who are ‘off Games’ will remain in the Medical Centre or will be supervised in the Library. Pupils who have been injured and are off Games must report to a nurse on the agreed review date before returning to sport.
Changes to medical details
Please inform the Medical Centre whenever there are significant changes to medical details, including prescription changes and specialist diets, so that your child’s records can be kept up to date. Doctors’ letters in support of any diagnoses or change in treatment are preferable.
IT Equipment
IT Induction
This guide is designed to make it as easy as possible to use the IT services provided at Rendcomb College. It contains important information that pupils must read and understand.
All pupils will have an induction with the Computing and IT Department upon their arrival at College, either in a Computing lesson or during a dedicated induction session. If a pupil wishes to use their PC, tablet, iPad or smartphone to access the internet via Rendcomb’s WiFi, they should present it for configuration at this point. Pupil devices may be used during lessons with the permission of the class teacher. This does not include the use of smartphones unless explicitly stated by the teacher.
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
All staff and pupils are required to read, understand and sign to state that they will comply with the rules contained in the IT Acceptable Use Policy. This is to ensure the safety of everyone at Rendcomb College and compliance is mandatory. Any questions about the terms of the AUP should be directed to the Deputy Head (Pastoral). Failure to comply with the terms of the AUP may result in disciplinary action.
Accessing the Internet
Our internet connection is filtered for the safety of all pupils, so some websites or services that pupils may use at home might not be available within the school. This requires the IT Department to record the network ID of devices but NOT any personal information.
Please note that the internet connection for pupils is turned off daily at 11pm and will not be turned back on again until 7am the following day.
There is WiFi throughout the site, including within the boarding houses. WiFi is provided in classrooms, most social spaces and bedrooms in Godman, Park, Lawn and Stable Houses. Skype booths are available in the boarding houses, however, Skype, Whatsapp, Snapchat and FaceTime are not currently available via personal devices due to security restrictions.
Supporting Student Devices
We provide IT Support for both College and pupil owned computers. We ask that all operating systems and software/ media contained on them are fully licensed and legal. Any illegal software or pirated media must be removed prior to admission to the network.
We provide support for the following operating systems:
• Windows 10 Home or Professional editions
• Windows 11 Professional Edition
• Apple MacOS (10.14) Mojave and above
• Apple ios 14.8 and above
• Android 12 and above
We actively encourage pupils to bring and use their own personal computers where appropriate. We recommend that pupils and parents choose the device that is right for them. Microsoft Office is provided free of charge for both Windows and Mac computers through the College’s Office365 scheme.
Teachers are increasingly using computers in the majority of subjects and all have resources stored online via our Firefly Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Microsoft Teams. We recommend that devices have a physical keyboard and the following specification:
• 8 hour minimum battery life
• Windows 11 Professional Edition
• The latest Intel i3 processor or higher
• 8GB Ram
• 256GB or 500GB SSD
• 3.5mm cabled headphones (not Bluetooth)
All devices should have anti-virus software installed and be fully updated to protect against all known viruses. All antivirus applications are welcome; however we do ask that they are fully licensed. The IT Department recommend AVG Free, available from the AVG website.
Useful Information
Handbooks
Upon joining the College, pupils will have online access to the Pupil Handbook outlining disciplinary procedures, the dress code, our grading system and much more information. Parents and Guardians will also be able to access the Parent Handbook giving further details of our policies, pastoral care, the curriculum, communication and other matters.
Late Stays
Day Pupils may stay at College after school finishes and will be supervised in houses and at supper. Pupils can stay on to complete prep, use the Art and Music facilities, sports hall and gym, and take part in House activities and social events. There is no charge for Late Stays, however there is a nominal charge of £3.00 if your child stays for supper. Please book this through your child’s Houseparents.
Occasional Overnight Stays
Boarding is offered to all pupils from Year 7 upwards. In addition, our Houses can offer optional overnight stays for Day pupils. Arrangements need to be made in advance with Houseparents.
Flexi Boarding - up to 3 nights per week
Families can pre-select specific night(s) each week to board across an entire term. These nights must be booked in advance of the start of each term. Wherever possible, we will allocate the same bed space, however, it will not be possible for personal items to be left at school when the pupil is not boarding. Flexi Boarding must be a fixed number of nights per week but nights do not have to be consecutive (for example, a two night stay might be Monday and Thursday). In the event of a shortage of space, priority will be given to those booking greater numbers of nights. Once booked, the nights are nonrefundable and non-transferable.
Please note that the Flexi Boarding option is not available to pupils whose parents do not reside in the UK and spaces are not guaranteed, being provided at houseparent’s discression.
Visitors
All visiting Parents, Guardians and families must report to Main Reception to sign in and out. This includes when visiting the Second Hand Uniform Shop and the Medical Centre. If you wish to visit outside of school hours, prior permission must be granted by the Houseparents.
Early Leave for Holidays
It is important that pupils benefit from all lessons for a full term from the beginning through to the last week. Early leave is normally approved only in exceptional circumstances. If there is an important reason as to why a pupil has to finish school before the end of term, a written request should be sent to the Head of College, Mr Rob Jones for approval. The Head of College can be contacted via: hmpa@rendcombcollege.org.uk.
Absence
If your child is going to be absent due to illness, you must inform the College each morning of their absence before 8:15am. Please email their tutor, whose details you will receive prior to joining, and also “absence@rendcombcollege.org.uk”
Co-curricular Activities
Pupils select a range of activities which they follow each term between 4.10pm and 5pm Monday-Friday. All activities are subject to availability. Some activities such as horse riding and clay pigeon shooting carry an additional charge. These charges are added to the termly bill.
Chapel
Every Rendcomb pupil, from age seven to Sixth Form, attends a weekly Chapel service in St Peter’s Church providing an opportunity for reflection and contemplation during a busy week. There are separate services for the Junior School, Years 7 to 10 and Year 11 with the Sixth Form. Services are led by the Chaplain and include two hymns, a talk, a reading and a prayer. The themes are topical and inclusive, reflecting Christian values and teaching. All faiths are welcome in our Chapel and services often conclude with the opportunity for a few minutes of personal reflection.
Music Induction
All new pupils are encouraged to take part in the many activities the Music Department has to offer. Within the first week, pupils will receive a music induction from the Director of Music, highlighting the exciting musical opportunities available to them, including: choirs, rock bands, orchestras, chamber groups and ensembles.
The department encourages all pupils to learn an instrument during their time at Rendcomb. Should pupils wish to learn an instrument, parents should complete the Instrumental Tuition form which can be obtained from the Admissions Team and is included within this pack. Instruments are available to hire and the department can offer individual tuition in all orchestral instruments, voice, drum kit, guitar (acoustic and electric), organ and piano, in addition to Jazz piano and double bass.
Alumni and Old Rendcombians
We have a thriving and busy Alumni body who meet formally three times a year at sporting fixtures here at Rendcomb (rugby, hockey and cricket) and informally throughout. Reunions and events are organised through the Old Rendcombian Society and both pupils and parents are invited to be part of this growing group. During their final year, Upper Sixth students meet with the Old Rendcombian Society and are offered information about our Alumni network.
RCPA (Rendcomb College Parents’ Association)
All parents, Guardians or carers of pupils automatically become members of the RCPA, and your support and involvement is welcomed and actively encouraged. The RCPA will contact you directly upon joining the College.
Our mission is to create an active, united and supportive school community, which embodies the Rendcomb Family school ethos, promoting collaboration, enriching and benefiting pupils, parents and staff alike by:
• welcoming new parents to the school community and offering all parents the opportunity to be involved as much, or as little as time or inclination dictate;
• creating memorable and fun events that bring us closer together as a community;
• enhancing communication between parents and between parents and staff;
• helping parents to build friendship groups and support networks;
• providing a platform for parents and staff to raise any general issues or present ideas ;
• raising money for the school primarily for the purposes of pupil enrichment.
Please email the committee for further information: rcpa@rendcombcollege.org.uk.
Privacy Policy
We take data security very seriously and all details provided are held securely and in accordance with the requirements under GDPR 2018. Details regarding this can be found by visiting our website and viewing the Privacy Policy.
Fees, Buses and Insurance
Fee Information
The termly fees are available on the school website at the following address:
https://www.rendcombcollege.org.uk/fees
The payment of the first term’s fees should be settled prior to arrival at Rendcomb College. For September entry, an invoice will be sent to you in the summer from the Finance Office. If you have any queries or would like to speak to the Finance Manager, please call +44 (0)1285 832305.
Payment
We are unable to take payment over the phone by credit/ debit card. When paying fees by bank transfer, please quote your unique Rendcomb Account Number (quoted on your first fee bill) as the Reference. Monthly instalments can be arranged via an external commercial school fee plan company at your own arrangement.
Lloyds Bank, Castle Street, Cirencester, GL7 1QJ
Sort Code: 30-92-06
Account No: 00234948
IBAN: GB84LOYD30920600234948
BIC: LOYDGB21102
Buses
We aim to make School Fees as inclusive as possible; however, some items are excluded, the main ones of which are listed below:
• all fees for external exams;
• school trips and external entertainments;
• activities involving material costs or external tuition;
• individual music lessons;
• learning support/EAL lessons;
• hire of musical instruments;
• personal equipment.
Rendcomb College offers a bus service to its pupils in the surrounding areas. The routes are determined by demand and in the past have included Tetbury, Malmesbury, Swindon, Cheltenham and Cirencester.
We aim to shorten travel times for the pupils so that they do not have too long a day and therefore pick up points shall be along main routes rather than in individual villages or towns.
For families interested in using our bus service, we ask that they complete the enclosed request form and return it to reception or email: hardya@rendcombcollege.org.uk
Alternatively, contact Reception on 01285 831213 or email reception@rendcombcollege.org.uk.
Insurance
We provide compulsory Personal Accident Insurance cover for pupils.
Please note: the Personal Accident Insurance is a compulsory cover, the charge for which is included in the school fees and is not an additional cost.
Personal Accident Insurance
Cover is provided in a very comprehensive and worldwide basis and is applicable 24 hours a day under an annual policy. The maximum benefit payable is £300,000 and a scale of benefits will apply as per the schedule of information.
The policy has been enhanced to also provide cover for physiotherapy treatment in respect of sports injuries to the limit of £225* following written referral from a doctor/ consultant without any additional charge.
*Please note that prices are correct at the time of printing and the prices quoted may vary. Please contact the Finance Office for the most up to date prices.
International Pupils
International Pupils
Induction Day
This day welcomes our new international students and their families/Guardian. Families have the opportunity to meet the Head of College and the Senior Management Team, the International Team, Tutors, Head of Years, Houseparents, Medical Staff and School Chaplain in an informal environment whilst meeting other new pupils and their families.
There is plenty of time to move into Houses, unpack and bank any cash for safe keeping. We suggest that students have approximately £150 per term pocket money for excursions and boarding activities where they may wish to make small purchases or stock up on toiletries as required.
Passports, Visas and Biometric Residence Permits
If you are applying for a place at Rendcomb College from outside the UK (a non-British Passport Holder) and you are staying for more than 6 months to study with us you will need a Student Visa to study in the UK. Details of these Visas can be found on the Government website here: https://www.gov. uk/child-study-visa
You will need to ensure you have an up to date passport to study at Rendcomb College. Our recommendation is that your passport has enough validity to cover the whole of your course. EU Identification Cards are no longer accepted as Travel Documents.
Once you have accepted your place the Admissions office will help advise you on your Visa application and timeline and recommend the best time to apply for your Visa and also provide you with supporting documentation and a CAS. You will need to provide us with several documents before we can issue a CAS, these may include birth certificate, parental consent letter, financial proof for your support, a TB certificate and passport.
It is imperative that you bring 4 passport style photographs with you at the start of your study with us. Although not essential for a Visa Application we do need them in school to complete important tasks such as police registrations, exam entries etc.
Once your Visa has been granted you will receive your passport and it will contain a vignette which will allow you to travel to the UK and will be required to show your Visa vignette at Immigration on Arrival at the airport. Please do not use the e-gates on your first arrival in the UK as it may mean that your Visa is not verified.
We will collect your BRP from the Post Office as soon as it has been delivered. It can then be collected from the Admissions office after processing.
We also arrange registrations with the police if that is mentioned of your Visa stipulations.
If you have any queries about Visas, travel or moving to the UK please contact our international team on international@rendcombcollege.org.uk.
Hotels and Car Hire
It is your responsibility to check your immigration status, we can advise you but are not permitted to apply for a Visa on your behalf.
Families who require accommodation locally may find the list of local Hotels, Inns and B&B’s helpful. This can be found on our website under the International section. There are a number of car hire companies available in the UK which you are free to research for yourselves. Europcar offers services at all major airports closest to Rendcomb: www.europcar. co.uk.
Guardians
Parents who live abroad are asked to appoint a Guardian in the UK to act on their behalf in the interests of their child. This is not only a school and legal requirement, but is of enormous value for your child’s welfare and happiness whilst at Rendcomb and a vital point of contact for school staff. It is hoped that Guardians will play a full part in the life of the College and they are welcome, in exactly the same way as parents are, to all events such as concerts, matches and Parents’ Association social functions. Guardians are also encouraged to make contact with their child’s Tutor, as required.
Each year there is an important Parent/Teachers’ Meeting to discuss pupils’ academic progress; Guardians are asked to attend if parents are not available. If Guardians are unavailable, it is important for them to contact the House Staff or Tutor to re-arrange a time convenient for both them and your child’s Tutor. It is an expectation from the school that they take a strong academic interest in the progress of the pupil.
In the absence of a parent, Guardians are most welcome to attend the Induction Day. It is hoped that the Guardian will visit the School and meet the Houseparents by prior arrangement.
In addition, the Guardian accepts the following obligations:
• To provide or arrange accommodation for the pupil: During school holidays, Half-term and Exeat weekends; and liaise with the House Staff well in advance and certainly at least two weeks beforehand so that they are fully aware of all arrangements. Pupils are not allowed to stay in B&B’s or hotels during this time.
a. If the College closes temporarily because of an emergency e.g. fire, epidemic or freak weather conditions.
b. If the pupil is suspended or expelled, or must have a period of time away from the College on medical advice.
• To make decisions in emergencies on behalf of the parents in cases where the College is not empowered to do so.
• To ensure that the pupil returns to School with the correct clothing and suitable hair-cut.
• To keep in touch with Houseparents and to ensure that they know your up-to-date address and telephone number or any change in family circumstances or health related issues of the pupil. It is most welcomed if the Guardian calls or emails houses regularly to be kept informed of the pupil’s welfare.
• If a parent or Guardian asks the College to organise transport to and from the College for a pupil they must do so in writing by post or email. This is entirely the parent/ Guardian’s responsibility.
• The parent/Guardian are responsible, under duty of care, from the point of departure until returning to school. House return times are as per the school calendar.
The Guardian should be a homeowner aged 25 or above (i.e. not a student), should be able to speak English and be accessible by telephone. It is especially useful if the Guardian lives locally so that close contact can be maintained.
In cases of difficulty in finding a suitable Guardian, parents are invited to consult the list of agencies that our current and past parents have used very successfully, or you may contact AEGIS on +44 (0) 1453 821293; who will provide a list of accredited Guardianship Organisations. If you choose to nominate your own Guardian, we can DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check the family as required by all accredited Guardianship Organisations. The cost for this service will be borne by parents.
Hampden House, Maonument Park, Warpsgrove Lane, Chalgrove, OX44 7RW
Tel: +44(0)1865 893213
Pippa’s Guardians
Worcestershire WR14 2BA
Tel: +44 (0) 1684 252757
info@pippasguardians.co.uk
White
House Guardianships
Dorset BH9 2AU
Tel: +44 (0) 3458 686688
guardianship@whg.eu.com
Yes Guardians
Gloucestershire GL52 8NB
Tel: +44 (0) 7295 553356
hello@yesguardians.co.uk
Bank Accounts
Pupils wishing to open a UK bank account will need to obtain a letter from the Headmaster’s office once enrolled at Rendcomb. We ask that pupils attend their bank account appointment outside school hours, they will also need to be accompanied by a Guardian for this appointment. We recommend the use of online banks wherever possible to reduce the need for the children to apply for a current account in person, there are some good alternatives such as Monzo and Go Henry. Further details on how to open a UK bank account can be obtained from the Admissions office or by emailing: admissions@rendcombcollege.org.uk.
Police Registration
If for any reason the school is unhappy with the quality of Guardianship for your child, the school reserves the right to ask parents to re-appoint one in the interests of your child.
Pupils who are required to register with the police will do so at Rendcomb College. Prior arrangements have been made with the police to come to Rendcomb and complete this process. Pupils will be accompanied and supported by our Immigration Administrator, Mrs Patterson.
Passport Photographs
It is compulsory for all new international pupils to bring a minimum of four colour passport photographs with them to Rendcomb College as they start their studies as they will be required for a number of purposes. If photographs are not brought to school we cannot guarantee the completion of police registration or exam entries in a timely manner.
Packing List for Boarders
As well as your key items for school, if you are boarding at Rendcomb College you may want to bring the following:
• 4 passport photos*
• At least 2 large name labelled zipped net laundry bags – no smaller than 50x40cm - to go into the washing machine for socks and underwear*
• A plain black/navy good waterproof jacket*
• Outdoor trainers for walking and outdoor activities in rural areas*
• If you want to bring your own bedding then bring two sets of duvets and pillow cases
• Bath towels (hoop sewn on long end for hanging)
• Duvet covers and pillow cases (single) – optional if you want to personalise your room
• Sets of nightwear
• Rucksack for carrying school books and files
• Wash bag (suitable for holding small items in washing machine)
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste)
• Coat hangers
• Dressing gown and pair of slippers
• Water bottle
• A supply of name tapes for uniform and non-uniform items
*denotes a necessary item
International Celebration Evening
During the Michaelmas Term we host an International Celebration Evening at Rendcomb College, as part of our Cultural Enrichment Programme. This event enables all our pupils to share cultural experiences from around the world and interact with students of varying nationalities. Activities that have taken place previously are sushi making, language learning, martial arts, calligraphy, origami, interactive history, dancing demonstrations and tea ceremonies; all proving to be popular and enjoyable.
New pupils may wish to begin to think about what cultural tradition or experience they would like to share with others, particularly if they will require any specific props or costumes that may not be available in England. This is one of the many ways in which we enable our International Students to integrate into school life, so we hope pupils will fully embrace this opportunity to share important aspects of various cultures.
Travel Service
We understand that arranging for your child to travel home can pose some logistical and practical challenges. To try and assist you and ensure that all our pupils arrive at home or school safely we offer a Travel Service to parents to help remove the worry of organising transfers themselves.
As there are often pupils travelling at the same time, we arrange taxis and minibuses and also train and coach tickets to enable students to catch flights home, go to Host families and Guardians or to meet you at a designated place. These arrangements are also put in place for pupils on their return to school.
If you wish us to arrange all the UK transfers for your child we book all of the bus or train tickets and taxis guiding the pupils through their arrangements. We prepay all costs incurred and recharge these to your school bill so your child will never need to worry about carrying cash.
The booking of flights remains the responsibility of Parents/ Guardians.
We have compiled a list of approximate costs so you can budget for transfer costs in the UK and how any other extras may be applied. You are of course welcome to book everything yourself – this is an optional service only. Not all parents choose to use the service and their Guardians transfer the pupil to and from School.
Rendcomb is ideally placed for access to London Heathrow Airport (approximately 90 minutes by road) and most of the pupils travel in and out of this Airport.
The nearest train station is called Kemble which is about 20 minutes from the college and also has a direct service to London Paddington. The Heathrow Express runs from Paddington which is also popular.
Our nearest town is called Cirencester which is about 6 miles away and there is a direct National Express Coach Service to Heathrow from there which can be used. Gatwick Airport is considerably more difficult to get to and we would recommend using Birmingham Airport as an alternative to Heathrow wherever possible.
are indicative and will vary depending on supplier and number of passengers
We always try to group the pupils together who are going to the same destination and we like to make sure that no child is travelling alone where possible. This is also beneficial in keeping costs to a minimum. We will always pick pupils up from the terminal they arrive at as we do not want them to be travelling around Heathrow on their own. If you can arrange for your child to travel on the same flights as other pupils coming from your city that is always reassuring knowing that they will not be alone on a flight. We can put you in touch with other parents who live near you if you wish us to do so.
We would recommend if possible that you always book flights for the May Exeat, half terms and end of term, if you are able to, departing London Heathrow Airport around 1500hrs – 1800hrs , as we usually have taxis going to Heathrow at that time.
On the return to school, we ask for flights to arrive at London Heathrow between 1500 – 1900. Pupils must return to Rendcomb prior to 2200hrs. Pupils arriving later than 2200hrs will be required to stay with their UK Guardian and be returned to school the following day.
If your child is booked onto a flight before 1100hrs on a travel day, owing to a very early departure from Rendcomb in order to catch their flight, we would expect them to leave school the day before and stay with their Guardian or a Host Family to ensure that they can catch their flight. We do not allow pupils to leave school before 0700hrs to catch a flight. Similarly if their flight is landing late in the evening it is compulsory that the pupil is picked up by their Guardian and returned to school the next day to ensure their safety.
Travel requests will not be guaranteed if requested less than two weeks prior to travel.
Parents and pupils are respectfully reminded that travel should take place on the last day of school.
Earlier departure requests should be kept to a minimum and approved by the Head of College prior to travel arrangements being made by emailing: HMPA@rendcombcollege.org.uk.
Do contact the Travel Coordinator, Mrs Kate Patterson, to discuss travel and transfers further:
Travel@rendcombcollege.org.uk
+44 (0) 1285 832326
+44 (0) 7795 413375
There is no access into the Boarding Houses until after 1800hrs following the exeat. At half term, if your child is flying into the country they can return to school from 1600hrs.
