The international students at Sutton Valence School choose to study with us for a variety of reasons, but they come predominantly to improve their English language skills.

In November 2022, 18 international students from the Third Form to the Lower Sixth sat the Cambridge English First Certificate examination. This week the results were released and we heard that all of the students passed the examination.

Friederike Stula (Fifth Form) explains why this examination is important to her: “The Cambridge First Certificate examination shows you how good your English is and which areas you still need to improve, for example, reading. It is also really important later in life when you are applying for a job to show your level of English.”

EAL Subject Ambassador Jana Kvapilova (Lower Sixth Form) said: “It was quite tricky maintaining my concentration throughout the whole exam. The listening paper was awful, but the speaking test improved my mood as it felt like a relaxing chat.” Jana did not need to worry as she achieved full marks in four sections.

I am very proud of all of the students for passing this prestigious examination, but a special mention must go to Lilly Sophie Franz, David Halster, Henry Kemmler, Jana Kvapilova and Julia Stickler (all Lower Sixth) for achieving A grades.

Julie Manning, Head of EAL