Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency and what will I need to pay for?
The currency in the UK is Pounds Sterling. You will be required to pay all food and utility bills. You will also need to have sufficient money for travel and recreation.
What is the weather like?
The south coast of England has cooler temperatures due to the sea breeze. During the summer season temperatures can reach anything up to 29°C with bright sunshine. The winter months are cold with the occasional chance of rain or snow.
What happens if I fall ill and have to be admitted to hospital?
All Highgate Academy students are required to take out a personal insurance policy before starting their studies. This can be their own personal insurance or it can be arranged through Highgate Academy. This insurance will cover hospital treatments and doctors appointments.
What about part time work?
All students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. This is encouraged by the academy as it will help with the understanding of the programme of study.
What leisure facilities are available?
Newhaven is situated only a few miles from Brighton. In Brighton you can find major shops and a shopping mall, unique local shops, cinemas, sports complexes, ten-pin bowling and nightclubs. Newhaven itself has a small town centre where you can find shops. Highgate Academy library also has an extensive set of leaflets for places to visit in Sussex. This is kept up-to-date with the latest and most popular attractions.
How can I get to Highgate Academy?
We will endeavour to find accommodation for students within walking distance of the campus, However, for those beyond reasonable walking distance or on days when the weather is not suitable for walking, there is a regular bus service that stops near the academy. Single journey tickets can be purchased from the bus driver or it is possible to purchase a discounted weekly ticket.
There is also a train station, which is 15 minutes walk from the campus, for those students who are living outside of Newhaven.
What facilities are available to me on campus?
Highgate Academy has library and computer facilities on site. There are 20 computers available for work on your studies, internet and email access. The library stocks a selection of hospitality related books and general interest material. The library also subscribes to a selection of hospitality magazines. The classrooms are well equipped and have modern AudioNisual Aid equipment. There is also a quiet Reading Room adjacent to the library for private study use. There is a drinks vending machine in the building that all students can use.
How long do I have to be to sign up for one of your courses?
The minimum age requirement is 16 and students between the ages of 16 and 18 are placed in homestays. Adults however can stay in self-catering properties or in a homestay.
Who are the students?
We have international students and they can come from many parts of the world.
How do I book?
You can contact us directly by phone (00 44 1273 612600), email (www.registrarhighgateacademy.com) or fax ((00 44 1273 612812). You can also go to our website www.highgateacademy.com and drop us an enquiry and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Do I need a visa?
If you hold a EU passport, you will not need a visa. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a student visa at the nearest British embassy. Go to www.ukvisas.gov.uk for more information.
Do I need any letters from the college to go with my student visa application form?
Once you have been accepted for a course and paid your deposit, we will issue you with a letter of enrolment which states when the course starts and the invoice for the total cost of the course. You will need this before applying for your visa.
What is the currency used and do I have to bring extra money?
The currency used in England is pound sterling. The English Language courses where students stay in a homestay are all-inclusive. The Home Stay provides all meals. Juniors (16-18) are encouraged not to bring too much money with them but some spending money money (£50) should be sufficient. Tickets and fares for internal travel and admission to sights are included in the course price.
Adults staying in self-catering apartments need to pay for their food bills. Admission and travel costs are part of the course price.
Do I need to pay for any of the leisure activities?
No, they are all included in the course fees. The money which you bring is for your personal shopping or souvenirs for family and friends.
How many students will there be in each class?
The maximum number is 12 in a class.
Will I have to sit for tests?
There will be on-going assessments and weekly tests. The aim is to help you revise and practise what you have learnt. It also helps teachers monitor your progress and the areas where you may need more help.
Is there any guidance of how to keep improving my English after the course?
Your teachers will guide you as how you can continue to improve your English once you return to your home country. They will also recommend other courses, books and websites which you can go to further improve your English.
How do I get to the college when I first arrive in England?
You will be met by one of our staff members whether you arrive by air or rail. We provide all transfers (arrivals and departures). There is no extra charge for this. There is also a student handbook and induction to help you on your first day.
What if I fall ill?
All students need to take insurance before they arrive in the UK. This will cover all your expenses if you fall ill. If you stay in a homestay, the host will contact a Highgate staff member to let them know you are ill. The host or staff member will take you to the local doctor. If it is serious, you will be taken to the local hospital.
What facilities are there at college?
The college is well-equipped with audio-visual materials, CDs, DVD players, overhead projectors and so on. We also have a library where you will find computers that students are allowed to use. You can do your research here and email your parents from these computers. The college is also near a big supermarket and a McDonald’s.
How are the homestays chosen?
We take a lot of care when selecting homestays. These are usually local families who have worked with us over the years. We inspect their homes to make sure that our students are comfortable there. All our students must have a proper bed, wardrobe space and an area to work in. The student’s laundry is also done by the host once a week.
We make sure that all the homestays we use are aware of food preferences of our students and any allergies a student may have.
Lastly, adults in the family are usually checked by the Criminal Records Bureau and all adults must sign a declaration that they have no criminal records and that they have never been placed on the Sexual Offenders Register.
From past experience we know that many students maintain their relationship with their hosts long after they have left England.
What if I don’t like my host ?
We will try our very best to resolve the situation and if necessary, we will move the student to another homestay.
