International pupils left in limbo after Dorset school closure

Summarised from BBC Dorset's report · Updated 6 Nov, 10:00 · Archive

More than 20 international students were left scrambling for alternatives after Leweston School in Dorset closed suddenly.

Leweston School, an independent day-and-boarding school in Dorset, closed suddenly without notice, leaving more than 20 international students scrambling for alternatives. The school announced the closure in a letter to staff and parents received last week and said it would not reopen after half-term.

Holly Quick, the school's former director of international students and Head of English as a Foreign Language, said many students had their visas sponsored by the school. Students came from countries including Mexico and China. Most have since found places at other schools, but Quick said staff attempting to help students collect their belongings from the site received no guidance or response.

One Year 11 student from China was forced to return home after failing to find another school with suitable English language provision, meaning he cannot sit his GCSEs. Quick said the student was distressed by the decision. Hugh Dickinson, CEO of Concept Education, which took over the school in December, said a transition team was now in place and international student queries would be dealt with urgently.

Read the report

• Uncertainty for international pupils after school closureLeweston School in Dorset housed more than 20 international students before its closure.BBC Dorset · 6 Nov, 06:14

In this story: Leweston School · Dorset · Holly Quick · Hugh Dickinson · Concept Education · China · Mexico

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