Entry Requirements

Language Assessment

As a school uniquely committed to developing bilingual proficiency, English and Vietnamese are the principle languages of communication throughout the school.  This is particularly the case for Early Years’ students (50:50 English to Vietnamese language ratio) and in Primary (60:40). Secondary students have all lessons in English, except for those covering Vietnamese language and humanities. 

Consequently, all prospective students must demonstrate that they are sufficiently fluent in English and/or Vietnamese language to be able to communicate effectively in, and therefore to enter, their intended year-group. 

The school is able to provide additional English or Vietnamese support, at no extra cost, for children who may initially need it. Children with minor specific learning difficulties can also be supported.

The Entrance Assessment

The entrance assessment takes place within school by appointment through the Admissions Staff or remotely via online platforms (Teams, Zoom,..). The Admissions Office will be happy to advise you on what is most suitable for your child.

All applicants are required to sit a short computerised entrance assessment (for which no preparation is required) and to attend an interview with a member of the relevant senior academic staff for the section you wish your child to enter.  They will establish how we can best support each student both academically,  socially andemotionally.

Parents must also provide the school with the means of completing the application process. Where applicable, all additional information, such as examination certificates, school reports, personal recommendations and academic transcripts, should also be submitted.

If a child has specific learning difficulties, additional relevant assessment and intervention documentation, where available, should be supplied and an interview with the Learning Support Coordinator may occur before a place can be offered.

Details of Assessments

Entry into Early Years Foundation Stage (F3)

• A simple 30-40 minutes of playing/drawing/talking session with Admissions Staff .
• Interview session of about 10-15 minutes with Head/Assistant Head of Primary and/or Head of Early Years’.
• In certain cases, a trial period in the classroom. 
• It is a requirement that children can feed themselves and are no longer in nappies, before the time of attending the school.

Entry into the Primary School (Y1 – Y3)

• About 40 minutes of written test including reading, shapes arrangement, number writing and addition/subtraction problems processed by the Admissions staff.
• A verbal appraisal throughan interview with the Head/Assistant Head of Primary in 15 – 20 minutes.
• In certain cases, a trial period in the classroom. 

Entry into the Primary School (Y4 – Y6)

• A  short writing task in English (30 minutes) and online cognitive ability test (CAT4) on a school laptop and paper (1.5 hours)
• A verbal appraisal (max 30 minutes) through interview session with the Head/Assistant Head of Primary or Principal.
• In certain cases, a trial period in the classroom. 

Entry into the Secondary School (Y7-Y12)

• English writing task and online cognitive ability test (CAT4) on a school laptop and paper  (2 hours and a half)
• A verbal appraisal (max 30 minutes) through interview session with the Head/Assistant Head of Secondary or Principal.
• In certain cases, a further English as an Additional Language (EAL) review may be required with a member of the EAL team to assess how we can most effective help the student with their transition into the school.
• The assessment of your child’s language ability and academic development is important both for children who have English as a first language and for those who do not, as it allows us to understand to which class/level he or she would be most suited.

Offer of a place

Our commitment is to send parents a written confirmation of a formal place for your child(ren) at the British Vietnamese International School within 5 working days of the assessment.

Placement

Placement of a student in a specific year group is determined by the Head teacher of the relevant section, in consultation with the Principal, after a consideration of the student’s date of birth (as indicated on the Schedule of Fees) and the school’s assessment of the student’s academic level, maturity and language ability at the time of application. 

Acceptance and guarantee of a place

If you wish to benefit from our unique educational offer at our school, we ask that you do so within 1 week of receiving the formal offer letter.

Payment of registration fees and the security deposit will secure a confirmed place for your child. Please note that any late payment of either the fees or deposit could result in your child’s place being offered to another pupil. 

It is always advisable to keep in close and regular contact with our helpful Admissions Staff who will be on hand to assist in this vital decision you are making on behalf of your child(ren).