Teenagers from Italy, France and Germany have spent a weekend at Ellesmere College to see if they would like to go there – and they have the bug for boarding.

The first ever International Boarding Taster Weekend has been deemed a huge success as six of the seven who visited are now looking to join the school to start their students in September.

During the visit the students lived in the boarding house with current students, attended A Level and International Baccalaureate (IB) lessons, attended a careers workshop, joined sports, music, watched the house plays in drama and took part in other clubs at the school. They also attended social events and went on social excursions to places such as Chester Market for a Saturday evening social.

The inaugural taster weekend has been such a success, the school aims to run another such event.

Stephen Mullock, Deputy Head External Relations at Ellesmere College, said: “This unique opportunity gave students considering boarding in the UK a chance to immerse themselves in British boarding school life before making this big decision.

“Boarding at our school is more than just staying on campus, it’s about becoming part of a close-knit, supportive community where pupils form deep friendships that often last a lifetime, sharing experiences, challenges and celebrations together.

“Over the four exciting days, our visitors lived with, learned from and connected with Ellesmere students from the UK and around the world, experiencing first-hand what it’s like to be part of our vibrant boarding school community.”

During the visit in October (16-19) the students joined Ellesmere College’s short-term year 11 international pupils, who cover many parts of Europe and South America. After the weekend, several of these short-term stay pupils who took part have said they are now planning on extending their time and staying for sixth form.

As well as full time boarding, Ellesmere College also offers weekly boarding and flexi-boarding, giving students the opportunity to make the most of on site facilities and cocurricular activities in the best way to suit them and their family.

They also have day students from across Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Mid Wales and as far away as Manchester, due to the extensive bus routes for day pupils.

For more information about the types of boarding available at Ellesmere College visit www.ellesmere.com.