Haileybury Academic Pathway (HAP)

The Haileybury Academic Pathway 

A structured route into full academic life at Haileybury.

Launching in September 2026, to coincide with the opening of our state-of-the-art campus, the Haileybury Academic Pathway (HAP) is designed for international pupils of Year 7 age and upwards who aspire to join Haileybury but require further development in academic English before entering the mainstream curriculum full-time.

HAP is not a general language course. It is a rigorous, carefully structured programme that prepares pupils to succeed within a British curriculum environment. Our aim is simple: when pupils transition into their year group, they do so with confidence, clarity and academic readiness. Whilst taught separately from their peers for some of the timetable, they will have plenty of opportunity to use their improving English during social time and subjects such as Sport, Art and Music.

Academic English at its Core

Thriving at Haileybury demands more than conversational fluency. Pupils must be able to interpret complex texts, construct well-reasoned arguments, write analytically, understand subject-specific terminology and participate confidently in discussion across disciplines.

The Haileybury Academic Pathway focuses on precisely these skills. Teaching is closely aligned with the expectations of the main school and supports pupils in developing:

  • subject-specific vocabulary

  • analytical reading and writing skills

  • structured essay technique

  • effective listening and note-taking

  • confidence in academic discussion

The emphasis is always on readiness for full participation in mainstream lessons.

Small Groups, Focused Progress

Pupils in HAP are taught in small groups of 4–6. This ensures highly personalised instruction, detailed feedback and accelerated progress. Teaching is responsive and carefully tailored to each pupil’s needs.

Each pupil begins with a diagnostic assessment and follows an individual learning plan with clear milestones. Progress is reviewed regularly to determine readiness for increased integration into mainstream classes.

A seamless transition

As pupils strengthen their academic English, they gradually join selected mainstream lessons and co-curricular activities. This phased approach allows language development to take place in authentic academic contexts.

When the required standard is reached, pupils transfer fully into their year group. The transition is smooth, supported and carefully managed.

The aim is not simply language improvement, but genuine intellectual confidence.

Maintaining standards, widening opportunity

The Haileybury Academic Pathway runs alongside the main school timetable. Pupils remain fully part of the Haileybury community while receiving additional intensive academic English provision.

An annual surcharge applies to cover the cost of this enhanced support, including specialist teaching and small-group instruction. This amount will vary, depending on the level of additional support and tuition required.

The Haileybury Academic Pathway enables us to uphold the academic standards of the school while welcoming talented pupils from around the world.

It is a thoughtful bridge into full academic life; one that protects expectations, builds confidence and ensures that every pupil enters their year group ready not merely to cope, but to thrive.

For further information regarding entry requirements and assessment, please contact our Admissions team.