Forfar Schools Launch Cross-School Short Stay Programme

Forfar Education is pleased to announce an exciting new cross-school initiative that will bring pupils together from across its network, strengthening collaboration and shared learning between schools. This summer term, Finborough School in Suffolk will host pupils from The British College of Andorra (BCA) and The English International College (EIC), Marbella, as part of its Forfar Short Stay Programme.

The programme builds on the success of last month’s cross-school ski trip to Foppolo, Italy, where pupils from Finborough School, The Gleddings in Halifax and Cameron Vale School in London came together for a shared experience defined by teamwork, adventure and new friendships. That trip demonstrated the value of connecting pupils across the group, and the Short Stay Programme represents the next step in creating more sustained, immersive opportunities for collaboration.

The Short Stay Programme will see pupils immersed in daily life at Finborough for two, two-week stays during May and June. Participants from BCA include pupils in Years 6 and 9, while EIC students from Years 7, 8 and 9 will join the Finborough community.

An Opportunity for Growth and Independence

The programme has been designed to offer pupils a meaningful opportunity to step beyond their familiar environments and experience life in a different school and country. By living within Finborough’s boarding community, students will benefit from a safe, supportive setting while developing independence, resilience and confidence.

Pupils will be fully integrated into school life, attending lessons, participating in co-curricular activities and forming friendships with peers from across the Forfar network. The experience aims to broaden horizons, encourage cultural exchange and develop personal growth through shared learning and new challenges.

Students and staff at both BCA and EIC have expressed strong enthusiasm for the initiative, recognising its value in helping young people build independence and adaptability, while also strengthening connections between schools.

Building Connections Across the Forfar Family

Steven Clark, Headmaster of Finborough School, highlighted the significance of the initiative:

“We are looking ahead with real excitement to what promises to be a truly landmark summer term at Finborough, one that will see our school connected in a meaningful and dynamic way across Europe as part of the Forfar family.

Following the resounding success of our recent Forfar ski trip to Foppolo in Italy, an experience defined by adventure, camaraderie and shared purpose, we now take the next step. Over the course of this term, we are delighted to be welcoming students from The British College of Andorra and The English International College in Marbella to Finborough.”

He added that visiting pupils will experience a full immersion into Finborough’s academic and co-curricular life, as well as its boarding environment, enabling them to “live, learn and grow alongside our pupils.”

Richard Sutcliffe, School Director at EIC agreed with Steven’s comments and added:

“Our students are excited about this opportunity and cannot wait to get on the plane to visit Finborough School.  As School Director, I am quite envious of our students who are stepping outside their comfort zone to be the first EIC students to experience such a wonderful opportunity. We cannot wait to reciprocate this for the South of Spain and to other countries that form part of the Forfar Education group.

Harry Lock, Headmaster of BCA also commented:

“BCA cannot wait to reciprocate this opportunity either and look forward to welcoming other Forfar Education group schools to sample the adventure, culture, fun and learning to be had here in Andorra and Catalonia.” 

A Foundation for Future Collaboration

This first Short Stay Programme represents an important step in deepening collaboration across the Forfar Education group.  Both BCA and EIC have expressed enthusiasm for developing reciprocal opportunities, with plans to host pupils from other Forfar schools in the future.

By creating opportunities for pupils to interact together across different settings, and building on the momentum of recent shared experiences such as the ski trip, the initiative reflects Forfar Education’s commitment to developing confident, resilient young people who are prepared to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

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