Farewell to Our International Leavers

International Students Graduating from UK Sixth Form College

Celebrating success is an important part of the journey in UK sixth form education for international students. At a sixth form college like John Leggott College, graduation is not just an event. It represents growth, resilience and the completion of a transformative experience in studying in the UK.

On 22nd May, we proudly celebrated the International Class of 2026. It was a meaningful moment for students, families and staff, marking the end of two years of A Level study, personal development and cultural discovery within a safe UK study environment.

International Student Leavers Ceremony at JLC

The afternoon began with a relaxed drinks reception, bringing together host families, college staff, friends, agents and family members. Events like this highlight the strong international student support systems available within UK sixth form colleges.

For many students, arriving in the UK was their first experience living abroad. Over time, they settled into a new culture, built confidence in English and developed independence. Seeing everyone together at graduation reflected the strong network of care and guidance that supports international students throughout their studies.

At a college like JLC, this sense of community is central. International students benefit from:

• Dedicated pastoral and academic support

• Experienced staff familiar with global education pathways

• Safe homestay accommodation with trusted host families

• A welcoming, inclusive student environment

This foundation allows students to focus on their A Levels while feeling secure and supported.

A Final Celebration for Our International Students

The ceremony opened with performances from students, including piano and guitar pieces. These moments highlight an important aspect of studying in the UK. Education is about more than academic success.

International students at JLC benefit from opportunities to explore creativity, build confidence and develop skills beyond their subjects. Whether through music, enrichment activities or student led events, learners are encouraged to express themselves and grow as individuals.

This balanced approach supports university preparation, helping students stand out when applying to competitive institutions, including G5 and Russell Group universities.

A huge thank you to everyone at Cleatham Hall for hosting us so beautifully and for helping to make the evening so special. It was the perfect setting for a night our students will not forget.

Building Lifelong Friendships Through International Study in the UK

Something quite special happens when you move to a new country to study. The people around you quickly become your support network, your social life and your family away from home. At JLC, we see that happen every year without fail.

Students arrive from different countries, speaking different languages, with very different life experiences. Within weeks, they are sharing meals, helping each other with coursework and exploring their new home together. By the time they leave, they have built friendships that genuinely cross borders.

To our Class of 2026: please stay in touch with each other. The connections you have made here are worth holding on to. And please do not be strangers with us either. We would love to hear how your next chapter unfolds.

Study A Levels in the UK at John Leggott College

If you are an international student considering sixth form study in the UK, this is exactly what life at John Leggott College looks like.

You will be supported from the moment you arrive. You will study in a friendly, inclusive environment where staff genuinely care about your progress. You will have access to dedicated international support, accommodation guidance and a community of students from around the world who are going through exactly the same experience as you.

And after two years, you will leave with strong A Level results, excellent references and a very real chance of progressing to a top UK university, including Russell Group institutions.

More than that, you will leave with people in your life who matter to you. People you have laughed with, studied alongside and grown with. That is what makes JLC different, and it is what brings students to us from every corner of the world.

Ready to find out more? Explore our study options, learn about student accommodation, check fees and costs, or go straight to international admissions to start your application. You can also visit our International Hub for everything you need in one place.

FAQ Section

What happens at the International Leavers ceremony at JLC?

The International Leavers ceremony is a celebration of everything students have achieved during their two years at JLC. It includes live music performed by the students, heartfelt speeches, certificate presentations and a final dinner together. It is a proud and emotional occasion for students, staff and families alike. Find out more about life at JLC on our International Hub.

Where do JLC international students go after they leave college?

Many of our international leavers go on to study at leading UK universities, including Russell Group and G5 institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE and UCL. Others return home with strong A Level qualifications, excellent references and the confidence that comes from two years of study abroad in the UK. Explore our study options to see what is available.

How do international students at JLC stay connected after leaving?

The friendships formed at JLC tend to last long after students leave. Many stay in close contact with each other and with the college. We actively encourage our leavers to keep in touch, share their news and come back to visit. Once part of the JLC community, always part of it. You can also find helpful resources for students and families in our International Student Guides.

Can I study A Levels in the UK at John Leggott College as an international student?

Yes. JLC welcomes international students from all over the world. You can choose from a wide range of A Level subjects and study programmes, benefit from dedicated international support and accommodation guidance, and join a community of students from across the globe. Applications for September 2026 are now open.