It was our absolute pleasure to welcome the Oxford Royale Academy students here for Session 6 to Yarnton Manor. Campus staff waited eagerly and ready to greet the excited students alongside their family members, handing them welcome packs detailing the academically and socially stimulating timetables. Counsellors warmly guided students to their rooms and helped them feel right at home in their new, quite grand, surroundings.

As students met and bonded with their new roommates and classmates, parents enjoyed traditional English afternoon tea on the lawn. With rooms found and bags dropped, the students were keen to explore the manor and its stunning grounds, students got their first glimpse at the classrooms where they will be learning over the coming fortnight. It was truly heart-warming to see the students taking seats and roleplaying a lesson; they are evidently very enthusiastic to begin work.

Christine Luscombe-Whyte, Programme Director for Yarnton Manor then proceeded to offer a welcome talk, making all students fully aware that the staff are very much on their side, and are always happy to help with any issue great or small. Students were guided through some of the week’s highlights to further grow the student’s excitement and provide talking points for this evening’s ice –breaker exercises.  Christine also insisted that students must “grab every opportunity presented to them” to ensure they really take in as much as possible during their short stay with us.

After wishing their families fond farewells, the Counsellors didn’t hesitate to break out the introductory exercises, encouraging all students to integrate. The 61 students appear to be getting on incredibly well with friendships appearing to form already. After many long flights and an exciting afternoon, many students were weary and happy to get an early night ahead of starting their first day of lessons in the morning. The students will also be getting their first glimpses of the city tomorrow as they embark on the Oxford walking tour.