A Foundation of Success
The Felixstowe International Foundation Programme (Felixstowe-IFP) is an intensive 6- or 9-month pre-university programme designed to prepare students for entry to universities in the UK, USA, Canada and selected international destinations.
Built around A-Level programme specifications, it combines academic study, English language development, study skills, practical competencies and university preparation.
Students can select three modules or choose one of five pre-planned pathway combinations, creating a bespoke Foundation Programme around future degree goals.
Download the full programme guide
View the full Felixstowe International Foundation & A-Level Programme brochure.
Months
Guided learning hours
Main modules
Pre-planned pathways
What is the Felixstowe-IFP?
The programme is designed to provide the academic foundation needed for university success while improving general and academic English, study skills, cultural understanding and practical competencies.
It was developed by academics and education experts under the leadership of Principal Rebecca Mainprice, with the brochure stating that the team brings more than 50 years of combined experience in pre-university education.
The programme also includes a global perspective and community action element, with students expected to volunteer or serve the community as part of preparation for life as a global citizen.
Why Choose the Felixstowe-IFP?
The brochure positions the programme as academically challenging, flexible and designed around university preparation.
Student-led flexibility
Students can select any three available modules or choose one of the pre-planned pathway titles.
Key modules include:
- Three chosen modules
- Pre-planned pathway options
- Bespoke programme combinations
University-style assessment
Assessment methods are designed to mirror university approaches in the UK, USA, Canada and other destinations.
Key modules include:
- Portfolios and assignments
- Presentations and posters
- Research and practical competencies
- Internally invigilated examinations
Quality assurance
The brochure states that examinations are moderated, teachers receive standardisation, and science practical endorsement is supported and moderated.
Key modules include:
- Internal moderation
- Peer review
- External moderation
- A-Level aligned assessment
University progression support
The IFP team supports students with course choices and university applications, with the aim of progression to degree study in the UK and selected international destinations.
Key modules include:
- Course selection support
- University applications
- Progression planning
- International destinations
Five Foundation Pathways
Students may choose one of the five pre-planned pathways, or select any three modules from the available Foundation titles to create a bespoke programme package.
Social Science Pathway
An in-depth introduction to Psychology, Sociology and Biology, preparing students for undergraduate study in social sciences and related disciplines.
Key modules include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Biology
- English for Academic Purposes
- SK100: Study Skills
Business Pathway
A foundation for business-related degrees, combining quantitative skills with business and marketing concepts relevant to university and the real world.
Key modules include:
- Mathematics, Statistics and ICT
- Business Studies and Marketing
- English for Academic Purposes
- SK100: Study Skills
Law Pathway
A robust introduction to Law with a social-science context, with options to combine Law with Politics and History.
Key modules include:
- Law – CIE 9084
- Politics
- History
- English for Academic Purposes
- SK100: Study Skills
Science and Engineering Pathway
Designed for progression to science and engineering degrees, developing core knowledge and practical competencies across mathematical and scientific disciplines.
Key modules include:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Practical Endorsement
- English for Academic Purposes
- SK100: Study Skills
Math and Economics Pathway
A foundation for Economics, Finance and related university degrees, combining mathematics with microeconomic and macroeconomic study.
Key modules include:
- Mathematics
- Economics
- English for Academic Purposes
- SK100: Study Skills
Assessment, Entry & Progress
Students are normally expected to have completed secondary education and taken GCSE, O-Level, IGCSE or an equivalent local qualification. All assessment is carried out in English.
- Guided learning: 420 hours across the course.
- Assessment: examinations, assignments, presentations, posters, practical write-ups and independent study tasks.
- Assessment cycles: mainly December, March and summer.
- Grades: Pass 40-59%, Merit 60-69%, Distinction 70%+.
- Resits: available within the eligibility period where an assessment is failed.
- Start dates: September-June or January-June.
Beyond the Academic Modules
The programme also lists a wider set of experiences intended to prepare students for university and adult life.
Extras include: Religious Education, Modern Languages, Global Perspective, Scholar Program, careers, public speaking, university preparation, PSHE, SMSC, British citizenship and values, work experience, volunteering, parliamentary and democracy studies, personal statements and leadership masterclasses.
Preparing for University Progression
Students on the Felixstowe-IFP have applied to universities in the UK, USA, Canada and other international destinations.
The brochure lists popular progression areas including Pharmacy and medical-related courses, Management and Business, Economics and Finance, Law, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Politics and International Relations, Sociology and Psychology.
A-Level Programme
The brochure also presents a two-year A-Level programme for students aged approximately 16-18. Students usually choose three academic subjects and are assessed primarily through examinations at the end of the two years.
Subjects listed in the brochure: Psychology, History, Geography, Mathematics, Core Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, ICT, Business, English Literature and English Language. Other courses can be added on demand.
Explore the Full Foundation & A-Level Programme
This page is a summary. Download the complete programme guide for full pathway descriptions, assessment information, module detail, progression information and programme contacts.
