International Education

As an IB World School for more than three decades, international-mindedness is at the heart of life at Impington Village College. Our aim is to develop intercultural understanding, respect and global awareness through a curriculum that connects learning to the wider world.

We encourage students to explore different cultures and perspectives through a combination of curriculum-based learning, international partnerships and real-world experiences. These opportunities enable students to reflect on their own lives while developing an understanding of others.

Global Partnerships and Experiences

We maintain partnerships with schools across Europe, Asia and South America, including France, Germany, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Peru. Through these links, students take part in exchanges, collaborative projects and cultural activities.

Students also access a wide range of international visits, including language exchanges, academic trips and service-learning opportunities. These experiences are always linked to curriculum learning and global themes such as sustainability, culture and identity.

In addition, Impington regularly hosts international students from across the world, who are paired with IVC students and fully integrated into school life. This allows all students to benefit from intercultural exchange, including those who do not travel abroad.

Some examples of our recent trips include:

• Outdoor and adventurous trip to the Ardeche, France
• Sports Tours to Malta and Greece
• Ski trips to various European ski resorts
• Science trip to CERN in Geneva, Switzerland
• Visual Art trips to Paris and Rome
• History Battlefields Trip to Northern France and a trip to Berlin
• Christmas Market Trip to Germany
• World Challenge expedition to Tanzania
• Languages exchange programmes to France, Germany, Spain and Japan
• Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition kayaking in Sweden
• Environmental studies exploration in Iceland
• Sixth Form trip to Bishoftu, Ethiopia
• Trips to India to support a school for disabled children in Jodphur
• Trip to Peru to build a community garden and local sustainable facilities
• Trip to Botswana for a school exchange and safari
• Trip to Vietnam for a school exchange and sightseeing

You can find out more about our international opportunities at IVC by following our social media pages:

• Facebook
• Instagram

Preparing Global Citizens

Through our international programme, students develop:

• Intercultural understanding and empathy
• Awareness of global issues such as sustainability and inequality
• Confidence in communication across cultures
• Skills in collaboration, leadership and reflection

These experiences ensure that all students leave Impington prepared to contribute positively to an increasingly interconnected world.

International Learning from Year 7

International education begins in Year 7 through the IB Middle Years Programme. Students engage with global contexts across all subjects, take part in cultural learning activities and begin their language learning journey.

Opportunities to host visiting students, take part in enrichment activities and engage with global themes ensure that all students develop international-mindedness from the start of their time at Impington.

Working Across Our Trust

Impington works closely with partner primary schools across the Eastern Learning Alliance Trust, including Girton Glebe Primary. Secondary language specialists support primary pupils, ensuring continuity of language learning and global awareness from KS2 to KS3. This strengthens transition and establishes Impington as a leading provider of international education locally.

Leadership

Maya Whitmore Tennant, Trust Director of Student Experience, leads the development of international opportunities across the Trust. She works closely with staff to ensure that all students can access meaningful experiences such as exchanges, visits and cultural programmes.

“Our focus is on deep equity and inclusion—ensuring that high-impact international experiences, from digital collaborations to overseas expeditions, are meaningful, accessible, and profoundly impactful for every single student across the Trust.”

International School Award 2025-2026

Impington Village College holds the British Council International School Award, recognising our commitment to embedding international learning across the curriculum and wider school life.