A high school with a preparatory year devotes a year to intensive foreign-language study before grade 9. For families choosing a high school after Turkey's national LGS exam, the question is usually: is this year lost, or is it an investment? The answer depends on the student's goals. Here you will find who the preparatory year suits, questions to ask when choosing a school, and the preparatory programme at TED Üsküdar College Anatolian High School.
Who is the preparatory year for?
The preparatory year makes most sense for students who:
- will study science and maths in English in high school,
- want to join an English-medium programme such as the IB Diploma Programme in grades 11 and 12,
- are considering university abroad (academic English, IELTS/TOEFL preparation),
- do not yet have English at an academic level.
For a student whose English is already strong, it matters whether the school allows them to skip the preparatory year.
7 questions to ask
- Is the preparatory year compulsory for everyone? Can a student with strong English start directly in grade 9?
- How many hours of English a week in the preparatory year?
- Which high school subjects are taught in English?
- What level is targeted by the end of grade 12? Is it expressed on a measurable scale such as the CEFR?
- Is there preparation for international exams? (e.g. PET, FCE, IELTS, TOEFL)
- Is there a second foreign language? Which one, and what level is targeted?
- Are there scholarships based on the LGS score? How do students who didn't take the LGS apply?
The preparatory year at TED Üsküdar College Anatolian High School
| Question | TED Üsküdar College Anatolian High School |
|---|---|
| Is it compulsory? | Students who gain a place sit an English proficiency exam; those above the level start directly in grade 9 |
| Weekly English | 21 hours in the preparatory year |
| Subjects in English | Science and maths at all levels |
| Target level | CEFR C1-C2 by the end of grade 12 |
| International exams | Preparation for Cambridge PET and FCE, IELTS and TOEFL |
| International programme | IB Diploma Programme in grades 11 and 12 (IB World School since 2025) |
| Second foreign language | German or French; CEFR B1-B2 target by the end of high school |
| Class size | Maximum 24 students |
| School day | 08:00 start; ends 15:30 Monday-Thursday and 13:10 on Friday |
| English beyond lessons | MUN, European Youth Parliament, creative writing, drama, film and book clubs; a two-week summer school in the UK every year |
The preparatory programme is designed for students who are new to English or want a strong start in language learning. The thematic programme develops listening, speaking, reading and writing together and also lays the foundations for English literature lessons in high school.
Admissions and scholarships at TED Üsküdar College
- Admission: the TED Schools Entrance Exam (TOGS) and/or the LGS result, with a Student Assessment by the Psychological Counselling and Guidance Unit.
- LGS Merit Scholarship: awarded by LGS score and percentile; rates and conditions are announced each year after the LGS by the Board of Directors, and the scholarship lasts until the end of high school (LGS scholarship guide).
- Other scholarships and discounts: merit scholarships based on TOGS held in January (also open to preparatory-year and grade 9 students), internal scholarships for the top three students at each level; sibling and TED alumni discounts (Scholarships and Discounts).
For full programme details, see the Academic Programme page. To visit the high school and ask about the English proficiency exam: +90 216 424 44 44 or the information form.