English-Speaking Union - Secondary School Exchange Programme

Secondary School Exchange Programme

British students, having completed their A-Levels, can spend two or three terms at a private prep school in the United States or Canada during their gap year. In return American students come to British schools. Originally known as the British and American Schoolboy and Schoolgirl Exchange, the programme was created in 1928. Former British ESU student exchange scholars include:

  • Sir Ian Blair (Harvard-Westlake School) - Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police
  • Sir John Bond (Cate School 1959) - Chairman of HSBC
  • Sir Richard Dearlove (Kent School) - Director of MI6
  • Dawn French (Spence School) - actress and comedienne
  • Chris Hawkins (Tabor Academy) - Radio presenter
  • KT Tunstall (Kent School) - Popular Musician

American ESU student exchange scholars include:

  • Howard Dean - US Governor and Presidential candidate

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