STUDENT CASE STUDY One-Term Boarding Placement • Spring Term 2025

Considering a UK boarding school placement for your child? Read this case study from a US family who chose Kingsley School Devon through CIEE — and called it an experience they'll

The story

STUDENT CASE STUDY One-Term Boarding Placement • Spring Term 2025

Zoe Luchini

Big Sky, Montana, USA • Year 12 / Sixth Form • Belvoir House (Girls' Boarding) • Spring Term 2025

When fifteen-year-old Zoe Luchini from Big Sky, Montana, began researching UK boarding schools, she led her own search. Working through the CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange), she studied her options and made a quick judgment: "I don't love big cities. Kingsley was pretty cool because it was on the coast and in a town. I figured it would be perfect for me."

Her family describe what followed as an experience they will "forever treasure."

Why Kingsley?

Zoe's decision was both instinctive and well-reasoned. The school's scale, coastal setting, outdoor philosophy and genuine sustainability credentials all appealed, a very different world from landlocked Montana.

"She was drawn to the size of the school, the vocational options, the location, and the outdoor and sustainable philosophies the school promoted. We were all so pleased there was room for her when we enquired." Maggie Luchini, Zoe's mother

Watch the full interview here

Academic life: a year ahead and rising to the challenge

Joining Year 12 (Sixth Form) and studying Chemistry, Mathematics and English Literature, Zoe had effectively skipped a year — and missed the opening term. She could have found it overwhelming. Instead, she thrived.

"All of the teachers have been super encouraging and helpful, and understanding of how I've skipped a year," she says. "And my classmates have been willing to help me learn all of the new stuff and keep me on track."

"Her teachers were extremely encouraging. They were key in keeping Zoe's confidence up, and having access to regular tutoring sessions was very helpful." Maggie Luchini, Zoe's mother

As an added bonus, Zoe notes she'll likely cover similar A Level content when she returns home, giving her an academic head start she hadn't anticipated

Boarding life: a genuine home from home

Life in Belvoir House and the warmth of House Parent Jessica Willoughby were central to Zoe's experience.

"Everyone is so connected and nice — you can really just talk to anyone," says Zoe. "My first time here, I didn't know what to do, but everyone showed me around, showed me to my classes. You can pick a lot of what you want to do; they offer trips at weekends."

"Jessica Willoughby was wonderful in easing bouts of homesickness, was responsive and helpful with family communications, and did a wonderful job keeping teens in order through clear expectations. Everything an abroad parent could hope for their child." Maggie Luchini, Zoe's mother

When Zoe became unwell during the term, the pastoral team ensured she received proper care and kept her family fully informed. As her mother noted: "We never felt uncertain for Zoe's wellbeing while at Kingsley."

Adventures beyond the classroom

Kingsley's weekend and activities programme gave Zoe a series of experiences she would never have found at home:

The Eden Project — including a ride on one of Europe's longest zip wires. "It is really cool," she says. "I looked down."
Surf Academy — at least three sessions with Kingsley's surf team on the North Devon coast. "The whole surf academy is amazing, they're all super helpful and encouraging. I really am happy I had that experience."
Coastal walks — cliff walks and personal trips exploring the wider Devon landscape.
A farewell bonfire — heartfelt goodbyes with housemates at the end of term.

Global friendships and a changed perspective

With over 70 boarders from more than 20 countries, Kingsley's boarding community opened Zoe's world in ways she hadn't expected. "It's really shown me how similar a lot of people's lives are — and also how different. A lot of people come here to improve their English, so you hear so many different voices and meet a ton of new people."

"At Kingsley, Zoe made lifelong friendships with girls from around the world, opened her mind and heart to other cultures, and took advantage of every activity she possibly could. The smiles and reports we received always revolved around friends and boarding life."

— Maggie Luchini, Zoe's mother

Zoe's advice to other families

"It's a great opportunity and if you have the chance, you should definitely take it. The people here and the friendships I've made will last me a lifetime. And you have technology, so I could call my parents anytime. It really changed my perspective on stuff." — Zoe Luchini

"We are deeply grateful for our journey to Kingsley. We are sad we were not able to have a longer stay."

— Maggie and Jason Luchin