UK School advice

Why the UK?

The UK has a fine tradition of academic achievement, and its curriculum/ qualifications has heavily influenced and been adopted in other parts of the globe. In an ever-changing World, giving your child the best opportunity to gain the necessary tools to progress through the chosen education pathway has never been more important.

Most UK schools believe in a holistic approach to education, and this is well received during the University application process. For example, applying to the G5 universities in the UK, the number of A* grades are only part of the requirement – confidence, leadership, openness, and skills developed through Art, Drama, Sport, and Music all play a significant role in a successful application.

UK boarding schools are also evolving – whether by supporting University/ College applications to the USA/ EU but also encouraging their students to consider high level apprenticeships after sixth form too.

The UK remains a fine option to families considering overseas study and will continue to move forward in the foreseeable future.

TYPES OF SCHOOL:

PREP SCHOOL:

Age range: 3-13 years old or 3-11 years old
Can be single sex school or mixed
Day and boarding options
Prepare for Common Entrance or 11+
Schools that are often small, up to 200 in size
Prepare children for the large, robust senior schools (including Grammar)

ALL THROUGH SCHOOL:

Age range: 3-18 years old
Split often into a Junior and Senior school
It has become quite common that some of the larger senior schools have

‘feeder’ prep / junior schools

There are large and small all through schools

SENIOR SCHOOL:

13-18 years old or 11-18 years old
Schools that focus on the exam year groups such as GCSE/ IB/ A’ level
School size can vary between 300-1000
Class sizes are always small

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL:

Age range: Varies
Typically start for exam year groups or preparation courses for the top UK schools and Universities
All are international students
Heavy academic focus
Size varies from 100 to several hundred

SIXTH FORM SCHOOL/ COLLEGE:

Age: 16-19 years old
Focus on A’ level/ IB/ B-tech courses
Size varies from a hundred to several hundred

GRAMMAR SCHOOL:

Age: 11-18 years old
Government-run school and tuition is free
Fees are paid on boarding
Highly competitive and academically very strong
Large schools with large class sizes

SUMMER SCHOOL:

Age: 8 to 15 years old
Focus on 2-4 week courses
Aimed for English development and is taught through a range of activities and experiences
Focus is on fun and a good introduction to UK education

Q & A:

WHY THE UK?

The UK has a fine tradition of academic achievement and remains one of the best places to educate your child

HOW MUCH ARE BOARDING SCHOOL FEES?

Anywhere from £25,000 to £65,000.

ARE THERE ADDITIONAL FEES TO FACTOR IN?

Yes – there will be added extras to the normal school fees such as EAL support and certain activities. Also, do not forget there is 'guardianship' to factor in too.

WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD JOIN?

The earlier the better!

WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR THE INITIAL T&G ASSESSMENT?

No - There is no need to prepare for our assessments. The process is designed to assess what level you child is currently at. We will discuss the results with you at the follow-up appointment and a full written report produced.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

We operate in the UK and South East Asia– come and see us when you can!

DO YOU HAVE EVENTS?

Yes - We will have a series of seminars showcasing the UK and boarding school education shortly. Look out for our announcements

HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DOES YOUR TEAM OF CONSULTANTS HAVE?

Our consultants, all have recently been involved in teaching at UK boarding or Grammar schools – either as a Head of an academic department, Housemaster or Senior Leader including a former Director of International admissions!

DONT FORGET: GUARDIANSHIP!

When heading to the UK on a Tier 4 visa, it is mandatory to have a legal guardian. Most of the time, boarding schools have strict rules around this and here are some key points:

1. Any named guardian must be over the age of 25 – there are no exceptions with those who are relatives either

2. It is possible to have more than one named guardian

3. Guardians should not be more than 2 hours from the school – this is to do with the appointed guardian being able to support the school and your child in an emergency

4. Whilst not essential, look out for the AEGIS stamp on any guardianship website.

Here at Strata we do not regularly offer a guardianship service but support families by introducing them to the best options available.

Get in touch to find out more.