After what grade is it best to go to school in England? This question is asked by many parents, because for students the beginning of schooling abroad is not an easy stage. Nevertheless, training in private schools in the UK is a defining moment for many: it allows you to get an international certificate, to enter the leading universities in Europe or the United States.
The scheme of admission to English schools after the 9th or 11th grade, preparation for the GCSE and A-level examinations have become customary for international students. And it is absolutely right, because studying at school or college in the UK is excellent preparation for university: the A-level course, according to British people themselves, is even more difficult in content and intensity than the first year at university. But you can enter an English school not only in high school: secondary education in English schools is divided into several key stages, allowing international students to choose the best time to enter. The earlier students enter schools in the United Kingdom, the easier it will be for them to obtain the necessary qualifications, the earlier they begin targeted preparation for British universities, and get acquainted with educational standards and daily life. Studying in England also helps young people improve their English, and a high level of language development is a prerequisite for admission to sixth form or higher education in the country.
After what grade it's best to go to school in England: admission after grades 8, 9, 10
After what grade it is better to go to school in England? The answer depends on several factors: what school the child's parents have chosen, where they live and where the child plans to live, at what age the educational institution begins to accept international students on full board.
Let's look at the main stages of education in an English school:
- Key Stage 1 - Preparatory Year, Grades 1-2, Years 5-7. At this stage children are introduced to basic knowledge, learning subjects such as English, Mathematics, History, Physical Education, Geography, History and Music. Most schools accept international students at this stage if they live in the UK with their parents. If the child does not speak English, it is better to go to a private school, taking extra English lessons in parallel with the basic education.
Key Stage 2 - Grades 3-6, ages 8-11. Students continue to study basic subjects to which science is added. Most British boarding schools accept international students under the age of 11 years only for full-time education. One of the study abroad options available to international students is full-time study and homestay.
Key Stage 3 is in grades 7-9, 12-14. - The optimal period of admission to an English school for full board . This stage is very important in preparation for the GCSE examinations for the British National Qualifications. The curriculum at this stage includes new subjects such as Art and Design, Technology, Music, Physical Education, Modern Foreign Languages, Design and Computer Technology. Students can take GCSEs or other national qualifications (BECs).
Key Stage 4 - Grades 8-11, ages 14-16. Final stage of compulsory education: students must take national assessment tests which will enable them to gain GCSEs. Many international students after Grade 9 apply for admission to British educational institutions at this stage, as well as studying core and additional subjects. However, without an extensive education, studying KS4 can be very difficult for a student. - Key Stage 5 is Grade 12-13, Years 17-18. High school graduates with extensive experience and an excellent command of English who plan to attend a British university, often decide to enroll in secondary schools in the UK. This is in-depth preparation for further education, an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of academic subjects, develop self-study skills, experience life in the United Kingdom before entering a British university, improve knowledge of the English language, and enhance career prospects.
Admission to school in England after 11th grade
Admission to school in England after 11th grade for international students is one of the ways to prepare for admission to a prestigious British university. This level is very different from the other stages: the academic program here is rich and intense.
- Sixth-grade students are given more freedom, teachers perceive them as future students, and young people wear business clothes rather than school uniforms.
- It is a lively and friendly place with an informal, relaxed atmosphere.
- Expert education by highly qualified teachers.
- Small class sizes.
- A national curriculum that guarantees quality and standards.
- Expert advice on future careers, college admissions from highly qualified counselors and teachers.
- Great teaching resources.
- First-class facilities including common rooms, private study rooms, computer workstations and sports facilities.
Sixth graders choose 2-3 courses of study, respectively, with a chosen university education focus:
- English
- English Literature
- Calculus
- Mathematics
- engineering
- Information Technology
- Media studies
- Business Studies
- Art
- Photography
- Music
- Music Technology
- Drama
- Theater
- Filmography
- Product design
- textile
- Health, social aid
- Recreation and tourism
- Law
- History
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Recreation and Tourism
- Hospitality, restaurant business
- geography
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics.
After what grade is it best to go to boarding school in England?
Most boarding schools in England only accept international students when they transition to secondary education. For young students coming from abroad, life away from home can be stressful. While British students are able to return to their families on weekends and holidays, international students sometimes do not have the opportunity to return home before graduation. For this reason, most boarding schools in England do not accept international students under the age of 11 or even 13. For example, the elite Westminster School, Perse School, Kings College School accepts international students under the age of 16 only if their parents/guardians reside in the United Kingdom.
Entering England: visas
International students coming from countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) must obtain a student visa to study in the UK. Young people aged 16 years and over apply for a Tier 4 visa, the official student visa in the UK: they must prove they have sufficient funds to finance their studies and stay in the country while they study.
