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BTEC abroad

This content was developed and approved with active participation of Steve Smith.

 

In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:

  • https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/about-us/qualification-brands/btec.html
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_and_Technology_Education_Council
Current page last update date: 2025-07-15
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  • Queen Ethelburga's College Boarding school
    "5th Highest Performing School by A Level results in 2023" – The Telegraph.
    Queen Ethelburga's College Boarding school
    United Kingdom
    York
    Currently watching: 7
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    24 reviews
    9.3
    from 16625.00 £ / term
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    from 16625.00 £ / term
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    16-18
    from 16625.00 £ / term
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  • Abbey DLD College London
    In 2023 100% of students achieved A*– B grades at A-level
    Abbey DLD College London
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 10
    Outstanding
    20 reviews
    9.3
    from 37600.00 £ / year
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    from 37600.00 £ / year
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    15-18
    from 37600.00 £ / year
    from 37600.00 £ / year
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  • Sherfield Private School
    Sixth Form Exam Results 2023: Over 59% A*-A grades
    Sherfield Private School
    United Kingdom
    Reading
    Currently watching: 9
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    4 reviews
    8.5
    from 31410.00 £ / year
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    from 31410.00 £ / year
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    BTEC program
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    15-18
    from 31410.00 £ / year
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  • Abbey College Manchester
    In 2023 - 57% of A Level students achieved A*-B
    Abbey College Manchester
    United Kingdom
    Manchester
    Currently watching: 9
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    8.4
    from 12690.00 £ / term
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    from 12690.00 £ / term
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    BTEC program
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    16-18
    from 12690.00 £ / term
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  • Oxford Tutorial College (Oxford Sixth Form College)
    In 2023, 60% of students received A*–A grades based on A-level results
    Oxford Tutorial College (Oxford Sixth Form College)
    United Kingdom
    Oxford
    Currently watching: 6
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    4 reviews
    8.4
    from 8525.00 £ / term
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    from 8525.00 £ / term
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    16+
    from 8525.00 £ / term
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  • Wycliffe College
    In 2021 - 75% of A Level students achieved A* - B
    Wycliffe College
    United Kingdom
    Cheltenham
    Currently watching: 6
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    4 reviews
    8.3
    from 14050.00 £ / term
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    from 14050.00 £ / term
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    from 14050.00 £ / term
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  • RCG Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai
    RCG Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai
    United Arab Emirates
    Dubai
    Currently watching: 6
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    5 reviews
    8.2
    from 102600.00 aed / year
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  • Millfield School Private School
    Millfield School Private School
    United Kingdom
    Bath
    Currently watching: 4
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    2 reviews
    8
    from 13785.00 £ / term
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    from 13785.00 £ / term
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    16-18
    from 13785.00 £ / term
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  • Varndean College
    Varndean College
    United Kingdom
    Brighton
    Currently watching: 2
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    7.7
    from 13010.00 £ / year
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    from 13010.00 £ / year
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    from 13010.00 £ / year
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  • Milton Abbey Private School
    Milton Abbey Private School
    United Kingdom
    Bournemouth
    Currently watching: 2
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    1 reviews
    7.7
    from 13725.00 £ / term
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    from 13725.00 £ / term
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    BTEC program
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BTEC is a professional educational program, which are considered as the equivalent of GCSE at the 4th educational level (grades 10 and 11) and the equivalent of A-level at the 5th educational level (grades 12 and 13). The foreign students enrolled in the BTEC program perform practical work, the grades for which are taken into account when making final results. Some works are compulsory, other – for student’s choice.

BTEC is a diploma of secondary technical education (an analogue of our technical school). This qualification is awarded in a number of specialties, starting with the basics of business and ending with engineering (for example, "Social worker", "Flight operator", "Flight Attendant", "Tourism Manager").

Schools for BTEC – main specifics

Unlike the A-level program, which mainly includes theoretical disciplines, the BTEC program is focused on obtaining practical and professional knowledge and skills. According to the BTEC Business program, the students study real companies, learn to pass interviews, to make presentations, etc. According to the BTEC Sport program, the students analyze real sports results, train younger students and get an assessment of their own sports results.

The students of the BTEC course are evaluated mainly based on the results of their school work, and not on the results of official exams. All A-level exams are evaluated by external examiners, while only 40% of BTEC papers are subject to evaluation by external examiners, and only part of the grades are exam results.

The BTEC program is designed to instill in students the skills they need in further education or employment. The educational process combines project work with practical activities, which allows to instill students with teamwork skills and to develop creative thinking. More and more employers and higher education institutions are choosing candidates with BTEC qualifications for their academic and practical knowledge and skills. In the UK, more than 150 universities accept BTEC results on a par with A-Level results.

How to apply to schools with BTEC?

According to the BTEC level, it fully corresponds to the A-level. To enroll on the program, it is also necessary that the student has reached the age of 16 and has passed a certain number of GCSE exams. Often in terms of GCSE results, the requirements for admission to BTEC are slightly lower. This approach has developed due to historical reasons, when BTEC was considered as a professional training of school graduates for work. Moreover, the foreign student must demonstrate good knowledge of language.

Below there is provided information about reasons for choosing the BTEC program:

  • To choose between BTEC and A Level or IGCSE, students must determine their preferred learning style. Some pass exams better, others prefer term papers, and some are good at both. The need to take a large number of exams in English at the end of a two-year program can be a difficult test for foreign students.
  • It is important to take into account the requirements of high school and universities. It is necessary to follow the official information published by the school and universities.
  • It should be remembered that every university and every employer have their own requirements – some prefer BTEC, and others A Level, or both are accepted.

Schools for BTEC – advantages of studying

  • The foreign students continue to grow as a specialist in the tourism industry by enrolling in universities in the UK or continuing your studies at the next stage of the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Tourism.
  • With a BEC certificate, the international students have every chance to enroll in the most prestigious university of hospitality and tourism in the UK - the University of Surrey, which has the highest rate of student employment.
  • The students get a unique opportunity to build a career in tourism, hotel business, cargo transportation, air and rail transport, as well as to develop in such areas as marketing and personnel management.
  • The student develops the term papers that are based on real business examples, which makes the student a confident specialist with a broad outlook.
  • Teamwork is an important aspect of modern entrepreneurship. The student will learn to interact with other students through business games.
  • Course flexibility: the educational material changes depending on the market situation, the students always stay up to date with the situation in the industry.

The best schools and colleges with BTEC –TOP 5

Below the BTEC school ranking is provided:

  • Abbey DLD College London
  • Abbey College Manchester
  • RCG Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai
  • Wycliffe College
  • Montreux International School (MIS).

How to apply to schools with BTEC for the international students?

BTEC program is offered in schools and colleges in many countries. Below the requirements for the foreign students are provided:

  • Age 16-18 years
  • Application in English
  • Motivation letter
  • Test in mathematics and other specialized subjects
  • Language certificate
  • Certificate of school education
  • An extract from the report card with grades.
Sarah Hicklin
Director of International Admissions at Oswestry School

How much do parents usually spend per year apart from school and living fees?

If the child stays on campus for the holidays, this is usually paid separately, plus pocket money, plus additional EAL (English as a foreign language) classes. In total, approximately £ 150-750 per term.

 

What is the BTEC program?

The BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) program is a vocational education system that provides students with practical skills and knowledge in various fields such as business, technology, health care, and more.

In which countries is the BTEC program offered?

The BTEC program is offered in many countries, including the UK and other European countries.

What are the benefits of BTEC training?

The BTEC program focuses on practical skills and preparation for specific occupational fields, which can increase your chances of employment after graduation.

What is the structure of the BTEC program?

The BTEC program includes a modular structure where students study a variety of modules in their chosen field, including theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

What fields and specializations does the BTEC program offer?

The BTEC program provides training in various fields such as business, information technology, health, engineering, art and design, sports and others.

What is the BTEC Extended Diploma?

The BTEC Extended Diploma is an advanced level of study that provides students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in their chosen field.

What is the duration of the BTEC program?

The length of a BTEC program can vary depending on the level and intensity of study, but typically lasts between one and two years.

Can I go to university after the BTEC program?

Yes, after the BTEC program, students can enter universities, usually depending on the course and requirements of the particular university.

How to choose the right BTEC program course?

Your choice of BTEC course depends on your interests and career plans. You can choose a program that matches the field that appeals to you.

How does the BTEC program relate to other educational programs?

The BTEC program provides practical skills and is vocationally oriented, while some other programs may be more academically oriented.

Learning programs-summary information

Name Meaning Equivalent Min. age Duration,
years
Next stage Cost
GCSE General certificate of secondary education secondary education (non-accomplished) 14 1–2 A-Levels 15,000 USD+
A-Levels Advanced level secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 15,000 USD+
BTEC Business and Technology Education Board secondary special education 14 2–3 University/ work 15,000 USD+
Oxbridge Preparation Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge secondary education (accomplished) 17 1 University 15,000 USD+
International Baccalaureate International baccalaureate secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 18,000 USD+
Foundation/ Pathway Year Preparatory year admission to the 1st year of university 17 1 University 14,000 USD+
NCUK The Northern consortium 2 year university 17,5 1 2 year University of NCUK 13,000 USD+
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) Specialized training - 14 optional optional 4,000 USD+
Academic English Academic English Language school 8 + 6–12 months School or University 8,000 USD+

Advantages and disadvantages of English schools

Advantages Disadvantages
The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world Expensive
High quality of education and academic standards Strong workload
Perfect English after graduation The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt
Useful contacts The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist

Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2025

1 Cardiff Sixth Form College
2 National Mathematics and Science College
3 Abbey College Cambridge
4 d'Overbroeck's College
5 MPW London
6 CATS Cambridge
7 Kensington Park
8 DLD London
9 King's College St Michael’s
10 Bellerbys Cambridge
11 Chelsea Independent College
12 MPW Cambridge
13 Bellerbys Brighton
14 CATS London
15 St Clare's Oxford
16 Bishopstrow College
17 CATS Canterbury
18 Bellerbys London
19 Ealing Independent College
20 Cambridge Tutors College
21 Abbey Manchester
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Sarah Hicklin
Director of International Admissions at Oswestry School

Sarah is the Director of Admissions at Oswestry School. She has been working in secondary education and Admissions and Marketing for more than 14 years. She recommends deciding what is the highest priority for you when choosing a school: a happy child, active communication and friendship with peers, the realization of creative or academic potential. She would recommend a school away from big cities so that children are less distracted.

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