Secondary education abroad
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Alison Peacock.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_secondary_education_systems_by_country
- https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Secondary_education_statistics.
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"5th Highest Performing School by A Level results in 2023" – The Telegraph.United KingdomYorkCurrently watching: 9from 13850.00 £ / term
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In 2023 100% of students achieved A*– B grades at A-levelUnited KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 10from 37600.00 £ / year
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In 2023: 37 IB average, 43 highest point, 100% pass rateSwitzerlandMontreuxCurrently watching: 10from 31010.00 CHF / year
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In 2024 100% graduates achieved IB DiplomaSwitzerlandGenevaCurrently watching: 7from 27930.00 CHF / year
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Future graduates of 2024 have already received 5 offers from Oxford and 11 from CambridgeUnited KingdomCoventryCurrently watching: 10from 15999.00 £ / term
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Students are accepted to top-100 universitiesUSALos Angeles, CaliforniaCurrently watching: 7from 75800.00 $ / year
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In 2022 - 66% of A Level students achieved A* - AUnited KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 9from 15100.00 £ / term
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One of the most selective schools in the USAUSABoston, MassachusettsCurrently watching: 8from 61950.00 $ / year
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#1 school in UK and Top-1 worldwide for IB results in 2021United KingdomCardiffCurrently watching: 8from 12650.00 £ / term
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In 2023 - 90% of A Level scores made up A- A*United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 10from 48180.00 £ / year
Nowadays, many parents tend to send their children to get primary and secondary education abroad. SMAPSE offers more than 100 best schools and colleges in Europe, the USA, Canada, etc. where students from all over the world can get advanced education. Studying abroad afer grade 7, 8, 9, 10 is a great opportunity to open wide career prospects and get useful international experience.
Primary and secondary education abroad gives strong qualitative knowledge. At European and American schools students are not just listeners, they are fully immersed into educational process. This determines the level of their achievements.
Good command of foreign languages is one of the basic requirements for enrolling and even obtaining a visa, especially at high schools. So, English courses abroad are quite popular. SMAPSE specialists will help you choose most appropriate programs - English abroad can be taught by a student of any age.
What are the main features of studying at foreign schools?
After 9th grade, the student has the right to choose a certain number of subjects that coincide with his mindset and ambitions: this will be his personal programme. Before entering university, students pass exams on 3-4 disciplines on one of the programs of the senior classes, for example:
- A-level - the British programme of 16-18 years for high school students, traditionally accepted by all universities in England and a number of countries of the world
- IB (International Baccalaureate) is an international programme for senior students, recognized throughout the world
- BTEC is an analog of A-level, a high school course aimed at more narrow and comprehensive studying of subjects, emphasizing the practical part
- High School Diploma Programme - is studied in the upper grades of the American system, similarly A-Level allows to enter the universities in America and Canada
- GCSE / iGCSE - certificate of completion of a junior high school, taught in institutions with British system.
Actually, after graduating from schools, foreign students choose various kinds of programs and courses abroad. Most popular are preparation courses for entering universities. In addition, all studying programs are focused on studying English: without reliable knowledge of the language, high-quality education is impossible.
If you choose to study abroad after 9th grade, you should be especially sure of the quality of your language proficiency: most likely, nobody will work hard with the student additionally, so he/she should be ready to perceive the material at the level of native speakers. If you doubt the quality of your linguistic preparation, we will pick up suitable preparatory programs for you, so that you can learn English abroad in a short time.
It's important to note that foreign schools and colleges provide not only strong academic preparation, but also pay great attention to development of students' talents in additional subjects such as painting, music, as well as in the most various sports: bicycle, rugby, football, swimming, horse riding, skiing, etc. Among the countries practicing such a system of education can be noted:
You can address to samples of entrance tests for admission to private schools and colleges abroad , which you can write for free in SMAPSE office, without attending school itself.
Alternative destinations
Guide to Best Schools Abroad
Many parents are increasingly looking towards top schools abroad, especially private and boarding schools, for their children's education. These schools are not just well-furnished with state-of-the-art facilities like laboratories, reading rooms, music, and sports halls, but they also offer a consistent and high standard of education. Opting for such schools abroad provides students with unique advantages: determining their future educational pathways, specialties, and faculties. Our list of schools, featuring over 100 of the best schools and colleges across Europe, the USA, Canada, and beyond, ensures that international students receive top-notch and progressive education.
Keys Language Features to Schools Abroad
A strong command of foreign languages, particularly English, is crucial for admission into these middle schools abroad. Prospective students are required to present documentation verifying their language proficiency. However, those who might need some brushing up on their language skills have no cause for concern. There are numerous support courses available globally, offering students the chance to improve their English proficiency.
Benefits of Studying in Secondary Schools Abroad
Studying in secondary schools abroad typically spans 11-13 years. For a smoother transition into foreign universities, international students are advised to obtain an international matriculation certificate after completing their course abroad post 9th grade. This approach ensures that by the time they've completed their secondary schooling abroad, they possess a solid knowledge foundation and an impressive level of language proficiency. With this robust preparation, it becomes considerably easier for students to pursue further studies abroad following their 11th-grade year.
Schools Abroad Ranking: Choose the Best for Your Child
For those considering the best schools for their children, our schools abroad ranking can provide invaluable insights, ensuring that every student gets the high-quality education they deserve.
Cost Factors for Schools Abroad
Studying in the top schools abroad comes with its associated costs, which vary based on a number of factors. These can include the school's ranking, the quality of teaching, the selected specialization, and its geographical location, among others.
Tuition Breakdown by Location
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England:
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Day schools: £14,000 - £25,000 annually
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Boarding schools: £32,000 - £40,000 annually
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Switzerland (Europe's Priciest Education Destination):
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Boarding schools: CHF 60,000 - CHF 90,000 annually
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Day schools: CHF 20,000 - CHF 50,000 annually
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USA:
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Boarding schools: Approximately $40,000 - $60,000 annually
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Canada:
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Boarding programs: $35,000 - $60,000 annually
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For those on a tighter budget, high-quality education can still be accessed affordably. Countries like France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and even England offer boarding programs where tuition won't exceed 25,000-30,000 euros per year. Our list of schools includes these affordable options.

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.
Why Students Choose Middle Schools Abroad: Top 4 Benefits
Based on feedback from international students, the advantages of attending secondary schools abroad include:
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Immersion in a new culture: Understanding the language, mindset, and customs of the host country.
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Opportunities for creativity and sports skill enhancement.
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Breaking down language barriers through daily interactions.
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Comprehensive and comfortable preparation for higher education.
Should you have any further queries or need clarity on schools abroad ranking or anything else, the SMAPSE experts are always at your service and ready to assist.
From what age can I send my child to school abroad?
The optimal age to start studying in a foreign school is 13-15 years old. By this age, children already have the skills of independence, can maintain their own household around them, and have the skills to socialize and integrate into society. By entering at this age, the student will have enough time to adapt to the new teaching system and ensure a smooth transition to high school programs.
The child has never studied in a foreign school before and has never lived apart from the parents, how to prepare and which school to choose?
Pay special attention to schools with a small number of students and a family atmosphere. In this way, your child will be given individual attention and will find it easier to adapt. If time permits, it is worth considering a trip to a summer camp to see how it will be to adapt and live independently without parents. It makes sense to consider a camp at the same school where you plan to enroll so that you can familiarize yourself with the conditions and faculty beforehand. There is also always a psychologist and a boarding supervisor at the school who will always be available for help.
What entrance exams are required and is IELTS required?
In most schools, an IELTS exam is not required as schools conduct their own internal English language tests. In addition, there are math tests, as well as a non-verbal reasoning test, aimed at identifying the peculiarities of a student's approach to the learning process. An interview with the admissions committee will also be a mandatory part of the entrance test. During the interview, the student and the school get to know each other, the school learns about the student's plans and goals for education, his or her hobbies, and the child has the opportunity to ask the school any questions he or she may have.
What pitfalls can there be after receiving an invitation from the school?
After receiving the invitation from the school, it is important to secure a place by paying the tuition deposit. As the child will be living independently in another country, a guardianship is also a requirement. The guardian is either the school itself or a specific person who meets the school's requirements and is accredited by the country's guardianship agencies. It will also be necessary to collect a number of supporting and financial documents for the visa, properly form a package of documents and make an appointment at the embassy or visa center.
Can I enroll in a school if my English level is below the required level?
Yes, you can. Private international schools have many years of experience working with international students and are ready to offer academic support to international students. Assistance is offered both in explaining topics and subjects and in additional English classes to quickly and painlessly integrate the student into a new learning environment. In addition, there are special preparatory schools that offer specialized adaptation programs and prepare students for admission to ranked schools in a short period of time.
Is it possible to continue in school to pursue the same hobbies and hobbies that you had before?
In addition to an extensive curriculum, schools offer equally extensive and exciting learning activities. Schools offer a wide variety of sports, hobby clubs, project activities and always try to develop and support the talents that a child has. In addition, admissions always take into account the achievements that a student already has and they can play a significant role in the decision of the admissions committee.
How will the child live at school without parents?
Since foreign international schools have many years of experience in working with international students, the whole period of study, and especially the first months, is aimed at adapting the child to the new environment of study and living, as well as making the child feel at home away from home. Each student is assigned a mentor who helps to solve everyday issues and ensures a painless integration into the new environment. During the first days of arrival, games and team-building activities are organized. In addition, the child is not left without communication and can regularly call his or her parents at home.
We know what the child wants to be in the future, how to choose a school?
When choosing a school, it is worth paying attention to the average score on the final exams, as well as to which universities and specialties graduates are admitted to. As a rule, most schools have certain areas, certain subjects for which the school is most famous and in which the school has certain achievements. You can also talk to school leavers and find out what their careers have been like since graduation.
Why Students Choose Middle Schools Abroad: Top 4 Benefits
Based on feedback from international students, the advantages of attending secondary schools abroad include:
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Immersion in a new culture: Understanding the language, mindset, and customs of the host country.
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Opportunities for creativity and sports skill enhancement.
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Breaking down language barriers through daily interactions.
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Comprehensive and comfortable preparation for higher education.
Should you have any further queries or need clarity on schools abroad ranking or anything else, the SMAPSE experts are always at your service and ready to assist.
Ranking of the best schools by country: England, USA, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Spain, Austria, Scotland
Learning programs-summary information
Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
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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 |
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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 |