High school in England UK for international students

At the age of 13 to 18 years old, students pursue education at high school in Great Britain. When studies are completed, a certificate of either incomplete or full secondary education is received by alumni. The stages are:

• Year 9: Preparatory year

• Years 10 & 11: Cover the GCSE program, the British certificate of general education, culminating in GCSE exams in the studied subjects.

• Years 12 & 13: Offer the A-level program (the British certificate of full secondary education) or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Under the GCSE program, students typically study between 6-12 subjects. Core subjects include mathematics, English, literature, foreign languages, and natural sciences. Elective courses might encompass subjects such as ancient history, geography, psychology, and computer science, among others.

Post-GCSE, students can either continue with A-level/IB in their current high school, transition to a Sixth Form College, or pursue specialized education at a Vocational College.

A-level programs in UK High School

The A-level program usually stipulates in-depth study of three disciplines chosen by a student according to his abilities,  interests, and future goals. Popular choices include:

• Mathematics

• English literature

• Natural Sciences

• Geography and history

• Foreign languages

Additionally, students might opt for courses like economics, arts, computer science, or even subjects like pottery. Alongside A-levels, some students may take BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) courses, which focus on practical skills and coursework instead of final exams. Schools often offer BTECs in areas like business, sports, and media.

Victoria Eastman

Director of International Admissions at Mayfield School

What makes British schools so special?

Our education is respected all over the world for its highest quality. Britain's ties to its former colonies – for example, Hong Kong – still provide high interest from families from there who are looking for schools with an international outlook. Parents want to see good results in their studies, but also want to provide their child with an international network of friends and acquaintances, the opportunity to work in a global, multilingual world. It is believed that British schools provide easy admission to universities not only in the UK, but also in the United States, and this, of course, is an additional plus.

The International Baccalaureate is an alternative to A-level. When studies are completed, graduates become the owners of a globally recognized diploma. Educational process stipulates studying six disciplines, three at an in-depth level and three at a standard level. Also students participate in additional activities and projects.

Education in the Best High Schools in the UK The A-level or its international counterpart, the IB, acts as a preparatory phase for university admission. During these final high school years, students once again pick subjects in alignment with their university ambitions.

Schools usually house a careers department that assists students in career decision-making. Each student is paired with a mentor to discuss potential career paths and university options. This personalized approach, combined with the flexibility in subject choice, greatly reduces absenteeism. By attending classes, students develop active discussions skills, critical thinking, and conduct  independent research.

• Comprehensive Education:Students can choose disciplines from a wide array, varying from sciences to arts and sports. During studies, students significantly broaden their horizons.

• Early Specialization: This approach allows students to immerse into studying of subjects preferred.

• Encouraging Self-reliance: The UK education system fosters critical thinking, initiative, and independent research. Students are often tasked with essays and individual projects.

Some schools might also conduct entrance tests or written exams to gauge the student's proficiency.

• Academic records for the last 2+ years
• Recommendations from three teachers
• A personal essay by the student
• Completed application form
• Passport copy
• Proof of English proficiency

How to apply to high schools in UK?

State-funded Secondary Schools: If a student is interested in attending a state-funded school, he will need to apply to the local council or local education authority (LEA), which are responsible for the application process. Parents or guardians are required to fill out an application form, also known as the "Common Application Form" (CAF). This form provides parents with the opportunity to list several schools in order of priority. Deadlines are usually set for the end of October for starting in the following academic year. The LEA will then allocate places based on a range of criteria, including proximity to the school, siblings already attending the school, and specific educational or social needs.

Independent (Private) Secondary Schools: For independent schools, the application process is more varied as each school has its own admission requirements. Parents usually contact the school to receive an application form. Many of these schools have entrance exams and sometimes interviews as part of their admission process. Deadlines, criteria, and processes can vary widely from one school to another, so it's crucial to research each institution individually and start the application process early.

International Students: Foreign students, who are applying to the UK independent school, should be ready for passing additional stages. International students may need to provide confirmation of English language proficiency. Also some students decide on working with educational consultants or agents to successfully pass the application process. Frequently, foreign students are required to take entrance tests, either in their home country or at the school itself.

Additional Considerations: In addition to an application form, many schools may require references from the student's previous school, academic performance reports. Sometimes a motivation letter from the student is necessary to provide, in which he describes why he wants to  enter the school and his extracurricular achievements. It's also recommended to visit preferred schools, attend open days, and engage in any available tours or sessions that help them understand the school's values and educational programs available.

To apply to high schools in the UK, foreign students should begin in advance and carefully select educational institutions. Due to variations in application processes between state-funded and independent schools, and specific requirements for an international applicant, thorough preparation plays a crucial role in successful enrollment.

• Cardiff Sixth Form College

• Sevenoaks School

• Queen Ethelburga's College

• Brighton College

• The National Mathematics and Science College NMSC

• Concord College

• Westbourne School

• Wellington College

• Rossall School

• d'Overbroeck's College.

The tuition fees at a high school in the UK vary widely, stipulated by such factors as ranking of educational institutions, location, and the studying programs available. Please, contact the educational institutions preferred for the most acute information concerning cost of studying.

The British High School System: High schools in the UK are designed for students aged 11 to 16 or 18. The educational process lasts from Year 7 to Year 11 (and up to Year 13 in case of offering a sixth form for a post-GCSE program). To consider the costs of studying in this type of school, it's important to distinguish school types. Below the information concerning differences is provided. 

State-funded Secondary Schools: The overwhelming majority of students in the UK attend state-funded schools. For residents, these schools do not charge, as they're funded by the government. Sometimes, families are required to pay for student’s participation in certain extracurricular activities, trips, or specific resources. Foreign students are not provided with the opportunity to attend a state-funded school. If they have specific immigration or residence statuses, they can study at state-funded schools.

Independent (Private) Secondary Schools: Independent schools are privately funded institutions, which charge for studying. The tuition fees can significantly range, from a few thousand pounds to over £40,000 per academic year. Usually, the largest amount of tuition fees concerns obtaining education at boarding schools where accommodation and meals are provided. It's worth noting that these fees usually cover a broad range of costs, including tuition, student’s participation in extracurricular activities, and sometimes even educational materials.

International Schools: These are special independent schools designed mostly for foreign students, offering globally recognized educational programs, such as the International Baccalaureate or the American high school diploma. The fees for international schools can be comparable to those of independent schools, sometimes even a bit higher, especially in major cities like London.

Additional Costs and Financial Assistance: In addition to tuition, families should consider other associated expenses, such as uniforms, trips, and examination fees. For boarding students, there may be additional costs concerning weekend activities or specific boarding house provisions. However, many independent and international schools offer scholarships, bursaries, or other forms of financial aid to help families mitigate the costs. Awarding these financial aids depends on excellent academic performance, specific talents (like sports or music), or financial need.

High school education in the UK is free for residents attending state-funded schools. For foreign students, interested in obtaining education at private or international schools, it is necessary to be prepared for significant fees. However, with thorough research and early planning, families can find an educational path that suits their budget and their child's academic needs.

High school in the UK is the stage of education that follows elementary school. It covers the years 11 to 18 and is designed to prepare pupils for further higher education or a professional career.

GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a qualification that pupils take at the end of Key Stage 4 (usually at age 16). It includes a wide range of subjects such as math, English, science, art and more. Pupils sit exams in these subjects. GCSE results count towards college entry or A-level subject choices.

A-level (Advanced Level) is a more advanced and specialized qualification that students can take after GCSE. They choose narrow areas of study (usually 3-4 subjects) and study them in depth over two years. A Levels are considered an important step towards university entrance.

In high school, basic subjects such as math, English, and science are studied. In addition, students can choose subjects according to their interests, including art, music, history, foreign languages and many others.

Yes, international students have the opportunity to attend high school in the UK. This can be done through exchange programs or with a student visa.

In most high schools in the UK, pupils are required to wear school uniform. This may include skirts or pants, shirts, ties, jackets and other items. It helps to create uniformity and respect for school rules.

Pupils are often required to take A-level exams or equivalent qualifications such as BTECs to gain entry to university after high school. These exams assess pupils' knowledge and skills and can vary depending on the curriculum chosen.

The cost of tuition for international students at a UK high school can vary greatly depending on the school and the program chosen. It may include tuition fees, dormitory fees, study materials and other costs. As a rule, tuition fees for international students are higher than for local students.

Yes, students usually have the opportunity to choose between humanities and science, and between different subjects, so that the range of subjects matches their interests and future goals. This helps to create a more individualized curriculum.

Exam preparation in high school includes study materials, theoretical learning and practical tasks to help students learn the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in exams. Schools can also provide resources for independent study.