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Secondary schools in England UK for international students

Current page last update date: 2025-07-15
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  • Lincoln Minster School UK
    In 2019 - 23% of A Level students achieved A*- A
    Lincoln Minster School UK
    United Kingdom
    Sheffield
    Currently watching: 5
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    1 reviews
    8.1
    from 10661.00 £ / term
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    from 10661.00 £ / term
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    Middle school
    Last booking 6 weeks ago
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    7-13
    from 10661.00 £ / term
    from 10661.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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  • Barnard Castle School
    In 2021 - 42% of A Level students achieved A* - A
    Barnard Castle School
    United Kingdom
    Sunderland
    Currently watching: 4
    Very good
    8.1
    from 9060.00 £ / term
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    from 9060.00 £ / term
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    date
    Age
    Fees
    Middle school
    Last booking 1 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    11-15
    from 9060.00 £ / term
    from 9060.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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  • Christ's Hospital School
    In 2019 - 37% of GCSE students achieved A* score
    Christ's Hospital School
    United Kingdom
    Brighton
    Currently watching: 4
    Very good
    8
    from 11950.00 £ / term
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    from 11950.00 £ / term
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    date
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    Middle school
    Last booking 1 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    11-14
    from 11950.00 £ / term
    from 11950.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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  • Chase Grammar School
    Chase Grammar School
    United Kingdom
    Birmingham
    Currently watching: 6
    Very good
    8
    from 6950.00 £ / term
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    from 6950.00 £ / term
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Middle school
    Dates
    All year round
    10-16
    from 6950.00 £ / term
    from 6950.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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  • King’s School Canterbury International College
    King’s School Canterbury International College
    United Kingdom
    Canterbury
    Currently watching: 6
    Good
    8
    from 12000.00 £ / term
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    from 12000.00 £ / term
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    date
    Age
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    Middle school
    Last booking 1 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    11-14
    from 12000.00 £ / term
    from 12000.00 £ / term
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  • Bromsgrove school
    In 2021 - 89% of A Level students achieved A*-B
    Bromsgrove school
    United Kingdom
    Birmingham
    Currently watching: 6
    Good
    1 reviews
    8
    from 10730.00 £ / term
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    from 10730.00 £ / term
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Middle school
    Last booking 2 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    11-13
    from 10730.00 £ / term
    from 10730.00 £ / term
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  • Moyles Court Private School
    Moyles Court Private School
    United Kingdom
    Bournemouth
    Currently watching: 4
    Good
    8
    from 26805.00 £ / year
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    from 26805.00 £ / year
    Program name
    date
    Age
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    Middle school
    Dates
    All year round
    13-16
    from 26805.00 £ / year
    from 26805.00 £ / year
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  • Sherborne School for boys
    In 2021 - 73,3% of A Level students achieved A*-A
    Sherborne School for boys
    United Kingdom
    Bournemouth
    Currently watching: 3
    Good
    8
    from 12925.00 £ / term
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    from 12925.00 £ / term
    Program name
    date
    Age
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    Middle school
    Last booking 3 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    13-14
    from 12925.00 £ / term
    from 12925.00 £ / term
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  • Ryde School
    Ryde School
    United Kingdom
    Isle of Wight
    Currently watching: 6
    Good
    8
    from 10100.00 £ / term
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    from 10100.00 £ / term
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    date
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    Middle school
    Last booking 6 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    11-14
    from 10100.00 £ / term
    from 10100.00 £ / term
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  • Sherborne School for girls
    In 2021 - 74,8% of A Level students achieved A*-A
    Sherborne School for girls
    United Kingdom
    Bournemouth
    Currently watching: 2
    Good
    7.9
    from 9955.00 £ / term
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    from 9955.00 £ / term
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Middle school
    Last booking 1 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    11-14
    from 9955.00 £ / term
    from 9955.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
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10 18 36 72

Today, many foreign students choose England as the best country for getting high-quality education abroad. SMAPSE offers more than 70 best secondary schools in England and Great Britain where foreign students can get prestigious secondary education. Due to the list of TOP-70 British secondary schools, students will definitely find the most appropriate option. FREE enrollment services at partner institutions, the number of places is limited. Assistance in the selection of institutions, advice on what documents need to be collected, what are the requirements for filing and terms of admission. Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts, as they are always ready to answer all your questions.

Details about secondary education in England and Great Britain

Foreign students can obtain prestigious British secondary education in the following educational institutions, which are divided into two types, namely public and private. More than 500 private secondary schools are successfully functioning on the territory of the UK, the specialization of which concerns, among other things, the provision of educational services to foreign children and adolescents from different countries of the world.

Public schools in England is financed from the budgetary funds of the UK. Private schools in England is working for a fee. At the same time, the cost of education is determined by the characteristics of the school:

  • The rating of the educational institution;
  • Level of prestige;
  • Geographical location, etc.

In addition to public and private schools in England, preparatory courses have been developed aimed at children and adolescents with a low level of English. Also, special mention deserves summer language programs and preparatory classes aimed at effective preparation for admission to advanced schools in the UK. The duration of the educational program is from 1 month. Completing these preparatory language programs significantly improves English proficiency, as well as deepening the knowledge of the academic subjects required for admission to British high schools.

Main advantage of British school, namely public or private, is small educational groups.

List of different stages of secondary education in the UK:

  • Preschool education -from 3 to 5 years old;
  • Primary School - from 5 to 11 years old;
  • High school - from 11 to 18 years old.

A separate format of education is practiced on the territory of England. At the same time, the overwhelming majority of secondary schools in Great Britain practice a mixed learning format.

British Secondary Education - Private Boarding Schools and Day Schools

International teenagers can enroll in the primary and secondary private schools In the UK, which are divided into two types:

Boarding school - within the walls of such educational institutions, the educational process and accommodation of foreign students is provided, at the same time, round-the-clock supervision of students by the educational staff is guaranteed.

Day school provides for foreign schoolchildren to live in host families or in homes of official representatives. These schools are focused on independent adolescents.

Elite UK schools is famous for its strict discipline. There are no differences between coeducational and separate British schools in terms of learning and academic performance.

The majority of the leading private schools in England operate as boarding houses and boarding schools, accepting both British children and foreign adolescents. British boarding schools usually take the high positions in international rankings. In terms of geographic location, top boarding schools are located in:

  • Cambridge;
  • London;
  • Oxford;
  • York;
  • Brighton.

The key difference between public and private boarding schools in the UK is due to the right to develop their own educational programs and teaching methods, while, along with public education programs, private educational institutions received the appropriate accreditation issued by the authorized institution.

List of main advantages of the top rated private boarding schools in the UK:

  • Small educational groups - not more than 12 international students;
  • Teachers apply an individual approach to each student within the framework of teaching;
  • High educational results by foreign adolescents.

Upon reaching the age of 11, a foreign teenager can enroll in the secondary private schools in England.

List of disciplines at Secondary education in the UK

  • Mathematics;
  • English language and literature;
  • Natural Sciences;
  • Foreign languages;
  • History;
  • Geography;
  • Music art;
  • Information and computer technologies;
  • Art;
  • Theatrical and dramatic skills.

The curriculum of every prestigious boarding school in England provides for the physical education of schoolchildren and various sports sections. Some sports activities are compulsory, others are held as electives.

List of the most popular sport activities among students in the UK:

  • Horse riding;
  • Cricket;
  • Football;
  • Rugby;
  • Hockey;
  • Netball;
  • Tennis.

Foreign teenager can count on scholarships or financial grants according to excellent performance in academic subjects.

How is the life of foreign teenagers organized at the secondary boarding school in Great Britain?

Private boarding schools in England are real student campuses. School infrastructure is well developed:

  • Administrative and academic buildings;
  • Students residences;
  • Modern sports grounds;
  • Gardens;
  • Parks;
  • Concert halls.

The school territory is under round-the-clock security.

With regard to accommodation issues, foreign teenagers live in comfortable residences, dormitories, which are divided into rooms. As a rule, students live in 2-4 bed rooms. At the same time, high school students enrolled in the Sixth Form program live in private rooms. On an ongoing basis, there are educators with the students who, if necessary, will assist in resolving conflict situations on the territory of the school residence.

There is usually a medical center , inpatient treatment, spacious canteens on the school territory.

Foreign teenagers also need to become familiar with such a topic as guardianship in the UK. Guardianship is required for foreign teenagers under the age of 18 who receive an elite secondary education in England.

List of responsibilities of a typical guardian:

  • To represent the interests of the student in British administrative institutions;
  • Look after the student;
  • The guardian provides accommodation for the teenager for the period of weekends and vacations or ilness;
  • Provides constant communication with parents;
  • Attends school events and meetings;
  • Provides control over the student's financial expenses, pays bills and provides pocket expenses.

Schools in England - educational process

Compulsory education is established for all children from 5 to 16 years old. The initial period of study falls on the age of students from 5 to 10 years. At the end of this stage, the SAT or Common Entrance Examination is organized. Foreign adolescents aged 10 to 16 years pass the stage of obtaining secondary education. Alternatively, it is possible to obtain a GNVQ professional qualification certificate.

Upon reaching the age of 14-15, foreign adolescents are given the opportunity to enroll in upper school or high school educational programs focused on effective pre-university education.

Educational programs A-level, BTEC, International Baccalaureate and Foundation have been developed for international adolescents who received a certificate at home.

The academic year in England is divided into three terms:

  • Autumn - lasts from September to December;
  • Spring - from January to March;
  • Summer - lasts from April to early June.

List of typical holidays at UK schools:

  • Christmas;
  • Easter (from 2 to 3 weeks);
  • Summer holidays (6 weeks).

Classes are held on weekdays, from Monday to Friday. Educational day usually lasts held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with lunch and dinner breaks. Educational excursions, exciting large-scale events, sports activities are organized on Saturday. International students can spend time in creative studios, as well as at various electives.

What is a secondary school in the UK?

Secondary school, also known as secondary school or high school, is an educational institution that provides education for students aged around 11-16 years. This stage of education in the UK usually includes primary (11-14 years) and secondary (14-16 years).

What subjects are studied in middle school?

In secondary school, pupils study a wide range of subjects including math, English language and literature, science (usually physics, chemistry and biology), geography, history, art, music, physical education and religious education.

Can I choose the subjects to study in secondary school?

After GCSE, pupils can choose subjects to study in senior courses such as A-levels or BTECs. These subjects can help them prepare for university or a future career.

Is it compulsory to wear a school uniform to school?

Most schools in the UK have a uniform that pupils are required to wear. This may include skirts or pants, shirts, ties and other items, and its purpose is to maintain standards of dress and create a sense of belonging to the school.

How are students evaluated in middle school?

At the end of secondary school, after Year 11, pupils take GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations, which are graded on a scale from A* to G. GCSE grades are important for a pupil's future education and career.

Can international students attend secondary school in the UK?

Yes, the UK accepts international students. They can attend British schools when they come to study on an exchange program, as well as international schools.

What are the rules about cell phones at school?

The rules about cell phones in British schools can vary, but generally they are banned during lessons as they can distract pupils and interfere with the learning process. However, many schools do allow the use of cell phones outside of lessons and in designated areas.

Can students work while studying?

Pupils aged 16 and over are entitled to work during their studies, but with certain restrictions on the number of hours they can work so as not to interfere with the learning process. Working while studying can help pupils gain experience and practice.

What are the career guidance opportunities at school?

Many UK schools provide careers advice and activities to help students choose a future career. These may include one-to-one consultations with professionals in the field, as well as attendance at careers fairs and training fairs.

Is there a possibility of home schooling?

Yes, there is a homeschooling option known as "home schooling". However, a homeschooling program must meet certain standards. Parents usually play a key role in educating their children at home.

General statistics on education in the UK-ratings, specializations, universities

Best boarding schools in England - 2025 Smapse rankings

1 Cardiff Sixth Form College
2 Sevenoaks School
3 Queen Ethelburga's College
4 Brighton College
5 The National Mathematics and Science College NMSC
6 Concord College
7 Westbourne School
8 Wellington College
9 Rossall School
10 d'Overbroeck's College
11 Dulwich College
12 Fettes College
13 Stonar School
14 Wycliffe College
15 Lucton School
16 King's School Canterbury
17 ACS School Cobham
18 Hurtwood House
19 Uppingham School
20 Scarborough College
21 King's College St Michael’s
22 Mill Hill School
23 Windermere School
24 Clifton College
25 Badminton School
26 Oakham School
27 Oundle School
28 Stowe School
29 Cheltenham College
30 Bromsgrove School
31 Sidcot School
32 Prior Park College
33 Millfield School
34 Oswestry School
35 Caterham School
36 City of London Freemen’s School
37 Buckswood School
38 Brooke House College
39 Taunton School
40 St Clare's Oxford
41 Repton School
42 Royal Russell School
43 King's Ely
44 Leys Cambridge
45 Leighton Park
46 Bedford School
47 Fyling Hall
48 Royal Hospital School

Best boarding schools in England and UK 2025

â„– A/A* % Name Day/Board Boy/Girl Day GBP Board GBP
1 88.92 Westminster School Both Co-ed (Boys Only 7-16) 29,709 39,252
2 88.68 Cardiff Sixth Form College Both Co-ed 16,600 42,750
3 83.54 Oxford International College Both Co-ed 21,000 42,000
4 83.06 Brighton College Both Co-ed 24,420 44,460
5 81.43 Concord College Both Co-ed 14,280 39,900
6 71.25 Ruthin School Both Co-ed 14,000 34,500
7 64.12 City of London Freemen's School Both Co-ed 18,279 30,816
8 64.11 Oundle School Both Co-ed 23,505 36,690
9 61.74 Marlborough College Both Co-ed 37,815
10 60.87 Rugby School Both Co-ed 22,437 35,760
11 60.00 Wellington College Both Co-ed 30,375 41,580
12 59.06 Caterham School Both Co-ed 18,900 36,570
13 58.33 Hurtwood House Both Co-ed 28,950 43,428
14 58.22 Epsom College Both Co-ed 25,266 37,263
15 55.71 St Peter's School Both Co-ed 18,075 32,280
16 54.80 Uppingham School Both Co-ed 26,313 37,590
17 54.17 Bellerbys College Cambridge Both Co-ed 27,060 38,940
18 53.71 Abbey College Cambridge Both Co-ed 29,000
19 53.40 Bishop's Stortford College Both Co-ed 19,839 31,923
20 53.37 d'Overbroeck's Oxford Both Co-ed 23,850 38,700
21 53.19 Canford School Both Co-ed 27,723 36,420
22 53.00 Christ's Hospital Both Co-ed 23,310 35,850
23 52.01 Ashford School Both Co-ed 16,800 37,500
24 51.14 Dean Close School Both Co-ed 24,600 37,413
25 51.00 Monkton Senior School Both Co-ed 20,910 33,345
26 49.50 Dauntsey's School Both Co-ed 18,990 36,300
27 48.51 Cheltenham College Both Co-ed 28,575 37,770
28 48.43 West Buckland School Both Co-ed 15,060 33,660
29 48.06 Wells Cathedral School Both Co-ed 18,801 31,464
30 47.66 King's Ely Both Co-ed 21,459 39,441

A-level rankings 2025

# A + A* % Name Day/Board Boy/Girl Day £ Board £
1 92.11 Oxford International College Both Co-ed 23,375 44,750
2 90.28 Cardiff Sixth Form College Both Co-ed 17,700 46,450
3 85.35 St Paul's Girls' School Day Girls 27,831
4 83.54 Westminster School Both Co-ed (Boys Only 13 - 16) 31,491 41,607
5 83.52 Concord College Both Co-ed 14,709 41,900
6 82.40 Magdalen College School Day Boys (Co-ed 6th form) 18,939
7 82.14 St Paul's School Both Boys 25,908 38,991
8 82.00 Ruthin School Both Co-ed 14,500 40,500
9 81.51 Winchester College Boarding Boys 41,709
10 81.20 City of London School for Boys Day Boys 18,939
11 80.93 Brighton College Both Co-ed 25,410 50,040
12 80.60 Wycombe Abbey School Boarding Girls 30,270 40,350
13 80.30 Eton College Boarding Boys 42,501
14 79.37 King's College School - Wimbledon Day Boys (Co-ed 6th form) 22,335
15 79.15 Perse Upper School Day Co-ed 17,994
16 78.41 Hampton School Day Boys 20,745
17 77.82 Godolphin & Latymer School Day Girls 22,595
18 77.67 Guildford High School for Girls Day Girls 17,733
19 77.65 Oxford High School GDST Day Girls 16,089
20 77.49 St Mary's School - Ascot Both Girls 28,590 40,140
21 77.14 City of London School for Girls Day Girls 19,212
22 76.53 Lady Eleanor Holles School Day Girls 20,802
23 76.15 South Hampstead High School Day Girls 19,494
24 75.84 Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Elstree Day Boys 21,159
25 75.82 Highgate School Day Co-ed 21,600
26 75.28 Merchant Taylors' School Day Boys 21,526
27 75.21 King Edward VI High School for Girls Day Girls 13,338
28 74.89 University College School Day Boys (Co-ed 6th form) 21,090
29 74.61 Manchester Grammar School Day Boys 12,930
30 74.18 Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls Day Girls 19,311

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

Secondary education in the UK

World Ranking 1
Foreign students 20%
Minimum age 4 years+ (age 11-14)
Tuition language English
Minimum English level beginner&higher (depends on the school)
Tuition cost £17,000-50,000
Cost of living (year) £10,000-25,000
Mandatory subjects English, Mathematics, Science

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
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