Primary, secondary education in Wales for international studens. List of 10 top institutions, 2023 fees, rankings
- Education information
- Secondary education in Wales – main specifics of studying
- How to enroll in primary schools in Wales?
- Accommodation types in secondary schools in Wales
- Secondary schools in Wales fees for foreign students
- Learning programs-summary information
- Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
- Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2022
- Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2022 Smapse rankings
- Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2022
- Top 12 best schools in Canada 2022
- Best boarding schools in England - 2022 Smapse rankings











Alternative destinations
Education information
Wales is an interesting educational destination for those who want to get a diploma in an English–speaking country. The country offers high-quality programs at more affordable prices than in England, and puts forward not the most stringent requirements for applicants. Another advantage of education in Wales is the chance to get acquainted with the distinctive Welsh culture and nature.
There is no unified system of education in Britain, because all educational institutions in Wales are controlled at the state, local level. In general, the educational policy in the UK countries has diverged greatly: England has focused on the diversity of educational institutions, while Wales and Scotland have retained the idea of a community-based comprehensive school.
General secondary education in Wales is compulsory and free for children aged 5 to 16 years. A parent can enroll their child in any school at will. Local government bodies are responsible for organizing the admission procedure to schools in accordance with state requirements reflected in the document School Admission Code (Law on Admission to School).
Below the information about stages of education is provided in the context of the student's age:
- Preschool education – up to five years
- Primary education in Wales – 5-11 years old
- Secondary school – 11-16 years old
- Graduating classes and colleges – 16-18 years old.
Secondary education in Wales – main specifics of studying
- Academic preparation
Development of certain skills: independent and team work, developed logical thinking, quick search for information, structured text, methods of effective memorization, public speaking and much more.
- Variability of education
The education of students becomes an integral part of the educational process. Some educational institutions focus on the development of leadership qualities, while others focus on the development of exemplary manners.
- Sport classes
A healthy lifestyle is a priority here. Students are offered a choice of several dozen different sports sections. Everyone can choose what they will be really interested in doing.
- Interest groups
Additional classes may be part of the schedule. Active and entertaining work is carried out in interest clubs and scientific communities. One of the most popular directions is music, art, and theater.
- Organization of leisure
Not only excursions also act as a useful pastime, but also hiking, expeditions, for which they are often prepared in advance.
How to enroll in primary schools in Wales?
The foreign students need to pass language test and personal interview. In case of enrolment on the program GCSE, it is necessary to pass examination tests in natural sciences and mathematics, on the A-level - in four disciplines. Foreign applicants with an insufficient level of English are recommended to first receive intensive language studying in special international centers (based on ranking educational institutions). At the same time, the studying will take place simultaneously with the standard academic program.
Depending on the requirements of a particular secondary school in Wales, the package of documents for studying in England may vary.
Main documents are as following:
- Report card (may contain grades for the last 2-3 years of study), at the same time, they may ask for a transcript: number of hours, name of disciplines;
- Certificate of international standard (confirms the level of proficiency in English), passing scores may vary depending on the educational institution;
- Letters of recommendation (a characteristic may be required not only from the class teacher, but also from the school principal, teachers of mathematics and English);
- A motivational letter in free form (in it the child must state why he wants to enroll in this particular school and what he expects from studying in the future).
Accommodation types in secondary schools in Wales
Mostly schools in Wales offer a boarding format, which is included in the cost of services. Separate accommodation is in little demand among international students. The schools are divided into:
- Partial. Five days a week, students live on campus, the rest of the time — outside it;
- Complete. They are represented in closed educational institutions that offer residence accommodation throughout their studies.
Accommodation in host families is possible, including meals. Comfortable living conditions have been created in the residences, which are equipped with bathrooms, kitchens, rooms for games and recreation, study rooms, computer classrooms. Teachers and administration staff with their families can also live in them. Educational dormitories are distinguished by a special atmosphere. Each of them has its own name and characteristic features.
The system of living and studying in one place, popular in secondary schools in Wales, allowing the students to pay more attention to classes and receive a range of services at an affordable cost. Teachers also organize leisure time for students — arrange competitions, excursions. Elective classes are often offered, including sports, dance, theater, music, philosophy, pottery and much more. Children can take part in national sports competitions or public speaking competitions.
Primary schools in Wales mainly accept students on the following conditions: children are offered rooms in a dormitory (residence), elementary school students live in rooms for 4 – 10 people. Accommodation in dormitories is also provided. They are spacious, partitioned rooms. In the dormitories, each resident has his own corner with a bed, a desk, a small wardrobe for storing personal belongings, shoes, clothes. High school students are accommodated in double and single rooms.
Secondary schools in Wales fees for foreign students
It is legally approved that students living and studying in Wales can pay no more than 1,255 pounds annually for their studies; subsidies are also provided for students who have chosen Welsh as the main language of studying. Thus, the cost of studying here is quite acceptable.
The state cordially welcomes foreign students and applicants - the choice of educational directions here is quite wide, and the requirements are quite standard. You will need to provide a school certificate for the 11th grade (or a bachelor's/ specialist diploma if you are applying for a place in the magistracy), all diplomas and certificates, as well as confirm a high language level by passing a profile exam.
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 2022
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 |
Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2022 Smapse rankings
1 | North Broward Preparatory School |
2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
3 | The Storm King School New York |
4 | Red Bank Catholic High School |
5 | Windermere Preparatory School |
6 | Shattuck St Mary's School |
7 | Cheshire Academy |
8 | Cate School |
9 | Ross School |
10 | Deerfield Academy |
11 | The Village School |
12 | Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School |
13 | Webb Schools |
14 | Kent School USA |
15 | The Winchendon School |
16 | Darlington School |
17 | Marian Catholic High School Amerigo Education |
18 | Grier School |
19 | The MacDuffie School |
20 | CATS Academy Boston |
21 | The Cambridge School of Weston |
22 | Milton Academy |
23 | Amerigo Education Napa Valley |
24 | American Hebrew Academy |
25 | Northfield Mount Hermon School |
26 | Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education |
27 | American University Preparatory School Los Angeles |
28 | Webb Schools |
29 | Kent School USA |
30 | Groton School |
31 | Maine Central Institute |
32 | The Lawrenceville School |
33 | Grand River Academy Оhio |
34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
35 | Chicago North Shore |
Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2022
1 | College Du Leman |
2 | St. Georges School Montreux |
3 | Institut Monte Rosa |
4 | Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz |
5 | Saint-Charles Collège et Lycée |
6 | Leysin American School |
7 | Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG High Alpine |
8 | Aiglon College Switzerland |
9 | Institut Le Rosey School |
10 | Institut Montana Zugerberg |
11 | Champittet College |
12 | Brillantmont International School |
13 | Surval Montreux |
14 | Ecole Pre Fleuri |
Top 12 best schools in Canada 2022
1 | Brookes Shawnigan Lake |
2 | Rosseau Lake College |
3 | Albert College |
4 | Columbia International College |
5 | Ridley College |
6 | St Andrew's College |
7 | Brentwood College School |
8 | Pickering College |
9 | Bodwell High School |
10 | Trafalgar Castle School |
11 | Fulford Academy |
12 | Shawnigan Lake School |
Best boarding schools in England - 2022 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 |