10 best private schools in Wales for international students. Description, rankings, 2023 fees

Wales is an extraordinary, beautiful and picturesque country, one of the four main parts of the United Kingdom. This is a land of boundless lakes, melodious songs and a persistent Nordic character, stunning coastal landscapes and mysterious fogs. In addition to its unique historical, cultural and tourist value, Wales provides an opportunity to receive a high-quality, prestigious education. Studying in Wales is becoming more and more popular among international students every year, and there are logical explanations for this – the country has many advantages.

Despite its belonging to the United Kingdom, the small coastal state carefully preserves its national identity and uniqueness. As an official language, not only English, but also Welsh is accepted here. It is very melodic, smooth, beautiful and pleasant to the ear – in particular, this explains the popularity of the song genre and Welsh opera all over the world. Welsh is a unique example of how the historical, ancient language is actively used and developed in the modern world: many residents of remote villages even poorly understand English, and Welsh can be heard everywhere on the streets of the capital Cardiff. The accent here is not as strong as, for example, the Scots.

There is no single education system for the whole of the UK: of course, there are many common features, but individual differences are very strong. At the State level, all educational institutions are controlled by the ruling Assembly of Wales.

The secondary and primary education is compulsory for all students aged from 5 to 16 years old. Traditionally, educational institutions are divided into public (usually free) and private (paid). The studying is conducted in as English (in this case, Welsh is studied as a second foreign language), as and in Welsh – the choice is made by the child and his parents, the curricula are practically the same and equally well balanced. The main specific of studying in Wales is high variability of programs, focus on practical application of the acquired knowledge, personal approach to each student and focus on the production and business sector. Below the stages of education in English private schools in Wales:

• Early development is all kinds of kindergartens and nurseries, preparatory classes for children from 0 to 5 years old.
• Primary schools are divided into two stages: grades 1-2 (5-7 years, KS-1) and grades 3-6 (7-11 years, KS-2)
• Secondary schools are also divided into two stages: grades 7-9 (11-14 years, KS-3) and grades 10-11 (14-16 years, KS-4). At this stage, compulsory (incomplete) secondary education (GCSE) is considered completed.
• Sixth Form and graduating classes, colleges – 12-13 years (16-18 years): designed for students who plan to continue their studies at universities and higher schools.

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 instruction. 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, all diplomas and certificates, as well as confirm a high language level by passing a profile exam.

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 private 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).

Mostly private schools in Wales offer a boarding school format, which is included in the cost of services. Separate accommodation is in little demand among international students. Private 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 private 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.

Private 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.

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