Private boarding schools in England UK: Q&A on secondary education in the UK from practice

My son is moving up to 9th grade (he will be 16 years old). We are planning to transfer him to a British college so that he can then enter an English university. What exams will he have to take at college and how can he prepare for them? When do we need to submit an application in order to secure a place?

In order to enroll in an English college on time and start studying with the whole class, you need to submit your application in September-October of the previous year. Each college can independently set the order and number of entrance exams: usually these are tests in mathematics, English, and natural sciences; they can be taken directly at the educational institution, at the British Council office, and at accredited centers. Exams are held from October to February, and students are informed of the date in advance. We can provide you with sample tests from previous years so that you can familiarize yourself with their structure and assess their difficulty. Sample tests are also always reviewed in preparatory (language and academic) courses.

We want our son to get an education at an English university. He is 15 years old and is finishing 9th grade. Where should we start?

The best and most effective option is to enroll in a British pre-university preparation program: these are available as three-year (starting at age 15) and two-year (16 years) courses. These courses are organized in many British boarding schools, private schools, and international colleges. These may be the famous A-level or IB courses. By getting good grades when you finish the prep course, you'll be in a great spot to get into the selected British university.

Our children are graduating from school and want to study together at a British university, majoring in economics and management. Please advise, would it be best to start with a foundation program? What steps should we take?

Smart Products and Services specialists will help you choose a university or college based on your personal needs and those of your children to pass the Foundation course — these are truly effective pre-university programs. Usually, your child is enrolled in the course after their documents have been checked and payment has been made. Then (after receiving an invitation from the college), we begin the visa application process. Our consultants will explain each step in detail and advise you on any questions you may have.

I am planning to apply to a British university to study biology (I am considering top options such as Cambridge). I am 15 years old and I am finishing 9th grade at secondary school. Which college or school would be best for me to choose in order to get the best preparation?

You have thought about applying at just the right time – specialized preparatory schools accept students at the age of 16. You may consider international colleges – take a look at the relevant section of our website and, if necessary, our consultant will help you navigate the wide range of options available.

Our son is finishing 11th grade and wants to continue his education in the UK. Can we enroll him in preparatory courses (A-level or Foundation) immediately after 10th grade so that he doesn't waste an extra year?

If the son will be 16 years old by the start of the school year (in September), he can apply for a place in the IB or A-level program, and the Foundation accepts children aged 17. If you are considering options for 15-year-olds - it is worth paying attention to the Pre-IB or Pre-A-level.

I am 16 years old. The level of English is rather average, I do not think that it would be enough to enter a British university. I am interested in IB (International Baccalaureate) programs. What is necessary for admission? Specify, please, the length of studying and the timing of the application and the cost of the program.

To enter the IB (International Baccalaureate) course, you will inevitably need a good command of English (above average) and good academic performance. The approximate cost of the course is 27,000 pounds (it can vary depending on the chosen educational institution), and the duration of study is 2 years.

We are looking for a good private school in the UK for our son (14 years old, good speaking and writing skills, a high level of knowledge and academic preparation). We want him to get secondary education abroad. What is the order of our actions?

The approximate course of action for admission to the British boarding school is as follows:

We collect a package of documents: a report card with grades for the last 2-3 years, a characteristic from the last school, a letter of recommendation from the teacher of English (if possible - from the class teacher), as well as an essay written by the student about himself
We select the appropriate educational institution for you, focusing on your capabilities, goals and needs
We find out the peculiarities of entrance examinations and tests. We can show you examples of testing from past years so that you can objectively assess their complexity and your level of preparation
Determine the date and place of writing exams (this can be done directly at school, in the UK, in accredited centers or in the British Council department)
We send the application and documents to the school, which already decides on enrolling the applicant
Then we begin the process of issuing a visa, collecting and translating documents (an invitation will be required for the visa that the school sends to the student). We can also arrange a guest visit to your chosen campus so that you can personally confirm that you have made the right choice.

We always stay in touch with you - with your parents and with your child - helping to solve any problems and responding to any of your questions.

We are looking for a private English school for our son (8 years old), for a period of two years. Our son has been playing chess and swimming for a long time (we don't want to interrupt his lessons); he speaks English quite confidently, the level is above average.

Don't worry about your son's additional sports development: almost all private schools in Britain, especially the top ones (from the list of the 500 best), have extensive sports facilities on campus. These usually include spacious swimming pools (with standard 25-meter lanes): students can swim for fun by attending optional training sessions, or they can join the school swimming team and compete in national championships and competitions. The same applies to chess: optional classes are available at almost all boarding schools, and there are also institutions with serious clubs — for example, Oakham School (the corresponding club here was patronized by Garry Kasparov himself!).

To enroll in a British school and study well in the future, you need to confirm your level of knowledge with tests in English and mathematics.

Is it possible for a 5-year-old child to start studying at a private English school? What institutions accept children of this age?

Education in British schools does indeed begin at the age of 5, but this applies to day schools and state schools, not boarding schools, and this option is only available to UK citizens. If you still want your child to start school at this age, you will need to arrange for a long-term stay in England: then your child will be able to attend a day school and live with you. The corresponding level of education is called Pre-Prep.

Is it possible to send a 15-year-old child to take GCSE courses at Warwick School? We have heard many good reviews, which is why we chose this school.

In this case, you need to start preparing for admission now in order to be ready for the start of the new academic year in September. Like other prestigious private schools, Warwick School enrolls foreign students based on written entrance exams: mathematics and English are mandatory, and science (chemistry, physics, biology) is also likely to be required. Contact our specialist — we will select a good preparatory course for you, help you collect documents and translate them if necessary, and show you samples of entrance exams from previous years.

We would like to enroll our son (11 years old) at Winchester College. To avoid wasting time, we would like to start in September this year. Can you help us with the application and visa issues? Please clarify what we need to do and how much it will cost.

Of course, we are ready to help you! Smart Products and Services provides all specialized services for admission to foreign educational institutions: our enrollment services are free of charge, as we work as partners, not intermediaries.

The preparation and admission process usually takes several months, ideally one year before the intended start of studies (September-October). We send the package of documents and completed applications to the selected schools, and the institutions set the dates for the entrance exams. Specifically, in response to your request (Winchester College), we can clarify the following:

Winchester College accepts children from the age of 13 (boys only).
The package of documents must include a reference from the previous place of study, a report card with grades for the last three years, references from parents and teachers (preferably an English teacher).
We can find preparatory courses for you at an English school so that your child is ready to study at Winchester College.
You can check the cost of tuition in the profile of each educational institution presented on our portal — we indicate not only the price per term, but also the necessary additional expenses and fees.
Yes, we provide visa support to our students — we will help you collect the necessary documents, translate them, and make an appointment at the consulate at a convenient time.

We are planning to send our daughter to secondary school in London. She is currently attending a school with an intensive English program and also has a tutor (a native speaker). Is it possible to enroll after 7th grade? How much does it cost?

Given your requirements, your daughter can apply for a place at one of the prestigious English and London schools. For example, Abbey London (the only boarding school in central London), CATS London, David Game College, MPW College London. First, we will work with you to select the best private school, prepare a package of documents and send it to the admissions committees, and take the entrance exams. The cost of schools can vary significantly, but we would advise you to expect to pay around $45,000-48,000 per academic year. You can find more detailed prices, including all additional fees, in the description of each school in our catalog.

Can I send my daughter to study in England (she is 14 years old) and live with her myself, or should I only consider boarding schools with accommodation?

If you want to live in England with your child, you need to obtain a visa (investor or work visa). According to British law, your daughter is considered old enough to study independently at a boarding school (studying and living on the same campus). Inside the school, children are constantly supervised by teachers and educators, ensuring their complete safety.

My daughter wants to continue her education abroad, and we are considering the US and the UK. She is currently finishing 9th grade (15 years old) and has a very good command of English, almost fluent – she has many certificates and diplomas from academic competitions and contests. How often will I be able to communicate with her? Will my child be safe and supervised while studying at a boarding school? How much does it cost? What prospects will she have after graduation?

The approximate cost of education at a prestigious British boarding school is £27,000-30,000. The cost may vary depending on the chosen educational institution, so more accurate figures with additional fees can be found in the description of each school.

If your daughter receives secondary and higher education in the UK or the US, she will have a huge range of employment opportunities as foreign diplomas are highly valued all over the world. In addition, she will already know English at a native level, so working for an international company or corporation will not be difficult.

Boarding schools usually allow children to contact their parents regularly by phone or email — high-speed internet is usually available on campus. There is no need to worry about the girl's safety: security guards are constantly on duty on campus, and children are supervised by teachers and caregivers. If you are concerned about a long flight, you can order a special onboard support service, and during the flight, transfers, and waiting for flights, the girl will be supervised by adults.

My child is finishing 9th grade (15 years old) and wants to continue her education in Britain. She doesn't know English very well (but is taking intensive courses) and she studied German up to 8th grade. Is it possible to enroll after 10th grade, and will we have enough time to prepare?

In order not to waste time, you need to start active preparation (both linguistic and academic) as soon as possible. Ideally, it is worth taking preparatory courses at an international college in the UK: this will allow your child to get used to the new academic and linguistic environment and adapt to the local education system. To save time and effort, contact our specialists — we are ready to answer any questions you may have and resolve any difficulties that arise.

We have already visited English schools on a fact-finding trip and have chosen Sevenoaks. Could you please check the number of places available for the upcoming academic year? Of course, we are ready for the preparatory courses and will do our best to pass the entrance exams.

If you are confident in the quality of your daughter's academic and language preparation, it certainly makes sense to submit your application to Sevenoaks immediately and wait for a positive response from the admissions committee. When working with foreign schoolchildren, we always recommend playing it safe and sending applications to several schools: this helps to clarify your child's chances of admission (since the educational programs of Britain are quite different). Once the applications have been submitted, it will become clear which schools the girl will be able to attend in the upcoming academic year and which courses (and under what conditions) she is eligible for.

I want my child to study in Britain after reaching the age of 7, but his English is practically at zero level. Are there any private boarding schools ready to accept us under these conditions?

In your case, we strongly recommend that you finish primary school and immediately begin studying in the UK, i.e., go abroad at the age of 11. Otherwise, foreign students will spend their entire first year studying English and will only begin studying academic subjects alongside their classmates in the second grade. In addition, if you start studying right now (at the age of seven), your child will most likely not be able to write correctly in a foreign language, so please take this into account.

I want to arrange education in the UK for my daughter: as soon as she turns 7, I want to send her to a prestigious boarding school for girls (to the primary school, of course). Our family has Israeli citizenship. Where can my child obtain a British student visa?

Usually, exams can be taken at the nearest British Council branch or directly at the school where you plan to study (of course, we will help you with your choice). You can also sort out your visa in Israel. We will help you with all the necessary issues and show you how to collect and translate the required documents.

Please advise whether it is possible to send my son to study in England if we have Cypriot citizenship. He is 16 years old and is finishing 9th grade on the British GCSE program. He would like to obtain his A-levels directly in England. Ideally, we would like to choose a school not far from London.

Your procedure is the following:

We collect a package of documents and work with you to choose a suitable school.
Preparation for GCSE exams — you need to get high enough scores and pass the entrance exams at your chosen educational institution.
If you wish, you can take a trip to England to visit the campuses of your chosen schools and make a final informed choice.

We are looking for a qualified, professional tutor for a 16-year-old girl. Main requirements: excellent knowledge of English, proven work experience with teenagers for at least 5 years. Knowledge of the basics of adolescent psychology: certificates and diplomas, additional education or advanced training courses. In a year, our daughter plans to enroll in one of the best universities in the world. We are choosing between Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and other top educational institutions. It is necessary to conduct a professional aptitude test, determine her interests and possible specialties for admission (taking into account the child's innate natural abilities, talents, and character), and effectively prepare her for admission to university in her chosen specialty within one year.

Let's start with the fact that you have a slightly inaccurate understanding of the process of applying to a foreign university. Foreign schoolchildren must first complete a preparatory course lasting 1-2 years and only then apply to their preferred universities. That is why the girl should now look for a good pre-university preparation center with A-level or IB programs (this could be an international college or a traditional boarding school).

In addition, it is very unlikely that there is a native-speaking teacher who, in addition to strong language training, can equally professionally teach courses in mathematics, natural sciences, economics, management, etc. Usually, high-class teachers focus only on their specialization and teach it really well so that the level of training corresponds to foreign educational institutions.

Our specialist can describe the admission process in more detail and draw up an appropriate action plan for you.

What is the average cost of education in England (private school, per term)?

A term at secondary school costs around £6,000, and around £9,000 at sixth form. The cost depends on a number of factors, so we recommend checking the description of each educational institution for more detailed prices.

We are looking for a private school in England for our youngest daughter (4 years old). She has already started learning English (from the basics), we would like to start her education as early as possible. It would be best to find a school in London or the suburbs (up to 1 hour by train). What schools can you recommend? Are there any highly rated options for young children? Is it possible for a parent (at least one of the two) to live in England while the child is studying? What kind of visa would be required for this and how can it be obtained? Please clarify the cost of both the tuition and your services.

Let's start with the last question: our enrollment and admission services are completely free, as we work on a partnership basis rather than as intermediaries, and do not charge you any commission. The cost of tuition at a day school is £3000-5000 per term — this is, of course, an approximate amount.

Smart Products and Services consultant will provide you with several suitable schools based on your requests and requirements. You can choose the right option before signing an official contract with us, and we will then work according to your chosen direction.

There is no official ranking for primary schools. Usually, the achievements of senior students are evaluated. An important factor is the percentage of younger students accepted by the top schools. The most important factor for admission is a good knowledge of English: with poor knowledge, it will be almost impossible to get into a day school because they do not offer additional lessons (for example, “English as a Foreign Language”) — foreign students must study on an equal footing with British subjects. Therefore, we recommend considering boarding schools, possibly with day departments.

Parents (specifically immediate relatives, not grandparents) can live with their child on the basis of a long-term multiple-entry visa, the validity of which must coincide with the duration of the child's education. To obtain such a visa, you need to provide compelling evidence of your financial solvency, demonstrating that you have the financial means to support yourself and your child in England during this period. You will need to prove that you have at least $120,000 in your account(s) for one year.

Is there a suitable English school for a 13-year-old child with a low level of English?

Yes, there are options like that and we can find the best educational institution for you. It's good that your child has reached the age of 13: children in this age group do not take state exams after their first year of study. Your child will be able to study English very intensively for a whole year, partially replacing general education subjects with language lessons, and then catch up with their classmates.

Our son is an excellent student and is finishing 11th grade (he will turn 18 in October); he has an FCE certificate (English) and has attended summer language camps in the UK several times. Can he continue his education in the UK in engineering, studying mathematics, chemistry, and physics? We are also interested in good summer schools, as we would like to send our son on vacation again.

Schools in Britain are not divided into groups – there are no language, physics and mathematics, humanities, or other institutions. You should pay attention to schools with a good overall rating, and you can also consider international colleges (here it is worth evaluating the results of graduates over the last 2-3 years in priority disciplines). Information about how graduates perform on tests in mathematics, physics, and chemistry will help you determine the quality and level of teaching in these subjects.

To make sure your summer vacation also helps you prepare for admission to a prestigious school, we recommend such trusted centers as St. Clare's Oxford Private School (but only for children aged 15-17), OISE Newbury Hall or Queenswood, Abbey London, Concord College (summer camp), Bishop's Stortford College, Taunton Summer School.

We want to give our children (aged 9, finishing third grade) the opportunity to continue their education in England. Is it possible to enroll after fourth grade, or do we need to start now? We are looking for a good, prestigious boarding school with a friendly atmosphere where both children can live together. We prefer co-ed schooling (our twins are a boy and a girl).

We recommend that you consider the following important details when preparing for admission:

Ideally, wait until your children are 11 years old: this will give them enough time to learn spoken and written their native language well and acquire a good knowledge of English (with the help of a tutor or preparatory courses). State exams will only be taken two years after admission, so children will have time to get used to the new educational environment and improve their academic skills.
However, you can start preparing for admission and applying to priority schools right now. If you start soon, you will be able to prepare for the written entrance exams, which usually include tests in English, mathematics, natural sciences, and logic. As an example, we can show you samples of entrance exams from previous years so that you can assess your children's level of preparation and the degree of difficulty, and pay maximum attention to the most difficult areas.
Since children aged 11-13 enter middle school rather than high school, the initial cost of education will be slightly more affordable – you can expect to pay around £22,000 per academic year (per child). However, secondary school will be more expensive (around £32,000), and there are additional costs (tuition deposit, uniform, guardianship, admission fees) that you need to be prepared for.

We are ready to select the best educational institutions for you, which best meet all your requirements, wishes, and capabilities.

My daughter wants to study in the UK. She is now 12 years old and attends a regular secondary school. Is it possible for her to enroll in a good boarding school in our case? How good does her English need to be?

Keep in mind that your daughter will be communicating and studying exclusively in English for several years, completely immersed in a new linguistic environment, so her language skills must be at a very high level. If you want to make her dream come true, be prepared for very serious and intensive preparation: she will need tutors in English, mathematics, biology, physics, and chemistry.

My 15-year-old child (finishing 8th grade, with a good level of English, even above average) wants to study at a British school next year (starting in September). Will we be able to get everything ready in terms of preparation and documents before the start of the new school year, or would it be better to take an extra year for preparatory courses?

British boarding schools, like international colleges, accept foreign children based on their overall academic performance and level of knowledge — they will need to pass exams in English, mathematics, logic, and some other subjects. We can provide you with sample tests from previous years so that you can personally assess your child's level of knowledge, see the complexity of the tasks, and compare the student's readiness with the level of testing.

If you are confident in the quality of your preparation and knowledge, you can apply now and start studying in England in the fall. If you have doubts, it is better not to rush and postpone your application until next year. Don't forget that places in the most prestigious and popular schools are reserved first, although there have been cases when places suddenly became available and our best students managed to fill them.

We are looking for a top-rated, prestigious British private school for our 14-year-old son. What options can you recommend?

There is a huge selection of such institutions for boys! Contact our specialist, and we will select the best options for you based on your needs, capabilities, and goals.

My son is currently attending summer classes at Milfield School—he really likes it, and I would like to arrange for him to continue his education there. How can we extend his student visa, and what steps do we need to take?

Most likely, your child's current visa is a short-term visa – for further study, you will need to apply for a long-term student visa (this takes just over 4-5 weeks). We can help you enroll in long-term educational programs in England — we cannot always guarantee that it will be Millfield School (it depends on the number of available places and academic requirements), but we will try to arrange the most convenient option for you, offering a worthy alternative if necessary.

My son has finished 9th grade (he is 16 years old), and we live in Latvia. He speaks English very well, has excellent grades in all subjects, and is interested in mathematics and programming. He even attends a specialized school. Which college in the UK would you recommend for a two-year preparatory program before university? I would like my son to study at Oxford or Cambridge.

Almost any school from among the top 200 would be suitable for your son—they all offer excellent, comprehensive, effective programs, and you can choose according to your preferences. At these schools, 10-30% of teachers are always graduates of Oxford or Cambridge, which emphasizes the quality of educational services.

We want to give our son an education—first at a school abroad, and then at university. We are considering England and Switzerland. Our son is now 15 years old and is finishing 9th grade. What options can you recommend?

Your course of action is as follows:

Take exams to assess your level of knowledge (English, mathematics, natural sciences)
Intensive preparation for admission (intensive language and academic courses, tutors)
Take entrance exams for a specific school
If possible, visit the selected schools, tour the campuses, and make a final decision.

This algorithm is valid for choosing educational institutions in England and Swiss schools. You can familiarize yourself with the variety of options in the relevant sections of our catalog, select the priority options you like, and discuss them with our consultant. If your language and subject knowledge is sufficiently high, choose national schools without hesitation. If you are unsure about your level of preparation, consider international colleges (they are more suited to teaching foreigners).

We want to send our son to school abroad at the age of 13 (he is currently 11) — when should we start preparing?

Most students take entrance exams approximately 10-12 months before the expected start of studies in September, with an additional influx of applicants observed in February-March.

Can you find a school for a girl finishing 9th grade? Ideally, the educational institution (school or college) should be located in London, with a focus on economics and affordable prices.

In England, colleges and schools are not divided into categories — there are no humanities lyceums or physics and mathematics classes, so there are also no colleges with a clear economic focus. You can choose the right focus for your studies by selecting the appropriate subjects for the A-level final course (it lasts two years and is offered to 16-year-olds planning to enter university).

The cost of colleges with this program is approximately the same – around £33,000 per academic year, with a difference in price of no more than a few hundred pounds. You can save money by choosing the minimum duration of education: instead of a two-year A-level, enroll in a one-year Foundation program after 11th grade. The only caveat is that not all universities accept Foundation programs, which limits your choice of higher education institutions. You can also reduce costs by choosing an educational institution not in Cambridge or Oxford (prices in London, are also very high), but in small towns in rural areas.

We are looking for a good English boarding school for a 14-year-old boy. What would you recommend? Is it possible to visit the campus with a preliminary tour, ideally even several schools? How much do your services cost?

Our enrollment and admission services are completely free: we work with the educational institutions listed on our portal as partners, not intermediaries, so we do not charge you any commission.

It's great that you are considering visiting the campus before you start your studies! Of course, we are ready to organize such a trip for you: this is the best way to see for yourself the conditions offered and their comfort, safety, and facilities, to talk to the director and teachers, and to see the rooms in the shared residence. Keep in mind, of course, that a personal visit to the school is not a guarantee of admission.

Our consultants are ready to select several optimal options for you that suit your capabilities, requests, and goals. We closely monitor school rankings, listen to feedback from our students (you can view it yourself on our website), and communicate with representatives of educational institutions so that we can explain all the details to you and answer any questions.

Can my daughter start studying in England on an A-level program? She will soon turn 16 (she is finishing 9th grade), and we are mainly considering highly-rated private boarding schools.

Yes, this is possible, but there are many nuances to consider. First, there are many fundamental differences between foreign and British educational systems, and sometimes foreign students lag behind their British counterparts by almost two years. We would advise you to prepare thoroughly (both linguistically and academically, in the main school subjects) and apply for admission to the 10th or 11th grade of a British school. If you are confident in your abilities, you may apply for admission to the 12th grade, the final year, but we cannot guarantee successful admission in this case, as such cases are rare.

I want to send my nephews (aged 12 and 14) to a private boarding school in England. We live in Kazakhstan. How can I organize the whole process?

We are ready to work with you: today, almost all work issues can be resolved remotely, using email, messengers, and mobile phones. To begin with, we recommend that you take trial exams to determine the level of knowledge and language proficiency of the boys, and which school to apply to in order to avoid rejection. Then, more focused, intensive preparation for admission begins: ideally, start classes in preparatory courses or with tutors, not only in English, but also in the main school subjects (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics). It is great if you can find a native-speaking tutor, as this will make the learning process more effective. We can provide you with sample tests from previous years so that you can familiarize yourself with their structure and understand the level of difficulty, identify gaps in the children's preparation, and pay closer attention to them.

Simultaneously with this preparation, we will work with you to select educational institutions based on your capabilities, needs, and requirements. Additionally, we can organize introductory trips to selected campuses so that you can personally evaluate the accommodation and learning conditions and communicate with the director and teachers.

We also assist you with visa issues. We will clarify the terms for obtaining and processing a visa, the required set of documents (if necessary, we will provide professional translation).

After finishing 10th grade, we want to send our child to an English boarding school for an IB course. Is this possible, and what is required? Is it possible to skip the IGCSE? Or is it better to enroll in the IGCSE at age 16 and only then move on to the IB course?

You can enroll in the IB program immediately after completing 10th grade, but only if you are completely confident in your abilities and level of preparation — you will need to perform very well on the entrance exams.

Each educational institution independently establishes the procedure and composition of entrance exams; there is no clear standard for this. Therefore, you need to prepare based on the GCSE program, its complexity, and depth. We are also ready to provide you with examples of tests from previous years so that you can personally assess your level of preparation and the complexity of the tasks.

When choosing a school, focus primarily on official ratings: our specialists will help you choose the best option.

We are planning to enroll our son in an English university, but first - in an English private school. He is currently 9 years old. The boy is quite capable and intelligent, enjoys sports, and shows excellent performance in mathematics and literature, but his English level is still average. Are there good school options for him? Is it possible to find a suitable tutor with your help? What are the costs of education? Under whose care will he be in England, so we can not worry about his safety and comfort?

You have chosen the right course of action – in order to study at a British university, it would be ideal to first complete a UK private schools.

The question is that all schools set different academic requirements and entrance exams, so it is necessary to be as prepared as possible and align the child's knowledge with the UK educational system.

Most British schools accept foreigners on a boarding basis – teachers and caregivers constantly look after the children on campus, and the campus is protected 24/7. In addition, minor children studying in the UK must have an official guardian: they are usually appointed from among former retired teachers. Guardians are always respectable, thoroughly vetted, and law-abiding citizens selected by a specialized guardianship agency (this service costs around £5,000–6,000 per year). The cost of studying at a good private boarding school would be approximately £22,000 (this amount is, of course, approximate).

For full preparation for admission, we recommend consulting a tutor; we can also provide you with samples of entrance exams from previous years so you can assess their level and compare it with your child's knowledge.

We can offer you trial tests similar to entrance exams from previous years. This way, you can evaluate their level of difficulty and compare it with your own level of preparation.

We are looking for a good boarding school in the UK for our daughter (9 years old). What options can you suggest? We have many questions and would like to get the most complete and up-to-date information.

All educational institutions featured on our portal are our direct partners – we are confident in the quality of their work, the level of service and comfort they provide, and we can confidently recommend each of them to our students. The choice will depend on your preferences, capabilities, goals, and needs. Once the schools are selected (you can also mark a few priority options for yourself), we will clarify the number of available spots and admission requirements, and prepare the student for entrance exams. You can ask us any questions by phone or email, or contact our consultants directly during a visit to our office – we will help you resolve any doubts and do everything possible to make studying abroad more accessible!

We want to enroll our son in a private school in the United Kingdom. He is currently 12 years old and studies in a regular secondary school in the 6th grade. Last summer, he already attended language summer courses in England. What program would you recommend for a child of this age? Which schools can you suggest, and how much will they cost?

Many private British schools accept foreign students at the age of 13, so you still have plenty of time to prepare and collect documents. After we clarify your requirements and preferences, and conduct trial exams for the child to determine their level of knowledge, we will decide on the priority schools for admission. Each educational institution sets its own standards for applicants and its own set of entrance tests and exams.

The actual exams are mostly held in October-November, with a second session scheduled for January-February. The cost of education usually ranges from £30,000 to £35,000 per academic year – you can find more detailed pricing information in the description of each school (for your convenience, we have also indicated all additional expenses, contributions, and extra fees).

I am looking for a good, prestigious, and highly rated school in England for my daughter. She needs education with a focus on drama, as she plans to apply to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in the future. She is currently 15 years old (turning 16 in June) – what options could you recommend for her to start studying in September?

For an initial overview, you can familiarize yourself with the descriptions and ratings of schools on our website to determine your first favorites. Our specialist will provide you with additional consultation, help with the selection, and outline the strengths and advantages of each chosen educational institution. To enroll in a good private school, strong preparation is required – both linguistic and academic (in the main subjects): since the girl will be applying at a fairly mature age of 15, the requirements for her will be quite high.

My daughter dreams of studying in England. She is 14 years old now and has been studying English since she was 5. Her current level is around Upper Intermediate, and she has won many competitions many times. What do we need to do to get her into a really good and prestigious school? How are the documents for admission and guardianship processed, and how long does it take? After completing her studies, will she be able to pursue higher education at a British university? Also, please clarify the cost per academic year.

In short, your course of action is as follows:

Select suitable schools together with our consultant
Take trial exams to determine the child's level of knowledge
Develop an intensive preparation program in English and core academic subjects
Sit for real entrance exams at the chosen schools (also be prepared for a personal interview)
Finally, determine the most preferred school
Begin the visa process, document collection, booking flights, etc.

The preparation process for admission typically takes about one to one and a half years. With good, comprehensive preparation, the girl has a fairly high chance of gaining higher education at almost any university in the UK — especially if she completes a preparatory program at a British school or college.

The average cost of education is £40,000–£45,000 per academic year (tuition, accommodation, meals, plus additional and pocket expenses).

I study in secondary school, but I would like to complete my education in the UK. I am looking for a good private school for pre-university preparation. A focus on theater is desirable, as I plan to apply to a specialized university. What options can you recommend for a 16-year-old applicant?

In order to successfully enter a UK university, we recommend that you undergo good pre-university preparation at an English school (1-2 years). Among the most prestigious and popular options we can mention:

My son finished a 9-year secondary school and is now completing his secondary education in England through the A-level program. Is it true that the A-level certificate is invalid for students from some countries if they did not complete the 11th grade in their home country? Will my son be accepted into a British university, or will he need to complete courses remotely?

Do not worry, this information is not true. British universities do not pay much attention to a high school graduate's certificate from grade 11, but the A-level certificate is very valuable to them. For additional confirmation, you can contact a tutor or mentor, or the principal of the school your child is currently attending.

Our daughter is finishing the 9th grade, and we would like her to continue her studies in England or Switzerland. What steps should we take?

First, you need to decide on some fundamental issues, since you are considering two countries for her education:

What language will she study in?
Which university does she plan to attend in the future, and what degree does she want to obtain?
Do you need a comprehensive education, or can you focus on specific disciplines and areas of study?
Are there any health restrictions?
In which country will the girl be most comfortable living and working after graduation?

We always recommend taking mock exams to assess the applicant's level of preparation and determine the number of schools to which it makes sense to apply. Usually, English, mathematics, and natural sciences (a general course combining physics, chemistry, and mathematics) are taken; if the results are not satisfactory, you will always have time to fill in the gaps in your knowledge and improve the necessary subjects.

Studies at schools in the UK and Switzerland start in autumn (September-early October) - we will find out for you which institutions still have places available, as well as the dates for submitting documents, applications, and entrance exams. In addition, once you have decided on a school and country of study, we will help you with visa issues so that you can obtain a student visa on time and without delays (if possible).

We are looking for a good school in the UK for our son. We are planning to start studying next year, but we believe that his level of knowledge (including English) is not enough to pass the exams for 16-year-old students. Please suggest an acceptable option for our situation! We are also open to considering American schools. A good standard of living, quality education, and the possibility to later enter a foreign university are required.

Your son still has time to prepare intensively and improve his knowledge of English and performance in key school subjects, as entrance exams for schools are usually held in October-November (for admission the following year). Undoubtedly, for admission to prestigious ranking schools, preparation must be very thorough, so assess your capabilities wisely and objectively. We can recommend individual tutors for you – it is possible to choose an instructor for both in-person and remote preparation (for example online lessons are popular and effective). If your level of knowledge turns out to be insufficient for admission to a top national school, you can consider international colleges – they are more loyal to foreign students.

Getting into schools in the USA is a bit easier, if we don’t take into account the top 10-20, which hold entrance exams that are almost as serious as those in the UK. The key parameter for choosing a school remains your tastes, requirements, and preferences, and, of course, the availability of spots. If you are considering the possibility of further studies at a foreign university, it is worth paying more attention to the quality of education at the chosen school rather than the comfort of living conditions.

I want to send my children to study at a private day school in England (ideally in London) and live with them during their studies. The children are 6 and 13 years old. How can I obtain a visa, is there such an option for foreign parents?

First of all, you will need to prove your financial capacity to the visa officers: at least $150-200 thousand, or obtain an investor visa (we can recommend appropriate agencies for this). Keep in mind that the investor visa is very expensive – to obtain it, you will need to prove that you have more than $1.6 million.

I am planning to study in England after finishing 11th grade. I am considering applying for a Foundation program. How high are my chances of admission to a British university after successfully completing the program (I am looking at prestigious and top universities such as Warwick, LSE, Buckingham, Edinburgh)? In about two weeks, I will take the IELTS Academic exam and plan to score 7-7.5, as my language level is good. My priority fields are management and business administration. Will I be able to enter the universities I have chosen in the desired fields after completing the Foundation program, and will my preparation be considered sufficient?

We can say for certain that LSE only accepts students with a Foundation in exceptional cases if the student's level of preparation and academic performance is truly significantly above average. For the other universities you mentioned, the matter needs to be clarified on an individual basis – please contact our consultant (please note that obtaining this information may take some time).

My daughter wants to go to England for studies once she turns 14. Please help us find a good school with high-quality education and good accommodation for students.

If your child's level of academic and language preparation is high enough, they can apply for a place in almost any school – the age is appropriate. We recommend not neglecting intensive tutoring sessions to perform well on the written entrance exams: they are held in October-November, with a second round in February-March. Usually, knowledge of English, mathematics, natural sciences, and logic is tested, and the school may additionally set exams at its discretion. You can take them directly at the school or at an accredited center.

We are planning to start our son's education in England at the age of 13. How is it best to structure his preparatory programs so that he can enter prestigious, top universities in the United Kingdom? He hasn't decided on a desired specialty yet. At his current school, he has excellent grades in almost all subjects, outstanding academic performance, and a high level of English (he has successfully passed the FCE exam). After reviewing the materials on your website, we thought he should first complete GCSEs, and then A-levels, with each course lasting two years – would that be sufficient? Or is there a faster, simpler, or cheaper way? Can he enter Year 10 if he is 13 years old (he turns 14 only in November, that is, after the start of the school year)? Which schools do you recommend – are there institutions that guarantee admission of their graduates to certain universities?

We will try to answer all your questions, but briefly – you can get more detailed information on the relevant pages of the website or from our specialist.

The best time to start learning is at the age of 13, that is, starting next autumn, without waiting for the Birthday and turning 14. Usually, entrance exams for schools are held in October-November of the previous year (almost a year before the expected start of classes), or in February-March.
Thorough, comprehensive, and intensive preparation is required. Due to the features of educational systems of Great Britain, a student may be insufficiently prepared. Exams are usually taken in English, mathematics, natural science (chemistry + biology + physics) + a logic test. We can provide you with study materials from previous years so that you can assess their difficulty and compare them with the child's level of knowledge.
The most economical option for entering a British university for a bachelor's degree (both in terms of money and time) is to complete a one-year IB (International Baccalaureate) course.
If you are confident in your son's preparation, you can start sending applications and documents to schools now. If you are still unsure and want to prepare better, you can postpone the admission process until next spring.

I want to get a secondary education in England. What do I need to do for that?

The approximate order of your actions is as follows:

Take entrance exams (trial exams) to determine your level of knowledge and preparation
Together with you, we select priority schools and colleges
We send the collected package of documents and the completed application to the selected institutions
You take the actual entrance exams at your priority educational institutions, after completing an intensive preparation course
We will organise an introductory trip to foreign school campuses so that you can personally assess the level of comfort and service and make your final choice
We will begin the visa application process (this will require an invitation, which the school will send in the event of a positive decision), book airline tickets, and collect the package of documents that you will need to have with you when travelling.

I am finishing the 11th grade (16 years old) and plan to study in England in an economics program. What should I do to prepare for studying in my chosen field? Which preparatory courses can you recommend, and what is their cost? Also, please specify the cost of higher education. My English level is high (I have an FCE certificate), and my grade scores are good as well.

The best option is to complete a two-year program preparing for British universities – this will significantly increase your chances of admission. Most school students choose the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the classic A-level standard, which costs about £30,000–£40,000 per academic year (the cost may vary slightly depending on the chosen educational institution). If you are not aiming for the most prestigious and highly ranked universities, you can consider a one-year Foundation course (it slightly limits the list of higher education institutions available for admission – the most elite universities do not accept it). The cost of the Foundation is roughly the same, but you can find schools and colleges with more favorable conditions.

My brother and I are in the 10th grade, our English level and academic performance are average. Can we continue our studies in England?

If you are not confident in the quality of your language training, it is recommended to apply to international colleges: they are more lenient and tolerant towards foreigners and offer additional support courses (for example, English as a Foreign Language). It is best to choose a two-year university preparation program (if you also plan to pursue higher education in England).

My husband wants to send our son to study at an English boarding school, even though the child is only 10 years old. Yes, our son has a good level of English, especially for his age – he studies at a specialized school with a strong linguistic focus – but will his knowledge be enough for constant communication and understanding? I believe that at such an early age, a child should not be separated from their family. Are there options for studying at strong and highly rated day schools so that I can live with my child? What kind of visa is needed for this, and how difficult is it to obtain? We are considering all cities in England in general, not just London.

In general, 10-11 years old is considered a favourable age to start educating a child abroad, including for an independent long-term trip. Yes, there is the option of enrolling your son in a day school or the day section of a boarding school, but this will be much more complicated than simply sending him to a prestigious private boarding school.

The first and most difficult issue, of course, is obtaining a visa. The child receives a CAS visa for study, but you will need an investor or accompanying person visa. To do this, you need to demonstrate that you have at least $100-120 thousand in your account, and this balance must remain unchanged for several months. This information can also be provided from your spouse's account. In any case, such a visa will only be valid until your child turns 12, after which they will have to complete their education independently, and for this, again, a boarding school is more suitable.

Day schools in England are designed more for British subjects, so it may be difficult for a child to immediately integrate into the language environment. Unlike international boarding schools, there are no additional English as a foreign language lessons.

My son is quite seriously interested in computer science. He is 14 now, and we are thinking of sending him to a private English school for the GCSE course. His grades at his current school are consistently 4-5, and he speaks English fluently. When should he start preparing and taking entrance exams? Will he be able to apply to a British university?

There are many private schools in England. We will be able to select a suitable one by listening to your more detailed wishes and requests, clarifying educational goals and financial possibilities. Computer technology and computer science, which are priorities for your son, are taught in most English schools, but not everywhere are there advanced, more specialized courses. Usually, specific professional knowledge of this subject is not required when applying to British universities: a general level is sufficient, but broader knowledge will give you a competitive advantage. The main dates for entrance exams are set in October-November (of the previous year, for admission the following September), and applications are accepted in the spring (at the same time the second round of tests also takes place).

I want to send my sons to study in England. They are currently 9 and 11 years old, and we plan for them to enter an English school at the age of 13. Almost every year they attend the CERAN camp in Belgium (summer language courses) and also study English at home during the main school year. Where would you advise us to apply? How is it best to organize the preparation process? When are applications and documents submitted, and what are the deadlines? We are considering good, high-quality, and top-ranked boarding schools from the TOP-100 list.

We recommend that you start preparing for admission now (both language and academic preparation), as the more prestigious the school, the stricter the requirements it sets for its applicants. We can provide you with exam papers and tests from previous years, this will allow you to assess their difficulty yourself and compare it with the level of your children's preparation. We will be able to suggest a suitable school only after evaluating your knowledge and more thoroughly clarifying your academic goals, needs, preferences, and capabilities.

Our son finishes 11th grade. We are considering the opportunity to study in England and receive medical education. Where do we start? What level of language is required, where to take exams and what certificate is better to receive? What colleges do you advise us to submit applications? My son is finishing the 11th grade. He has very good academic performance and a high level of English proficiency. We are considering the possibility of studying in England and pursuing a medical education. Where should we start? What level of language proficiency will be required? Where should we take the exams and which certificate is best to obtain?

For your case (if you want to get higher education at a medical university or faculty) you need to do the following:

Enroll in intensive two-year pre-university courses, passing the relevant exams successfully (we can provide sample tests from previous years for reference)
Visit the campuses of the recommended schools and colleges in person to ensure that your choice is correct
Start the process of applying for a UK student visa (which can take quite a lot of time)
After completing the two-year preparatory program, take the IELTS exam and the specialized medical BMAT exam (most medical universities and faculties require it for admission).

You can get more information from our specialist by phone, e-mail or in person. We are ready to help you!

What is the average, approximate cost of studying at a British boarding school? Are there budget options and do they have any significant drawbacks?

On average, British schools for the upper school program (students aged 13 and older) charge around £30,000 per academic year (including boarding and meals). For middle and junior school students (under 13), the amount is slightly lower – about £22,000 per year.

There are budget schools available: as a rule, they are either funded by public organizations (for example, churches) or receive government subsidies, or they provide more modest infrastructure and living conditions.

My children (15 and 16 years old) are finishing the 10th grade. We would like them to continue their studies in England (we are also considering English-language programs in Switzerland). Is it possible to arrange this as soon as next year without losing time? Which educational institutions would you recommend, and what are the main requirements for foreign applicants?

We will try to answer all your questions, but the answers will be fairly brief. Organizing education abroad is a rather complex, lengthy, and costly process, so we recommend that you personally consult one of our specialists (either remotely or in person). So:

Yes, you can have time to complete the preparation procedure before the start of the new academic year – for this, the entire process needs to begin right now.
We will select suitable institutions for you, carefully considering your requirements, preferences, and academic goals, taking into account your financial and time capabilities.
The only significant difficulty is that British boarding schools usually accept children aged 11-13, not 15-16, but you can consider international colleges in the UK or Switzerland. The level of education there is not worse at all, and useful additional language lessons are provided for foreign students.

My niece wants to apply to the London School of Economics. We understand that it's worth starting preparation early (she is 15 now). Where should we begin? After reading articles on your website, we are thinking of sending her first for GCSEs, and then for A-levels. Or would it be better to do a Pre-A-level program at a good international college, and then go on to A-levels? In general, do all universities in London and England require a GCSE certificate, or are there cases where it can be done without?

You acted very correctly and wisely by thinking about preparation already now. You can choose a preparation course lasting 3-4 years (the latter option actually implies the GCSE program). The best option can be determined once the girl passes the entrance exams. They are usually held both at private boarding schools and at international colleges (which are more popular with foreigners).

Our children study at a private English school, the Berlin British School, located in Berlin. When they reach 12 and 10 yeras, we plan to transfer them to a day school in England. Our priority options are in London or nearby, because I will be living directly in the capital. Which school would you recommend for us?

You need to take entrance tests already in the fall of this year if you want the children to start studying from September of the upcoming year. The exams can be taken at the school campus in England and at accredited centers in Germany. Keep in mind that if a day school is essential for you, you will constantly have to deal with urban infrastructure. Choose a school close to your residence to avoid spending a lot of time commuting (and you will need to change the school after 2 years when the children move on to higher grades).

My son is finishing the 10th grade, where he is intensively studying English. We would like him to continue his education in the United Kingdom, specifically in Scotland. We are looking for a boarding school with good ratings and a solid reputation. It would be great for him to start as early as this autumn, without losing time. Will he need to study for another two years in Scotland in order to be eligible to attend a UK university? We understand that their secondary education is based on 11 years rather than 12. Also, could a Foundation program serve as a confirmation of secondary education and as an equivalent to A-levels? After all, Foundation takes one year, whereas A-levels take two, so perhaps this could help us save time.

All two-year preparatory programs offered by British schools and colleges (A-level, Cambridge Pre-U, IB) are designed for study after obtaining the GCSE certificate, that is, after completing secondary education. Certificates from these programs are accepted by the vast majority of British universities and are considered sufficient evidence of the applicant's knowledge. Indeed, the Foundation program takes less time, only a year, but that's why the top-ranked and most prestigious universities consider it insufficient for student admission.

My 10-year-old child has British citizenship. I (his mother) have citizenship of another country, so I would like to consider the option of a boarding school for my child. Can the child be offered any discount based on citizenship?

Having citizenship in some cases may provide the opportunity to receive a partial discount on tuition at British boarding schools, as in some schools the tuition fees for foreign citizens and for citizens of the country differ. However, this is not always the case. There are quite a number of schools where the cost of tuition and boarding is the same for all students. We recommend carefully reviewing the payment policy at a specific school to ensure that you are eligible for a discount.

We have heard that in the UK, single-sex education for boys and girls is still popular. What are the advantages of such education? Which single-sex schools would you recommend for an 11-year-old girl?

Yes, single-sex education is still quite popular in the United Kingdom. There are several reasons for this. First of all, it is a matter of following educational traditions, as single-sex education has historically existed in the UK, and many elite schools still adhere to the principles of single-sex education. Besides this, it is believed that single-sex education allows for higher academic achievement, as the child is less distracted. Indeed, many British single-sex schools demonstrate outstanding results in their final exams every year. For example, Headington School and Cheltenham College consistently rank among the top schools based on graduate performance.

I would like to apply to the Biology Faculty at the University of Bristol. I am currently in 9th grade. How should I prepare for admission, and which program — A-level or IB — is better to choose?

There are 2 ways for international students to enter a university. The first and most favorable option is to enroll in a university after completing the last two years of high school or an international college in the UK. As part of the high school program, you can take the traditional British A-level program or the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. In the A-level program, students take up to 4 final exams in selected subjects, while in the IB program, they take six.

We would like our daughter to enroll in King’s College in London after finishing 11th grade. We know that after completing 11 grades of a school our country, it is not possible to enter the first year directly. What options would you recommend? Could she take a high school program at an international college in London and then proceed directly to the first year? We prioritize programs with strong biology, mathematics, and chemistry courses.

The best option that allows you to enter the first year of university immediately after finishing school is to complete the last 2 years of high school in the United Kingdom. The two-year high school program is indivisible. It prepares students for final exams and includes academic tutors who help submit university applications. The standard university admission process involves applying through the UCAS system to 5 universities in the country. The school staff supervises the application process. Additionally, over 2 years, you will have the opportunity to improve your language skills and knowledge in specialized subjects, which significantly increases your chances of being admitted to your desired university. If you still plan to finish 11 grades in your country, you can consider entering a university through a one-year Foundation preparatory program. In London, the most popular international colleges offering this program are Abbey DLD College London, CATS College London, and MPW College London.

What subjects are there in schools in England?

English schools offer children a wide range of subjects and disciplines. Children in England start school at the age of 5, after attending a preparatory class for a whole year. In the early years, they begin learning subjects such as English, literature and mathematics. The set of compulsory subjects varies depending on the age of the pupils — later on, the following are added to the existing subjects:

at least one foreign language,
biology,
chemistry,
physics,
history,
geography,
music and art,
theatre and drama,
computer science,
social studies,
natural sciences,
information and computer technology,
humanities and exact sciences.

Schools strive to give students basic knowledge in a wide range of subjects so that they can choose their field of study at university. Tests are conducted periodically to assess the level of knowledge acquisition.

Children also spend a lot of time doing sports, creative activities, research, and scientific experiments — entire extracurricular classes are devoted to this. The curriculum of every prestigious school in England includes physical education and attendance at sports clubs. In some schools, sports activities are compulsory: pupils take part in horse riding, cricket, rugby, netball, tennis and football.

Additional general education subjects include ethics, psychology, economics, robotics and design.

Which semester does not exist in a British school?

In British schools, there is generally no winter term. The semester system exists in most international private schools in the UK, where the academic year is divided into two semesters — autumn and spring — with short holidays in between.

There is no fixed start date for the academic year. Each school sets its own start date (usually the first or second week of September). The school system in the UK is usually trimester-based — the academic year is divided into three trimesters and runs from September to July:

autumn (September-December),
spring (January-March),
summer (April-July).

There are short holidays between trimesters, and the summer holidays last for 6 weeks. The total duration of schooling at a school or university is 38 weeks.

How much does secondary education cost in England?

The education system in England is recognised as one of the most effective in the world, which is why studying in the country is quite expensive.

In private boarding schools, high-quality education costs around £40,000 per academic year. This price usually includes accommodation (on the boarding school premises). The cost of education is determined by the board of trustees, which regulates the work of educational institutions. The final cost depends on the status of the educational institution, its prestige, the number of additional services and the chosen academic programme. The higher the rating of the educational institution, the higher the costs.

Pocket money, meals per student, transport and entertainment can cost from £200 per day.

The cost of secondary education includes several basic items: the curriculum, type of accommodation (host family, residence: half board or full board), insurance, number of years spent at school, meals, payment for additional services provided by the school (medical, sports, creative). Many schools accept foreign children from the age of 11, so the total cost for 7 years of secondary school education will be around £280,000-350,000.

How much does it cost to study at an English school?

The cost of education in schools in England depends on several factors: the school's ranking, location, the programs offered and their number, types of additional activities and services, and the type of student accommodation (in a residence, with a host family, half-board, full board). Therefore, the cost of one academic year in a secondary school constantly varies. Course prices can start from £8,000 and reach up to £45,000 per year. The price for one academic year of schooling in a school typically ranges between £20,000-£35,000 per year. Education in an English secondary school is usually conducted according to the GCSE and A-Level programs, which cost from £12,300 per term.

How many grades are there in a school in England?

There are 12 grades in English schools.

Preparation for school in England begins at the age of 3-5. Children learn to count, read and write, follow rules, engage in general development and undergo initial socialisation. Each class has 10-15 students. In general, secondary education consists of four stages:

Pre-school education — from 3-5 years old,
Primary school — from 5-11 years old, i.e. grades 1-5. Education from 5 to 16 years old is compulsory in England. From grades 1 to 5, children learn to study, establish social connections, and have a small number of subjects.
Secondary school — ages 11-16, i.e. grades 6-10. From grades 6 to 10, students undergo an increased level of education in a large number of subjects, as after the 10th grade they must pass the SAT exam.
Students planning to go to university continue their education in senior high school, which covers ages 16 to 18, or grades 11 and 12. Many graduate from school and start vocational training at a college or university. In grades 11-12, students undergo intensive training in programmes for university admission.

How much does tuition cost at a private school in London?

In London, private schools have a high reputation and a high level of teaching. This and many other factors account for the high cost of one academic year in London schools. The cost of studying in the most popular A-Level and IB (International Baccalaureate) programs, which are offered at private London schools, ranges between £25,000 and £45,000 per academic year. The cost usually includes tuition, accommodation, and meals (full board).

The price range is wide — this is due to differences in the level and category of private schools (there are cheaper ones at £8,000-£10,000/year and elite ones, which are quite expensive — around £50,000). Top private schools in London are distinguished by higher academic standards and excellent exam results among their students.

How do they study in school in the United Kingdom?

In the UK, schools are divided into primary (ages 5-11), secondary (ages 11-16) and sixth form (ages 16-18). There is also pre-school education for children aged 3-5.

Classes are small, with 10-12 pupils. Lessons are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with breaks for lunch.

The most common programmes are primary school, secondary school, A-Level, GCSE and IB. Students study English language and literature, biology, geography, natural sciences, mathematics, foreign languages, music, physics, chemistry, physical education, economics, business, design, drama, information technology, engineering, theatre, and psychology.

Extracurricular activities include badminton, cricket, volleyball, football, hockey, netball, tennis, chess, dancing, fencing, and horse riding. On Saturdays, students go on educational excursions, attend various large-scale events, and participate in sports competitions. Art lovers spend their time in creative studios and various extracurricular activities.

The school has computer and multimedia equipment, design and business training centres, a music school, a theatre, and a library.

Private secondary schools in England UK