Portland Place School

• Established: in 1996
• Location: London, England
• Students age: 8-18 years
• Total number of students: 361 people (approximately 86 Girls and 275 boys)
• Training programs: GCSE, A-level
• Language of instruction: English
• Type of training: mixed
• Type of accommodation: full board (without accommodation).

The Portland Place School was founded only 20 years ago, in 1996, but is rapidly gaining momentum and is now considered one of most worthy day music schools in London. Initially, it was planned to create a small educational institution for joint training of senior pupils - the school adheres to this policy to this day. The institution is part of the educational group Alpha Plus, is the Community of School Directors (SofH).

Much attention is paid to linguistic education: English or at least 1 foreign language is studied by all students (you can choose Spanish, Italian, French and others on request).

According to the GCSE exam statistics, more than half of the students get the highest A * score, and 79% of the students can score excellent marks on the A-level (A-C). Approximately 87% of graduates immediately after graduation continue their studies at selected universities: 14% prefer engineering or natural sciences, 40% turn to humanitarian subjects, 32% specialize in art and design.

Remco Weeda

Specialist in international admission of students in Russia and the CIS at Scarborough College

When is the ideal time to apply to UK schools, and what should applicants expect?

Generally, the earlier, the better. Some prestigious schools close their admissions 1-2 years before the start of the program. Consider entrance exams, which require preparation, and visa processes, which don't fare well with last-minute arrangements.

Subject list: Art, biology, business, chemistry, Classical civilization, communications, design, economics, English literature, Filmmaking, geography, history, humanitarian sciences, Information Technology, maths, music, Natural science, philosophy, photography, physics, politics, Psychology, sociology, sports science

Many students study music in their free time. Among the most popular areas are jazz and pop music, some are engaged in string and wind ensembles, there are also groups of pianists, drummers, guitarists, bassists - there are plenty of electronic and symphonic instruments in the school.

Dramatic and theatrical art is also in high demand: each year, several large plays, plays and productions are organized by the students, the most successful of which are: 

• West Side Story;
• Singing in the Rain;
• Richard III (Richard III): was raised by high school students and after the show at the school even Moved to Edinburgh Fringe!

Sports development is traditionally considered one of the main priorities of the upbringing of pupils - up to grade 12, sports training is compulsory for everyone and is included in each curriculum. The school does not have its own infrastructure (the location in the center of London does not allow this) - for sports there are necessary agreements on which children can visit nearby:

• Regency's Park;
• Sports halls and swimming pool Seymour Center;;
• The large sports complex Paddington Recreation Ground
• The sports complex and track and field athletics Regent's Park;
• Sports Center Oasis.

Most of the facilities are within walking distance - if children need to get on a bus, they are accompanied by teachers and educators. In grades 5-6, students are engaged daily, in grades 7-9 - four times a week, in 10-11 grades - three times in 2 weeks. Successful athletes can participate in a soccer or non-physical trip to Barbados, compete in swimming at the competitions Westminster champions - the school wins them 5 years in a row! 

The school is located on the same street in Portland Place: a wide, lively city highway in the central part of the English capital - the legendary Oxford Circus and Regent's Park are only a couple of minutes walk away. It is at Portland Place that the embassies of many foreign countries (Portugal, China, Poland, Kenya), the many headquarters of royal scientific clubs and research institutes (architecture, physics, anesthesiology, etc.) all emphasize prestige and respectability District.

Tuition fee already includes:

• Training on the chosen course (all programs are approved by the national Ministry of Education);
• 24-hour child care and full security guarantee;
• Medical insurance, assistance of a medical worker if necessary;
• Regular monitoring of knowledge and progress, reports to parents;
• Recreational, entertaining and excursion program.

Some services are paid additionally to tuition fee:

• Registration fee;
• Educational deposit;
• Custody (registration with the agency + guardian services);
• Transfer;
• Air tickets in both directions;
• School uniform;
• Personal pocket expenses;
• Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents;
• Consular fee (payable at the Embassy).

Extras:

• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 100 GBP
• Deposit for a course/programme 2000 GBP

Most international students enter the school at the age of 8-10 years (this is 4-6 classes according to the British educational system) - in this case, the entrants are waiting for a standard test in literacy (English) and in mathematics. Usually the exam is headed by the director or his deputy; The check lasts about an hour.

There is also a set of 7 classes: applicants must pass written exams in English and mathematics, and also pass a personal interview-interview (it is conducted directly by the school director or one of the senior teachers).

In 8-10 grades, students must take exams not only in mathematics and English, but also in natural sciences, and an interview is mandatory and remains an interview.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision