It is impossible to deny the prestige and status of the British educational system. Given the high cost of studying in the UK, every year an average of 300,000 foreign applicants go to England to receive advanced secondary education in leading English boarding schools.
Secondary education in England - reasons for getting
- High appreciation and widespread recognition by all countries of the world of diplomas of British ranking boarding schools and universities, which have long-term teaching experience for several centuries and deep-rooted traditions.
- Upon completion of education, foreign students acquire useful knowledge, the skill of free thinking, good manners that are taught to students in the classroom, and it is precisely these acquired knowledge and skills that have a positive effect on the successful construction of a career in any country in the world.
- The educational process is focused on the development of analytical skills. So, students do not memorize educational material, on the contrary, they are taught to analyze logical connections and formulate conclusions.
- When deciding to attend an English boarding school, teaching for foreign students is based on centuries-old educational traditions, harmoniously combining them with the latest techniques and technologies.
Britain's advanced high schools
In the UK, at the age of 4-5 years, children go to school. Moreover, the duration of education is 13 years. As a rule, foreign students enter elite boarding schools in England when they reach the age of 13, that is, they enter middle and senior classes. The passage of preparatory programs aimed at successful entry into British universities is a prerequisite for foreign students who want to be enrolled in top universities in the UK. This requirement is due to the difference in the academic programs of secondary schools and the duration of studies.
- 4-11 years old - elementary school from grades 1 to 6;
- 11-14 years old - Secondary school from grades 6 to 9;
- 14-16 years old - GCSE, preparatory program for obtaining a certificate of secondary education;
- 16-18 years old - A-level, UK National University Preparation Program;
- IB, International University Preparation Program;
- IGCSE, General Certificate of Secondary Education;
- International Foundation, preparatory program for admission to top British universities for foreign students;
- ESL, English as a Second Language, and EAL, English as an Additional Language.
British primary education is focused on the harmonious development of the student’s creative and research abilities. The education provides for the unification of students in teams, after which they carry out various projects. So, they conduct various experiments, tests, arguing their point of view and conducting a constructive dialogue.
It is worth noting that students do not memorize educational material, on the contrary, there is an understanding of the very essence of laws and phenomena. In particular, they independently display the Pythagorean table. The application of this approach also helps to simplify the adaptation process. At the same time, on an ongoing basis, students communicate with peers, thereby significantly improving their language skills.
The duration of education is 4 years. Foreign students study a wide range of academic subjects. A significant part of the time is devoted to working in groups, the participation of students in discussions, and the development of practical skills.
The duration of education in this education program is 2 years. The academic course includes compulsory disciplines, subjects of choice in the direction of art, design, business, and also studies several foreign languages. At the end of the course, an exam for obtaining a certificate is provided, possible points vary from A * to G.
The duration of education under this program is 2 years. The academic course includes compulsory disciplines, subjects of choice in the direction of art, design, business, several foreign languages are studied by foreign students. Upon graduation, the A-level exam is passed with grades from A * to G. The certificate of completion of this program is an excellent basis for admission to the best universities in England .
The duration of education is 2 years. Within the framework of this educational program, it is planned to study 3 disciplines that are independently selected by foreign students at a standard level, and three subjects at an advanced level. Exam results for this program are accepted in more than 100 countries, thereby allowing you to enter top universities in almost any country in the world. The maximum number of points for an exam is 45; upon receipt of 24 points, a graduate will be issued a diploma on completion of the program.
British High School Education Programs for Foreign Students
This course is a preparatory program focused on obtaining a certificate of secondary education, which is adapted to the goals and needs of foreign students. The duration of education is 2 years.
The educational program includes compulsory disciplines, subjects for the choice of the next direction, such as art, design, business, several foreign languages. Additional support is provided for foreign students in English, if necessary. Upon completion of education, an exam is taken to obtain a certificate, varying points from A * to G. Based on the results, a foreign student will be able to continue their studies at a British high school boarding school in the framework of the following programs, like A-level or IB.
The duration of education is 1 year. The educational program includes classes in English and academic subjects within the chosen specialty. At the end of the course, the graduate is enrolled in the 1st year of the bachelor's program at a preferred UK university.
These educational programs are complementary courses in English as a foreign language, developed by leading British boarding schools. The target audience for their passage is foreign students. Please note that classes are held in parallel with academic lessons in classrooms.
Secondary Education in England - Organization of Education
In England, the academic year is divided into 3 semesters, each of which lasts 12 weeks. Every semester, short vacations are organized, in which students leave the school grounds for several days. On an additional basis, each semester has a weekend, namely from Saturday to Sunday. Note that on weekends, students should not be present on the school grounds.
The leading private boarding schools in the UK have the following teacher-student ratio, accounting for 1/10. The same figure in UK state schools is 1/18.
As you can understand, English private boarding schools are characterized by the presence of a larger staff of experienced teachers and small classrooms for classes in which every foreign student is paid attention by the teacher. Pupils with excellent academic performance do not get bored, and students who have difficulties in mastering the educational program will receive help from teachers.
On a regular basis, a full report on the student's academic performance is sent to the parents of the foreign student, concerning his progress, behavior, and also compliance with school rules. In addition, students are helped in the preparation of their homework, thereby simplifying the adaptation period and improving academic performance.
Please note that the educational format is interactive. Private boarding schools in England are encouraged to exchange ideas among students, participate in various debates and discussions. When moving to a British high school, effective preparation is being made for entering the preferred university of England. Thus, professional assistance is provided for preparing for an interview and successfully passing entrance exams, as well as writing a motivation letter.
In addition, elite private UK boarding schools have developed specialized preparatory courses aimed at successfully enrolling in top British universities like Oxford and Cambridge, in medical specialties, and in the business field.
Upon admission to leading English universities, admissions committees take into account extracurricular successes, abilities and talents of a foreign applicant. In addition to education, British boarding schools organize cultural and sports events for the full development of the student's personality.
Leisure activities in UK boarding schools
At the end of classes and on weekends, foreign students are actively involved in sports, take part in various theater productions, classes in music and literature. Students are offered the widest selection of leisure activities, so that young sports fans and creative personalities will be able to find their preferred occupation.
Accommodation during study in England
During the educational period, students are divided into groups depending on age, after which they are placed in comfortable residences that are located on the school grounds. Usually, primary school students live in large groups, the number of which varies from 3 to 5 students. As for high school students, they are placed for 1-2 people. As a rule, graduates live separately, as they prepare for an independent life.
In each residence, without exception, in any case, teachers are on duty, who, during the educational period, are assigned parental functions for foreign students who are representatives of various countries. The walls of prestigious boarding schools in the UK guarantee a balanced and healthy diet for foreign students, as well as a high level of medical care.
The predominant number of British leading boarding schools are located at some distance from large cities located in ecologically clean areas of England, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. As a rule, training takes place in vast areas where the highest level of security is provided and on which educational buildings, residences, playing fields, parks for foreign students are located.
The format of writing exams in the best boarding schools in England
Each leading UK boarding school has its own developments regarding the content of entrance tests. Typically, an exam contains 3-4 tasks, including listening, reading, grammar, logic, writing, and speaking. Writing exam papers in general disciplines is also required. The most top British boarding schools organize an oral interview with a school representative in order to assess the likelihood of a successful teenager studying abroad within the walls of a particular school. Prospects for elite British secondary education
By right, Britain is deservedly a world leader in secondary education. Thus, the presence of a school English diploma opens up tremendous opportunities for unhindered admission to the top universities of any country in the world. As practice shows, the predominant number of foreign graduates decide to obtain advanced higher education in England, namely British universities occupy 18% of the leading positions in the ranking of the best universities, which was prepared by QS World University Rankings. Thus, the most popular and prestigious British universities according to the ranking are the universities of the Russell group, in particular, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, Imperial College London.
Tuition fees for the best schools in the UK for foreign students
The cost of obtaining a prestigious secondary education in England ranges from 21,600 £ to 43,980 £ per year of study. As a rule, the cost of education includes accommodation, meals, educational materials, as well as medical insurance. On an additional basis, it is envisaged to pay for the services of a curator, registration fee, deposit, visa fee, transfer, as well as the purchase of airline tickets.
