15 best private schools in Manchester 2024

Manchester is a city quite popular and in demand among foreign students because it has everything you need in the framework of educational tourism: a wide range of academic programs, various language directions and a lot of interesting things for quality leisure. Studying in Manchester for students is an opportunity to get a British education on short– and long-term programs.

Manchester is the ninth largest British city, a major industrial, financial and cultural centre of England. It is famous for its educational institutions (especially the University of Manchester, which is one of the TOP 10 prestigious universities in the UK), as a result, is full of students (it is ranked among the best cities in England for students due to its wonderful atmosphere – lively and youthful). Tourists have a lot to see here: Gothic architecture, the legendary Old Trafford stadium, famous museums, art galleries and the third largest Chinatown in Europe.

Educational institutions in Manchester fully reflect the British system of education, recognized as one of the best in the world. Here you will find popular British programs for GCSE and A-Level students, bachelor's and master's degree courses of guaranteed high quality.

Developed entertainment, transport and shopping infrastructure, modern campuses and technically equipped study halls will make studying in Manchester productive and comfortable. All educational institutions and campuses are located in the center, so that students minimize travel costs.

In comparison with London, it is somewhat cooler here, the city itself is smaller and more cozy, and red brick masonry with an abundance of greenery gives it a special flavor. The cost of studying in TOP private schools in Manchester and living here is lower than in the capital. Also Manchester is known for its music scene, represented by world—famous bands - Lamb, Oasis, The Smiths: many famous bands regularly give concerts here, this is a place of high-profile events and parties. Fashion spaces, designer shops, studios and bars are located in local manufactories.

• Preparatory School is the initial stage of education, designed for students aged from 7 to 11-13 years. The main task is to help children enroll in prestigious educational institutions. Foreign students can start studying in a few educational institutions from the age of 7. Main disciplines are: English and other languages, mathematics, fundamentals of religion, natural science, music, labor, physical education, art, information and communication technologies, history, geography, theater art.
• GCSE, General Certificate of Secondary Education, is a program designed for students aged 14-16 years old. In most cases, the duration of studying is two years. Then there is the next stage after the 11th grade — Sixth Form (12-13 academic years), then A-Level, IB, Pre-U or BTEC. Upon graduation, a valid British certificate of secondary education is issued. The program takes into account academic education not only in compulsory subjects, but also by choice, taking into account individual interests and abilities. The list of disciplines is determined by the nature of the educational institution. The mandatory list usually includes the following: English, mathematics, natural sciences (from one to three). Most often it is supplemented with English literature, foreign language and religious studies.
• A-level is the program of graduating classes of secondary education. The Advanced level certificate allows students of private schools in Manchester to enroll in universities in various countries. The duration of studying is 2 years. At the first stage, students choose four or five subjects from 15-40 prospective disciplines. In the second academic year, their number may be reduced to three or four. At the end of each stage, it is required to pass examination tests. The choice of disciplines is determined by the planned specialization.
• According to IB, International Baccalaureate, the students acquire knowledge in the natural sciences, humanities and separately in the future university profile. The program consists of six subjects — native language, foreign language, mathematics and three elective subjects. Three academic disciplines are studied at the basic level and three at the advanced level. The three mandatory elements are: EE (extended essay), TOK (course of theory of knowledge) and CAS ("Creativity. Action. Service" — social, community work, art, sports). At the end of the second academic year, students take exams.
• Cambridge Pre-U is one of the new alternative courses for high school students, which many private schools in Manchester are engaged in. It was developed by the Cambridge International Examination Commission taking into account the world practice of obtaining secondary education. Students choose three out of 27 disciplines. Additional courses are added to them, which are not included in the diploma. At the end of the studying, it is required not only to pass exams, but also to provide a portfolio on the subject of "Global Perspectives", as well as scientific research.

So, each student can find appropriate option of studying according his interests, abilities and financial opportunities.

Sarah Hicklin

Director of International Admissions at Oswestry School

What does make British schools special? Why are they chosen by parents from all over the world for their children?

Schools in the UK continue to be the gold standard of education and offer the highest quality teaching.

Private schools in Manchester offer education and accommodation on campus and have even more facilities for schoolchildren - small number of students in classrooms, constant monitoring and security guarantees, luxury living conditions.

Below the tuition fee for foreign students is provided according to educational stage:

• Middle (13-14 years old) and high school (15-18 years old) - from £11,000 per trimester
• GCSE (14-16 years old) - from £9,000/trimester
• A-Level (16-18 years old) - from £10,000/trimester
• IB (15-18 years old) - from £30,000 per year.

School graduates consistently demonstrate a high level of academic education and become students of top universities.

Foreign students are required to take a language test and a personal interview. Upon admission to the GCSE program, it is necessary to pass examination tests in natural sciences and mathematics, at A-level — in four disciplines.

Foreign applicants with an insufficient level of English are recommended to first receive intensive language preparation 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 Manchester, the package of documents for studying in England may vary, but the basic documents include:

• 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;
• International certificate (confirms the level of English proficiency), 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);
• Motivational letter in free form (the student must state why he wants to enroll in this particular school and what he expects from studying in the future).

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