Best boarding schools in Wales 2024

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

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

Wales, renowned for its educational excellence, presents a diverse array of boarding institutions catering to both local and international learners. These establishments are celebrated for their expansive educational programs, emphasizing practical knowledge application, individualized attention, and focus on production and business sectors. Below is an overview of the educational system and enrollment process in these prestigious institutions.

Educational Programs at Boarding Schools in Wales

• Preparatory Stage: For ages 7 to 13, this phase is designed to prepare learners for entry into renowned educational settings. The curriculum spans English and other languages, mathematics, science, music, art, physical education, and more, emphasizing holistic development.

• GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education): Targeting those aged 14-16, this two-year program leads to further options such as Sixth Form, A-Level, IB, Pre-U, or BTEC. It combines mandatory and elective subjects to cater to individual interests.

• A-Level: Tailored for final years of secondary education, this program allows specialization in selected subjects, essential for university admissions.

• IB (International Baccalaureate): Recognized globally, it includes six subjects and mandatory elements like extended essay, theory of knowledge, and CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) projects.

• Cambridge Pre-U: A modern alternative for high schoolers, involving a choice of three disciplines out of 27, supplemented by additional courses, culminating in a diploma upon completion of exams and a portfolio.

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Global Direct Sales Manager in EHL Hospitality Business 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.

Boarding schools in Wales offer competitive fees. Legally, students can pay a maximum of 1,255 pounds annually for their studies, with additional subsidies for those opting to study in Welsh. This makes education in these schools quite accessible.

For international students, the enrollment process includes:

• Passing a language test and personal interview.

• For GCSE programs, exams in sciences and mathematics are necessary, and for A-levels, exams in four disciplines.

• Intensive English language courses are recommended for students with lower proficiency.

• Submission of a comprehensive application, including report cards, a certificate of English proficiency, letters of recommendation, and a motivational letter.

Each school may have specific requirements, so it's important to check with the individual institution for details.

Why Choose Boarding Schools in Wales?

Wales offers an exceptional environment for education, combining rigorous academic standards with a focus on personal development. The variety of programs, along with the nurturing boarding school environment, makes these schools an ideal choice for students seeking a comprehensive education with an international perspective. Whether you're looking at the best boarding schools in Wales or exploring the fees and programs of various institutions, Wales provides a wide range of options to suit diverse educational needs.

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