Nothing replaces a good education: it is a basic component of a successful and happy life. In any place and for people of any profession, the education of children is considered a priority. Elite English education involves high tuition fee, it is worth planning them in advance. How much is it worth in numbers and who can afford it?
For foreign students, foreign education raises a number of questions: the choice of an educational institution, the study of the English language, possible culture shock and long-term funding. Despite this, teaching students in a private school or university in the UK offers tremendous opportunities, allowing young people to gain deep academic knowledge, experiences that are not available to their peers studying in their country, and explore a different culture.
School education in the UK
Education in the UK is compulsory for students from 5 to 18 years old. More often, foreign parents send their students to English schools after 8 years old, from the same age, most boarding schools accept foreign students to boarding schools.
Stages of study in an English high school:
- Primary school - accepts students from 5 to 11 years old
- Secondary education - open to students aged 12-16. This level of compulsory education is called “lower secondary”. After graduating from junior high school, students choose a job or vocational education.
- High school, Sixth form - students aged 16-18 are preparing to enter the university.
Main qualifications: GCSE and A-level
After 3 years in high school, students undergo formal testing and select disciplines for the national GCSE exams. GCSE - compulsory exams at the end of the 11th year of study. Students usually take exams in English, mathematics, natural sciences, choose the study of arts, humanities, modern languages, technology.
The professional diploma focuses on practical education, work experience, vocational training rather than academic pursuits. For delivery, you can choose 20 different subjects: engineering, IT, creativity, media.
Most UK students usually choose the A-level over a professional degree. A-level exams are the basic requirement for admission to a British university.
Students prepare for exams in 12-13 grade school, senior secondary school. In grade 12, most students study four elective subjects. For one of them, students receive an AS certificate, the other 3 students study for another year and pass after grade 13. Individual students take 4 A-level exams, despite the additional workload.
A-level assessment is based on coursework, written exams, and acquired practical skills. The choice and number of courses affects university admission success. But regardless of the candidate's academic skills, he / she will only receive a "conditional offer" for a place in the course until they receive final exam results.
Expenses for tuition in English schools
The value of quality education is immeasurable, but the question is, how much should you pay for it? If you plan to send your child to a private school, you should consider the tuition fees plus additional costs, registration fees, funds to cover the cost of hiking, uniforms and clubs.
Private schools are almost always expensive: for example, Prince George's Preparatory School, Thomas's Battersea, costs up to 21,786 £ / year; Eton College, where his father was educated, charges 42,501 £ / year. Each private school charges an additional fee for skiing or music lessons as optional lessons. Some private schools in Britain offer excellent education at a significantly lower cost. Academically, they compete with their more expensive counterparts and offer an impressive array of extracurricular and athletic opportunities.
School fees
The biggest cost when sending a child to an elite private school is the tuition fees. Fees vary from school to school, location and amenities determine the cost. According to the 2019 Independent School Council Census, the average price is 11,565 £ / term (there are three in British schools) for full board.
- For primary school (up to 11 years old) prices are lower - 7,560 £ / term.
- Studying in London, university cities, as well as famous educational institutions such as Eton or Harrow will cost more.
Private school fees have risen faster than inflation over the past 10 years - be prepared for further price increases. Most schools allow term-based tuition fees, which will reduce the financial burden.
Additional expenses
The cost of elite education is not limited to tuition fees. Consider additional costs when calculating your budget:
- Registration fee (non-refundable)
- A deposit securing a place in the school. The amount depends on the chosen school.
- + 10% to the amount of school fees - for school trips, uniforms, clubs, sports equipment, music lessons, lunches. When choosing a school, read what the tuition fee actually covers and what additional costs apply
- Air tickets, transfers to airports for holidays, guardian services - 2,000-4,000 £ / year.
What to save on
Prestigious private schools are expensive - only 7% of British students get paid education. But if you're willing to pay for the best quality and prospects for admission to prestigious universities, there are several ways to make your costs more manageable.
Ways to reduce costs:
- A tuition fee plan will allow you to pay your fees on a monthly basis, helping to reduce the burden.
- Upfront Payment - When you pay the full amount for the year, schools may offer you a small discount.
- Almost all private schools offer a 5-10% discount on the tuition of a second child.
Study at British universities
Tuition fees for undergraduate programs vary significantly - from 10,000 £ to 38,000 £ or more for obtaining a medical diploma; the humanities and social sciences are cheaper. The average cost of a university study in the UK is 22,200 £, and studying in London will cost even more.
Most UK universities offer 3-year Bachelor's programs for the intermediate bachelor's degree, Master's courses 1 year.
Accommodation cost, other expenses
In 2020, the average student rent was 126 £ / week, or 547 £ / month, in London, students can expect to be 182 £ / week. The average annual cost for students is 4,914 £ (based on a 39 week contract). Most rental contracts include separate bills for services, with a third of students paying bills in excess of the rent.
Additional expenses:
- Utilities (water, gas and electricity) - approximately 50 £ / month.
- Mobile phone bills - 10-60 £.
- Broadband internet - 20 £ / month (this amount is divided between the tenants).
- Books, university equipment - 15 £ / week
Not everyone can afford elite education, but this is one of the few investments that will pay off 10 years after graduation, bring a stable income to the child and peace of mind for parents.
