How long have you been working in secondary education?
In this sector - about 4 months. Before that, I worked for over two years in Moscow in the primary education. I have a degree in Russian and French, so my studies required one year of practice abroad. I started working in the educational field right after graduation: while still studying, I realized how important a representative is able to guide students throughout the entire learning process. So I decided to expand my personal experience by helping students make decisions similar to those I made. The best part is helping students find their own route and the ideal educational institution for them.
What makes British schools so special for parents around the world?
British schools are so highly regarded for their prestige and tradition. For years, even centuries, high-ranking students from all over the world have graduated from British schools and universities: politicians, scholars, royalty. Each school is unique in its own way, but they all offer world-class education, top educators, small classes, a network of alumni, who will continue to communicate and support each other for years to come.
Why do parents value UK primary and secondary schools so much?
In most cases, independent schools have primary and secondary education on the same campus so that educators can teach children from kindergarten to intermediate. Children grow up with teachers they know and appreciate, with a group of friends, building strong relationships from early childhood.
UK boarding school rankings - what criteria are they based on? How accurate is it today?
Most of the rankings are compiled on the data of the GCSE and A-level exams: the results of the last year affect the rankings of the current one. Usually, the rankings include schools in which at least 20 people took exams, and the highest results and their percentage among the rest are taken into account (A *- A for A-level and 7-9 for GCSE).
It is believed that the rankings cannot accurately reflect the quality of the school. Many institutions do not publish their results at all and do not make the list of the best, despite the outstanding results. All types of schools are summarized in the tables - coeducational, segregated, day and boarding schools, it doesn't matter. In addition, it's not just academic performance that is an indicator of quality - sometimes your child needs more.
What are the most important parenting questions when choosing a school in the UK?
Much depends on the nationality of the parent, because the country of origin affects the priority of certain things. Foreign parents and the CIS pay close attention to the location of the school, appreciate the proximity to the capital - but it must be borne in mind that there are excellent institutions not only in the vicinity of London. For many, the quality of sports facilities and infrastructure on campus, strong academic performance and exam results are important. Of course, the financial side is also taken into account - for example, how many scholarships are issued, what size they are.
When is the best time to apply to UK schools? What should applicants prepare for?
Depends on the chosen school. For example, in our Myddelton College and Adcote School, admission is possible 3 times a year - in the autumn, summer and spring trimester; under certain circumstances, it is possible to enroll in other periods. In any case, it is always worthwhile to take care of the application and documents in advance: the demand for top, rating institutions is very high, so it can be difficult to secure a place for yourself - the vacant ones end very quickly.
Be prepared for interviews: these days, interviews are increasingly being conducted online. You will need to demonstrate a high level of English, prepare for the usual, standard questions. Try to explain in an accessible way why you want to study at this particular school - admissions committees value enthusiasm and honesty very much. You will be able to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the entrance exams.
What subjects have been most commonly chosen in recent years?
At the A-level, of course, these are STEM subjects: mathematics, natural sciences. They help a lot later at the university and in the profession. Adcote School has a CLEAR curriculum: since Adcote School specializes in STEM, the CLEAR course helps to develop self-confidence and leadership, engagement, passion for achieving results and personal resilience.
But humanitarian subjects do not lose their relevance: English literature, history, geography.
Does every school want to get into the TOP ranking?
Interest Ask. Many famous schools, of course, want to rank high - this seems like an easy way to prove that the school is strong academically. But many institutions do not strive to be in the rankings: they believe that the tables of the best do not take into account many important factors that are priorities for many students. For example, these are the status and capabilities of students before they are enrolled, teaching styles, extracurricular opportunities, etc.
How much has COVID-19 affected student enrollment? How do schools help students during this time?
Of course, the impact of COVID-19 cannot be overlooked. Students from abroad cannot travel, parents are afraid to send their children abroad during a pandemic. Overall, however, student numbers have remained stable, at least in our schools (Myddelton College and Adcote School) the number of UK boarders has increased, as have day students. Schools that have signed the BSA COVID Charter are making a titanic effort to ensure safety that helps keep schools open. Teaching shifts and lunch breaks are shifted so that students cross less, one-way traffic is introduced along the territory and corridors, it is mandatory to wear masks, dispensers with hand sanitizers are organized - at the entrances and exits, in each classroom, in the dining room. At the beginning of the fall semester, our schools were able to allocate a separate area in the residence for the mandatory two-week quarantine of foreigners, so integration into full-time education was greatly facilitated.
Is it difficult for a talented student to get a scholarship? What is the average discount?
Schools in Britain are always glad to have talented students, so I think it will not be difficult for them to get a scholarship in any year. Remember that a scholarship can be obtained not only for academic success - both sports achievements and talents in other fields of activity are valued.
Usually the discount is set up to 30-50%, but it can be 100% if the student shows really exceptional abilities.
At what age do foreign students usually enter British schools?
This usually happens around grade 9, when the GCSE program or GCSE preparatory course begins. This is a good time to start, allowing you to move smoothly to the difficult A-level and university preparation. But there is also an earlier start: some enter at the beginning of the middle stage (11 years). By the way, we have privileges for such students: having enrolled earlier, they will be able to master English better, which means they can pass exams better.
Do all schools offer additional ESL lessons to foreign students? Is it really that important?
Typically, schools that accept students from overseas run ESL English courses in order to provide maximum academic support for newcomers. At Myddelton College and Adcote School, ESL lessons are offered to all foreigners, and the volume of classes and support can be adjusted on an individual basis.
We believe this course and support is incredibly important in helping you prepare for the successful completion of secondary school exams. All GCSE and A-level classes and exams are conducted in English, so it is extremely important that foreign students speak it confidently and fluently.
All parents sending their children to study in the UK expect their children to be able to speak and learn English fluently, so the ESL program meets parental expectations too.
How much should parents save for additional expenses (excluding tuition and living expenses)?
Yes, there are additional costs: it can be a school uniform, some weekend activities, extracurricular activities (music, sports). Of course, amounts vary from school to school. For example, Myddelton College, which served as a Microsoft demonstration school and combines technology with education, has an additional fee for technology to do classwork.
In addition to teacher qualifications, what aspects should be considered when choosing a school?
Oh, there are many details worth paying attention to! The quality of the school premises, the size of the classrooms, the academic degrees and achievements of the teachers, the richness and themes of extracurricular activities (is there something in the interests of the child?), Opportunities for leisure and development outside the campus. Maybe there is something that cannot be found in your country? The location of the school, transport accessibility, proximity to major cities and airports are also important.
Each will have their own set of requirements.
What do you recommend to potential applicants before entering a UK school and why?
Be sure to maximize your English skills to get the best start in your studies. Take a close look at the school you are applying to, and feel free to ask questions during your face-to-face interview.
If you have not studied in the UK before, it is worth trying a short-term immersion program before a full long-term course. Myddelton College and Adcote School have short-term programs with flexible enrollment dates - you can join the main educational process for half or a whole semester and get an objective experience of life on campus. The student-"trainee" will study in the classroom, attend extracurricular activities, live in a common residence at the boarding house. These courses are very popular - they really do great at preparing foreigners for full-fledged, long-term study programs.
