How long have you been involved in secondary education?
I've been working in language tourism for over 15 years and in secondary education for just over 10 years, where I've held roles as a teacher, academic manager, and director of marketing and student admissions.
What makes British schools renowned worldwide?
There are two key factors. Firstly, British education is one of the oldest globally, with historic institutions like Oxford and Cambridge among the world's oldest continuously operating universities. The King's School in Canterbury, operating for nearly 1500 years, is another example of Britain's longstanding educational tradition. This rich heritage has been further popularized by cultural phenomena like Harry Potter.
Secondly, there's a general perception that "old" equates to "quality and well-established." It's commonly believed that if a school has been around for centuries, it must be doing something right.
Why do parents highly value primary and secondary education in the UK?
Essentially, the reasons are the same as those I mentioned earlier. The combination of historical prestige and perceived quality makes UK education highly sought after.
How are the top UK boarding schools ranked, and how accurate are these rankings today?
Typically, these rankings are based on GCSE and A-level exam results. With the growing number of IB schools in the UK, IB results are also gaining significance. Rankings mainly assess the number of candidates and their outcomes, so they're accurate in that sense. However, they don't necessarily reflect the quality of teaching and learning. Some elite schools have very stringent admission criteria, not accessible to all. Schools like Scarborough College often measure Value Added, which shows how much a student has progressed, providing a more accurate measure of teaching and learning quality.
What should be considered when choosing a British school?
While rankings play a role, modern parents are increasingly looking at other aspects: how the school cares for its students, weekend and holiday plans, extracurricular offerings, and campus facilities. However, it's important not to be overly swayed by infrastructure alone. For example, a school with a swimming pool used to be a luxury, but now many top boarding schools boast Olympic halls, stables, yacht piers, and more. If there's excessive investment in facilities, it's worth considering if other areas might be lacking.
When is the ideal time to apply to UK schools, and what should applicants expect?
Generally, the earlier, the better. Some prestigious schools close their admissions 1-2 years before the start of the program. Consider entrance exams, which require preparation, and visa processes, which don't fare well with last-minute arrangements.
What subjects have been most popular at Scarborough College in recent years?
At Scarborough College, Sixth Form students typically take the IB, choosing six personal subjects. These include at least one language, a mathematical subject, a humanities subject, and a science subject. Popular choices are history, business studies, chemistry, biology, and physics. "Design and Technology" and physical education are also gaining traction.
Do all schools aspire to top rankings?
Surprisingly, no. Some schools realize that high rankings might do more harm than good. The analogy with the English Premier League (excuse my comparison!) is apt. Small football clubs might have excellent youth academies but never win the Premier League due to their size. In contrast, wealthy clubs always top the charts but often buy rather than nurture talent. Both approaches can be successful, but they are valued differently.
How has COVID-19 impacted Scarborough College, and how have educational institutions supported students during this period?
At Scarborough College, not much has changed, though I know many schools have faced challenges, with some even closing. However, some have thrived. Last year, Scarborough College improved its development, likely due to our rural location and being outside major cities, which became popular during the pandemic. We've seen a real migration from cities to villages, with families moving and seeking good education for their children.
The main ways to care for children during the pandemic are general health and safety measures and attention to reducing student anxiety.
Is it challenging for a talented student to get a scholarship? What is the usual range of discounts offered?
It varies by school and the child's specific abilities and talents. For example, Scarborough College offers scholarships for cricket players. I recommend inquiring with each specific school as the options are quite diverse.
At what age do students typically enter British schools?
It differs by school. Some offer boarding from ages 9-10 (Grade 5), but at Scarborough College, we start from ages 11-12 (Grade 7).
Do all schools offer ESL courses for international students? How important are they?
Most foreign boarding schools offer ESL courses, which can be crucial for academic success. A child needs to study all subjects in English, and even linguistically talented students may struggle with academic writing. ESL courses build confidence and structure the English knowledge acquired at school and beyond.
How much should parents budget for additional expenses beyond tuition and boarding?
Consider additional costs like uniforms, guardianship, transfers, airfare, weekend events, and excursions. At Scarborough College, expenses include uniforms, insurance, and exam fees, with most other costs included in the tuition.
What do parents typically consider when choosing a school, in addition to teacher qualifications?
Parents have various criteria. If choosing a more affordable private school, ensure it's genuinely high-quality. Location, overall expenses, cultural programs, boarding house conditions, and level of care should be considered. Once narrowed down to a few schools, it's beneficial to meet and communicate with their representatives and form a personal opinion.
What advice would you give to potential students before enrolling in a British school?
Do your research thoroughly. There's a lot of homework involved in choosing the right school. Look for maximum information and ensure you connect with the people involved in the selection process. Remember, it's the people – teachers, administrators, mentors, coaches – who make a school great. A good school prioritizes investing in its people.
