How long have you been in the field of secondary education?
I've dedicated over 25 years to secondary education. Initially, I was a German and EAL teacher, and more recently, I've been involved in enrolling international students. I spent 18 years at Moreton Hall and am currently at Mayfield School.
What sets British schools apart?
British education is globally revered for its high quality. The UK's historical connections, like those with Hong Kong, still attract families seeking schools with an international perspective. Parents look for strong academic results and opportunities for their children to build a global network of friends, preparing them for a multilingual, international world. They also value that British schools often pave the way to top universities, not just in the UK but also in the US, which is a significant bonus.
Why are UK primary and secondary schools so highly regarded?
A primary aim is mastering English from a young age. Students in British boarding schools grow in independence, leadership, and self-reliance. Class sizes are small, allowing teachers to focus on individual needs more than in public schools. For working parents, the all-encompassing environment of boarding schools is appealing – offering everything from ballet to tennis and piano lessons within the school day, eliminating the need for additional travel. Many schools also provide comprehensive weekend programs, keeping kids engaged and safe on campus, though this varies by school. At Mayfield School, for example, we offer Saturday classes and a full range of weekend activities, catering to our significant boarding population.
Can you talk about the criteria for UK boarding school rankings, and their reliability?
There are numerous ranking lists, and a school's position can vary across them. Some schools even choose not to participate in rankings. Don't focus solely on these – also consider value-added tables. Selective schools often rank higher in national charts, but value-added tables can better showcase how well a school supports its students academically, crucial for international students.
What do parents prioritize when searching for a UK school?
Think about what suits your child best. Different schools excel in various areas – arts, drama, sports, or specific subjects. There are selective and more inclusive schools, each catering to different strengths. If you're new to the UK system, you might start with league tables and GCSE or A-level results. More knowledgeable parents should consider the school's location, size, EAL course availability, academic requirements, and extracurricular offerings.
When is the ideal time to apply to UK schools, and what should applicants prepare for?
Schools have individual application processes, sometimes requiring years of advance planning. Grade 12 is highly competitive for international students, demanding strong English skills and academic proficiency. Grade 10 is also popular, as it marks the start of the GCSE course.
I recommend starting in Grade 9 or earlier for language improvement and cultural adaptation. Entry tends to be easier in lower grades, although this varies by school.
Which subjects are currently popular at A-level?
STEM subjects are increasingly favored, with a notably high number of girls pursuing math and science at our school.
Do all schools aim to be top-ranked?
While every school wishes to be seen as an academic powerhouse, rankings don’t capture everything. Other factors, like community involvement, business enterprise schemes, career guidance, and a rich academic program beyond GCSE and A-level, are also important.
How has COVID-19 impacted your student demographic, and how have schools adapted?
The pandemic has reduced the number of international students, especially from countries like China. However, parents have been impressed with British boarding schools' response to the pandemic, including efficient online learning and ensuring staff and student safety. We offered quarantine accommodations over holidays and online learning for those unable to return home. Our rural boarding house setting has been advantageous for safeguarding our students.
Is it challenging for talented students to receive scholarships?
Each school sets its own scholarship criteria. At our school, we aim to attract top students, regardless of their field, ensuring fees don’t deter them. Scholarships typically offer a 10-20% discount but can be higher in certain cases.
At what ages do students usually enter British schools?
Common entry points are at ages 11, 13, and 16. Our school accepts applications year-round, so it's possible to enroll mid-semester if you miss the exam period.
Do all schools offer ESL courses for international students?
Not all schools, particularly selective ones, offer ESL courses. However, I believe these courses are vital for most international students. At Moreton Hall, we offer ESL at no extra cost, including preparation for language tests like IELTS or Cambridge exams.
What additional expenses should parents plan for?
Consider costs like school uniforms – ours cost around £200 annually, with second-hand options available. Music lessons, certain sports, and weekend activities might incur extra fees. Budget at least £1500 per year for these.
Besides teacher qualifications, what else should parents consider when choosing a school?
Look into campus amenities and what they offer in sports, arts, and theater. Consider the school's proximity to major cities, its location in a city or countryside, access to international airports, and whether it's single-sex or co-educational. The school's size, number of full-time boarders, and flexibility in living arrangements during weekends and holidays are also important.
Any advice for potential applicants to British schools?
If possible, visit the school and spend a day or night in the boarding house. If not, at least organize an online tour or video call, thoroughly explore the website, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Importantly, involve your child in the decision-making process – they're the ones who will be studying there.
