Traditionally, boarding schools in London has been considered exemplary. Students in private schools have impeccable manners, strict uniforms and a glowing outlook, no less than their gloriously polished shoes. London’s schools for children offer the opportunity to receive a world-class education. Studying in the UK, children are not only immersed in the language, but also find themselves in a multicultural society, building friendships and becoming familiar with national characteristics.
The British school system
The structure of British education itself consists of several stages.
∙ Early education
∙ Primary education
∙ Secondary education
∙ Further education
∙ Higher education
Primary education
Children enter elementary school at the age of 5. This stage is divided into 2 phases.
∙ The first step (from 5 to 7 years). Children learn English, literature and mathematics.
∙ The second step (from 7 to 11 years). Nature, humanitarian, exact and computer science, foreign languages are added to the subjects studied.
It sounds serious, but the process of adaptation to the load is smooth and gradual: these guys walk a lot, play and develop their communication skills. Incidentally, it is at this stage that children can start studying in British schools.
Secondary school education
At the age of 11, the child goes to secondary school. The purpose of this stage is to deepen knowledge and prepare for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
∙ The first step (from 11 to 14 years old). Children study 10-15 subjects and start attending vocational guidance courses.
∙ Step 2 (from age 14 to 16). Students prepare for their GCSE exams, determine their pathway for the final 2 years of study and choose the subjects they will take to university.
Post-secondary education
The last 2 years at school are called Further Education or the Sixth Form. Some schools offer the British National A-levels, while others offer the International Baccalaureate (IB). During this period, from the age of 16 to 18, the boys are preparing to enter university and study selected subjects in depth corresponding to their future profession. Finally, they are waiting for their final exams, the results of which are accepted by the university.
Advantages of Boarding Schools
Boarding schools in London actively shape the personalities of their students, but the process is not always comfortable. Boarding schools create difficulties for self-transcendence at every moment and encourage children to make their own decisions: what subjects to choose, what self-learning speed to apply, how and with whom to interact, how to adapt and get along with the completely different people that boarding schools bring children together.
Ensure inoculation independence. In most cases, future leaders will emerge from the walls of private schools, able to build their own lives and take responsibility for them independently, able to see the world openly and accept it because they acquired these skills in childhood.
Adaptability and openness
Going to a boarding school, the child finds himself in a new environment where he is forced to adapt every minute. But in an English-speaking school, he will certainly be treated with respect and his unusual or “non-English” nature will not be a reason for bullying. As a result, the child develops skills such as openness, the ability to communicate and negotiate, the ability to take initiative and seek compromise, and self-confidence.
Teamwork
An important feature of English schools is the team spirit that develops during common projects, participation in inter-school competitions and learning, because each college or institute is a kind of community, a team.
The ability to overcome oneself
This is greatly facilitated by the various sports activities, which are compulsory for everyone and take place regardless of the weather, for example in the rain or snow.
Altruism
Strange as it may sound, students in expensive private schools are really learning to go beyond themselves: all schools are involved in social projects, raising funds for the needy, providing scholarships for the environment and for children who cannot afford to pay tuition.
Reliance on tradition
This is one of the distinguishing characteristics of British boarding houses. Costume traditions, party traditions, dinner parties, centuries-old rituals such as religious ceremonies.
Interestingly, respect for centuries-old traditions, such as mandatory attendance at Sunday services, is complemented by boarding houses equipped with ultra-modern learning facilities: computers, recording studios, laboratories, etc.
What documents from the current school are required to enter a private school in London?
Again, there is no single answer to this question – educational institutions provide a complete list of documents on their websites and in their applicant handbooks. Many schools will list things like “other documents (if any)” so that you can add to the package.
Documents required for admission to a boarding school.
Current school academic record information – sometimes required for the current school year only, in some cases for the first two or three school years. Often, educational institutions will require transcripts, i.e., excerpts indicating subjects passed, credit hours, and grades.
Teacher Recommendations – The number of these documents may also vary. In some places, a letter from the classroom teacher or principal will suffice, in others, letters of recommendation from English and math teachers will be required.
Student Behavior Report or Student File – Some schools require that student behavior records be released as a separate document that has been carefully reviewed. However, this document may be referred to as an additional document.
The document must, of course, be translated into English.
How much does it cost to study at a boarding school in London
Boarding houses are non-profit organizations run by a board of directors. All profits go towards the needs of the school, so fees are roughly the same everywhere, with discounts for small differences due to location etc.
Sending a child to high school after the age of 13 will cost parents £50,000 per year. What does this amount cover? The education itself costs approximately £36,000 per year. In the boarding house, the children live on an all-inclusive basis: the amount includes tuition, accommodation, meals, sports activities and hobby classes.
All additional costs cost around £3,000 per year: for small souvenirs, trips, cabs, etc. You will also need to consider the cost of six holidays a year – that’s 12 flights. Health insurance will cost £300 per year. Visa – £800.
Kidal Delonix is a contributor to Mr. Hoffman's blog. The views and opinions are entirely his/her own and may not reflect Mr Hoffman's views.
