Great British Education 2023 Edition - Sample Issue

GREAT BRITISH EDUCATION

Published by

The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ

Email editor@independentschoolparent.com

EDITORIAL

Editor Claudia Dudman

Sub Editor Laura Sutherland

DESIGN

Art Editor Peter Smith

ADVERTISING

Group Sales Director Catherine Chapman Advertisement Manager Harriet Cottrell Account Manager Nicholas Gavigan

DIGITAL

Digital Product Manager Ben Iskander Email & Digital Creative Manager Jenny Choo Digital Editorial Assistant Amber-Rose Hurst

PUBLISHING

Executive Chairman Paul Dobson Managing Director James Dobson Chief Financial O cer Vicki Gavin Publisher Caroline Scott EA to Chairman Sophie Easton

ISSN 2633-6162. Production All Points Media. Printed in England by William Gibbons.

DISTRIBUTION

Great British Education is brought to you by the publishers of Independent School Parent, the magazine for parents of children in Prep and Senior independent schools.

The Independent School Parent magazine in Prep and Senior issues is published termly.

Parents can subscribe for a free issue at: independentschoolparent.com/register

© The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2023. All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The information contained in Great British Education has been published in good faith and every e ort has been made to ensure its accuracy. All liability for loss, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Colin Bell, COBIS

Alison Fleming, Newton Prep, Battersea

Aileen Kane, Boarding Schools’ Association

Rachel Kerr AMCIS

David Moncrie , Chairman

Sir Anthony Seldon, University of Buckingham

Mark Stretton, HMC

Ben Vessey, Canford School, Dorset

Sue Woodroofe, The Grammar School at Leeds

Helen Wright Educational consultant

Peter Young, Marketing/Brand Consultant

For website and subscriptions, please visit: independentschoolparent.com/register

BRITISH EDUCATION, A GLOBAL VISION

It is a privilege to – once again – write the foreword for, this, the fourth edition, of Great British Education. UK education is seen as the gold standard, with its unique combination of a well-established o ering, reputation for innovation and strong presence in markets around the world.

Our universities are some of the most prestigious; and the release in 2022 of the student figures for 2020/21, showed that we had reached, for the first time, the International Education Strategy ambition of 600,000 international students studying in the UK yearly. Added to this, more than 500,000 students are studying for UK degrees in 228 countries and territories across the world via the transnational education (TNE) o er.

The UK curriculum is the most popular globally, which is why 55 current world leaders were educated in this country; and, with BSO and other accreditation, UK schools have more campuses overseas than any other country.

With its long history of apprenticeships and work-based training, the UK skills o er provides globally recognised qualifications, with robust quality processes, through a network of more than 220 government-accredited awarding organisations, which are established globally. As a result, 5.8m regulated qualifications are being achieved through the UK’s further education providers.

And in English-language teaching, the UK has unrivalled experience and is at the forefront of developing resources that help learners and teachers to achieve their goals using innovative content, methods and media.

I continue my engagement with overseas governments, to further education partnerships, address market barriers, showcase UK expertise and carve out opportunities for UK education.

My ambition for 2022 was to travel to all my priority countries – these are the countries where we’ve identified opportunities and where I can make the di erence in opening these up.

In March and September, I was in India leading UK professional body and universities missions respectively, the latter coinciding with the Asian Summit on Education & Skills. The headline for India is that we were able to sign a UK-India MoU on the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications –something that has been a number of years in the making and will be instrumental in expanding cooperation and exchange between our two countries’ higher education (HE) systems.

In May and November, I led university delegations to Saudi Arabia where, in addition to progressing the government-to-government partnership, we were able to celebrate successes over the past few months across education subsectors, including schools.

In May and December, I led university delegations to Nigeria; the first visit was combined with an event focused on recruitment into UK boarding schools and the launch of a new British international school, the second aligned with the 60th annual conference of the National University Commission, Nigeria’s university regulator.

And as I write, I’ve recently returned from my first visit to south-east Asia in this role. I was in Vietnam attending the Wilton Park Dialogue: demonstrating UK thought leadership, particularly in skills, and where we showed the UK to be developing new and vibrant ideas to meet the challenges of Net Zero; then in the Philippines where the focus was again on skills, and where I met the President of the Asian Development Bank to discuss the contribution UK education providers can make to the bank’s plans to become more climate focused; then in Singapore for the international launch of the British Council Alumni UK scheme, which is a key International Education Strategy objective, and where I was also able to attend Going Global, the conference for leaders of international education; and, finally, in Indonesia with an HE TNE mission, where I met education and industry leaders on the subject of curriculum.

Looking ahead to 2023, plans are in place for an equally busy year; one in which I hope I can play my part in building on our continued success.

PROFESSOR SIR STEVE SMITH UK GOVERNMENT’S INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CHAMPION, FORMERLY VICE CHANCELLOR, EXETER UNIVERSITY

Features

6 School Britannia Renowned the world over for its unparalleled independent schools, universities and international networking opportunities, Britain’s education system is second to none

12 One big happy family Award-winning St Leonards School in St Andrews reveals how it nurtures its close-knit international community

18 Home sweet home ISOTY Boarding School of the Year Cheltenham College explains how it has created a supportive and sociable environment

22 Playing for laughs A-list film actor Paul Rudd shares his experience as a BADA drama student on a placement in the city of Oxford

26 Going global All around the world, there are thousands of excellent schools sharing Britain’s first-class curriculum and international outlook with eager-minded young students

32 The practical approach A look at how pursuing further education in Britain can broaden your horizons, whether

you opt for a vocational qualification, diploma or short course

36 Varying degrees With unrivalled networking opportunities and specialised courses, UK universities are popular with international students

40 Cultural exchange Why learning English in the UK will help immerse you in the country’s unique culture

42 Great minds Advice for overseas postgraduate students planning to apply for a GREAT Scholarship to support their UK-based courses

44 Starting your journey A helpful guide to applying for your place at a British school or university

Directory

48 How to use this guide

An introduction to Great British Education, explained in English, Arabic and Chinese

49 Directory An easy-to-use guide showcasing a selection of independent schools located in the UK and overseas

GreatBritishEducationMag.com

A complete directory of UK independent schools, universities and British international schools is available online

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

MEET THE EXPERTS SHARING THEIR YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

COLIN BELL

is CEO of COBIS, which works with and supports students, teachers, leaders, support sta and governors from high-quality British international schools in more than 80 countries across the world.

ALISON FLEMING has been Headmistress at Newton Prep in Battersea since September 2013. Educated at grammar school herself, she started out her impressive teaching career by honing her craft in state schools.

AILEEN KANE is the Boarding Schools’ Association’s Chief Operating O cer, overseeing media, marketing, sponsorship, finance and HR facilities. Aileen is a member of BSA’s senior leadership team.

RACHEL KERR is Communications Manager for AMCIS, the association for admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools.

Previously, she led communications for the Girls’ Schools Association and has been director of external relations for a large independent school.

DAVID MONCRIEFF is a publisher specialising in education and heritage, having previously worked as Director of Marketing at Mayfield School, and for more than 12 years as Director of Marketing Services at the British Tourist Authority.

SIR ANTHONY SELDON is a contemporary historian and political author. He’s the Emeritus Professor of the University of Buckingham and was the 13th Master of Wellington College in Berkshire from 2006 to 2015.

MARK STRETTON joined the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) as Communications Manager in 2017, bringing with him more than 15 years’ working experience in educationsector communications.

BEN VESSEY joined Canford in 2013 as Headmaster from Christ’s Hospital, where he was Senior Deputy Head. He’s currently Vice-Chair of the HMC’s Professional Development sub-committee.

SUE WOODROOFE

has been a Head for 12 years, first at The British School of Brussels, and now at The Grammar School at Leeds. She has a particular interest in the three-to-18-years educational journey, as well as the benefits of multicultural and international learning environments for children.

DR HELEN

WRIGHT

is a former President of the Girls’ Schools Association and Vice-Chair of ISC, with three major headships under her belt. Since 2014, she has worked in international education, and advises, recruits and coaches senior leaders in schools across the world.

PETER

YOUNG

is an independent school governor and Chairman of the Business Marketing Awards.

Words: James Barker Headmaster of Warwick School, Warwickshire

University College, Durham University

PHOTOGRAPHY: ARCAID IMAGES / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

The United Kingdom is a melting pot of di erent cultures, customs, languages, and beliefs, and we’ve been this way for as long as ‘Britain’ has existed. is is an island with a global outlook, made up of four di erent nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Island. We share an unparalleled special relationship with the USA, and while we le the European Union in 2020, many UK citizens still feel closely aligned with Europe. We’re one of the original members of the United Nations; we’re members of NATO, the Commonwealth and G7. We’re English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish, Asian British, Black British, Caribbean, Roma, to name just a few. We have a population of more that 67m people; a truly multicultural society that’s both vibrant and inclusive.

King and country

As a constitutional monarchy, our system of democratic government is made of three parts: the Crown, the publicly-elected House of Commons and the second chamber, the House of Lords. It’s the business of parliament to make and change legislation, to review the work of government and to debate current a airs. While it’s our Prime Minister who leads the government, it’s our monarch whose duty lies as Head of

EDUCATION IS AMONG BRITAIN’S

institutions, OFFERING A WEALTH OF CHOICES, AS WELL AS A HERITAGE OF PRESTIGE

State – a role that has been upheld since 1215. Last year, the nation turned out to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II on her Platinum Jubilee, and then again in September in an incredible show of solidarity to nationally mourn her death a er 70 years of devoted service to the United Kingdom. Upon Her Majesty’s death, the throne proceeded immediately to her son, King Charles III, who has already made a strong and digni ed start to his reign.

A long tradition of excellence

Education is among Britain’s oldest and most renowned institutions, o ering a wealth of choices, as well as a heritage of prestige. Some of the oldest educational

institutes in the world were founded in Britain, including Warwick School. We’re the proud winner of the Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2022, an award that recognises our parallel commitments to tradition, and we have more than 1,000 years’ experience educating young men.

As well as having a historic reputation of producing great thinkers, innovators and entrepreneurs, the British education system remains the most popular curriculum in the world. It starts with nursery and reception years, which lay the foundation for learning and development for children up to ve. Pupils then move up through the four compulsory key stages of primary and secondary education until they’re 16 years old, following our national curriculum. ere’s a rich variety of opportunity among British schools, whether they’re state-funded, or independent day or boarding schools which charge fees. e British education o er extends to faith, choir and grammar schools, schools dedicated to special educational needs and disabilities, and co-education and single-sex environments.

Single sex or co-educational?

Many independent schools in the UK are also moving towards co-educational settings over a single-sex learning environment. Meanwhile, the best UK single-sex schools are championing the best of both worlds to develop well-rounded individuals. is is an ethos we follow at Warwick School, providing pupils with a nurturing, single-sex educational environment that suits each individual pupil, while also o ering many enriching extracurricular opportunities to socialise and learn together with our sister school, King’s High School.

A world-class exam system

e British curriculum provides pupils with globally-recognised and respected quali cations that open doors to the world’s best universities. Academic quali cations

oldest and most renowned

St Peter’s School, York

Warwick School, Warwickshire

School, Surrey

in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are assessed by public examinations at iGCSE and GCSE level, at ages 15 to 16, and at A-level, at ages 16 to 18. In Scotland, a similar qualification to GCSEs is the Scottish Qualifications Certificate of Education. More schools also offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as an alternative to A-levels, although evidence suggests that A-levels are best for developing in-depth subject knowledge expertise.

One of the great benefits of an independent education is that it extends beyond the academic curriculum to include a wide range of co-curricular (also known as extracurricular) activities, including outdoor learning, languages, art, engineering, music, drama, and sport. At Warwick School, we also partner with local state schools to share best practice at departmental and SEND (Special Educational Needs) level and include volunteering and service in our co-educational Friday activities programme.

University and beyond

British universities are among the most popular and prestigious study destinations in the world, and this isn’t limited to Russell Group destinations, including Oxbridge. British universities, like Bath, Loughborough and St Andrews, have unparalleled research facilities, are set in some of our most beautiful and culturally enriching cities, and champion internationally-diverse and multi-faith campuses. A good degree from a top university provides students with the luxury of choice to forge a career path that’s intellectually, socially and economically fulfilling.

Boarding, pastoral care and wellbeing Boarding is also an invaluable opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the English language, prepare for higher education and get the most from the pastoral and co-curricular offer that a British education provides. Pastoral care is firmly rooted in British schools and is a key aspect of a rounded education that helps sustain children’s social, physical, mental, emotional and intellectual development.

The Covid-19 pandemic posed several immediate challenges for British schools and universities and has had a significant impact on children’s education. Schools and teaching staff were quick to rally, using resources to ensure the best education continued even when learning remotely. Many

independent schools still use a range of digital resources to ensure pupils are as connected as ever, even though they’ve thankfully now returned to the classroom.

Innovation isn’t limited to teaching and learning; UK independent schools are leading the way on pastoral care by researching and integrating the best practices from around the world to prioritise the wellbeing of young people and allow them to flourish. At Warwick School, we launched our Wellbeing Hub, which is both a physical space where pupils can go at a time of need to receive support from caring and highly-trained staff, as well as a gateway through which pupils can access specialist support. Warwick’s vision is to be the most caring boys’ school in the country.

A global outlook

Despite Brexit, the education sector has kept close ties with Europe. Warwick pupils, for example, can deepen their subject knowledge with trips to Greece and France, as well as further afield to Washington and New York. Covid-19 has also raised questions about the best ways to assess academic qualifications. Just as there has been discussion over whether GCSE examinations are necessary, there has also been debate over whether university admissions should be decided on predicted grades or A-level results. It has proved that the independent education sector is resilient and highly adaptable.

Breadth and diversity

Why study in the UK?

• Globally-renowned schools and universities where you can learn from the very best

• One in four world leaders has studied in the UK (Study UK)

• The UK consistently tops global rankings and is home to 28 of the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education, World University Rankings 2023)

• The UK is ranked third in the world for published scientific research with nearly 200,000 citable publications published in 2020 alone

• UK courses offer lots of ways to take your first steps into the world of work. From placements and internships to opportunities to gain professional accreditation in your chosen field, you’ll be able take your first steps on the career ladder with confidence

• Diverse and inclusive with a safe, welcoming and supportive society

To paraphrase the Irish poet WB Yeats, education should be the lighting of a fire, inspiring young people to live a life full of learning, enjoyment, and variety. Inspiration is a product of passionate teaching, combined with a breadth of exciting experiences beyond the classroom that broaden horizons. The British independent sector is characterised by its diversity, the range of different options and types of school available is vast; there’s a school to suit every young person and their interests, whatever those may be. What the best schools have in common is a commitment to education in the truest sense, a holistic education that inspires young people not only to realise their academic potential but to develop the personal qualities necessary to lead successful careers and live happy and fulfilled lives.

Clifton College, Bristol

Warwick School, Warwick

Myton Road, Warwick, CV34 6PP

The best schools and universities

Head Teacher: Mr James Barker

Admissions: admissions@warwickschool.org +44 (0)1926 776400

GENDER/AGES: Boys, 7-18 years

FEES: Junior – years 3/4 (day) £4,319 per term, years 5/6 (day) £4,586 per term, senior (day) £5,042 per term, full boarding £12,159 per term, weekly boarding £9,970 per term

TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Junior – 15-20, senior – 20-24, sixth form – 15

FAITH: Church of England.

MOTTO: Altiora Peto (‘I seek higher things’)

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Main points of entry at 7+, 11+, 13+, by entrance examination (academically selective).

School philosophy: Dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure that Warwick School is a place where children thrive. The school has always provided an education in the broadest sense, seeking to develop the talents of each and every pupil. Its engaging staff foster a learning environment in which every pupil is challenged intellectually and thrives. The school develops young men of character and talent. Its nurturing community ensures that pupils are known as individuals and celebrated whatever their strengths or abilities,

enabling young men to flourish in what is now, more than ever, a rapidly changing world. This is the ‘Warwick way’.

Academic record: A-level – after a wonderful year of being physically back in the classroom, sixth formers at Warwick School celebrated exceptional A-level results. Overall, 66.3% of all grades awarded were A*-A, and 87.1% A*-B. GCSE – following a period of study unlike any other, year 11 pupils at Warwick School celebrated exceptional GCSE results in a diverse range of subjects, with 76.7% of pupils achieving A*/A (9/8-7), and 54.3% of pupils achieving A*(9/8).

Extracurricular: The co-curricular activities are an integral aspect of the education provided by Warwick School, alongside the academic curriculum. The wide range of activities supports the school’s ethos in providing opportunities for every pupil. The school aims to discover, nurture and develop every child. With more than 80 activities or societies, Warwick School usually succeed!

Notable achievements and alumni: Michael Billington OBE –WS 1949-57 theatre critic, author and broadcaster; Leo Hughes WS 1999-06 associate film producer Star Wars – The Last Jedi; Peter Varnish OBE – WS 1954-65 Director of Military Affairs and Security; Christian Horner OBE – WS 1987-92 Team Principal of Red bull Racing Formula One; James TW – WS 2005-15 pop singer and songwriter; John Masefield – WS 1988-91 Poet Laureate. www.warwickschool.org

Open Days: Junior School – 11 March 2023. Junior school and senior school – 30 June 2023

ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY

St Leonards is a leading co-ed boarding and day school, for pupils aged five to 18, delivering the inspiring International Baccalaureate curriculum throughout. Founded in 1877, the school is set within medieval walls in the heart of the university town and the ‘home of golf’, St Andrews. It combines a vibrant, cosmopolitan location with the beauty and opportunity of sandy beaches and world-famous golf courses on its doorstep.

Award-winning experience

In October, St Leonards was named the UK’s independent school of the year for International Student Experience at the Independent Schools of the Year 2022 Awards. The national award recognises St Leonards’ defined strategy for the integration of students from all corners of the world, highlighting the breadth of nationalities on the school roll and crediting its inclusive, holistic educational provision, underpinned by the mission, aims and values of the globally-recognised International Baccalaureate curriculum. Also highlighted were the cultural celebrations, which are part and parcel of the school year.

An award-winning school for the educational experience it provides to international students, Headmaster, Simon Brian, explains what makes the global community of St Leonards in St Andrews, Scotland so special…