Choosing the right path Everything

CHOOSING the RIGHT PATH

GILLIAN BLAND, Admissions Officer at St Peter’s York explains the British education system and each stage of the admissions process, from making your shortlist to application deadlines

British independent schools and universities are vibrant, diverse and inclusive communities, with pupils coming from a range of backgrounds, and many different countries, to enjoy the broad spectrum of benefits of a British education.

Before you apply

If you choose a British education for your child, it would be wise to familiarise yourself with the English education system before you apply, including qualifications, age groups and the curriculum.

It’s very important to understand which year group your child will be eligible for based on their age, as many independent schools tailor their admissions process for different entry points.

Choosing the right school or university

You should also consider the vast array of independent schools and universities on offer. There’s genuinely a school or university for everyone, so think carefully about your child’s needs.

International applicants will be assessed for their level of spoken and written English. Some schools and universities require a high level of English for pupils to be able to access the curriculum, while others have strong levels of support for pupils who speak English as a foreign language.

You should also consider the right curriculum for your child. Independent schools generally follow the national curriculum up to GCSEs, but a range of curriculums are available at sixth form (age 16), including A-level, Pre-U and International Baccalaureate.

The location of a school or university is equally important. Some pupils thrive in a rural setting while others benefit from the dynamic nature of city living.

At St Peter’s School, York, our boarders experience the best of both worlds. Our 47-acre green campus is located in the heart of York, one of the UK’s most historic cities, while boarders can explore the spectacular Yorkshire coastline and stunning North York Moors on weekends.

Application deadlines

Once you’ve shortlisted your favourite schools and universities, it’s essential that you make a note of their application deadlines.

The top independent schools have strict application deadlines, and you may need to register your child for the school two or three years in advance. This only applies s

YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER THE RIGHT CURRICULUM FOR YOUR CHILD. Independent schools generally follow the national curriculum up until GCSEs, BUT A RANGE OF CURRICULUMS ARE AVAILABLE AT SIXTH FORM (AGE 16), INCLUDING A-LEVEL, PRE-U AND INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

UCAS ACTS AS an intermediary between students and universities DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS. IT’S POSSIBLE TO APPLY FOR UP TO FIVE UNIVERSITIES

St Peter’s School, Yorkshire Xxxxxxxxxxxx

to a few schools, although most schools would expect you to apply at least 12 months before year of entry. The academic year for all independent schools begins at the start of September.

It’s worth noting that the application deadline for sixth form (age 16) may be earlier than other age groups.

Applications for university are usually made between September and January. If you’re considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge, or for a medical degree, then the application deadline is mid-October. Offers are conditional on academic results.

Independent school admissions

When applying for an independent school you must consider the key entry points, as the admissions process will differ for each age group. At St Peter’s School, York, our most popular entry points are year seven (aged 11), year nine (aged 13) and year 12 (aged 16). Boarding is only available from year seven at St Peter’s School, although other independent schools may offer boarding from a younger age for overseas pupils.

Entry for senior and sixth form education can be particularly competitive. Senior education often starts from the age of 13, with sixth form education spanning the last two academic school years from ages 16 to 18. Assessments are likely to be more rigorous for these entry points, and at St Peter’s School we ask for a minimum of six GCSEs at grade 6 or equivalent for prospective pupils to be considered for sixth form entry.

University admissions

For those applying directly to universities from overseas, a central application portal called UCAS acts as an intermediary between students and universities during the application process. It’s possible to apply for up to five UK universities, but it’s advisable to apply for similar courses across the five institutions, as you can only submit one personal statement.

Help and guidance

The majority of independent schools will have a member of staff responsible for admissions, who will be able to help and guide you through the admissions process. It’s also advisable to speak to an agent with a strong understanding of UK independent schools. They will be able to support your application and help you to decide which independent schools will be right for your child.

Children under the age of 18 who wish to board in the UK will also need to have a guardian based in the UK. Agents may be able to help you find an appropriate guardian, and it’s important to note that all guardians should be accredited by a governing body such as the BSA or Aegis UK. Accreditation ensures that the guardian has been assessed according to strict safeguarding and welfare guidelines.

All independent schools and universities also host open days, which give prospective families the opportunity to explore the campus and find out more about the school or university. You may even be able to attend these events virtually.

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Visa and permit options for UK study

CHILD STUDENT VISA: SCHOOL

If you’re between four and 17 years of age and applying to study at an independent school in the UK, you can apply for a Child Student Visa. These can be obtained up to six months before entering the UK. You must have a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) form from the school you wish to study at before you can apply for the visa.

STUDENT VISA: UNIVERSITY

If you’re aged 16 or over and wish to study at higher education level, you can apply for a student visa through the Student Route. This has replaced the Tier 4 visa route. You can apply for this once the university has issued you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance) form. If you still have a Tier 4 visa, you do not need to apply for a new one unless you decide to apply for another course at the end of your current visa. There is a fee to make this application and there’s also a fee to be able to access the NHS (National Health Service).

GRADUATE ROUTE: A TWO-YEAR WORK EXPERIENCE PERMIT

International students are able to benefit from two years’ work experience through the Graduate Route. The Graduate Route is a new UK post-study work permit enabling those students who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above to stay and work in the UK. This route requires a new application and will include the payment of a fee and health surcharge as per above.

www.gov.uk/student-visa