Independent School Parent Great British Education by The Chelsea Magazine Company

ENT EDU ND

LISTS IA

Great British

N TIO SPEC CA

EDUCATION THE BEST UK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES GUIDE

Passport to

success Studying in the UK for a brighter future

SUPPORTED BY

JUNIOR & PREP AGES 7-13

INDEP E

2020 EDITION

SENIOR & SIXTH FORM AGES 11-18

UNIVERSITY & CAREERS AGES 18-21+

ONE OF THE UK’S TOP NON-SELECTIVE SMALL SCHOOLS (THE SUNDAY TIMES GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2018)

Academic excellence and small class sizes where EVERY girl matters. Thornton is a school that is engaging and challenging, with an exciting curriculum. • • • • • •

Outstanding LAMDA, Drama and Music opportunities Purpose built Expressive Arts Studio Excellent Sporting facilities, opportunities & tours Award winning science building and facilities Outdoor learning in our Eco Park Set in 25 acres of beautiful grounds

OPEN MORNING

SATURDAY 7th MARCH 10.00am - 12.00 noon Thornton is well-known for its exceptional pastoral care, outstanding academic achievement and high expectations of all its students from nursery to sixth form. For more information or to book a personal visit please contact Claire Ballantyne via email admissions@thorntoncollege.com or 01280 820410. We look forward to welcoming you.

THORNTON, MILTON KEYNES, BUCKS, MK17 0HJ Girls’ Schools Association

Foreword GREAT BRITISH EDUCATION

Published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel (020) 7349 3700 Fax (020) 7349 3701 Email editor@independentschoolparent.com EDITORIAL Editor Claudia Dudman Sub Editor Laura Sutherland Editorial Assistant Henrietta Easton DESIGN Creative Director Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Natalie Dourado Freelance Designer Matt Bookman

A GREAT BRITISH EDUCATION OPENS

doors to new opportunities and provides LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES. DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE STUDYING IN THE UK

ADVERTISING Sales Director Cameron Hay Head of Market Julie Price Group Advertisment Sales Manager Harriet Cottrell Senior Sales Executive Andrew Mackenzie Advertising Executive Eleanor English, Georgia Dunster-Prestidge DIGITAL Digital Product Manager Ben Iskander PUBLISHING Executive Chairman Paul Dobson Chief Operating Officer Kevin Petley Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin Director of Media James Dobson Publisher Caroline Scott Circulation Manager Daniel Webb EA to Chairman Sarah Porter CHELSEA CREATE Managing Director Steve Ross Partnerships Director Lyndal Beeton 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 2020. 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 effort 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 David Moncrieff, Chairman Colin Bell, COBIS Andrew Fleck, Sedbergh School, Cumbria Alison Fleming, Newton Prep, Battersea Tory Gillingham, AMCIS Aileen Kane, Boarding Schools’ Association Rachel Kerr, Girls’ Schools Association Ian Mason, Independent Schools Council Sir Anthony Seldon, University of Buckingham Mark Stretton, HMC Helen Wright, Educational consultant Ben Vessey, Canford School, Dorset Sue Woodroofe, The Grammar School at Leeds Peter Young, Marketing/Brand Consultant For website and subscriptions, please visit: independentschoolparent.com/register

COVER: KING’S COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE, ISTOCK; BRIGHTON COLLEGE; STOWE SCHOOL; THE UNIVERSITY OF BUCKINGHAM

Christ’s Hospital School, West Sussex

British education has been a passport to success for many centuries. Nobel prize winners, political leaders, entrepreneurs and cultural icons from across the international community have been educated in British schools and universities. That tradition continues today. The UK offers international students an academic experience that is hard to beat. British-educated students are proven to be among the most employable in the world, offering confident analytical thinking and excellent communication skills developed in the home of the English language. With world-class schools and universities performing at the top of their game – including those operating internationally – Britain delivers academic excellence in every field. The British Government’s recently-launched International Education Strategy, delivered through the GREAT Britain campaign, promotes the breadth and diversity of the British educational offer and commits to providing a welcoming environment for international students. Flexible and student-focused, the UK provides an amazing and unforgettable educational and cultural experience to everyone who studies here, which is unmatched elsewhere in the world. Great British Education is designed to provide international parents and students with a practical and accessible introduction to British education. The guide showcases the immense range of schools and universities spread across the country and explains what it’s like to be a student studying in Britain and how to apply to the school or university of your choice. A great British education opens doors to new opportunities and provides lifechanging experiences. Discover your future studying in the UK.

DAVID MONCRIEFF, CHAIR, EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD, INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT greatbritisheducationmag.com

Contributors

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Meet the experts of the Independent School Parent portfolio sharing their years of invaluable educational experience

COLIN BELL

is CEO of COBIS, which works with and supports students, teachers, leaders, support staff and governors from high quality British international schools in more than 80 countries worldwide.

ALISON FLEMING

has been Headmistress at Newton Prep, Battersea since September 2013. Educated at grammar school, she began her teaching career in state schools, where she learned her ‘craft’.

DAVID MONCRIEFF

is a publisher specialising in education and heritage. He previously worked for more than 12 years as Director of Marketing Services at the British Tourist Authority.

ANDREW FLECK

is Principal of Sedbergh School, Cumbria. Having been Headmaster since 2002, he relinquished this position to take up his new role which includes strategic oversight and operational direction.

IAN MASON worked in local authority communications teams across London, before becoming the Head of Media and Communications for the Independent Schools Council in 2017.

DR HELEN WRIGHT

is a former President of the GSA and Vice-Chair of the ISC. Since 2014 she has worked in international education, advising, recruiting and coaching senior leaders in schools across the world.

SIR ANTHONY SELDON

is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham and a contemporary historian and political author. He was the 13th Master of Wellington College in Berkshire from 2006 to 2015.

SUE WOODROOFE has been a Headteacher for 12 years, first at The British School of Brussels and now at The Grammar School at Leeds.

AILEEN KANE is the Boarding Schools’ Association’s Chief Operating Officer and leads operations providing guidance and training to member schools. Aileen is also a board member of the Boarding Schools Partnership group.

TORY GILLINGHAM is the Managing Director for AMCIS, Admissions, Marketing & Communications in independent schools, which now has over 500 schools in membership. She has more than 25 years’ experience of the independent schools sector.

RACHEL KERR has worked with independent schools since 2000. She is currently Communications Manager at the Girls’ Schools Association.

PETER YOUNG is an independent school governor as well as Chairman of the Business Marketing Awards.

MARK STRETTON joined the Headmasters and Headmistresses’ Conference as Communications Manager in 2017. He has more than 15 years’ experience and expertise in education sector 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 Professional Development sub-committee.

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Heritage

The Kingâ€™s School, Canterbury

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Heritage

GREAT BRITISH EDUCATION BRITAINâ€™S CENTURIES-OLD TRADITION OF EDUCATION AND GLOBALLYRESPECTED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES ARE STEPPING STONES TO INTERNATIONAL CAREERS Words: Dr. Helen Wright, International Education Advisor

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Heritage

reat Britain – Churchill’s beloved ‘island nation’ – with its long history and celebrated traditions is worldrenowned. Images of the country’s fabled white cliffs, green rolling hills, historic university towns and vibrant, cosmopolitan cities are instantly recognisable magnets to the international community. For more than a millennium, Britain has drawn people from across the globe to visit, to do business – and to study. Comprising four separate and very distinct countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – the United Kingdom of Great Britain has one of the world’s oldest hereditary monarchies. Amongst others, Queen Elizabeth II’s forebears include Shakespeare’s heroic Henry V – the victor of Agincourt – and the dastardly Richard III who murdered his nephews – the famed Princes in the Tower – and was recently found buried in a car park! The pomp and pageantry of monarchy continues to be a key feature in national life. But, perhaps more significantly, Britain is the home to the ‘mother of parliaments’ at Westminster. The British democratic tradition has been a model for many of the parliamentary systems found throughout the world. The names and stories of British prime ministers – from Benjamin Disraeli and William Ewart Gladstone to Margaret Thatcher – are woven into global history. British influence, for good and ill, has shaped world affairs for centuries and continues to do so.

21st century Britain

Britain’s multicultural society of today is stable, vibrant and inclusive. One of the safest countries in the world, Britain has respected the rights of the individual and protected freedom of speech for centuries. Britain’s national healthcare services, long a source of pride and reassurance, serves the national and international community. Once known as a ‘nation of shopkeepers’, Britain has always been a centre for international trade and continues to be a world player. The reputation of the City

British universities are amongst the top in the world, with Oxford and Cambridge leading the way, followed by world-leading institutions, such as Imperial College and University College London. British schools and universities have educated numerous prime ministers and royals, and great independent schools such as Eton, Gordonstoun, Harrow and Cheltenham Ladies are recognised world-wide as stepping stones to success and international networks and careers.

CHARACTER-BUILDING IS A CORE ELEMENT OF A BRITISH EDUCATION – learning who you are, how to make the most of yourself – AND VALUES SUCH AS TOLERANCE ARE AT ITS HEART of London as a centre for business and banking is unchallenged, with countless multinational companies choosing to headquarter in the UK in recognition of the country’s positive and supportive business culture. Internationally connected and respected, Britain is a world-leading destination.

A long tradition of excellence

Britain is internationally renowned for its long tradition of education, stretching back from the monastic schools of the first millennium, through the emergence of the first universities and charity schools under royal charter in the medieval period and Shakespeare’s time, the Victorian era with its disciplined and in-depth education for all, through to the grammar schools of the 1950s, and the explosion of the new universities and today’s vibrant city-centre academies.

British education today

British education is fundamentally about a solid and rigorous educational grounding, from which children and young people learn to be creative, thoughtful, innovative and aspirational. They learn the power of diversity, and how to appreciate their own (and their peers’) individual talents and potential. Character-building is a core element of a British education – learning who you are, how to make the most of yourself – and values such as tolerance are at the heart of educational programmes. A British education is designed to ensure that young people are prepared to take their place in the world as global citizens, and shapers of the future.

Starting young

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Typically, children will enter pre-school at the age of three, and continue their journey through school up to the age of 18. The school journey takes a child through various stages, from the early years foundation stage (nursery or kindergarten) to primary or Prep

Heritage

AIRPORTS OF THE UK

12 11

10 8

3 2

76 5

1 Newquay. 2 Bristol. 3 Exeter. 4 Southampton. 5 London Gatwick. 6 London Heliport. 7 London Heathrow. 8 London Luton. 9 London Stanstead. 10 Manchester. 11 Liverpool John Lennon. 12 Belfast. 13 Edinburgh. 14 Newcastle

Caterham School, Surrey greatbritisheducationmag.com

Heritage

school (until the age of 11 or 13), followed by secondary school. At 18, young people will normally move to university or further education. An undergraduate degree will usually last three to four years, and can be followed by professional training or postgraduate study, leading to masters’ degrees and doctorates from the best universities in the world.

The right fit for every child

A vast array of options exists at each of these stages, so that it’s possible to find the environment that exactly suits every child, from city day schools to countryside boarding King’s College, schools, and from co-educational University of schools to single-sex schools, or Cambridge even schools which teach girls and boys separately during their early secondary schooling before bringing them together once again in a mixed Sixth Form environment for the last two years of their secondary education. Schools of all sizes exist in the UK, although their prime focus on developing the individual child means that even a large school is unlikely to be much more than 1,000 students; schools pride themselves on building relationships with their students, and getting to know every child as a unique person.

A world-recognised examination system

Britain is recognised across the globe as having rigorous standards in its academic examinations. Children are tested regularly throughout their time at school, and formal public examinations take place at the ages of 16 and 18. A wide choice of qualifications is available, all of which are subject to scrupulous oversight, to ensure that they’re worldleading: GCSEs, A-levels, IB Diploma, Scottish Advanced Highers and others. The world-leading examination bodies in music and drama were founded in the UK. Independent schools will often have their own entrance examinations, and wellestablished extracurricular and service schemes such as ASDAN or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award also culminate in recognised (and often highly prized) qualifications.

Great universities

Boarding as an all-round education

Boarding is a well-established and highly-regarded model of schooling in the UK, providing an abundance of opportunities to develop character and personal interests in addition to the academic programme. Boarding schools exist in all parts of the country, and with excellent transport links across Britain, as well as several international airports, no school is ever far from home – wherever in the world that home may be. For UKbased parents, many schools will offer some weekly boarding, so that students can return to their parents at the weekend, although weekends spent at school are usually full of activities.

Beyond the classroom

Benefits of a British education • World-leading schools and universities with great historic traditions • Internationally recognised qualifications • Teaching in English • Award-winning academics with global reputations • Global connectivity • High levels of postgraduate employability • A safe, secure and supportive society • Life-enhancing student experiences

British education isn’t limited to schools, and a wealth of opportunities exists all year round for students to learn and develop themselves. Summer language courses and holiday revision courses can be found in abundance all over the country, and at all times of the year. These courses can be a very good introduction to British education, and a taster of what a full British education might have to offer.

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Britain is home to some of the world’s elite universities: Oxford, Cambridge, University College London (UCL) and Imperial College – great centres of global research, and places where students can receive the very highest quality teaching anywhere. Universities across the UK, however, also cater for all interests and needs, and regularly come out top in student satisfaction surveys, demonstrating that they genuinely care for students from a wide range of backgrounds; in fact, UK universities are impressively inclusive and accommodating of English language learning needs, as well as the social and emotional needs that arise when students live away from home, often for the first time. Moreover, the value of a UK university education lies in the fact that it’s widely recognised as a prudent pathway to successful employment. Graduate employability is high, and university careers services are designed actively to support each and every student pursuing a career or further study.

Cultural learning

An immersion in the English homeland enables young people to develop their fluency and competency in English. However, the longer they stay, the more they learn about the nuances of culture, importance of tradition, and foundation of contemporary thought. They learn how to behave and interact, and develop skills that will take them into any setting, anywhere in the world, and allow them to deal and communicate with people from any background and to respond to situations with confidence and self-assurance.

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rofile

Come together Millfield School’s diverse community is reflective not only of its global outlook, but of founding Headmaster Boss Meyer’s vision, which continues to be relevant to this day. Here, Headmaster GAVIN HORGAN explains how its international pupils shape the landscape of the Somerset-based school

here is simply nothing like a British independent school education and as a country we’re incredibly proud to have such a fantastic reputation for providing a world-class learning environment for so many young people. At Millfield, we’re diverse in a way that others are not; we’re of a scale that others are not; we have ambitions for our students that others do not. Our modern campus and forward-thinking outlook sets us apart from other independent schools in the UK: the school was founded with internationalism at its heart, with six Indian princes as its first students in 1935. Today, the school encourages pupils to immerse themselves in The Millfield Way to discover their personal brilliance. Our pupils live in 19 boarding houses set in 200 acres of Somerset countryside. As a full boarding school with 950 boarders (75 per cent of the cohort), Millfield is a hub of activity 24/7 and offers outstanding education, cocurricular and weekend programmes. We were delighted to win the award for Independent School of the Year for offering the best experience for its international students at the Independent Schools of the Year 2019 Awards this year. Our pastoral

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support and extracurricular activities for our 240 international students, from over 70 nationalities and who make up 20 per cent of the school student body, was recognised as exceptional.

NINE AT MILLFIELD PROGRAMME Our Nine at Millfield programme is unique. Tailor-made to meet the academic and development needs of 13 and 14-year olds, we understand that joining a boarding school, particularly in Year Nine, is a big step; which is why we’ve created a holistic programme to help pupils with this change, providing the environment and support they need to really get to know the school, settle in and succeed. Three dedicated boarding houses for Year Nine pupils ensure an age-appropriate environment and create friendships that last a lifetime, with Year Nine day pupils able to bond in their very own day house. The dedicated Year Nine housemasters and housemistresses oversee every aspect of a child’s wellbeing and academic progress, and each house is supported by a high staff to pupil ratio. Senior pupils also play an important role in mentoring new pupils in their first year. We recently expanded our Year Nine programme

WHAT IS THE MILLFIELD MIX? The Millfield Mix refers to the diversity that is an integral part of the school’s culture. The school has over 240 international students, with over 70 nationalities who make up 20% of the school student body. We encourage our students to question and challenge and ask why? To be bold, to be honest; we champion student voice, we are disruptors for positive change, and we seek new and better ways to do things. We want to be at the forefront of child development, they are the future. Our Nine at Millfield and Sixth Form programmes are why the school is a natural choice for international students.

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Millfield School is spread across 200 acres of Somerset countryside to include a specialised outdoor adventure module, featuring new exciting excursions, camps and international trips including a weekend camping trip to the Cornish coast and a week-long adventure in The Forest of Dean.

SIXTH FORM PROGRAMME

International students make up 20 per cent of the school’s intake

Our Sixth Form Emerging Adults sessions enable pupils to consider the importance of diversity and tolerance in modern society. International pupils have the space to speak about their perceptions on various issues and what’s done differently ‘at home’. This kind of dialogue has a profound effect on the educational experience of our British pupils, who learn about the challenges international pupils face in a new country. A recent leaver, Phichayada who joined us from Thailand said that it was the ‘interaction with fellow pupils that definitely made my Millfield experience so enjoyable; learning about other people’s culture is always fun and interesting.’ Our careers & higher education department is well resourced to provide guidance to meet individual aspirations, whatever a pupil’s ambitions, whether it’s Oxbridge, Russell Group, specialist colleges, or even American and international universities. Typically, our leavers apply for a range of academic and vocational courses, and last year places were secured at 70 different universities in the UK and a further 21 universities and colleges in North America, including Dartmouth College, Syracuse and Duke University. Overall, 82 per cent of our leavers received confirmed university places after leaving Millfield, with the other 18 per cent going direct into employment, playing professional sport or taking a gap year. Millfield provides guidance for applications to American universities and employs a Tutor in Charge, a SAT advisor and a Virginian Fellow. Millfield is also one of a few UK SAT centres which means that pupils do not need to leave the campus to take their SAT entry exam.

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MILLFIELD IS NON-DENOMINATIONAL: Sporting facilities here are second to none

OUTSTANDING FACILITIES Millfield is renowned for its incredible facilities, which include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor riding arena and stabling for 90 horses, 350-seat concert hall with state-of-the-art acoustics, 400seat traditional proscenium arch theatre, a number of dedicated Mac and PC IT suites, an industry standard media and TV studio and well-resourced library with over 23,000 texts, multimedia digital resources and e-books. The school is also opening new indoor golf and cricket centres in early 2020. The new £2.6m centres will invest in world-leading technology, including through motion tracking and simulation software, placing us at the forefront of school and university facilities for both sports.

SPORT EDUCATION AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Sport has always played a significant role in the development of every pupil. We cater for all levels of sport from novice to elite, for recreation and wellbeing, to world competitions. Millfield is home to nearly 60 international youth representatives at any one time, and pupils who attended Millfield have competed at every Olympic Games since 1956. Successful sportsmen and women include Wales legends JPR Williams and Sir Gareth Edwards; former England Rugby captain Chris Robshaw and his teammates Mako Vunipola and Jonathan Joseph; England Netball’s Pam Cookey; cricketers Simon Jones; World T20 champion Craig Kieswetter and West Indies opener Kieran Powell; British long jumper

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pupils are encouraged to explore their faith and learn from that of others,

IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF GENEROSITY, RESPECT, AND TOLERANCE Jazmin Sawyers; and Olympic swimmers Mark Foster, Duncan Goodhew and James Guy. Our co-curricular activities (more than 100!) include British Military Fitness, board games, brewing and cooking, but the outdoor programme is integral, especially to Nine at Millfield. This takes advantage of our Somerset location with caving, climbing, hiking, sailing and campcraft on offer, while developing selfconfidence, leadership and teamwork skills. Ten Tors, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award offer a fantastic way to get immersed in the British terrain.

PASTORAL CARE In addition to the support system within year groups and houses, excellent pastoral care ensures pupils quickly settle into boarding life. To maximise integration, international pupils are provided with a buddy in their first weeks and can join the International Pupils’ Association. An environment for celebration, support and discussion, the Association gives international pupils collective representation and a terrific way to make friends! Biannual International Evenings, as well as frequent meetings, discussions and entertainment celebrate cultural diversity. International Week includes a dinner with music, dance and poetry performances, finishing with the infamous catwalk of national costumes. Millfield is non-denominational: pupils are encouraged to explore their faith and

learn from that of others, in an atmosphere of generosity, respect and tolerance. The school chapel is a place of worship for all faiths.

EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING AND EAL Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) department supports overseas pupils, providing help with their English for other subjects as well as preparing them for the Cambridge Preliminary for Schools, First for Schools and Advanced exams – and university entrance through IGCSE and IELTS exams. Millfield provides a broad and balanced education which not only prepares pupils for public examinations, but also gives them the confidence to achieve success throughout their adult lives. We believe that education should

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Sporting activities play a fundamental part in student development at Millfield

Excellent pastoral care means that international pupils settle into boarding school life quickly open doors, not close them by premature specialisation, and up to the age of 16 every pupil receives a rounded education in both arts and sciences. Pupils are taught in small sets, made possible by our high staff to pupil ratio. Up to GCSE (or equivalent level), classes are banded by general ability with additional streaming taking place in English, maths, science and languages. International pupils shape the landscape of Millfield. While we recognise that they need to make some adjustments to fit into a new school, theyâ€™re invaluably important as international educators who benefit our UK boarders. Weâ€™re incredibly proud of our international-student experience and look forward to welcoming young people from all over the world into our Millfield Mix! greatbritisheducationmag.com

Accessibility

Passport to success With internationally-recognised qualifications, outstanding facilities and teachers, attending a British school or university helps students grow in independence and develop important life skills, says COLIN BELL of COBIS Abingdon School, Oxfordshire

Oakham School, Rutland

orldwide, the majority of parents are committed to supporting their children to be healthy, happy, well-educated, internationally minded and well equipped to lead successful and fulfilling lives. For these aspirations to be realised access to high-calibre education is a key influencer. The UK provides an enormously welcoming environment for international pupils, with a world-class reputation and offering, which is

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incredibly special. The UKâ€™s global reputation for education is across the spectrum from early years, independent schools, universities, education services, education technology and English language training. The prestigious brand of British independent schools, in the UK and overseas, is recognised globally as having the power to transform lives and futures. Significant and growing numbers of parents worldwide understand that investing in a British-style school education, delivered through the medium of English language

Accessibility

IT’S WIDELY CELEBRATED THAT A HIGH PROPORTION OF children at

British independent schools go on to one of the top 20 universities IN THE UK OR OVERSEAS

Graduates of the University of Buckingham will result in excellent long-term results and returns. There are in the region of 6,000 British curriculum-orientated schools outside the UK. This number is growing. With this increasing popularity, it’s no surprise that aspirational parents are keen to secure school places in the UK. This provides access to authentic British education, culture and heritage. In fact, the 55,000 international pupils who study in British independent schools make an invaluable contribution to UK independent schools and to British society, bringing with them new knowledge, cross-cultural understanding and global friendships which enrich the educational experience of domestic pupils and school communities. Parents choose the British independent school system as it’s known to provide an excellent broad, balanced curriculum, alongside outstanding pastoral care and a range of extracurricular opportunities. In addition, parents understand that a British education will provide pupils with the skills and qualifications to enter, or re-enter, the UK education system at school, college, or university level. Its widely celebrated that a high proportion of children at British independent schools go on to one of the top 20 universities in the UK or overseas. An important transition which is structured and smooth. In terms of contributing to future employability and the opportunity to create and generate jobs and wealth for other individuals and societies, it’s recognised that high-level proficiency and English language skills are essential. This facilitates participation in effective global dialogue. Led by world-class teachers and leaders, British independent schools provide the

Oakham School, Rutland opportunity for children to thrive, with a key focus on the development of the whole child – nurturing qualities such as resilience, self-confidence, and tolerance. These schools explore and develop entrepreneurial creativity, subject expertise, international mindedness and cross-cultural friendships, as well as provide a globally oriented education. These are all valuable skills and attributes for children who need to be well-qualified, agile and adaptable in order to succeed in this fastpaced, ever changing and competitive world. The welcoming and nurturing environment which British independent day and boarding schools provide is also a safe learning and living environment. The UK provides international benchmarks for guardianship, safeguarding and child protection. This global reputation is underpinned by the quality of governance, teacher training and school inspection. In addition, the supportive professional expertise which British

independent schools provide to smoothly navigate transnational travel, orientation, the payment of school fees and successful visa applications is first-class. In terms of developing lifelong friendships and networks, alumni from British educational settings are setting the pace in terms of technology and innovation across all business sectors. Plus, in terms of transnational global politics and positive contributions to society, more than 50 of the serving world leaders have benefited from a British education and 38 per cent of Nobel Prize winners studied in the UK. Evidence as to how access to British education can be a passport to your children’s success. Wherever in the world you’re reading this, my message is clear: If you’re considering the most welcoming and highest quality school education for your children, invest in the best. Select a British education. Colin Bell is the Chief Executive of the Council of British International Schools greatbritisheducationmag.com

Overview

Boys at Eton College, Berkshire celebrate the schoolâ€™s annual Founders Day on 4 June with the Procession of the Boats

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Overview

STUDYING IN BRITAIN Samantha Price, Headmistress of Benenden School in Kent, writes on the wide range of subjects available, the extracurricular activities that schools offer and how they approach academics

ndependent schools in the UK have an international reputation for excellence, and this is no accident. Over many years, in some cases many hundreds of years, UK schools have developed systems, practices and, perhaps most importantly, cultures which are devoted to getting the very best out of every child. I always say to parents at my school that our staff are experts in raising teenage girls because we have been doing it for almost 100 years. We continually adapt, refine and, hopefully, perfect everything we do.

The academics

well as at the top universities and colleges spread across the world. Independent schools typically offer a wider range of subjects to give pupils a greater breadth of understanding, for example, politics, psychology, classics and photography. Pupils will hear from a range of fascinating guest speakers, from high-profile figures such as MPs, journalists, TV personalities and business people, to those offering an insight into a particular career. Most independent schools sit the national curriculum, of

ONE OF THE ENORMOUS BENEFITS

Of course, independent schools in the UK achieve outstanding exam results – but a school experience should be about so much more. My view is that a school should enable a young person to reach their academic potential, grow as an individual and ensure they’re well prepared for life. This is achieved first and foremost through an outstanding academic offering. The top schools offer wonderful environments for learning, often with a lovely mix of dramatic, historic and quintessentially English buildings along with modern, purpose-built facilities offering the latest technology, state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories and workshops. Children at UK independent schools also benefit from small class sizes and, in a boarding environment such as ours, the availability of extra support from teachers at evenings and weekends. In addition, there’s an array of specialist academic programmes which support pupils with their university applications, offer taster days and interactive sessions from visiting university professors. In the UK, the term ‘Russell Group’ refers to a group of 24 leading universities, which includes Oxbridge, the collective term for Oxford and Cambridge. Independent school pupils are well represented at these universities, as

of an independent UK education is EVERYTHING THAT GOES ON OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM

GCSEs and A-levels, though some offer the International Baccalaureate, an alternative course which, at the Sixth Form level, includes focusing on six groups of subjects, rather than the typical three or four at A-level. In addition, the freedom that comes with being an independent school means we can develop our own curriculums. For example, for our youngest two year groups we run the Benenden Diploma. The Benenden Diploma is a highly interactive, investigative curriculum designed to provide challenge and intellectual stimulation and promote problem-solving and the application of knowledge. It not only delivers the key skills necessary to each subject, giving students the knowledge and aptitudes necessary for public exams later, but also enables our pupils to make exciting and innovative links between subjects through a series of enquiry projects and themes. This is a way of learning that better reflects life and the

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Overview

Benenden School, Kent

workplace: after all, in our adult days we do not have one hour of maths followed by one hour of languages, and so on. Our Sixth Formers all take part in our Professional Skills Programme, a course dedicated to teaching students the general skills they’ll need to thrive in the workplace. The skills taught include tackling different types of CV and interview, applying for jobs, creating a formal business plan, reading and creating accounts, coding, delivering a pitch, reading complex financial information, setting up and managing household bills, negotiating a tenancy agreement, and a range of life skills such as cookery, DIY and car maintenance. The Professional Skills Programme has been developed in collaboration with senior figures in business, many of whom lead sessions on the course and act as mentors for the girls’ business projects.

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Extracurricular activities

One of the enormous benefits of an independent UK education is everything that goes on outside of the classroom. These schools offer an amazing number of activities through their extracurricular programme. These are activities and events run outside of lessons, during lunch breaks and before or after school. Many schools also suspend their usual lessons for a few hours each week to allow pupils time to take part in extracurricular activities. Schools will typically offer around 100 different activities, including music, sport, drama, dance, Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, community volunteering, charity fundraising, international trips, Model United Nations and so forth (at Benenden a group of girls are in the process of building an aircraft, having been inspired by a similar project achieved by older girls two years ago).

Perhaps one of the major extracurricular advantages of a UK independent school is the sheer amount of sport that pupils are able to take part in. As a girls’ school we offer tennis, hockey, netball and lacrosse as our main sports, with many more available, including rugby, horse riding, swimming, cricket, fencing, squash, trampolining, gymnastics. We find that sport-loving pupils are in the gym or training before school, during lunch and in the evenings. Another notable highlight of an independent school is the provision of drama. Theatre productions are commonplace, including whole school musicals, plays, student-led adaptations and dance shows. Pupils can also direct or devise their own work under the guidance of departmental mentors. The Trinity Performance Arts and The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) syllabus are very popular and schools support their pupils in achieving these qualifications. The music provision is incredible, with significant investment in facilities and staff resources. Musicians and singers will have frequent opportunities to perform in stunning venues all around the world, as well as benefiting from performing with worldclass performers and, on occasion, experience producing professional recordings.

Overview CASE STUDY

HOW I DID IT

CHLOE TUNG, 18, from Hong Kong discusses the reasons why she wanted to study at Benenden School in Kent Why did you want to come to study in the UK? My dad grew up here so I was pretty much going to come here anyway. I think it’s cool being able to experience a different education system because it makes you think about the way your brain works and how you approach and tackle different subjects. How did you and your family find out about Benenden? I had some friends in the year above and I learned about it from ARCH, which is a learning centre in Hong Kong, and then came to visit and really liked the school. The atmosphere here seemed a lot more positive and people were very friendly – and I think the fact that they had students taking visitors on the tours definitely left an impression on me. It was also how confident everyone was and seeing people smile and speak to each other, I think that made a difference. What was the application process like? I applied for a scholarship for Year Nine, so I came to the school and I remember having to do English, maths, science, and I think I was meant to do French, but because I’ve never done French or Spanish in my life before, I did Chinese for my exam. Did you have any concerns about coming to study in the UK? I was definitely concerned

learning from them. When I was at my old school in Hong Kong, it was so strict, we had to do everything in a certain way, whereas here the teachers are a lot more laidback and they really encourage you to use more resources and take the initiative in finding various new reading sources to come up with your own judgment on different matters, which I really enjoy. Are you going to university in the UK, and if so why? Hopefully, Cambridge or UCL to study history. Anything else? The main advice I would give

I REALLY LIKE THE MINDSET OF THE SCHOOL. I enjoy the way they

that it was going to be a steep learning curve because I was moving to a completely different country and I was going to be on my own without my family. Also, having to make new friends and then adapting to a whole new culture and assimilating into a new community is a bit scary. I’m so bad at names, I kept forgetting them, but then I got over it pretty quickly because you’re with people 24/7, so then you really get to know people, which is so nice. How were you helped when you arrived at the school? I had my Big Sister, who is a Sixth Former who gets assigned to you and they’ll

teach because it’s so open, and they’re

FINE WITH YOU MAKING MISTAKES AND LEARNING FROM THEM look after you when you first come to the school, to help you settle in during your first few weeks. You also have a House Mother, who’s in your year, and they take you around school as well. We also did lots of bonding activities as a year group, which definitely helped me get to know people better. What do you like about studying in the UK? I really like the mindset of the school. I enjoy the way they teach because it’s so open, and they’re fine with you making mistakes and

would be not to be too shy because when I first came I was so quiet. Just be yourself and be loud and try and get to know people better – not just people from your own country – because you end up getting so much more out of the whole experience. So, for example... Sign up for everything – I take on a bit too much, to be honest, because I like to throw myself into school life but it means you get to try new experiences and meet more people across different years which is really fun.

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Community

CARING AND SHARING Independent schools and universities take great pride in their pastoral care programmes, which nurture students with out-of-hours activities, writes Principal of Sedbergh School, Cumbria, Andrew Fleck

STUDENT LIFE So you’re potentially thinking of a British education for your child. While you may not know exactly what it’s like: you’ll know what a first day of school is like. We’ve all been there and it’s a daunting experience. Will I make friends? Will I get lost? Will I enjoy it? And for an overseas student, joining a UK school is so much more; a different country, different language, different culture and a different education system. UK boarding schools provide international students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new environment and a very different approach to education. Boarding schools are communities. The role of teachers extends to being tutors, mentors and coaches. The education spills beyond the classroom to encompass hobbies, sports, social, creative and cultural education. The quality of relationships and the breadth of education is what makes UK education different from any other national education system. The experience is transformative.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

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The best schools work closely with families from the first point of contact. Communication is frequent so that families build a relationship with the

admissions department, which provides advice about enrolment, assessments and the practicalities of admission, ranging from visas to uniform. As term approaches, families will be invited to an orientation programme designed to familiarise new students with the location, the school and key people. Amongst these, the Housemaster or Housemistress is the most important, as they take primary responsibility for students’ welfare. They will also communicate with parents regularly, passing on good news about achievements more often than concerns. We recognise that boarding education is a big step for families and that we have an important role to play in supporting parents as well as their children. Younger students are likely to share a room which builds an immediate relationship, encourages development of English language and promotes integration. Older students commonly have individual accommodation. It’s important to consider the scale of a boarding community – too few boarders mean the friendship pool is restricted. Also consider how many pupils are resident every weekend. A busy, vibrant weekend programme that involves all the pupils is the hallmark of a true boarding school.

Community Holmewood House School, Kent

BOARDING SCHOOLS ARE COMMUNITIES. THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER EXTENDS TO being tutors, mentors and coaches. THE EDUCATION SPILLS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

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Community

REST AND PLAY School days are longer than in day schools but there’s no travel time to worry about. Students are busy with studies, sports and hobbies from 8am to 9pm. A normal working day will include eight hours’ study and Saturday morning lessons are common – meaning nearly 30 hours of teaching time per week and at least 15 hours of independent study time. This still leaves time to rest and relax, and to explore new hobbies and interests ranging from archery to acting, chess to cricket and samba dancing to swimming. Classes tend to average 16 pupils per class, with particular focus on discussion between the teachers and older students in A-level lessons. Then there’s the tutor system, whereby a designated teacher meets individual students each week to review their academic progress and provide advice and support – this naturally extends to university applications and may include tailored careers advice. With so much support, individual pupils regularly exceed their expectations in exams and UK independent schools regularly top league tables for their raw results and the measures of progress that their pupils make. All schools are regularly inspected to ensure that pupils are safe, well cared for and well educated. Inspection reports are available to review on the Independent Schools Inspectorate website.

UNIVERSITY LIFE A UK school provides the best foundations for university study in Britain. Here too, students receive the highest standards of education within a vibrant multicultural community taught by world-class academics leading 55,000 different courses. New developments in university education have placed the quality of teaching under the microscope so that the student experience has never been better. The tuition and assessment is varied and the variety of modules available in every course allows students to pursue their interests. Investment in facilities means that accommodation is modern, light, comfortable and, crucially, well connected!

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Community

A UK SCHOOL PROVIDES the

best foundation for university study in Britain. HERE TOO,

STUDENTS RECEIVE THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF EDUCATION

WHAT DO THE STUDENTS SAY?

University College, Durham University

Leo (16) writes, ‘Before I arrived at Sedbergh, I felt nervous because I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was worried about missing home, making friends and the daily life. However, from the very first day I got lots of help and support from the teachers and other students. Joining in with a sport or activity helps you to make new friends and there’s no time to feel lonely or miss home. Now, I really love boarding and am looking forward to my next two years here.’ Marianne (22) studied music at The University of Southampton and explains, ‘I was always passionate about music and chose Southampton because it provided particular opportunities for performance and composition. To be studying with people who share my passion and working with tutors who challenged me to be the best was exciting and there’s no doubt I made friends for life. The combination of a UK school and university has developed my confidence and broadened my ambition more than I could have imagined. Now, I have contacts all over the world. I wish every child could have such a great opportunity.’ No-one underestimates the leap of faith required for families and students to commit to a UK education. For those who choose to do so, the rewards are truly transformational.

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University

A world-class education With 180 courses, cutting-edge research and global connections, King’s College London has all the very best a British undergraduate education can offer you

ing’s College London welcomes more than 11,000 international students each year from over 150 countries across the globe to the best student city in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2018-19). Studying with us, London will be an extension of your campus and an integral part of your student life. You’ll be able to take advantage of constant opportunities to both explore, enjoy and extend your studies. You’ll have daily access to world-class resources such as libraries, galleries, museums and top research hospitals, as well as the arts and sport. You’ll be part of a world-renowned university that has been delivering first-class teaching and cutting-edge research for almost 200 years, the fourth-oldest university in England. You’ll be joining a diverse student community with countless ways to get involved, meet like-minded people and develop new skills. You’ll also join a large network of more than 230,000 alumni worldwide. Your degree will be taught in English, but as a King’s student you may be able to take a language module too as part of your degree, from King’s Modern Language Centre. The dedicated Careers & Employability Team offers outstanding professional development support, including careers advice appointments and an array of events to help you stand out from the crowd. You’ll also benefit from opportunities to expand your personal and academic horizons and boost your employability by spending time abroad or as part of the Global Internships Programme. Student Services is there to help you make the very most out of your experience at King’s and in London, supporting your journey from welcome week to graduation and beyond. They can assist with any enquiry and all services are free and confidential.

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They provide information on, and access to services including student advice, counselling, disability support, health centre and wellbeing as well as English support and study skills. Politics has become increasingly popular as the focus for many undergraduate degrees, and it comes as little surprise. A degree in politics tackles some of the most important contemporary social issues. At King’s a range of degrees is offered, responding to the different ways in which politics manifests itself. From inequality to climate change, the differing quality of healthcare across the world to gentrification and resurgent nationalism to fake news: King’s

training a new generation of leaders. It also has the long-established Department of War Studies, home to international relations BA students, as well as those studying War Studies BA. Dealing with conflict, politics as a global activity, migration and more, its degrees cover the issues truly dominating the headlines of 21st century news. A BA in European studies or European politics will appeal to students interested in studying the continent from a political-science perspective. The former offers pathways in French, German or Spanish, including a year abroad in the applicable country at one of the university’s prestigious partner universities.

YOU’LL HAVE DAILY ACCESS TO world-

class resources such as libraries, galleries, museums and top research hospitals, AS WELL AS THE ARTS AND SPORT

courses tackle the big questions and current issues students care about. The university’s new social sciences BA is for those who want to make a difference. Topics of study relate to current real-world social, political and ethical questions including recent campaigns such as Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, green politics, social media and more. Geography BA and BSc use London as a laboratory to examine key issues facing the world today, including environmental degradation, urban regeneration and climate change, and even offer exciting international field trips to destinations such as China, India and Spain. At King’s, health is more than a medical matter, with its global health & social medicine BA and BSc courses operating at the juncture where social science meets bioscience,

On-campus talks from internationallyrenowned commentators are a regular feature. Over in the Department of Political Economy, there are many opportunities to explore the interplay between politics and economics. Courses include BAs and BScs in politics, economics, political economy and philosophy politics & economics (PPE). International development at King’s focuses on the middle-income countries driving changes in the global economy and how they promote growth and economic, social and political development in new and often innovative or non-orthodox ways. King’s College politics alumni have gone on to diverse career destinations, from government positions, MEP roles and the civil service to PR consultancy and even the BBC.

University of Edinburgh

University

UNDERGRAD CASE STUDY Flynn Button, 23, is from Colorado, USA and studied economics at the University of Edinburgh from 2014-18 applied to the University of Edinburgh honestly knowing precious little about it, just looking for somewhere I could feel excited about signing on to another four years of studying. In hindsight, going there was one of the best decisions I have ever made. If you’re at all interested in moving abroad, doing so as a student makes it very easy for you. As most students are coming from elsewhere, it makes very easy to connect with people, and get involved in the community as soon as you arrive. For me, this may have been the most important part of my time there, as I made friends with people from all over, not only the UK, but Europe as well. This has been incredibly valuable for me, not only for the fantastic friendships I’ve made as a result, but connecting with students from so many different places has definitely given me a deeper awareness and appreciation of the rest of the world. It’s also opened my eyes to the possibilities that exist outside of my own country. There is such a rich variety of cultures in the UK, and getting to explore and understand that was a really amazing experience for me. I don’t think I really understood before living there what an incredible array of cultures, of beautiful and interesting cities, and such a depth of history all within what by American standards is a very small area. Getting to really experience and learn about it was a highlight of my university experience, and something I know I would never have gotten staying closer to home. Plus, most importantly, I now get to impress everyone by placing peoples’ accents far better than any other American I know, and for me that alone made it worthwhile.

King’s College, London

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Alumni

My SCHOOL days

Oscar-winning actor EDDIE REDMAYNE shares memories of his time at Eton College and as an history of art undergraduate at the University of Cambridge

hile British actor and Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne has dramatic talent few would dare question, perhaps his greater ingenuity, is the versatility he brings to his craft – from portraying the life of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, to the wizard Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts, right through to his most recent work as a scientist who finds himself fighting for survival on a hot-air-balloon expedition in The Aeronauts. And yet, where acting is concerned, the 37 year old has never had even an hour of formal training. Instead, his ability to engage, entertain and enchant comes from within, certainly, but also from a broad education at Eton College and the University of Cambridge that has given the entertainment world one of its most accomplished actors. “I went to Eton College – I was in the same year as Prince William. I guess what struck me first was the exceptional facilities – no matter what you’re interested in… drama, design, music, sport, the school will support you. I had the greatest drama teacher I could ever have wished for in Simon Dormandy [the now renowned theatre director]. He treated us like professionals and that kind of respect and guidance makes you want to take things seriously,” he says. “The school is well-known for its structure and sense of order. You have the uniforms of tailcoats and collars, but inside Simon’s classroom we had the freedom to make mistakes. He encouraged that, although that’s not to say he didn’t have high expectations – we played a diverse range of characters and you were pushed outside your comfort zone at almost every turn. But, for me, the most essential part of our lessons with him was learning how to speak verse. I

“I GUESS WHAT STRUCK ME FIRST WAS the exceptional facilities – no

matter what you’re interested in...

DRAMA, DESIGN, MUSIC, SPORT, THE SCHOOL WILL SUPPORT YOU.”

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Heritage

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Alumni

read Henry VI and Richard III there, and that was fantastic groundwork as an actor. “It’s rare to have someone who makes you feel like you can accomplish anything. Simon and I still stay in touch and over the years I’ve continued to seek out his advice, working with him if I think I can use some feedback when I’m preparing for a role. Occasionally I’ll call up Simon and say, ‘Can I just come along and run through some stuff with you?’. ‘“It was such a thrill to return to Eton around a decade after leaving when we shot My Week With Marilyn. A big part of that film was the idea of life imitating art, and there’s a scene where I take Marilyn (Michelle Williams) to my character Colin Clark’s old school which, coincidentally, happened to be my old school. It was incredibly bizarre but a lovely experience to roll back the years in the name of art. It was a feeling of coming full-circle. “When I went to Cambridge University, aged 18, I realised the contrast between the arts and other subjects, and the idea that so much of what you achieve will come in your own time. I saw students of others subjects working, seemingly, any conceivable hours. For us it was a couple of hours of lectures a week and then a personal investment away from the classroom. And that’s often what it feels like being an actor, needing to have learnt a script before turning up for the shoot. “Education, for me, became the platform for everything in adult life. I have become an actor

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and yet I had no formal theatre school training; so while that passion, interest, confidence and desire to move into drama partly came from inside, it was also from the influences I had around me at school. Good schooling gives you the desire to hunt out, learn and embrace everything that’s around you. “So I believe I owe my school days so much – mostly for the teachers and the inspiration, but also for the realisation that school provides you with a vital platform for what you choose to build on top. No one can force you to do Eton College, Berkshire

that, but a great number of people can inspire you to. “After I graduated, my dream was to get work as an actor, and that was about that. I never dreamed of winning an Oscar but the fact I’ve managed to, and in doing so got the opportunity to play people like Stephen Hawking… well, it’s more than I can comprehend sometimes. Having the inspiration from my school days, and that belief, was the best headstart I could have wished for.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; REX IMAGES/ VIANNEY LE CAER/INVISION/AP/ SHUTTERSTOCK; FERDAUS SHAMIM/ZUMA WIRE/ALAMY LIVE NEWS

Eddie with Professor Stephen Hawking

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Applying

MAKING your

ENTRANCE From language tests and academic requirements to entrance examinations, STEVEN SPRIGGS of William Clarence Education explains all you need to know about the application process

P 32

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Preparation is key

One to two years in advance, students applying from a nonUK curriculum school will often be asked to sit an English assessment test, often the online UKiset test. The UKiset test includes assessments of academic potential and English language skills, and the results compare candidates against British students of the same age. Following this, students will be expected to take entrance exams, usually in English and maths, and to be interviewed. Students should think about why they want to come to school in the UK; why a certain school and what they can offer to that school. Students applying from an international UK curriculum school and who are being prepared for the 13+ Common Entrance exams, are often asked to sit the ISEB Common Pre-test usually two years in advance of entry. The pre-test

laces at leading UK schools and universities are very competitive and the best advice is to start early and be aware of the admissions deadlines, particularly for schools. The main entry points for UK senior independent schools are at age 11, 13 or for sixth form at 16. Entrants to UK universities would normally apply for entrance at age 18. The first step for school entry would be an academic assessment so that a realistic list of schools can be compiled, as early as age 10 if possible. If youâ€™re making these applications yourself, use the internet to research schools that suit your requirements â€“ boarding, location, single sex or co-eduational. You will then need to contact school admissions offices to arrange visits before registering for a possible place.

Applying

THE UKISET TEST INCLUDES ASSESSMENTS of academic

potential and English language skills, AND THE RESULTS COMPARE CANDIDATES AGAINST BRITISH STUDENTS OF THE SAME AGE

Harrow School, Middlesex greatbritisheducationmag.com

Applying

BEFORE APPLICATIONS ARE MADE,

students should carefully check entrance requirements FOR COURSES ON UNIVERSITY WEBSITES TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR GRADES MEET THE SET REQUIREMENTS

Cardiff University

MAKING THE MOVE Education Consultancy William Clarence Education advises parents on placing their children in UK schools. Below is an example of a family who wished to do just that…

is an online, multiple-choice test that includes verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths. The results help schools select pupils for possible places at the age of 13. If you and your child are applying for a sixth form place, a student will need to demonstrate that they can access the curriculum. Entrance exams for sixth form places will generally be taken in the subjects to be studied as well as a General Paper for some schools and interviews. When a place is offered, if a student has a non-EEA (European Economic Area) passport, you’ll need to apply for a Tier 4 (Child) Student visa. For students under the age of 18, you’ll need to have a place at a school that’s a licensed Tier 4 sponsor, have the consent of your parent or guardian and be able to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover the fees.

University requirements

Applications for university are usually made the year before entrance via the UCAS (The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) system. Students need to register with UCAS and take an IELTS, (International English Language Testing System) test, which is designed to assess the language ability

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Canford School, Dorset of candidates. The test has four sections: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Students receive a score between one and nine – universities often demand an IELTS score of six or seven. They may also demand a minimum score in each of the four sections. Before applications are made, students should carefully check entrance requirements for courses on university websites to make sure that their grades meet the set requirements. UCAS deadlines are mid-January for general applications, with an earlier mid-October deadline for Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses. All applications require a personal statement that details the reasons why a student wants to study – and is suitable for – a certain course. Some demand subject-specific admissions tests and interviews, as well as a reference. University students will need a Tier 4 (General) Student visa.

We worked for two years with a family from Hong Kong who were interested in their son coming to a UK boarding school for sixth form at age 16. After an initial meeting at age 14 to discuss their thoughts about different sorts of school and location, as well as subjects to be studied at A-level, we started our placement process with an academic assessment. The family were very clear about the sort of school that would suit their son. An in-depth report was sent to the parents with our recommended list of eight schools for their consideration. Following a meeting to discuss the schools in detail, we finalised a shortlist of five schools for visits during spring and summer. We registered the pupil with four schools following the visits and began preparation for the entrance exams and interviews in November the year before entry. In advance of entrance exams, the family visited three of their final schools for specialised sixth form open days in September, before exam and interview practice during half term in October. Following exams in November, the pupil was offered places at three schools and we advised on offer acceptance at their first choice of school.

Richer Richer Education Education INSPIRATION-LEARNING-FUN INSPIRATION-LEARNING-FUN

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School Search | University Search | Assessments | Guardianship | Tutoring

Leaders in Educational Advice We assist families with impartial and discrete advice on the very best opportunities in independent education for their children. From early years to higher education we offer a range of services including school and university searches, tuition, guardianship and assessment plus strategic school development programmes. Contact us to see how we can help.

School Assessment

www.gabbitas.com info@gabbitas.com +44 (0) 207 734 0161

China Dubai United Kingdom

How to

APPLY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE UK

William Clarence Education Consultancy’s STEVEN SPRIGGS advises on the process and the visa required UCL, London

AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION, keep checking

for responses from universities for UNCONDITIONAL AND

he number of international students applying to UK universities is rising despite the current political uncertainty. For those aiming for a place in full-time higher education, the online UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) application system gives a step-by-step guide. Students should register with UCAS and create their own account before applying for up to five courses, four if you’re applying for medicine, veterinary science or medicine or dentistry. You need to have done your research on courses and universities and make sure you’re aware of deadlines. Applications to Oxford and Cambridge, or for certain courses, need to be submitted earlier than others. The next stage of your application is to add your academic qualifications, which may include exam certificates, a school transcript for those outside the UK system, an academic reference and if you’re a non-English speaker, English language test results such as IELTS. Once you’ve added your personal and academic details, you’ll need to have started work on the all-important personal statement. You only

CONDITIONAL OFFERS

write one short statement of 4,000 characters and this needs to demonstrate why you want to study in the UK and a passion for a subject. You can include your ambitions and skills and any relevant experience. After submitting your applications, keep checking for responses from universities for unconditional or conditional offers of places. Once you’ve accepted a place, you’ll need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa. Your university or college will give you a document called a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) which you can use to apply for the visa in your own country. There are financial, medical and English language requirements that will need to be demonstrated. In particular, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have the funds to pay for your course and living fees. Fees will vary by university. The government recently announced that from summer 2021, international students who graduate from a full-time course will be allowed to remain in the UK to work for a further two years after graduation.

VISA REQUIREMENTS • All non-UK residents must apply for a visa to study in the UK with the exception of EU/ EEA/Swiss nationals who are not currently subject to a visa. At the end of the transition period following the UK’s exit from the EU, these pupils will be subject to immigration control. Children below the age of 18 may be granted a Tier 4 (child) visa, whilst those applying aged 16 or over may be granted a Tier 4 (general). The process is simple: pupils and their parents choose a school or university via www. greatbritisheducation mag.com. • Once a pupil has accepted their place and paid a deposit, they’ll be required to complete documentation to receive a CAS (confirmation of acceptance) number and course details from the school or university. Using this letter, the pupil may then apply for a visa. To qualify as a child student under Tier 4, an applicant must have a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor containing an unconditional offer of a place on a course of study at an acceptable level and be able to demonstrate enough money to cover course fees and living costs up to one year. www.gov.uk

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The best schools and universities

How to use this guide This guide provides an introduction to the world-renowned British education system for overseas students and their parents. As well as looking at every stage in a British educational career – from early childhood to gaining a Master’s degree at university – we provide a practical account of the life young people enjoy as British students. With full details on many of the schools and universities spread across the country welcoming international students, we highlight the most important information a parent or student will need to know about an individual school or university using a series of easily-recognisable symbols to help those readers less familiar with English.

‫كيفية استخدام هذا الدليل‬ ‫ باإلضافة إىل النظر يف كل مرحلة من مراحل الحياة التعليمية‬.‫يوفر هذا الدليل مقدمة لنظام التعليم الربيطاين املشهور عاملياً للطالب األجانب وأولياء أمورهم‬ ‫ من خالل‬.‫ نحن نقدم رس ًدا عمل ًيا للحياة التي يتمتع بها الشباب كطالب بريطانيني‬- ‫ من الطفولة املبكرة إىل الحصول عىل درجة املاجستري يف الجامعة‬- ‫الربيطانية‬ ‫ فإننا نسلط الضوء عىل أهم املعلومات التي‬، ‫التفاصيل الكاملة حول العديد من املدارس والجامعات املنترشة يف جميع أنحاء البالد التي ترحب بالطالب الدوليني‬ ‫سيحتاج إليها الوالد او الطالب ملعرفة مدرسة أو جامعة فردية باستخدام سلسلة من الرموز التي يسهل التعرف عليها ملساعدة هؤالء القراء أقل دراية باللغة‬ .‫اإلنجليزية‬

指南使用手册

本指南为海外学生及其父母介绍了享誉世界的英国教育系统。我们提供了英国教育产业从早期教育到大学硕士的详细介绍，以及来英留学的生活实用说明。手册中介绍了英国所有招收国际学生的学校的详细信息。为了更好的服务英语非母语者，本手册使用了简易的语言和符号。

KEY TO LISTINGS

NURSERY (2-4)

‫حضانة‬

• ‫ • مفتاح للقامئة‬索引

托儿所

PRE-PREP (4-7)

(‫قبل اإلعدادية ) متهيدية‬

学龄前教育 (3-4岁至7-8岁)

PREP (8-11/13)

‫إعدادية‬

预备班（7-8岁至11岁-13岁即小学的初小至高小）

SENIOR (11/13-18)

‫متوسطة‬

高年级（11-13岁至18岁，中学教育）

SIXTH FORM (16-18)

‫)منوذج سادس )ثانوية‬

六年级（英国中学教育的最后2年，1618岁准备参加剑桥A水准考试，根据此成绩进入适合的大学）

UNIVERSITY (18+)

‫جامعة‬ 大学

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FULL BOARDING

BOYS

‫أوالد‬

RURAL

‫داخلية كاملة‬

男生

‫ريفي‬

全寄宿制

城郊

FLEXI-BOARDING

GIRLS

‫بنات‬

CITY

‫نصف داخلية‬

女生

‫مدينة‬

灵活寄宿制

城市

CO-ED

‫مختلط‬

DAY

‫داخلية ليوم‬

走读制

67%

% OF UNIVERSITY ENTRANTS

‫ الوافدين إىل الجامعة‬٪ 大学新生入学百分比

男女混校 1,000

NUMBER OF PUPILS

‫عدد التالميذ‬

学生数量

The best schools and universities

Horris Hill Preparatory School for Boys, Newbury Newtown Newbury RG20 9DJ

The Pippa’s Guardians Area Manager’s and Oﬃce Staﬀ

Headteacher: Giles Tollit Admissions: registrar@horrishill.com +44 (0)1635 40594 Boys, 4-13 years Pre-prep (day) from £3,800, prep (day) from £4,800 prep (weekly boarding) from £9,150, prep (flexi boarding) from £8,300, prep (full boarding) from £9,550, senior (day) from £6,800, senior (weekly boarding) from £9,150, senior (flexi boarding) from £8,300, senior (full boarding) from £9,550 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 10-12 FAITH: Church of England MOTTO: Where Boys Thrive. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Familiarisation day and informal chat with Headmaster. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Horris Hill has been the setting for excellence in boys’

education for over 130 years. This unbroken tradition has built not only an exceptional reputation for the school, but also a powerful ethos and an unrivalled body of expertise that allows us to have the highest expectations for each boy met in a supportive and collaborative way. Quite simply, it is an environment where boys thrive. We believe that the period from four to 13 years of age are the most critical in any boy’s life, we believe that an all-boys’ school provides the optimal setting where boys will exercise their intellectual inquisitiveness, free to explore all avenues, building selfconfidence and awareness in a safe and encouraging community.

A family-run and personal guardianship service for overseas students studying in some of the very best Boarding Schools in the UK.

Academic Record: We believe that academic success, and the staff-pupil relationships that underlie it, are most effectively created in an environment where pupils learn to take an uncommon level of responsibility for themselves,and staff have a wider web of care in which to teach. The relatively small size of the school enhances this, allowing every boy to play a full part in school life and, in doing so, learns how he can make a difference to his surroundings. Extracurricular: To offer a wide variety of sports and extracurricular activities, so that every boy has the opportunity to develop interests away from the classroom. Sports include football, rugby, cricket, hockey, judo, fencing, squash, climbing as well as other extracurricular activities such as Forest School, bushcraft, chess, kitchen garden, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, coding, photography and lots more. Notable Alumni: Richard Adams, author of Watership Down. Ben Britton,

materials scientist and engineer. www.horrishill.com

Open Days: 31 January, 28 February, 15 May and 25 September 2020 130

Contact Ben Hughes on (+44) 7714034749 ben@pippasguardians.co.uk

Est.1997 • AEGIS Accredited www.pippasguardians.co.uk

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The best schools and universities

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The best schools and universities

Felsted School, Essex

Brighton College

Felsted, Essex CM6 3LL

Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 0AL

Headteacher: Mr Chris Townsend Admissions: admissions@felsted.org +44 (0)1371 822600

Headteacher: Richard Cairns Admissions: registrar@brightoncollege.net +44 (0)1273 704200

GENDER/AGES:

Boys and girls, 4-18 years Pre-prep (day) from £3,150, prep (day) from £4,600, prep weekly from £7,995, prep full boarding from £8,495 per term, prep flexi boarding from £51.50 per night, senior (day) from £8,165, senior weekly from £11,575, senior contemporary (three nights) boarding from £9,995, senior full boarding from £12,495 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 20, senior – 20, sixth form – 15 FAITH: Christian, but all faiths welcome. MOTTO: Garde ta Foy (Keep your Faith). ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Please see our website for details.

GENDER/AGES:

FEES:

School Philosophy: Felsted offers a leading all-round holistic education

that develops the character of every child. We welcome boys and girls from all over the world to appreciate a first-class British boarding school education. Based on a safe, rural village campus in stunning North Essex, only one hour from London and Cambridge, we offer a modern, global approach to learning, with a depth of heritage boasting 456 years as one of the oldest and finest schools in England. Small class sizes cater for individual development while a broad curriculum, which includes both A-levels in and the IB Diploma in the sixth form, plus leading co-curricular and leadership opportunities, provides a fun and inspiring learning environment.

Academic Record: 2019 Results: IB Diploma: 100% pass rate, three year average of 34 points, five points above the world average. A-levels: 99.6% pass rate, 82% achieved A* to C grades. Combined IB/AL results: over 70% achieved A*-B grades. GCSE: 46% graded 9-7 (A*/A), 80% graded 9-5 (A*-C). Extracurricular: Our dedicated teachers will provide your child with a

very rich diet of sport, music, drama and art alongside a plethora of extracurricular options such as debating, Medical Society, Pilates and media. We will help your child unearth their strengths, interests and talents, so that they leave us with passions that will be fulfilling and sustaining in later life.

Boys and girls, 3-18 years Nursery (five full days) £3,735, pre-prep (day) from £3,520, prep (day) from £4,680, senior (day) from £8,110, weekly boarding from £11,800, full boarding from £13,240 TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 15, senior – 15, sixth form – 15 FAITH: Christian/welcome all faiths and none MOTTO: ΤΟ Δ’ΕΥ ΝΙΚΑΤΩ (Let right prevail) ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Please contact the Registrar, Mrs Alison Withers

School Philosophy: Brighton College is one of the country’s leading

independent schools for girls and boys aged 3-18. The college regularly achieves the best A-level and GCSE results of any co-educational school in the UK, while ensuring children enjoy a wealth of extracurricular opportunities. Renowned for its focus on kindness, the college also excels in art, music, dance, drama and sporting achievements. Recently named England’s Independent School of the Year 2019 by The Sunday Times, the second time in a decade it has won this prestigious award, Brighton College has also been called ‘Britain’s most forwardthinking school’ in 2017 and 2018 by The Week.

Academic Record: In The Telegraph, Brighton College shares the top spot in England for the best GCSE results in 2019 among 2,000 co-educational schools. Pupils have excelled, with 94.49% of grades at 9/8/7. The Times lists the College top for A-level results in 2019, with 97% of grades A*-B. 44% of grades were at A*, which compares to 8% nationally. Extracurricular: From beach volleyball to board games, coding to choir, the College ensure every pupil can get involved in co-curricular life. The College is also committed to making sure a connection to community is central to school life through a programme of service, volunteering, entrepreneurship and international trips.

years for nine different TES awards, including Prep School of the Year, Sports School of the Year and Boarding School of the Year. We were also presented with a prestigious Wellbeing Award in 2019 for our commitment to the wellbeing of our pupils.

Notable Achievements: Brighton College focuses first and foremost on a culture of kindness. The school knows that young people only flourish when they are treated with love, kindness and respect. They celebrate the uniqueness of every individual, whether that person be shy or confident, sporty, scholarly or both. As The Sunday Times commented in 2019: ‘the currency at Brighton is kindness, pure and simple’.

www.felsted.org

www.brightoncollege.org.uk

Notable Achievements: Felsted has been shortlisted over the past three

Open Days: Sat 2 May 2020 (4-18 years), Sat 19 Sept (4-18years), Sat 10 Oct (sixth form entry) 1,050

Open Days: 25 January and 25 April 2020

1,100

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The best schools and universities

TASIS The American School in England, Surrey Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey TW20 8TE

Headteacher: Mr Bryan Nixon Admissions: ukadmissions@tasisengland.org +44 (0)1932 582316 Boys and girls, 3-18 years Nursery (day) £11,570 per year, pre-prep (day) £19,710 per year, prep (day) £22,990 per year, senior (day) £24,620 per year, full boarding £45,300 per year* * includes mandatory academic travel in the autumn TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 12, senior – 12, sixth form – 12 FAITH: Non-denominational. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: The School operates a rolling admissions policy; decisions are based upon applications supported by a transcript with three years’ grades and teacher recommendations. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: At TASIS England, we recognize the challenge to see

beyond a narrow definition of academic excellence and help our students develop essential attributes such as adaptability, curiosity, and reflection. Inherently linked to the skills of 21st century leadership are the concepts of international-mindedness, empathy, and cultural awareness. Our enduring

goal is to provide a busy, happy learning environment in which each student flourishes as a principled, open-minded, and compassionate member of our global community. Our students’ confidence and resilience as well as their academic achievements will serve as foundations for their future success in the ever-changing landscape of the world.

Academic Record: Educational pathways include the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and a broad-based American curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) classes, which follow American College Board standards. Among other achievements, the 113 graduates in the Class of 2019 received 78 scholarship offers. The 43 IBDP candidates achieved a 100% pass rate, with 46% earning bilingual diplomas. The Upper School students taking AP classes achieved an 89% pass rate, and the TASIS England mean score exceeded the global mean in 18 subject areas. Extracurricular: Multi-faceted opportunities enable students to explore

their interests and learn new skills. Learning extends beyond the classroom through field trips, our Academic Travel Program, and a wide range of afterschool and weekend activities. TASIS England encourages participation in an extensive choice of recreational and competitive sports, and the arts offering includes studio arts, theatre, dance, music, photography, and film. www.tasisengland.org

Open Days: Every day is an ‘Open Day.’ Please contact our admissions team to arrange for your personalised visit. 660

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96%

The best schools and universities Advertorial

FIND THE RIGHT PATH ANDERSON EDUCATION, the UK boarding school specialists provide free impartial advice and guidance when looking for the best school

hoosing a UK boarding school is a huge emotional and financial decision and the process can be daunting, particularly when you’re living thousands of miles away. The education of each and every child is one of the most important decisions we, as parents, make and it’s important to spend time researching the options; and with access to the internet, children are increasingly involved in the search for the most suitable school. Anderson Education recommends that families start their research 18 months to two years before entry and arrange a personal visit to a shortlist of schools which will be geared towards the strengths and interests of your child, rather than a well-staged open day. Many schools are now offering a holistic approach to education with innovative ways of improving students’ wellbeing. Schools are adopting techniques such as peer mentors, meditation, yoga, Mindfulness Club and an extensive pastoral care programme. An outdoor education programme introduces pupils to risk management in a supportive school environment and enables them to demonstrate and adopt behaviours that will help them lead a productive and interesting life in which they are organised and flexible, willing to have a go and open to learning from their experiences. The quality of a British education is recognised and respected worldwide; producing many of today’s leaders whether it is in politics, finance, sport or performing arts. The quality of teaching in small class sizes produces top grades; the academically able are stretched and challenged; support is given to those that need it. 92 per cent of pupils in UK independent schools progress to higher education, including 56 per cent to Russell Group universities. A boarding school education adds value by providing the opportunity to gain independence, confidence, courtesy, kindness and compassion from living in a diverse and truly international environment. It’s an exciting time to experience a boarding education! Anderson Education. www.andersoneducation.co.uk, enquiries@ andersoneducation.co.uk. Tel: +44 1474 815450 greatbritisheducation.com greatbritisheducationmag.com

43 35

The best schools and universities

St Leonards School, Fife

ST GEORGE’S ASCOT

St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9QJ

Independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18.

Headteacher: Dr Michael Carslaw Admissions: registrar@stleonards-fife.org +44 (0)1334 472126 Boys and girls, 5-18 years Prep (day) from £9,552, full boarding from £24,651 per year, senior (day) from £15,474, full boarding from £37,452 per year. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 16, senior – 20, sixth form – 12 FAITH: Non-denominational. MOTTO: Ad Vitam. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: An interview with the headmaster, as well as an entrance exam. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Situated in the heart of St Andrews, less than an hour

from Edinburgh Airport, St Leonards is a progressive yet traditional British co-educational boarding and day school, with the benefit of an international outlook. Named Scotland’s Independent School of the Year 2019, St Leonards follows the inspiring International Baccalaureate curriculum, from primary years through to the IB Diploma in the sixth form, providing deeper learning, offering wider options, and developing richer minds. Boarding houses are stylish and comfortable, having recently undergone an extensive £4m refurbishment, with sea views beyond the school playing fields.

Academic Record: St Leonards has a reputation for academic excellence, having been named Scotland’s Top Independent School Sixth Form for IB/A-level results by The Sunday Times in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Last year, 76% of leavers achieved the equivalent of A*/A/B at A-level, going on to study at top universities in the UK and around the world. Extracurricular: More than 35 different co-curricular activities are offered to pupils at St Leonards, ranging from sport, music, drama and art, to sailing, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and debating. Situated in the ‘home of golf’, St Leonards runs a leading five-tier golf programme. Notable Achievements and Alumni: The school is renowned for its golf programme, which attracts some of the most talented young golfers in the UK and worldwide. Famous alumni include the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles Champion and Olympic medallist Kitty McKane Godfree, mathematician and educationalist Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw, and Audrey Withers, editor of Vogue from 1940 to 1960. www.stleonards-fife.org

Open Days: October and May, although individual visits are welcomed throughout the year.

TERMLY OPEN MORNINGS 01344 629900 www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk admissions@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

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The best schools and universities

ee s ood S ool,

tfield

Shepherd’s Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 6NS, UK

Headteacher: Mrs Jo Cameron Admissions: admissions@queenswood.org + 44 (0) 1707 602500 Girls, 11-18 years Day from £7,115, weekly from £7,965, flexi boarding from £7,325, full boarding from £8,395. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 10-18, sixth form – 5-8. FAITH: Christian (Methodist). MOTTO: In hortis reginae (In the Queen’s garden) ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance examination, an interview and a confidential report from the applicant’s current school. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: At Queenswood, we are experts at teaching girls,

which we’ve been doing successfully for 125 years. Girls learn differently to boys and we create an environment that suits each individual girl’s preferred learning style, strengths and support needs. Girls can take intellectual risks, ask questions, or make judgements without worrying about ‘looking stupid in front of boys’. Their confidence grows at a pace that suits them and this is one of the reasons why we achieve outstanding value added academic results.

Ultimately we can sum up our philosophy as “Queenswood girls are happy girls and happy girls are successful girls”.

Academic Record: Our value-added results are exceptional. On entering the school in year 7, all girls are tested to ascertain their likely GCSE grades. Year after year, girls achieve on average at least one grade higher in their GCSE results than they were predicted five years previously. They go on to a range of top UK and international universities. 14% of the current year 13 girls have been offered an Oxbridge interview. Extracurricular: We offer over 90 extracurricular activities. We are known

for sport (number one in the UK and number three in the world), hockey, horse riding and polo. Our performing arts are exceptional, with a high level of music, drama and dance regularly performed in our concert hall and 250-seat theatre. Art at Queenswood is a joy and more than 10% of our current year 13 girls will study art at university. Other clubs and societies range from debating to the history of feminism, and Chinese culture before the 19th century.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Actress Helen McCrory and Carol Thatcher are two of our notable alumnae.

www.queenswood.org

Open Days: Saturday 14 March 2020, Saturday 26 September 2020

460

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The best schools and universities

YES, IT’S A CRYING SHAME…

…that she left it too late to apply for Hurtwood House, because it’s simply the best for acting, dancing, singing, film-making – “A Utopia for creative minds” – as the Good Schools Guide says. And crucially, this exciting school is equally successful academically. In fact, it’s statistically one of the top co-ed boarding schools in the UK. So, if you’re looking for a really exciting and rewarding change of school at 16 – don’t leave it too late. Call or visit our website for more information.

Please contact Cosmo Jackson

T: 01483 279000

E: info@hurtwood.net

hurtwoodhouse.com 46

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The best schools and universities

Bishop’s Stortford College, Hertfordshire

Badminton School, Bristol

10 Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2PJ

Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA

Headteacher: Mr Jeremy Gladwin Admissions: Senior School – admissions@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Prep School – psadmissions@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Pre-Prep – ppadmissions@bishopsstortfordcollege.org +44 (0)1279 838575

Headteacher: Mrs Rebecca Tear Admissions: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk +44 (0)117 905 5271 Girls, 3-18 years Nursery £28 per session (there are two sessions in a day), junior (day) from £3,331-£5,612, weekly and flexi boarding please contact us for more information, full boarding from £7,535-£8,627 per term, senior (day) from £5,612, weekly from £10,505, flexi boarding please contact us for more information, Full Boarding from £11,142-£12,995 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 16, senior – 18, sixth form – 2-12 FAITH: Non-denominational MOTTO: Pro Omnibus Quisque Pro Deo Omnes. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Please see our website for details. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

Boys and girls, 4-18 years Pre-prep (day) from £3,136-£3,197, prep (day) from £4,842-£5,427, weekly from £7,453-£8,091, full boarding from £7,532-£8,512, senior (day) from £6,783-£6,844, weekly from £10,523-£10,639, full boarding from £10,941-£11,310 TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 20, senior – 24, sixth form – 10 FAITH: Christian, Non-denominational MOTTO: Soli Deo Gloria. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Selective, please see our website for details. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Bishop’s Stortford College is a wonderful place of

learning where boys and girls have exceptional opportunities to become fulfilled, skillful and happy. Every pupil is encouraged, taught and challenged to fulfill his or her true potential, immersed in an environment of discovery and wholehearted participation. Academic work is balanced by sport, music, drama, and a diverse choice of other activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, service to the community and opportunities for leadership. We hope that an appreciation and a love of creativity will remain with them always and we make sure each pupil has the chance to join in and try new experiences.

Academic Record: Bishop’s Stortford College is one of the top independent co-educational day and boarding schools in the UK. Typical results at A-level are above 50% A*-A grades, with broadly 20% of all grades being A*, around 80% A*-B grades and 100% pass rate. At GCSE, it is usual for around a third of all grades to be 9 and two-thirds 9-7, with 100% of pupils achieving five or more 9-4 grades. Extra-curricular: Our young people are involved in an environment of wholehearted participation. A diverse range of extracurricular activities alongside high academic standards provides the opportunity for every child to discover areas of interest.

School Philosophy: At Badminton, we offer a holistic approach to

education; to put it simply, we encourage the girls to get hands on with their subjects, ask questions and really get stuck in. Our focus is on nurturing the girls’ natural curiosity and fuelling their passion for learning rather than simply ‘fill them up’ with knowledge. What is special about Badminton? It is impossible to narrow it down to one thing, but our unwavering sense of community is something that really needs to be experienced to be believed. We’re fortunate that the size of our campus and community gives an unparalleled homely feel to the school, in which every girl is known by all. With over 35 nationalities represented within our close-knit community, girls develop an understanding of the viewpoints of others and an appreciation of the school’s international outlook.

Academic Record: 85% A*-B at A-level and 78% A*-A/9-7 at GCSE in 2019. Extracurricular: Some of the extra-curricular activities on offer at

Badminton have an academic bias, such as ICT Programming Club and Young Engineering. Others allow the girls to pursue their talents and interests, these include symphony orchestra, debating, cross stitch, technical theatre club, Model United Nations, Leiths School of Cookery and Young Enterprise. Health and wellbeing activities include running club, fencing, judo, dance club, DofE, Pilates and CrossFit.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Charli XCX, singer-songwriter, Alan

Lyddiard, theatre and film director, Ben Clarke, England Rugby Union Player

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Alumni include Rosamund Pike (actress), Dame Iris Murdoch (novelist), Indira Ghandi (first and only female Prime Minister of India to date), Mary Fedden (artist).

www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org

www.badmintonschool.co.uk

Open Days: pre-prep, 25 April 2020 whole college, 19 Sept, sixth form, 10 Oct, prep school, 7 Nov 1,170

Open Days: nursery & junior school: 12 Feb 2020 senior & sixth form: 28 Feb 2020 whole school: 8 May 2020 470

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The best schools and universities

CHILD STUDYING IN THE UK?

St Edmund’s School Canterbury St Thomas Hill, Canterbury CT2 8HU

ENSURE THEIR WELLBEING WITH THE GUARDIAN FAMILY NETWORK.

WHY IS GUARDIANSHIP SO IMPORTANT? Headteacher: Mr Edward O’Connor Admissions: admissions@stedmunds.org.uk +44 (0)1227 475601 Boys and girls, 3-18 years Nursery from £2,632, pre-prep from £3,232, prep (junior school) from £5,196, full boarding from £9,311, flexi boarding from £8,485, senior from £7,044, full boarding from £12,227, flexi boarding from £11,397 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 14, senior – 14, sixth form – 7. FAITH: Church of England. MOTTO: Fungar Vice Cotis ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entry into school by visit, assessment and report. Scholarships available at 11+, 13+ and 16+. GENDER/AGES:

SAFETY

of placement with a fully checked homestay family in close proximity to the school.

FEES:

SECURITY

of knowing where your child is at all times throughout their studies.

School Philosophy: Established in 1749, St Edmund’s combines respect for tradition and history with a fresh, engaging and forward-thinking attitude to the education of young people. Our approach is focused on the unique abilities and needs of individual pupils. All our pupils are valued for their contribution to the school and we take great pride in their successes.

STABILITY

by remaining with the same homestay family throughout the school year.

SUPPORT

of having 24/7 emergency contact with us by phone, email or text message.

The hardest part of being a guardian is always saying goodbye! We look forward to Exeat's and Half Terms. The smile and joy on your child's face as they spot you in the masses becomes a heartfelt flutter when you suddenly realise that you have gone from being a stranger to a very special friend! - from one of our current guardians

WE WORK WITH OVER 5O INDEPENDENT BOARDING SCHOOLS ACROSS THE UK. We have long standing relationships with each of our schools and are therefore well placed to provide professional and caring support to your child.

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Extracurricular: We offer one of the widest and most varied co-curricular programmes in Kent; pupils can choose anything from horse riding to chess, mindfulness to debating, ground-breaking drama and outstanding musical activities, and some exceptional sporting opportunities. Our programme is flexible and constantly evolving to reflect pupils’ interests and passions, with new clubs and societies starting each term at the request of pupils, and going on to thrive. Notable Achievements and Alumni: Inspiring achievements and representation in the Junior Academy at the Royal Academy of Music, Royal Academy of Music Junior Department, National Youth Orchestra, National Children’s Orchestra, Kent Youth Choir and Youth Theatre. Shortlisted for Independent Schools of the Year 2019 in the performing arts category. Sporting representation in Kent County Cricket Men’s 2nd XI, England Touch Rugby, U14 Kent County Rugby and British Athletics Performance Pathway. Educator to the Canterbury Cathedral Choristers. Alumni: Orlando Bloom (actor), Lawrence Durrell (author) and Robin Jackman (cricketer). www.stedmunds.org.uk

guardianfamilynetwork.com

office@guardianfamily.co.uk +(44) 1865 893213

Academic Record: At the heart of our educational philosophy is a sharing of the joy of learning which, along with our insistence on ambition, helps to make our pupils the very best they can be: creative, active learners who are well-equipped to shape their futures and those of others. In 2019 the A-level pass rate was 98%, with A*-B grades at 56%.

Open Mornings: 4 March and 8 May 2020

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The best schools and universities

Headington School, Oxford Headington Road, Oxford, OX3 7TD

Headteacher: Mrs Caroline Jordan Admissions: admissions@headington.org +44 (0)1865 759100

potential and many achieve far beyond their predictions on entry. The focus is on providing a well-rounded education, with fantastic teaching and learning complemented by exciting, inspiring and challenging opportunities outside the classroom.

Girls, 3-18 years Nursery (day) from £1,380, pre-prep (day) from £3,820, prep (day) from £4,310, senior (day) from £6,090, weekly boarding from £10,475, flexi boarding from £8,282, full boarding from £12,210 per term. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 20, senior – 20, sixth form – 10 FAITH: Church of England. MOTTO: Fight the Good Fight of Faith. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry, school’s own entrance exams or ISEB pre-test for UK Prep School candidates at 13+.

Academic Record: Headington’s results regularly place it among the top schools in the country at GCSE, A-level and IB. The school offers an extremely broad curriculum, with over 20 subjects to choose from at GCSE and a choice of 30 subjects across A-level and IB in the sixth form. Girls benefit from proximity to Oxford’s two universities with a wide-ranging programme of speakers, lectures and visits involving experts and specialists from Oxford and Oxford Brookes.

School Philosophy: Headington School is an oasis of green set in 23 acres,

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Notable alumnae include actress

GENDER/AGES: FEES:

just a mile from Oxford city centre. It is a place where girls are given the opportunities to grow and develop their strengths and talents, whatever they may be, partnering academic excellence with superlative pastoral care and extra-curricular activities. While academically selective, girls are selected on

Extracurricular: Around 150 different activities are on offer each week,

featuring academic enrichment, creative arts, sport, dance, performing arts and leadership and enrichment.

Emma Watson, Baroness Young, Paralympic Gold rowing medallist Lily van den Broecke, broadcaster Julia Somerville and Lady Longford.

www.headington.org

Open Days: prep – 7 February and 6 May 2020, senior – 26 June 2020

1,050

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The best schools and universities

Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7DU

Headteacher: Peter Clague Admissions: Admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk +44 (0)1527579679 Boys and girls, 3-18 years Nursery (day) from £3,045, pre-prep (day) from £2,730-£3,000, prep (day) from £3,980-£5,160, weekly from £6,040-£7,310, full boarding from £8,280-£10,215, senior (day) from £5,695, weekly boarding from £8,445, ful boarding from £12,740 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – under 20, senior – under 20, sixth form – 2-12 FAITH: Anglican MOTTO: Regi Vicino (God, King and Neighbour) . ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: By application, entrance test and current school report. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Bromsgrove School’s results are impressive, but

Bromsgrove is much more than a place to get good grades; it prides itself on being a happy school where children of all ages can thrive both academically and outside of the classroom. The most recent ISI inspection rated Bromsgrove as ‘excellent’ in every category and The Goods Schools Guide states that: ‘the school looks for what every individual is good at and helps them find their niche and passion’. The heart of Bromsgrove’s success is its people. In the top 15% of all independent schools for value added. We exist to broaden horizons.

Academic Record: Outstanding results at all levels. The majority of pupils continue to top UK and world universities such as UCL, Durham, Exeter, Bristol, Nottingham and overseas universities including USA, Canada and European destinations. 70% of the 2019 leavers won places at UK Russell Group universities. Extracurricular: Bromsgrove is known to be a strong school for sport – there are over 100 sports teams in the senior school. We have featured in the top five schools for sport in School Sport Magazine for the last five years. Recent achievements in rugby include winning the U18 Rosslyn Park Sevens Vase. Girls’ netball has had a phenomenal season, being crowned champions in the Sisters n Sport National Cup Final and the Independent Schools Cup. Pupils gain direct access to art and drama courses and highlevel scholarships. Notable Achievements and Alumni: John Illsley (musician in Dire Straits), Nicholas Evans (author of The Horse Whisperer), Ben Cox (cricketer). www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

Open Days: Sept and Oct 2020, though individual visits can be arranged throughout the academic year 1,650

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The best schools and universities

Stonyhurst, Lancashire Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 9PZ

Headteacher: John Browne (Stonyhurst College), Ian Murphy (Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall – preparatory school) Admissions: admissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk +44 (0)1254 826345 Boys and girls, 3-18 years Nursery from £20.60 per half day session, pre-prep from £9,075, prep from £12,810, weekly from £23,250, flexi boarding from £45 per night, full boarding from £27,150, senior from £22,550, weekly from £30,750, full boarding from £35,850 TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 15-18, senior – 10-15 (subject dependent), sixth form – 10 (subject dependent). FAITH: Catholic (Jesuit). MOTTO: Quant Je Puis (As much as I can) GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Inspired by the beautiful Stonyhurst estate and the

heritage of the world’s oldest continuous Jesuit school, our pupils pursue academic excellence alongside spiritual and emotional growth and learn to embody their school motto, ‘Quant je puis’, meaning “all that I can”, in every activity. Stonyhurst seeks to enable each individual pupil to thrive, by enabling them to find, develop and use their unique talents; preparing them

with strong leadership qualities for the future.

Academic Record: We achieved a 95% pass rate (world average 78.2%) in IB results (2018/19), with one third of IB Diploma pupils achieving 36+ points. Our A-level results 2018/19 saw 26% of grades awarded A*-A and 57% achieving A*-B. Our GCSE results in 2018/19 saw 42.7% of results in the top band of Grade 9-7, with a 91.6% overall pass rate of Grades 9-4. Extracurricular: Our pupils achieve on the sports field, as well as in music,

drama and dance. We have a national reputation for rugby and, as a fully co-educational school, a very strong reputation for hockey and netball. Our pupils have success in outdoor pursuits such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, fell running and shooting. The Stonyhurst Combined Cadet Force is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the country. Our sports centre includes a golf course and world class, LTA-registered tennis dome.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (author of

Sherlock Holmes), Mark Thompson (former Director General of the BBC and current CEO of The New York Times). Will Greenwood and Kyran Bracken (England Rugby World Cup winners).

www.stonyhurst.ac.uk

Open Days: Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall - 7 March and 8 May. Stonyhurst College - 14 March

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The best schools and universities

Rendcomb College, Gloucestershire

Forres Sandle Manor, Hampshire

Rendcomb, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 7HA

Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1NS

Headteacher: Mr Rob Jones Admissions: admissions@rendcombcollege.org.uk +44 (0)1285 831213

Headteacher: Mr Jody Wells Admissions: admissions@fsmschool.com +44 (0)1425 653181

GENDER/AGES:

Boys and girls, 3-18 years Nursery (day) from £54, nursery (weekly) from £270, pre-prep (day) from £2,070, prep (day) from £3,665, Senior (day) from £5,500, weekly boarding from £8,140, flexi boarding from £5,825, full boarding from £8,925 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 16, senior – 16, sixth form – 10 FAITH: Christian MOTTO: Quo Lux Ducit (Where the light leads). ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Nursery, pre-prep and prep: taster session, school reports and meeting with the Head of Juniors. Senior: CEM online assessment, meeting with the head of college or deputies, school reports. Sixth form: GCSE results or equivalent, school reports.

GENDER/AGES:

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School Philosophy: The most precious thing we can do is give children

the freedom to learn and develop and enjoy the adventure of growing up. At Rendcomb College, pupils are free to be themselves and take on big challenges, because they know that to ‘FAIL’ is only the ‘First Attempt In Learning.’ Our mission is to develop thoughtful, adventurous and academically ambitious young people who are life-long learners. We aim to prepare them with the character and skills to succeed in the ever-changing world after school. Our pupils have the freedom to experience, explore and enquire about the world around them. We aim to encourage independence and tolerance in a safe, caring community and magnificent natural environment. The school celebrates its 100th birthday in 2020.

Academic Record: 36% achieved A*-A/7-9 grades in 2019 GCSE results, while 54% achieved A*-B grades in the 2019 A-level results. Notable university destinations 2019 include veterinary medicine and science at Surrey University, mathematics with statistics at Imperial College London, military history at the University of Kent, architecture at the University of Edinburgh, English and Hispanic studies at the University of Nottingham, and motorsport engineering in Coventry University.

School Philosophy: At Forres Manor School, we strongly believe that

happy children succeed. This ethos underpins everything we do and creates a community of children who are confident, eager to learn, brave enough to take risks, and caring of each other. At a time when young people’s peace of mind is being eroded by a range of external pressures, we aim to create an environment where children can just be children, with the freedom to find and explore their passions. Our innovative new Saturday morning enrichment activities, focused on children’s creative and personal development, are a great example of this. We aim to create an atmosphere where to excel is not just acceptable, it’s cool! Our Able Child programme identifies the most-able children in each subject area, every year, using class performance and test scores, and ensures that they are given extension activities that will challenge and stimulate them. In addition, we offer targeted acceleration through our scholarship and 11+ workshops. Experienced staff in our Learning Centre provide individual support to help children who are struggling with literacy or numeracy, as well as helping them in the classroom so that they can take part in a full and rich curriculum. Academic Record: Children go onto a range of senior schools including Canford, Bryanston, Kings Bruton, Kings Taunton and Dauntseys.

Extracurricular: Over 100 activities are on offer. Pupils make new friends, gain confidence and new skills as they mix with students outside of their peer groups. Junior students can also join senior activities such as choir, Orchestra and clay-pigeon shooting.

Extracurricular: Forres Sandle Manor is a Forest School and has a wide range of outdoor activities available. Pupils can participate in many sports and additional clubs such as art and maths. We have a wide range of music teachers and many concerts throughout the year. Children are taken offsite to experience trips and their subjects ‘in action’. We also have Brownie, Cub and Scout groups that children can join.

www.rendcombcollege.org.uk

www.fsmschool.com

Open Days: Nursery, pre-prep and prep 28 Feb 2020, senior and sixth form – 6 March 2020 380

Boys and girls, 3-13 years Nursery (hourly) from £10.75, nursery (termly) from £2,885, lower school (day) from £4,815, lower school (boarding) from £6,635, upper school (day) from £5,705, upper school (boarding) from £8,085 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Lower and Upper School – Maximum 18 FAITH: Christian MOTTO: Happy Children Succeed. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective. Some entry tests may be required to determine set allocation, or additional learning requirements assessed.

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Open Days: 29 February and 2 May 2020. Personal tours available all year round. 170

The best schools and universities

Cranleigh School, Surrey Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8QQ

Headteacher: Mr Martin Reader MA, MPhil, MBA, Admissions: admissions@cranleigh.org +44 (0)1483 273666 Boys and girls, 13-18 years Day from £32,370, weekly from £39,330 annually TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 20, sixth form – 9 FAITH: Church of England; welcomes pupils of all faiths, and none. MOTTO: Ex Cultu Robur (From Culture Comes Strength) ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Holistic review with ISEB test, assessment and interview. Entry at 13+ and 16+, with a wide range of scholarships available. Full details on the admissions pages at www.cranleigh.org. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Our mission is to challenge and inspire every one of our pupils by broadening their horizons, enriching their learning and supporting them throughout each step of their journey. Cranleigh aims to provide young people with: the strength to succeed; the wisdom to make informed choices; resilience in the face of failure or difficulty; and the insight to recognise their privilege and to shape the future culture of the world through lives of service and leadership.

Academic Record: This year, half of our GCSE cohort achieved seven or more grades 7-9, with over a third achieving 9 or more grades 7-9. 13 pupils achieve 10 or more grades 8-9 and nearly half of all grades were 8-9. At A-level, 77% of all grades were A*-B. Sixth Form students also performed well in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with 80% achieving A*-C. We always score highly for value-added in the independently assed CEM tables, and last year we were top in the country for value-added. Extracurricular: Music, drama and art are at the heart of Cranleigh life

and timetabled in the middle of the day to be enjoyed, rather than added to the end of a busy day. We offer more clubs and activities than there is space to list!

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Cranleigh is Surrey’s most mature co-

educational boarding environment. Notable alumni include Hollywood actress Julia Ormond and historian Andrew Roberts.

www.cranleigh.org

Open Days: Regular Saturdays throughout the year, check website for details and to book your place. 654

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The best schools and universities

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The best schools and universities

West Buckland School, Devon

St. Francis’ College, Hertfordshire

West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 0SX

Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 3PJ

Headteacher: Mr Phillip Stapleton Admissions: admissions@westbuckland.com +44 (0)1598 760000

Headteacher: Mrs Bronwen Goulding Admissions: admissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk +44 (0)1462 670511

GENDER/AGES:

Boys and girls, 3-18 years Nursery (day) from £21.60 per session (four-and-a-half hours), £36 for a full day (15 hours of early-years funding available), pre-prep (day) from £2,690, prep (day) from £3,390, senior (day) from £5,170, weekly boarding from £6,120, full boarding from £8,400 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep: 15, senior – 15, sixth form – 10 FAITH: Christian/all faiths MOTTO: Read and Reap. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance assessment and interview.

GENDER/AGES:

FEES:

School Philosophy: Our character values of courage, commitment, caring, creativity, confidence, critical thinking and curiosity run through every element of school life and we expect our students to live by these values going forward. Our students are down to earth, resilient, hard-working and have a very firm understanding of their place and responsibility in society.

Academic Record: By far the highest performing school in the region, our exam results consistently place us within the top 100 performing co-ed schools in the country. For the past 10 years, over 75% of our A-level results have been graded at A*-B, and over 50% of our pupils go on to Russell Group universities. In 2019, 100% of students gained 5+ passes at GCSE. Extracurricular: Our unique location means that we can offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities including surfing, coasteering, diving and climbing, as well as more regular sports and activities. Academic enrichment is wide-spread, with lectures, academic clubs, film clubs, debating societies, life-skills and charity committees. In addition to offering regular sport, our tennis, hockey, netball and dance performance programmes are popular and result in a high level of achievement in all age groups.

School Philosophy: A warm welcome to our wonderful school. Founded

in 1933 and set amidst the lush green residential environment of Letchworth Garden City, the world’s first garden city, St. Francis College stands tall in this enviable location. Whether you arrive by car, bus or on foot along Broadway’s quiet and leafy, lime-lined avenue, you will catch glimpses of our school through the trees. Run by an educational charity, St. Francis’ College has been providing a first-class education for girls for decades.

Academic Record: Our academic achievements are outstanding, and we have a solid tradition of academic rigor. However, we believe that academic success should be balanced with personal success in everything the girls do. So, we have developed a growth mindset culture that permeates the whole school from top to bottom. And it is this philosophy and approach that has become an essential part of the St. Francis’ way. We are one of the top girls’ only boarding schools in the country for academic results, and this year we are the best in Hertfordshire. Extracurricular: As one of the top all-girls’ independent schools in the country, St. Francis’ prides itself on building intellectually creative minds. We have strong traditions in art, dance, drama and music. The recycled fashion show is a popular annual event, and the girls are adept at developing their own photographs in the dark room. Annual dance and drama productions from Kindergarten to year 13 are held in our 330-seat professional theatre and our serene chapel hosts regular music concerts.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Shortlisted for TES Boarding School of the Year in 2019. Alumni includes Brian Aldiss (author), Jonathan Edwards (triple jump world-record holder), Jamie and Craig Overton (England cricket), RF Delderfield (author and playwright), Tim Wonnacott (TV presenter, antiques expert), George Friend (premiership footballer), Steve Ojomoh and Victor Ubogu (England rugby), Lizzie Kelly (professional jockey).

Notable Achievements and Alumni: When an old girl returns, the one thing they all tell us is that the values, spirit and behaviour they acquired when they were with us is still with them today.

www.westbuckland.com

www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk

Open Days: 4 May 2020 (for the whole week)

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Girls, 3-18 years Nursery from £1,615, pre-prep (day) from £1,615, prep (day) from £3,490, prep (full boarding) from £9,770, senior (day) from £5,930, senior (full boarding) from £11,170 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 10-15, senior – 15-20, sixth form – 5-10 FAITH: Christian MOTTO: Cor unum, anima una. One heart, one soul. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Internal entry tests.

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Open Days: visitors welcome all year round

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The best schools and universities

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The best schools and universities

M field,

st S sse

The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PH

Headteacher: Miss Antonia Beary MA MPhil (Cantab), PGCE Admissions: registrar@mayfieldgirls.org +44 (0)1435 874642 Girls, 11-18 years Senior (day) from £7,280, full boarding from £11,750 per term, flexi boarding from £60 per night. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 16, Sixth Form – small classes FAITH: Roman Catholic. MOTTO: Actions Not Words. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Mayfield assessments – please see website for details. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Mayfield is a highly successful independent boarding

and day school for girls aged 11 to 18. Founded in 1872, the School is set within the beautiful Sussex countryside, conveniently located within an hour of central London and with easy access to Gatwick and Heathrow airports. One of the School’s greatest strengths is its proven ability to unlock and develop the unique potential and talent of each girl in an inspiring learning environment. Small classes, exemplary pastoral care, and a happy and vibrant community, ensure girls thrive and challenge themselves both inside and

outside the classroom. The School’s ethos reflects its Catholic heritage and encourages integrity, generosity, compassion and courage within an inclusive community, which welcomes all. The skills, values, aspiration and resilience instilled in the girls prepares them to respond to the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century, whatever path they choose.

Academic Record: Mayfield’s academic results regularly place it among the top schools in the country. Our innovative curriculum encourages questioning, reflection, creativity and the freedom to learn from mistakes. While maths and science are among our most popular and successful subjects at A-level, we have a first-class reputation for creativity and excel in the creative and performing arts. Pupils progress to prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and increasingly to the US and Europe to study a wide range of subjects, with a regular stream of engineers, medics, vets, lawyers, economists, designers and architects. Extracurricular: Mayfield girls benefit from a rich and diverse variety of

activities beyond the classroom. From dance to debating, drama to music, art, textiles and ceramics to coding, as well as sports including cricket, fencing and first-class equestrian facilities, girls are challenged and supported to reach their full potential.

www.mayfieldgirls.org

Open Days: 20 March 2020, 21 April 2020

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The best schools and universities

field re r tor S ool, M ide

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Glenstal Abbey School, Ireland

West Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1PD

Murroe, Co. Limerick, Ireland

Headteacher: Mrs Joanna Leach Admissions: office@highfieldprep.org +44 (0)1628 624918

Headteacher: Fr Martin Browne Admissions: admissions@glenstal.com +353 61 621044

GENDER/AGES:

Girls, ages 3-11 Nursery (day) from £215.75, nursery (weekly) from £723.76, pre-prep from £3,200, prep from £3,725 per term. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 18

GENDER/AGES:

FEES:

School Philosophy: Who wouldn’t want their daughter to skip happily into school, make really good friends and discover all her talents, where she can become the best she possibly can be? This is our aim for every girl here and it is what makes Highfield so wonderful. Highfield Preparatory School is the leading independent girls’ school in Maidenhead, offering a great start to the life of learning. In the bursery and reception class right through to year 6, the girls are taught to love learning and are inspired to achieve their very best. We genuinely want every girl to have the opportunity to shine and be proud, learn who they are, and have the confidence to have a go with the belief that they can succeed. The girls are encouraged to take risks in order to develop resilience. When mistakes are made, this is often when the best learning takes place. We are passionate about education in the fullest sense and provide a balance of academic achievement, enjoyment and activity, making us a beacon of excellence in all that we do.

Highfield girls are bright and inquisitive, each with their own unique abilities, interests and aspirations. Curiosity and imagination is encouraged at every stage and provides the foundations for a love of learning and life in the important formative years. Every talent is nurtured; every girl is unique. Our girls value the school’s diversity and learn from each other in a spirit of celebration of difference. We welcome their enthusiasm and encourage their interest in good citizenship. Being at Highfield means being part of a vibrant community in which we expect the girls to question, to take on responsibility and to care for others. We believe, that in the important primary years, girls learn best in girls’ schools. They learn by doing, listening, exploring and experimenting. The girls are given daily opportunities to explore, question, try, investigate, discover, apply and have fun! This all starts in the nursery where the girls learn to develop confidence and independence.

Boys, 12-18 years Senior – Full Boarding from €20,300 per year TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 12-16 FAITH: Catholic MOTTO: PAX ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Prospective pupils and parents are invited to visit the school and meet with the Headmaster, staff and students.

School Philosophy: At Glenstal, we aim to develop the unique talents of each boy. We provide a supportive, stimulating and caring environment where people are free to express their individuality.

Academic Record: The Leaving Certificate Examination points obtained by our students exceed the national average each year. In 2019, our students attained an average of 480 points, out of a maximum of 625. 480 points is equivalent to three A* (UK’s A-levels). Extracurricular: Games and the arts are an integral and enjoyable element of student life. Each student is supported in developing a balance between academic, sports and the arts. Our programme fosters an environment of inclusion, excellence, participation by all and builds skills for life thus fully realising each student’s talents. Notable Achievements and Alumni: Whether it’s preparing for international mathematics or business competitions, or exploring the classics of Ancient Greek and Latin literature, singing Gregorian chant in the school choir or representing Ireland in competitive sport, we seek to equip our students with a healthy sense of identity, courteous selfconfidence and amiable self-awareness. It is interesting to look at what past students say about the school when they reflect on their own school days. Web Summit co-founder Paddy Cosgrave, who graduated in 2001, is grateful that “we had so much freedom in Glenstal. There is massive independence to think things out and you don’t realise how valuable this is until you get to university.”

www.highfieldprep.org

Open Days: 24 January 2020 at 9.30am 18 March 2020 at 6pm 15 May 2020 at 9.30am 24 June 2020 at 9.30am 110

www.glenstal.com

Open Day: 10 October 2020. Personal visits are encouraged and welcomed throughout the year. 230

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The best schools and universities

Orwell Park School, Suffolk Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 0ER

Headteacher: Adrian Brown, MA Cantab Admissions: admissions@orwellpark.org +44 (0)1473 659225 Boys and girls, 21/2 -13 years Nursery (day) from £55, pre-prep (day) from £2,795-£3,974, prep (day) from £5,792-£6,386, prep (weekly boarding) from £7,715-£8,264, prep (full boarding) from £8,674-£9,200 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 12-16 FAITH: Church of England ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: lnterview and entrance test. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Boys and girls are given every opportunity to be the

best they can be, both in and outside the classroom. High expectations, and learning strategies tailored to the individual child, lead to high levels of attainment. Academic achievement and pastoral care are given top priority, alongside the core values such as courtesy, personal responsibility and respect for others. Children are encouraged to take on challenges, to overcome setbacks and to see failure as part of the journey to success, to develop the resilience, initiative, flexibility, creativity and collaborative skills that will prepare them for the next stage of their education and later life.

Academic Record: In 2019, leaving pupils were awarded 28 scholarships to senior schools in a wide variety of areas: music, art, DT, academic, drama and sport. Leaving pupils proceed to a wide range of senior schools: Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Tonbridge, King’s Canterbury, Benenden and Gordonstoun to the more local day schools, Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felsted among others. Extracurricular: The beauty of the grounds and the 110 acres allow the pupils to pursue a wide variety of extracurricular activities from the OPS Challenge to bushcraft and many sports. With a Forest School instructor on staff, the enjoyment of the environment also extends to the pre-prep. Orwell Park pupils are also involved in a comprehensive activity programme, including: orchestra and various ensembles, chess, community service, skiing, equestrianism, climbing, OPS Challenge (a mini Dof E course), camping and campfire fun in the school’s woodlands, Art and DT clubs, Brownies and Blueys (boys’ club), as well as numerous large scale theatrical productions.

www.orwellpark.co.uk

Open Day: 1 February 2020

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The best schools and universities

Eagle House School, Berkshire Crowthorne Road, Sandhurst, Berkshire GU47 8PH

Headteacher: Andrew Barnard Admissions: registrar@eaglehouseschool.com +44 (0)1344 772134 Boys and girls, 3-13 years Nursery £2,250, pre-prep £4,010, prep (day) from £6,055 per term, weekly boarding £8,425 TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 16 FAITH: Church of England. MOTTO: Learning for Life. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Children are central to all we do and being at Eagle

House is a way of life for all pupils. We unashamedly offer lots and know that busy children are happy and fulfilled children. We teach to a high standard, turning children into confident and interested learners, but the Eagle House experience offers more than this. Our academic, cultural, sporting, moral and enrichment focus helps pupils understand and appreciate that variety is the key to becoming a rounded, responsible and confident young person.

Eagle House buzzes with achievement and laughter – not a bad way to learn!

Academic Record: Learning for Life – children leave Eagle House with a superb academic base on which to build at senior school. Scholarships to senior schools are regularly achieved by pupils for academic success, music, sport, art and drama. Pupils benefit from our innovative Curriculum 200, a new curriculum for years 5 to 8 with topics that ignite passion and allow for relevant and meaningful cross-curricular links. Younger children follow the International Primary Curriculum. Extracurricular: Sport is for all, with everyone playing for a school team.

Our Golden Eagle Programme focuses on community, service and leadership and the co-curricular opportunities are huge, with 70 activities on offer. Music and drama play a key part in the life of the school with concerts and ambitious drama productions each term. Recognising how to be a positive influence within a community is also part of the Eagle House journey. Our wonderful Learning for Life programme teaches children about themselves and the wider community. Time for reflection in chapel and assemblies also improves the way we look at the world and mindfulness sessions help us all take stock.

www.eaglehouseschool.com

Open Days: 29 February and 2 May 2020

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The best schools and universities

Campbell College, Belfast

Farringtons School, Kent

Belmont Road, Belfast BT4 2ND

Perry Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR

Headteacher: Mr Robert Robinson, MBE Admissions: hmoffice@campbellcollege.co.uk +44 (0)2890 763076

Headteacher: Dorothy Nancekievill Admissions: admissions@farringtons.kent.sch.uk +44 (0)20 8467 0256

Boys, 3-18 years, (boarding from age 11) Senior full boarding from EU £14,745, non-EU £20,570 TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 24, sixth form – 15 FAITH: Non-denominational MOTTO: Ne Obliviscaris (Do not Forget). ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Application Forms and supporting reports.

Boys and girls, 3-19 years Nursery from £1,685, pre-prep from £4,160, prep from £4,160, senior from £5,230, weekly boarding from £10,320, full boarding from £10,960 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 16, senior – 20, sixth form – 15 FAITH: Methodist MOTTO: Posside Sapientiam ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance exams and/or a taster day in school

GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Campbell College Belfast was established in 1894 and

is nestled in a 100-acre woodland estate on the edge of the city of Belfast. The college provides a holistic education tailored specifically for boys and the ethos of the college centres on ‘inspiring individuals to be the best they can be’. Leadership and service have always been at the heart of the college and boys are encouraged to become ‘men of character and contribute positively to the world around them’. The college has a unique family atmosphere, combining a top-level UK education with a warm welcome at an affordable fee.

Academic Record: 98% of pupils from Campbell College proceed to study at universities throughout the world with on average one in three pupils being accepted into the top Russell Group universities in the UK. Extracurricular: The college has one of the most extensive extracurricular timetables of any college in Ireland, from judo and kayaking to rugby and shooting, and everything in between. Notable Achievements and Alumni: A strong rugby college, Campbell has won the Ulster Schools Rugby Cup 24 times. Notable alumni include Nobel Laureate, Professor William Campbell, Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody and Jonny Quinn, and multiple Olympians, Irish rugby, hockey and cricket players – to name just a few.

FEES:

School Philosophy: Our aims are numerous, but very clear: to provide the

best in education for every child in our care within a happy, safe, supportive Christian environment; to offer a wide variety of extracurricular pursuits to all age groups in order to promote the healthy development of the whole child; and to produce confident, self-reliant, compassionate and responsible young men and women, who, when they leave us at 18, will be equipped to take up the challenges of the 21st century. The school has a large sports hall, indoor heated swimming pool, creative arts and technology block, three boarding houses, ICT suites, science laboratories, chapel and refurbished kitchens and dining facilities. With most pupils proceeding to higher education, academic standards are high; each pupil is encouraged to strive to reach his or her full potential. Our academic success is due to small classes, dedicated staff and supportive teaching, ensuring each pupil receives the individual attention needed. Academic achievement, as well as the all-round development of the individual, is of prime importance at Farringtons.

Our vision is to inspire individuals to be the best they can be; contribute to the world around them and grow into men of character. We are committed to providing an education that enables each and every boy fulfil his potential – whether in the classroom, on the stage or on the sports field. We believe education is a holistic experience that should celebrate the creative, physical and spiritual as well as the intellectual. We want boys to leave with things that are going to matter to them for the rest of their lives. Prepare to be challenged, stretched and inspired. Mr Robert Robinson, MBE, Headmaster

At Farringtons, we believe in education in its broadest sense. Our aim is to develop the whole individual, and therefore learning does not finish when the bell rings at the end of the teaching day. After tea, from 4.15pm to 6pm each day, all pupils are able to join in supervised prep sessions. This enables them to consult staff about their work at a time of the day when the pace has lessened. A debating society, football club, taekwondo, a maths club and maths clinic, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, a textiles club, a drama club, jazz dance, fencing, Business Enterprise, ballet, trampolining, a choir, a concert band and an orchestra are just some of the many interests available to pupils at lunch times and after school.

www.campbellcollege.co.uk

www.farringtons.org.uk

Open Days: Held throughout the year and please contact the college to arrange a visit. 1,200

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The best schools and universities

Gordon’s School, Surrey Bagshot Road, West End, Surrey GU24 9PT

Headteacher: Andrew Moss Admissions: registrar@gordons.school (main school) sixthformregistrar@gordons.school (sixth form) +44 (0)1276 858084 Boys and girls, 11-18 years FEES: Senior (day) from £1,998, weekly boarding from £5,566. full boarding from £5,946 per term. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 22, sixth form – 12 FAITH: Non-denominational. MOTTO: Semper Fidelis – (Ever Faithful) ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: The main school offers a non-selective entry. Entry into the sixth form is conditional upon a minimum qualifying standard for each subject studied. There is also over-subscription criteria for both schools. GENDER/AGES:

School Philosophy: We recognise that a good education is not just about

outstanding examination results but a thorough preparation for life. It is about providing opportunities and experiences for all young people to find their talents and interests, develop good character, become accomplished and achieve across a range of disciplines and ultimately develop the confidence to

go and make their mark in the world. Our aim is to develop world-class world citizens. We believe in modern ideas alongside traditional values together with a broad and balanced curriculum and that high performance without good character is not true success at all.

Academic Record: Gordon’s is in the top 1% of schools nationally for progress over the last three years at A-levels. Students are challenged to attain a grade higher than they would in other schools and over 90% of our sixth formers reach their chosen destination after A-levels. Extracurricular: Students are offered over 50 different activities including

sports, academic enrichment, and creative and outdoor pursuits during their extended school day and on Saturday mornings. Competitions are offered in both intra and Inter-House and against other schools. The school boasts an enviable record in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and runs a tri-service Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

Notable Achievements and Alumni: The school is the National Memorial to General Gordon and its patron is the reigning sovereign. Notable Gordonians include Hannah Russell MBE, gold medal Paralympian swimmer, Olympic Gold netball medallist Eboni Usoro-Brown, Wales rugby player Jake Ball, and professional golfer Steve Brown. www.gordons.school

Open Days: September, October and November 2020. See the website for details

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The best schools and universities

Repton School, Derbyshire Repton, Derbyshire, DE65 6FH

Headteacher: Mark J Semmence Admissions: registrar@repton.org.uk +44 (0)1283 559200 Boys and girls, 3-18 years Boarding from £12,261 per term. Day from £9,096 per term. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: 8-20 per class pending subject. FAITH: Repton School has strong Christian roots, however, the School does not select for entry on the basis of religious belief, and it offers the opportunity for pupils to practise their own faiths. MOTTO: Porta Vacat Culpa ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Please see our website for details. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Repton is a flourishing school with a clear sense of

purpose and momentum. As one of the country’s preeminent co-educational boarding and day schools, Repton provides an exceptional broad-based education, blending heritage with the pursuit of excellence in a 21st century context, offering world-class facilities as well as high quality teaching and pastoral care. We believe in the pursuit of academic excellence and success, of course, but this is not at the expense of an all-round and broad education.

The two are not mutually exclusive; and on the contrary they complement one another. Our pupils flourish both in and out of the classroom and they develop the skills, qualities and values that will lead to a successful life. We passionately believe that the quality of an education is seen less in the questions children answer than in the questions they ask.

Academic Record: The 2019 A-level results achieved by our Upper Sixth pupils were very good, with 34% awarded an A* or A. The 2019 GCSE results achieved by our O-Block (year 11) pupils were the best in a generation with 43.7% achieving an A*, 9 or 8 and 67.4% achieving an A*, A, 9, 8 or 7. Extracurricular: Repton is recognised as one of the top sporting schools

in the UK and excels at hockey (over 30 national titles), football, tennis, cricket and swimming. The School also has an outstanding choir who perform annually at St Pauls Cathedral, as well as flourishing drama and art departments, with many pupils gaining admission to top tier universities in the UK and Ivy League institutions in the US.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: CB Fry (international sportsman,

politician & diplomat), Harold Abrahams (Olympic champion ‘Chariots of Fire’), Roald Dhal (author), Jeremy Clarkson (broadcaster & journalist), Adrian Newey (F1 Engineer), Georgie Twigg (Olympic Gold Medallist)

www.repton.org.uk

Open Days: Visit us in person and we would be delighted to welcome you to the School.

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The best schools and universities

We take care. At guard.me, we understand how difficult it can be for students to adjust to a new country and a new school. Thatâ€™s why our team of experts works hard to ensure students are healthy and happy by providing compassionate service that is delivered with cultural sensitivity in the language of their choosing. We do so much more than simply offer student health insurance. We help new students feel at ease and supported with innovative solutions like keep.meSAFE by guard.me, our student mental wellness program.

Real People. Real Solutions.

Taking care of students is not simply our business, itâ€™s our mission.

Learn more at www.guardme.eu 66

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The best schools and universities

Alleyn’s School, London

Tonbridge School, Kent

Townley Road, Dulwich, London SE22 8SU

High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1JP

Headteacher: Dr G.J. Savage Admissions: registrar@alleyns.org.uk +44 (0)20 8557 1500

Headteacher: Mr James Priory Admissions: admissions@tonbridge-school.org +44 (0)1732 365555

GENDER/AGES:

Boys and girls, 11-18 years £6,950 per term (2019-2020) TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 25, sixth form – 12 FAITH: Church of England; children are welcome from all faiths and none MOTTO: Co-educational Excellence ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Registration opens in September and closes in November for entry the following September. Registration fee waiver for candidates who qualify for pupil premium. The process includes assessment papers (English, maths, verbal, non-verbal and spatial reasoning), interview and headteacher’s report, with small group activities at 11+.

GENDER/AGES:

FEES:

School Philosophy: Alleyn’s is one of the UK’s leading independent day

School Philosophy: The school provides a caring and enlightened

Academic Record: Alleyn’s has a long-held record of academic success for boys and girls. 43% of all GCSE grades awarded to Alleyn’s pupils in 2019 were at the highest possible Grade 9. 71% of all grades awarded were at Grade 9 or 8. 30% of all A-level grades awarded in 2019 were at A*. 68% of all grades awarded were at A* and A.

Academic Record: Tonbridge School has an excellent academic reputation. This is achieved by high-quality teachers, assisted by dedicated support staff, who together foster a broad curriculum for able boys. Nearly two thirds of all results were graded A*/A at A-level in 2019. More than 90 per cent of all GCSE results were at Grade 9, 8 and 7.

Extracurricular: Our thriving co-curriculum provides every boy and girl with the opportunity to try out new things and to find out more about themselves. It embraces numerous sports, drama, music and art options, an amazing range of clubs, societies and outdoor activities, as well as volunteering, CCF, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes.

Extra-curricular: A Tonbridge education includes a vibrant programme of co-curricular breadth and depth, with many clubs, societies and activities. Boys develop self-reliance and leadership skills alongside a strong sense of social responsibility.

schools, providing co-educational excellence and a vibrant curriculum within a warm and caring community. Despite the high attainment, focus is always on the holistic development of the child, and as such learning is constantly extended outside the classroom and into co-curricular activities.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Currently, 10% of senior school

pupils receive means-tested help and for the majority it means that their families pay no fees at all for them to attend Alleyn’s. Our bursary campaign aims to increase this number to 20% over time. Famous alumni: R.V. Jones, Orlando van Einsiedel, The Right Honourable Professor the Lord Kakkar, Nancy Carroll, Jessie Ware, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, C.F. Forrester, Dobrinka Tabakova.

www.alleyns.org.uk

Open Days: taster days and small group tours are available. Visit www.alleyns.org.uk/admissions 1036

Boys, 13-18 years. Senior (day) from £10,529, full boarding from £14,035 per term. Bursaries and scholarships available. See website for details. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 18, sixth form – 10. FAITH: Christian. MOTTO: Deus Dat Incrementum. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Most of Tonbridge’s boys join at age 13 in the First Year (year 9), but we also accept entry into the lower sixth (year 12) at the start of sixth form courses. Most boys entering the school at age 13 will have completed an assessment during year 6.

environment in which the talents of each individual flourish. We encourage boys to be creative, tolerant and to strive for academic, sporting and cultural excellence. Respect for tradition and an openness to innovation are equally valued.

Notable Achievements: Tonbridge was named as the Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2019. Set up to celebrate the student experience, the Independent Schools of the Year Awards recognised Tonbridge for its record of academic and pastoral excellence and for demonstrating environmental commitment. Barton Science Centre: This spectacular, £20m building opened in 2019

and places Tonbridge at the cutting edge of school science, nationally and internationally. It combines state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories with latest technology and stunning architectural features.

www.tonbridge-school.co.uk

Open Mornings: See the new Barton Science Centre on 7 March and 16 May 2020 793

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Queen Anne’s School, Berkshire Henley Road, Caversham, Berkshire RG4 6DX

Headteacher: Julia Harrington Admissions: admissions@qas.org.uk +44 (0)118 918 7333 Girls, 11-18 years Senior (day) from £8,205, flexi boarding from three or four nights £12,060, flexi boarding from two nights £11,440, full boarding from £12,690 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 8-20 FAITH: Queen Anne’s is part of a Church of England Foundation. We accept students of all faiths and none. MOTTO: Kind hearts, fierce minds and strong spirits. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Our 11+ and 13+ assessment day takes place in October, prior to Common Entrance in January. All girls must sit the 11+ or 13+ Common Entrance examinations, which take place in the January of the year of entry. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: An innovative education for an ever-changing world.

Set in 35 acres and just a short walk from the River Thames, Queen Anne’s School, Caversham, is an independent boarding and day school for girls. The school prepares over 450 students every year for an ever-changing world through an exciting and continually evolving education, steeped in excellence

and innovation. The cutting-edge curriculum and outstanding teaching is underpinned by BrainCanDo, the psychology and neuroscience research programme founded by headmistress Julia Harrington. “You cannot teach, guide or inspire a teenager with any success unless you understand what stimulates their exuberant brains, or stall and depresses them,” says Mrs Harrington. “Our positive and inclusive approach to learning and behaviours helps every girl to get the best from themselves. It supports and inspires while at school but also prepares them for successful and happy lives.”

Academic Record: In 2019 97% of all GCSE exams received 9-4 (A*-C) grades with 60% of grades in STEM subjects achieving 9/8/7 (A*/A). At A-level 68% of grades received A*, A or B and leavers went on to study at leading institutions including Manchester, Imperial, UCL, Exeter, Liverpool and Nottingham, across a wide range of topics including medicine, law, industrial design and technology, liberal arts, international business and material sciences. Extracurricular: With over 100 co-curricular activities available, the school

offers a holistic approach to the girls’ learning, both in and outside the classroom. From animation to rowing, from the Duke of Edinburgh Award to Tycoons in School, there is a wealth of opportunities for students to discover their passions and their strengths. www.qas.org.uk

Open Days: 9.30am 6 March and 2 May 2020, 4.30pm 11 June 2020

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The best schools and universities

Rugby School, Rugby

Millfield, Somerset

Lawrence Sheriff Street, Rugby CV22 5EH

Butleigh Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0YD

Headteacher: Mr Peter Green Admissions: admissions@rugbyschool.net +44 (0)1788 556216

Headteacher: Mr Gavin Horgan Admissions: admissions@millfieldschool.com +44 (0)1458 442291

GENDER/AGES:

Boys and girls, 13-18 years Senior (full boarding) £12,266, senior (day) £7,696 per term. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior 5-15 FAITH: Church of England MOTTO: Whole person, whole point ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Please see our website for details

GENDER/AGES:

FEES:

School Philosophy: Our mantra is ‘The Whole Person is the Whole Point’.

School Philosophy: Millfield aims to provide an educational experience

Our students are achieving the best academic results in the school’s history, but at Rugby, there is a whole lot more to experience, achieve and share. We stand out because our young people have the confidence to challenge and question – they are not afraid to fail. We teach them how to recover, to make the best of their skills, and while excellence is celebrated, at Rugby, nobody is ever on the bench. Our 3Rs of restlessness, reflection and rigour are shared by our staff and students who are united in their desire for growth and development.

Academic Record: For the last five years, Rugby School’s exam results

have been better than the year before. In 2019 more than 64% of all grades at A-level were A* or A, better than our major competitors for the third year running, while 61.3% of GCSEs scored a 9 or an 8.

Extracurricular: There are more than 200 co-curricular options here across a wide range of topics interests. Our programme is not about simply filling time or bolt-ons to existing subjects, but more about creating enriching experiences that ignite a spark, lead to another question or nurture a quiet confidence. Notable Achievements and Alumni: In 2019, 15 students achieved Oxbridge places, 10 of our sports teams including tennis, hockey, cricket, netball and sailing were unbeaten, BBC Radio 4 recorded six daily service broadcasts with us, four students were accepted by the National Youth Theatre and Rugby was named Co-educational School of the Year at the Independent School of the Year Awards. www.rugbyschool.co.uk

Open Days: 13+ (boarding) – 18 Jan, 1 Feb, 21 March, 2&16 May, 3 Oct and 28 Nov 2020 13+(day) – evenings of 28 April and 13 Oct 2020 16+ – 6 June and 19 Sept 2020 817

Boys and girls, 13-18 years Senior (day) from £8,535, full boarding from £12,870 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 8-14, sixth form – 8-14 FAITH: Non-denominational MOTTO: Molire Molendo ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Reference, interview and computer-based assessment.

that puts the individual students at the centre, in order to develop and discover the brilliance in every child, by immersing them in limitless academic, creative and sporting opportunities. Our outstanding facilities and fantastic teachers underpin Millfield’s exceptional academic environment, where both hard work and wellbeing are put at the forefront. Students are actively encouraged to question, innovate and challenge and utilise their voice to nurture positive change.

Academic Record: In 2019, 84% of GCSE grades were 9-5 (A*-B) across 34 subjects, with 94% of grades 9-4 (A*-C). With 281 students in upper sixth, taking 31 different subjects, Millfield is the largest independent sixth form in the country. Students achieved 12% A* and 34% A*- A or equivalent grade at A-Level, Pre-U and BTEC, with an overall pass rate of 99%. Extra-curricular: Our rigorous academic programme is supported by a strong extra-curricular programme in the arts, drama, music and sport. Over 100 activities are available, including sports, hobbies, voluntary work, and those to nurture positive mental health such as beekeeping, yoga, mindful puzzles and dog walking. Notable Achievements and Alumni: Recent achievements include six students scoring in the top 4% of all SAT results globally; winning the award for Independent School of the Year for International Student Experience; and sixth form student Yuhka Machino winning the only Gold medal as part of the UK team at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad in Ukraine. Millfield’s alumni include England Rugby player Chris Robshaw, singersongwriter Ella Eyre and Rio 2016 Olympic medallists, Helen Glover and James Guy.

www.millfieldschool.com

Open Days: 29 February and 2 May 2020 1,250

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Registered charity 1101358 The best schools and universities

How do we prepare children for jobs that donâ€™t exist yet? With one eye firmly trained on the world beyond None of us knows today what the world is our gates, we equip all our students with the skills going to require of us tomorrow. But some of us are they will need to reshape it. keeping an extremely close eye on things. So if sixty per cent of roles have yet to be At Sevenoaks School, many of the skills that invented*, Sevenoaks alumni will be ready to take them will be called for in the future are embedded in our With one eye firmly trained on the world beyond None of us knows today what the world is on when they are. curriculum now. our gates, we equip all our students with the skills going to require of us tomorrow. But some of us are Critical thinking for instance, is exercised here they will need to reshape it. keeping an extremely close eye on things. daily from the start. So is complex problem solving. So if sixtywww.sevenoaksschool.org per cent of roles have yet to be At Sevenoaks School, many of the skills that invented*, Sevenoaks alumni will be ready to take them will be called for in the future are embedded in our *The Future of Jobs report, World Economic Forum. Potential jobs listed include: Space Pilot, Recycling Enforcer, Nano-medic, on when they are. curriculum now. Memory Augmentation Surgeon, Hydroponic Farmer, Graphene Engineer, Experimental Food Developer, Ethical Hacker, Critical thinking for instance, is exercised here Avatar Manager /Virtual Teacher Climate Change Reversal Specialist, greatbritisheducation.com daily from the start. So is complex problem solving.

How do we prepare children for jobs that donâ€™t exist yet?

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The best schools and universities

Abercorn School, London

St. Paul’s School, São Paulo

28 Abercorn Place, London NW8 9XP

Rua Juquiá 166, Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo SP 01440-903

Headteacher: Mrs Dusty Fretwell Admissions: admissions@abercornschool.com +44 20 7286 4785 Sister School: The British International School of New York. GENDER/AGES: Boys and girls, 2.5-13 years FEES: Nursery – half day from £3,510, full day from £7,020; pre-prep and prep (day) from £7,020, prep (day) from £7,020 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: 15 FAITH: Non-denominational MOTTO: Abercorn is an inclusive and happy school which encourages all pupils to develop into confident life-long learners and global citizens. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Abercorn School is licensed to sponsor pupils under Tier 4. We are authorised to issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to enable international applicants to apply for their Tier 4 student visa. This is available for eligible applicants from age 4 upwards. Step 1: Online application with £100 registration fee. Step 2: A taster visit or assessment is required for years 2 to 4 entry and an assessment is required for years 5 to 8 entry. International applicants are welcome to sit the assessment remotely and we welcome mid-year applicants where places are available. Entry from nursery to year 1 is non-selective and places are offered in registration date order.

School Philosophy: We value pupils as individuals with unique talents

and interests. Together with parents, our shared vision is to develop wellrounded children with a strong sense of their own individual attributes and strengths.

Academic Record: At Abercorn School, we are proud of our pupils’ success in gaining places at the onward schools of their choosing, with an enviable record of results and scholarships both here in the UK and abroad. Extracurricular: We are delighted to offer a varied after-school club

programme. Our clubs vary from term to term and are designed to offer children exposure to new skills and areas of interest appropriate to their age. Popular clubs include ballet, taekwondo, computer coding, science, art, choir and football, to name a few!

Notable Achievements and Alumni: For over 30 years Abercorn School has proudly offered a broad and stimulating curriculum. Celebrating the achievements of individuals in all areas of school life and successfully preparing pupils for the next stage of their educational journey. www.abercornschool.com/international

Open Days: Private tours are available daily

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Headteacher: Ms Louise Simpson (Mr Titus Edge as of August 2020) Admissions: sra@stpauls.br +55 11 3087-3399 Boys and girls, 3-18 years Nursery £1,268, pre-prep £1,268, prep £1,601, senior £1,784 per month TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Pre-Prep – 10-20, prep – 20, senior – 10-20, sixth form – up to 15 FAITH: All faiths are welcome. MOTTO: Manibus Potentia Studium Animis: (Strength is gained with our hands, but zeal is only acquired through our minds). ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance assessment and interviews. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: We are very proud of our strong heritage, traditions and values but are constantly looking forward, seeking to innovate and improve at every age and stage for every one of our pupils. Excellent teaching and learning the very best pastoral care and co-curricular provision lie at the very heart of the school.

Academic Record: St. Paul’s is the first South American school to be recognised by the UK government as a British School Overseas. In our February 2019 inspection we were judged by the ISI as being excellent in all areas (for both pupils’ achievement and their personal development). Our IGCSE and IB results are consistently very strong. Extracurricular: At St. Paul’s, we understand that our pupils need to learn about themselves, and learn from the global, ever-changing world they live in. We believe in helping our pupils achieve their full intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual potential. The wide range of clubs, societies, trips, visits, sporting, music and house activities on offer all enrich the vibrant Paulean learning experience. Notable Achievements and Alumni: Whether coming to the school to run workshops and lectures, visiting to have lunch and catch up with favourite teachers, or hosting our pupils for work experience placements, our alumni are valued, integral members of the St. Paul’s pride of lions. Our pupils are always inspired by their stories of how the solid Paulean values have prepared them for exciting lives beyond the school walls.

www.stpauls.br

Open Days: Please view the full list of dates on our website 1,140

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The British International School of New York

British International School Of Tbilisi Leo Kvachadze 17, Lisi Lake Area, Tbilisi 0186, Georgia

20 Waterside Plaza, New York, NY 10010

Headteacher: Jason Morrow Admissions: admissions@bis-ny.org +1 (212)481-2700 Sister School: Abercorn School in London. GENDER/AGES: Boys and girls, 2.9-18 years FEES: Nursery – $42,500 fees based on full time and paid annually, half days available. Pre-prep to senior (day) $49,500. BIS-NY is a non fundraising school. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 16-20, senior – 16-20, sixth form – 16-20 FAITH: Non denominational MOTTO: BIS-NY is an inclusive and happy school which encourages all pupils to develop into confident life-long learners and global citizens. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: BIS-NY is delighted to be able to issue F1 Visas for students studying at the school in year 1 (Kindergarten) through year 9 (Grade 8). Please contact admissions@bis-ny.org for more information. An overview of our simple application process can be found at www.bis-ny. org/admissions and we welcome families to contact our admissions team who will be delighted to answer your questions.

School Philosophy: At BIS-NY we provide an exceptional education

combining creativity, depth of study and academic rigour with an inquirybased approach to learning and to enable students to be knowledgeable, kind, committed, globally minded and confident. Above all we know that a happy child is a successful child, and we are focused on making each year that a child is with us at BIS-NY, the most enriching and successful year possible across all aspects of their education.

Academic Record: BIS-NY provides an exceptional academic programme equipping students with the knowledge, skills and intellectual enthusiasm to thrive at university and beyond. Extracurricular: At BIS-NY there are opportunities across the term to showcase skills and areas of interest beyond the classroom. Whether it’s our House System, numerous school plays and performances, Book Week or through our variety of afterschool clubs which change each term, school life is always an adventure. Notable Achievements and Alumni: We are very proud of the success our students have achieved, regardless of when they join us and when they might move on. The quality of our curriculum, alongside an internationally-minded approach, ensures every student leaves us with as many opportunities to access their next stage of education, prepared academically and socially for the challenges to come.

Boys and girls, 3-18 years Available on application TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Secondary 22 max, KS1&2 20 max, EY 16 max MOTTO: Inspiring People, Achieving Excellence ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Application, Admissions Assessment and Interview/ Meeting. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: British International School of Tbilisi aims to equip

learners with the essential knowledge, skills and expertise they need to realise their full academic and personal potential, and to succeed in work and life in the increasingly dynamic 21st century. This includes the development of academic subject knowledge and understanding, as well as developing intellectual, personal, social, emotional and physical skills.

Academic Record: BIST offers the Cambridge Early Years, Cambridge Primary and Secondary Curriculums and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). In Years 10 and 11, students embark upon the IGCSE Programme followed by A-Levels in the sixth form (Years 12 and 13). BIST teachers are native English speakers and all teaching is conducted in English. The school ensures personal achievement and success by providing high quality teaching with high expectations for student achievement. BIST is a patron’s accredited member of the Council of British International Schools. Extracurricular: BIST prides itself on the variety of extracurricular programmes offered. The school is Georgia’s only licenced deliverer of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and the only organisation in the country offering the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (IDEA) and London College of Music examinations. Whether a student is interested in Model UN, basketball, chess, drama, music, football, art or a range of other activities, BIST has an enriching programme to suit. The school is a member of the Black Sea Schools Group and the Silk Road Athletics Association which offer sporting and other student engagement events in Georgia and the region.

www.bist.ge Twitter: @BISTbilisi Facebook: @bist.ge

www.bis-ny.org

Open Days: We invite families to arrange a private tour, telephone or video call 300

Principal: Stephen Priest Admissions: admissions@bist.ge + 995 32 2 251 253

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Open Days: we accommodate potential parents and students at any time 320

The best schools and universities

Mougins School, France

Alice Smith School, Malaysia

No. 2, Jalan Bellamy, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia No. 3, Jalan Equine, Equine Park, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

615 Ave Maurice Donat, CS 12180, 06252 Mougins Cedex, FRANCE

Headteacher: Mrs Dawn Akyurek Admissions: information@mougins-school.com +33(0)4 93 90 15 47 Boys and girls, 3-18 years Nursery (early years) €7,200, pre-prep (reception) €13,10, prep (forms 1-6) €15,800, prep (forms 7-9) €16,800, senior €18,500. TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 22, senior – 22, sixth form – 22 FAITH: Multiple faiths MOTTO: Prepare for tomorrow’s world with an education worthy of today ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non selective

Headteacher: Head of School, Roger Schultz Admissions: Primary Campus admissions.jb@alice-smith.edu.my Secondary Campus admissions.ep@alice-smith.edu.my Primary Campus +603 2148 3674. Secondary Campus +603 9543 3688

GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Mougins School is renowned for its kind and caring

philosophy, which considers that every child has a potential and we are all equal. In a nurturing environment, students will give their very best. An international melting pot nourishes students’ curiosity and breaks down all barriers of race and religion.

Academic Record: Following a British international curriculum, Mougins School achieves above average results in both IGCSEs and A-levels. Our students go on to higher education in prestigious universities world-wide. Art, music and sport are an integral part of the programme. Extracurricular: A large number of peripatetic music teachers offer diverse instrumental and voice classes as well as drama, sports, art workshops, mindfulness, yoga. This year, under the direction of a new headteacher, Mougins School will be participating in the COBIS Games in Belgium, the COBIS Student World Debate, an art trip to Paris, two Spanish trips to Barcelona, two history trips – one to Normandy and one to Krakow in Poland – a production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as the annual winter concerts, various smaller musical and theatrical events and regular day trips as part of the curriculum. The school is also applying to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Boys and girls, 3-18 years Pre-school and reception from £2,800 to £3,600 per term Primary (years 1-6) from £4,600 to £4,800 per term Secondary (years 7 to sixth form) from £5,600 to £6,000 per term Note: Current exchange rate £1 = RM5.50 TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Primary: 18-20, senior: 22-24, sixth form: 16-18. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non selective. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: The Alice Smith School was the first British

International school in Malaysia and remains a world leading, not-for-profit educational foundation today. Innovating in our Learning Environment: From our flexible spaces, rich in technology, to our state-of-the-art sports facilities, Alice Smith School is purposefully designed to stimulate and engage your child. Innovating in our Teaching: By providing a personalised learning experience, tailored to your child’s individual needs and preferences, we find a way to bring out the very best in them.

Academic Record: Our academic results are consistently excellent placing us among the best British international schools in the world. In 2019, 66% of all (I)GCSE grades were at A* or A (grades 9-7) and 52% of all A-level grades were at A* or A. Our students progressed to places in top ranked universities in the UK, US and worldwide including the UK Russell Group and several US Ivy League Universities. Extracurricular: An integral part of the school’s mission and vision is the enriching, holistic education our students experience beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to the all-round development of our students, achieved through a multitude of wider learning opportunities from helping in the community, personal challenge awards, cultural days, Creative and Expressive Arts performances, participating in international sporting competitions, trips and expeditions; opportunities are vast for all students. Notable Achievements and Alumni: An accredited member of (COBIS) and a founding member of (FOBISIA). In 2019, the school won the Pastoral Initiative category at the International School Awards .

www.mougins-school.com

Open Days: 14 March 2020 from 9am-12pm 582

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Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh 294 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0PU

Headteacher: Mr Jonathan Anderson Admissions: admissions@merchiston.co.uk +44 (0)131 312 2201 Boys, 7-18 years Prep (day) from £5,010, prep (full boarding) from £7,220; senior (day) from £8,510, senior (full boarding) from £11,730 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 16, sixth form – 13 FAITH: Inter-denominational. MOTTO: Ready ay Ready. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Please see our website for details. GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Our mission is to provide a caring community for

your son, which treats him as an individual, unearths and tends his talents, encourages him to pursue excellence in all he does and enables him to truly flourish. What makes Merchiston different? It is a combination of things: our size, a relentless focus on the individual, and the fact that we really understand boys and how to get the very best out of them.

Academic Record: Our excellent exam results (the average UVI pupil’s

UCAS points tally was 141 (as a guide, AAA at A-level is 144 points and AAB is 136 points) and the destinations of our leavers (Two thirds of pupils went to UK Russell Group universities, Bath, St Andrews and leading international institutions) speak for themselves. How it happens is much more important, for that is at the very heart of our success. We will get to know your son: his strengths, and areas for development; his interests, and what motivates him; how best to support him through challenges. That knowledge in the round really helps us to support him academically and to ensure he is equipped to succeed to the very best of his ability, to achieve his personal excellence.

Extracurricular: This is the time in your son’s life for exploring and

discovering new talents. When he first joins, we will encourage him to explore as many co-curricular options as possible and gain as much from the experiences as he can. The lessons and skills learned outside the classroom are extremely valuable, and highly transferable.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Member of the World Leading Schools Association – the only school in Scotland! Number-one UK Golf School (Independent Schools Golf Association, 2019). Number-one UK Tennis School (LTA, 2019). Alumni includes Shane Corstorphine, Senior Vice President, Skyscanner. www.merchiston.co.uk

Open Day: 29 February 2020

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High Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0RF 0208 505 4821 www.bancrofts.org “An outstanding school - bright children and dedicated staff” Good Schools Guide Means tested awards, academic and music scholarships available

KINGSLEY SCHOOL “The quality of pupils’ personal development at Kingsley is excellent” ISI report 2019 Boys and girls independent day and boarding school. Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 3LY 01237 426200 www.kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk Nursery | Pre Prep School | Prep School | Senior School | Sixth Form

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One childhood, one chance Top 40 co-ed day and boarding school where children stay younger longer. For children age 3 to 18 E: admissions@westbuckland.com T: 01598 760178 westbuckland.com/go-west

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A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE WHERE ACADEMIC PERSONAL BESTS ARE ACHIEVED ALONG WITH EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC, SPORT & THE ARTS Seaford College is a hidden gem tucked away at the foot of the picturesque South Downs near Petworth, West Sussex

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Kingswood School & Kingswood Prep School, Bath

King William’s College, Isle of Man

Kingswood School, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG Prep: College Road, Lansdown, Bath, BA1 5SD

Castletown, Isle of Man, IM9 1TP

Headteacher: Prep: Mr Mark Brearey. Senior: Mr Simon Morris Admissions: admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk Prep: +44 (0)1225 734460, Senior: +44(0)1225 734200

Headteacher: Mr Joss Buchanan Admissions: admissions@kwc.im 01624 820400

Boys and girls, 9 months-18 years Nursery (day) from £65, weekly from £314 (half-day sessions also available), pre-prep (day) from £63, pre-prep (weekly) from £309 (half-day sessions also available), prep (day) from £3,431, prep (weekly) from £6,795, senior (full boarding) from £8,089 per term, senior (day) from £5,208, senior (weekly) from £8,187, senior (full boarding) from £9,371 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 12-15, senior – 15-18, sixth form – 12-15 FAITH: Kingswood welcomes pupils from all faiths and none. MOTTO: In The Right Way Quickly. ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective entry into the nursery and reception. For years 3-8, children sit admissions papers in English, maths and non-verbal reasoning. In addition, years 9 and 10 also take science and a foreign language. An interview and references from current school are also required. Candidates looking to enter Kingswood Sixth Form will be invited to interview. Offers will be made based on the interview, predicted GCSE results and current school reports.

Boys and girls, 11-18 years Senior (day) from £18,250-£23,250 per year, weekly boarding from £208-£250 per week, flexi boarding from £55 per day, full boarding from £29,250-£34,250 per year TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Senior – 15, sixth form – 10 FAITH: Church of England MOTTO: Assiduitate, non desidia ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non-selective. School reports and an interview required

GENDER/AGES: FEES:

School Philosophy: Founder John Wesley’s philosophy was: “Do all the

good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” This belief is still shared amongst the Kingswood community.

Academic Record: Kingswood has been ranked in the top 5% nationally for added-value, and academic results are consistently excellent. 98% of students go onto university and over three quarters achieved the A*-B grades required for entry into Russell Group universities. Extracurricular: Kingswood believes that every individual has talents to

be discovered and nurtured. With an extensive co-curricular programme offering over 100 activities a week, pupils achieve astonishing successes as they constantly progress well beyond their natural potential.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: There are many former pupils at Kingswood School who have been extremely successful in their chosen field. For example, David Blow was an influential British biophysicist, Sir Kenneth Cross was a Senior Royal Air Force commander, Roger Saul founded the Mulberry fashion label and Tim Curry has appeared in a diverse range of film, television, and theatre productions. www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Open Days: Please see the website for details

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few where every student in the sixth form studies the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The IB philosophy – particularly its emphasis on skills and its focus on internationalism – is central to our approach and we are one of the largest and most experienced IB schools in the British Isles. Most of our pupils live locally in the Isle of Man, but we also have a thriving boarding community and students travel from all over the world to study the IB in such a beautiful and safe environment.

Academic Record: Success can be measured in many ways; in university placements, almost all our students go on to university either in the UK, US or Europe; in academic results, our (I)GCSE and IB Diploma results are strong and well above the UK average; in sporting achievements, our teams are competitive in a wide array of sport; in artistic performance, drama, visual arts and music thrive throughout the school. Extracurricular: Knowledge is vital, but so too are confidence, communication and character. It is important to learn how to lead, how to contribute and how to build. Whether it is a concert, a play, a debate, a trek or a match, what matters is participation and a willingness to try something new. There is a vast array of opportunity at college to try new challenges, two of the most popular are the Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, but there is something for everyone.

www.kwc.im

Open Days: October and May each year

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