What Should Parents Know About UK Boarding Schools? Preparation, Application, and Student Life
Choosing to send your child to a boarding school in the UK is not a decision you just jump into. Top boarding schools UK are associated with high academic standards, as well as having an outstanding well-rounded experience. With this in mind, as an education consultant in Malaysia, PrepWorks, has put together a guide, which we hope will help you gain a good and accurate understanding of what to expect. Our role is to help families at almost every stage of the UK boarding school journey, to help them secure a position at outstanding boarding schools UK for international students.
What is a UK Boarding School? More Than Just a School
A UK boarding school is an educational establishment in which students will live and learn during the school term. UK boarding schools promote personal independence and global citizenship to prepare students for university and life beyond. These schools offer an experience like no other, with many making valuable friendships and learning crucial skills. This is why, when students are exploring their options for guidance, they seek a consultant to study abroad.
Prep School vs. Boarding School: Understanding the UK System
Prep School vs. Boarding School: The UK System Explained
This is a common source of confusion. Within the UK system, the terms “prep school” (preparatory school) and “boarding school” are not interchangeable.
- A Prep School is characterized by its function. A prep school is designed to prepare pupils, generally ages 7-13, for competitive entrance examinations to senior independent schools. Many prep schools are also boarding schools and offer boarding
- A Boarding School is characterized by the type of accommodation offerings. A boarding school may be a prep school (for younger children) or a senior school (suitable for ages 13-18).
Understanding this structure is the first step to finding the right education journey for your child, a process we simplify for families as their education consultant.
Key Entry Points: The Significance of Planning Ahead
When preparing for the application process, it is worthwhile to think about the ages students usually enter boarding school, as competition for entry into some of the best boarding schools UK is highly competitive.
- Age 7-8 (Year 3/4): This is a common entry point for preparatory boarding schools.
- Age 11 (Year 7): This is a significant entry point for many senior schools.
- Age 13 (Year 9): This is one of the more traditional entry points for many schools of note. In this instance, pupils often need to be registered years in advance.
- Age 16 (Year 12): An excellent choice for those students coming in for A-Levels or the IB.
Essentially, our key piece of advice at PrepWorks is to plan early, ideally 2-3 years preceding the entry date you are planning for, in order to adhere to deadlines for the most selective schools.
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
Applying to UK boarding schools for international students can be a meticulous process. Below is an overall understanding of the application process:
- Research & Shortlisting (2-3 years before entry):In this stage, you will identify schools that are appropriate for your child’s profile and your family’s values. This is also where our expertise as a study abroad consultant will really come in useful.
- Registration (18-24 months prior):In this stage, you will fill out a registration form with the associated registration fee. If your child is an international student who requires English language support, this is where you begin additional language classes.
- Assessments and Interviews:Your child will likely complete entrance tests and have an interview during this stage.
- Offer and Acceptance: Once your child has successfully been accepted into a UK boarding school, you will receive a formal offer.
- Visa Requirements: Once you receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your child’s school, you will be able to apply for a Child Student visa.
Life in a UK Boarding School: A Home Away From Home
A structured boarding school provides its students with a nurturing community. This is one reason why boarding schools UK for international students are so popular. They provide the following:
- Pastoral Care: This is the foundation. Every child will both have a tutor and a house tutor (housemaster/housemistress), who will have contact with your child and be in contact with you as a parent.
- Academic Timetable: The timetable will be structured around lessons, a supervised study or time for completion of assignments (homework), and quality time for sports and clubs.
- Support for International Students: Most boarding schools will have specific support for EAL (English as an Additional Language) students to assist them. For EAL students, this is particularly helpful if the student is not a first language English speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Parents
What distinguishes a prep school from a boarding school?
Prep schools serve the purpose of preparing boys and girls aged 7-13 to take their senior school examinations. Boarding schools are schools which have accommodation. A school can be both at the same time.
What is the youngest age to attend a UK boarding school?
The youngest generally age is 7 or 8. The most common brackets for different entry points are 7, 11, 13 and 16.
Can international students go to boarding school in the UK?
Definitely! UK boarding Schools have significant experience supporting international students and provide offers such as visa support and pastoral care.
What if we’ve missed the main entry point?
It is ideal to plan ahead, but all is not entirely lost. Sometimes, a place will become available. This is where we at PrepWorks can help. We have a network and understanding of admissions for many of the top boarding schools in the UK. Contact us to discuss your situation. We can assess availability and support you with the next steps at your choice of school.
Get Your Child Prepared for a Top UK Boarding School with PrepWorks
Selecting a UK Boarding School is an investment in your child’s future. Although planning can be straightforward, it can take time! The planner can make the whole journey worth it! As an education consultant, serving as the choice of families in Malaysia, PrepWorks is here to offer clarity and confidence.
If you are considering the top boarding schools UK, starting to plan your child’s admissions is an important first step. You can find in-depth information on our blog article entitled Ultimate Guide to Top Boarding Schools in the UK.
Book a Free Consultation with a PrepWorks Consultant Today to begin planning your child’s educational journey. Let us help you work through the options, and plan a successful admissions strategy.
