Schools in London – Education Information
British school education is considered the standard of academic studying. Studying in the best schools in London is the first step towards admission to the world’s leading universities. A strict daily routine, a variety of flexible curricula, elective subjects and many electives – sports, art, music, theater, dance trips around the country and abroad, acquaintance with universities give maximum opportunities for comprehensive personal development.
All educational institutions of the British educational system are divided into two types – public and private. In the former, as a rule, the main number of local residents study, while it is not easy for students from other countries to get there – for this you need at least to have a residence permit in England. Therefore, when foreign students plan to go to study in the UK, they apply to private institutions, and accordingly, pay for tuition. In particular, there are a huge number of private schools in London, where pupils not only study, but also live.
Private educational institutions are convenient because they take on not only the organization of the educational process, but also the placement of students on their territory (in residence), form a leisure and cultural program for the entire academic period, including weekends, and in general provide support and care for each of the pupils of the school. This format is especially convenient for younger children, because when sending a child to a private school abroad, parents can not worry about his comfort and safety – the school staff is responsible for each of their students.
The studying process in the best secondary schools in London
Education is mandatory for children from 5 to 16 years old, then students can continue their studies in high school for another 2 years (Six Form), high school graduates receive A-level qualifications. Other diplomas are also possible:
- Qualifications of the Council for Business and Technology Education (BTEC)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Cambridge Pre-U.
At the end of the compulsory period of 16 years, all students take the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exam. Those who have successfully passed academic tests undergo two-year college or Sixth Form studying (senior classes, focused on preparing future students). After completing the 2-year course, students take A-Levels. Students usually choose 3 subjects for the exam, the highest grade is A*.
Students move from the primary level to the secondary level from the age of 11, some educational institutions offer three-level education systems with a stage for children from 9 to 13 years.
According to the national curriculum, all students take tests according to the national curriculum (NCT) by the end of the 2nd academic stage in the main subjects: literacy, mathematics, natural sciences. Students usually take GCSE, GNVQ exams.
Secondary schools in London fees for foreign students
The secondary schools in London have higher prices than the average in Britain. In general, one year of study at an English private school will require from parents the amount of 18 to 30 thousand British pounds.
The costs will be impressive for the entire period of study, but let’s not forget that such an education will give your child a great chance to enroll in a prestigious university and in the future build a brilliant career not only in his native country, but also abroad if desired.
Enrolment requirements in the international secondary schools in London
Most schools in London accept international students if they have places. Therefore, even if your child does not have a very high level of knowledge of English, he will still be able to enrol if there is a financial opportunity to study. However, it is recommended to enrol in schools in London with some level of English knowledge. To enrol in a school in London, an applicant must fill out a special form on the institution’s website, and then prepare and send the following set of documents to the school’s admissions committee:
- Student’s report card for the last 2-3 years
- Student characteristics (usually from math and English teachers)
- Results of the language test (at least 4,5 scores for IELTS)
- Motivation letter (why the student want to study in the chosen school).
It is best to send documents at least 8-9 months, and preferably a year before the start of studying. In addition, it is considered normal to send applications abroad not to one educational institution, but to several at once, in order to increase your chances of admission for sure.
TOP secondary schools in London
- Abbey College Cambridge
- National Mathematics and Science College
- d’Overbroeck’s College
- MPW London
- CATS Cambridge
- Kensington Park
- DLD London
- CATS London
- St Clare’s Oxford
- MPW Cambridge.
