Let‘s pave the way for our children‘s future and start this wonderful journey of studying abroad!
If you are a parent who wants to send your child to study in the UK, but you are at a loss about this process, don't worry! Here is a comprehensive guide to help you clear your mind and take the road of studying abroad at a young age smoothly. Whether you choose a school, apply for a visa or adapt to the new environment, we will provide you with practical information and suggestions. Let's pave the way for our children's future and start this wonderful journey of studying abroad!
1. What grade does your child study abroad?
2. What are the enrollment nodes?
3+/4+/5+: Suitable for children entering preschool or the first grade of primary school.
7+/8+: Suitable for students entering the second or third grade of primary school.
11+: Suitable for entering junior middle school and lower grades, usually used for the entrance examination of women's private secondary schools.
13+: It is suitable for entering the senior middle school, and students will start studying GCSE at this stage. The enrollment time of most private schools is concentrated at this stage. (Some schools will have a small number of places open to the public at 14+)
16+: Suitable for entering senior high school, students will start the study of A-level courses.
3. How long does it take to prepare in advance?
In order to ensure the smooth application to the ideal school, parents are advised to start preparing as soon as possible. Generally speaking, it takes at least one and a half years in advance to plan and prepare the application materials. For some highly competitive schools, it is even necessary to register and apply two to three years in advance.
Specific suggestions on preparation time:
1. One and a half to two years ago
Get to know the school: start to study the curriculum, admission requirements and application timetable of different schools.
Participate in the open day: participate in the open day activities of the target school as much as possible in order to understand the school environment and culture more intuitively.
Assess children's needs: consider children's interests, specialties and future development direction, and choose the most suitable school.
2. A year ago
Preparation for exams: If the target school requires entrance exams (such as 11+, 13+, etc.), relevant study and review should be conducted in advance.
Finishing materials: begin to prepare the materials needed for the application, including letters of recommendation, personal statements and transcripts.
3. Six months ago
Complete the application: ensure that all application materials are submitted before the deadline, and carefully check each item.
Interview preparation: if the school requires an interview, help the children to practice the interview to enhance their self-confidence.
4. After application
Pay attention to feedback: pay attention to the application progress in time and be prepared for possible interviews or additional requirements.
4. What are the expenses for studying abroad?
When considering sending their children to study in the UK, parents need to plan various expenses in advance. The following are the main expenses for studying abroad:
1. Application fee and examination fee
Including the fees that need to be paid when applying for a school and the fees for taking entrance exams (such as 11+ and 13+). These fees vary from school to school, usually ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds.
2. Tuition fees
Tuition is the largest part of the expenses for studying abroad, and the tuition fees of private schools in Britain vary greatly, usually between 20,000 and 50,000 pounds a year. The specific cost depends on the reputation of the school, geographical location and the types of courses offered.
3. Boarding fee
If you choose a boarding school, boarding fee is also an important expense. This fee usually includes accommodation, catering and daily management, and it costs about 10,000 to 20,000 pounds per year.
4. Guardian fee
For underage international students, it is usually necessary to hire guardians to ensure their safety and health in the UK. The cost of guardianship is generally between several hundred and several thousand pounds a year.
5. club activities, school uniforms and other tuition and fees
School club activities, uniforms, books and other tuition and miscellaneous expenses are also expenses that need to be considered. These fees may range from hundreds to thousands of pounds per year, depending on the requirements of the school and the participation of students.
The fees of private schools in Britain are different, so parents can choose a suitable school according to the family budget. Generally speaking, it is necessary to prepare a budget of at least 250,000 to 450,000 RMB per year to cover the above expenses. It is suggested that when choosing a school, the cost structure of different schools should be carefully compared to ensure an informed decision.
5. What do these nouns mean?
1、Pre-preparatory school
Definition: refers to private preschool schools in Britain, which usually enroll children between the ages of 3 and 7.
Function: Children receive basic education here to prepare for entering Preparatory school. Courses usually include language, math, art and social skills, aiming at helping children adapt to school life.
2、Preparatory school
Definition: refers to private preparatory primary schools in Britain, which usually enroll students between the ages of 7 and 13.
Function: The education at this stage is mainly to prepare children for entering private secondary schools, and the course content usually includes academic subjects (such as English, mathematics, science, etc.) as well as physical education, music and art. Many preparatory primary schools will take entrance examinations to ensure that students have the ability to enter secondary schools.
3、Senior School
Definition: The general term for secondary schools in Britain, which usually includes junior high school (Key Stage 3, aged 11-14) and senior high school (Key Stage 4, aged 14-16).
Function: At this stage, students receive more in-depth academic education, usually preparing for GCSE (Certificate of General Secondary Education) examination. Senior School provides students with a wide range of courses to help them lay the foundation for their future academic and career paths.
4、Sixth Form
Definition: Senior high school in Britain usually includes grades 12 and 13 (aged 16-18).
Function: Students prepare for university entrance at this stage, usually taking A-level courses or other equivalent courses. Sixth Form offers more focused courses, and students can choose subjects according to their interests and future academic direction.
5、 private schools/independent schools (independent school/private school)
Definition: refers to fee-paying schools funded and managed by the Council or privately owned.
Features: Compared with public schools, private schools usually have higher teaching quality and more personalized teaching. They are not directly managed by the national education system, and are usually free to set courses and teaching methods. Private schools usually have higher tuition fees, but they also provide more resources and facilities.
6、 Public school
Definition: refers to the outstanding private school, which is an elite private school in Britain.
Features: Public schools usually have a long history, outstanding academic reputation and fierce competition for enrollment. Many public schools provide comprehensive education, including academic, physical education and art, to cultivate students' comprehensive quality. Famous public schools such as Eton College and Harrow School are often regarded as the top representatives of British education.
6. What factors should be considered when choosing a school?
1. Boys' schools/girls' schools/mixed schools
Boys' schools and girls' schools have their own characteristics, and mixed schools provide an environment for boys and girls to study together. The choice can be decided according to the students' personality, study habits and family educational philosophy. If there is no special tendency, you can consider applying to both boys' schools and girls' schools to increase the flexibility of choice.
2. Boarding/day study
Boarding schools provide full-time accommodation and learning environment for students, which is suitable for international students who want to immerse themselves in academic and social activities. Day schools are suitable for students who want to live at home. Most international students tend to choose boarding schools in order to better integrate into school life.
3. Geographical location
The geographical location of the school will affect students' lifestyle and learning experience. Urban schools usually provide more cultural and social activities, while rural schools may provide a quieter learning environment. Students' living habits and family convenience need to be considered when choosing.
4. Proportion of international students
Schools with a low proportion of international students may be lacking in teaching and activities for international students. Choosing a school with a high proportion of international students can ensure more support and resources to help international students better adapt to the new environment.
5. Historical achievements/A* rate/Niu Jian rate
The academic performance of a school is an important index to evaluate its educational quality. A high A* rate and a high Niu Jian rate usually indicate that the school is academically competitive and can provide students with good opportunities for further studies. Choosing these schools will help students to have an advantage when applying for universities in the future.
6. School characteristics
Each school has its own unique curriculum and extracurricular activities. Understanding the school's characteristics in sports, art, science and technology can help students choose the school that best suits their interests and development. Some schools may have special advantages in certain fields (such as music, drama and sports).
7. Learning period
Different schools offer different periods of study, which may affect students' study plans and paths of further study. For example, some schools may only admit students of a certain age group, or they may only accept girls at the senior stage. It is very important to know the enrollment policy and grade setting of the school.
8. Qualification for visa guarantee
Not all schools are eligible for international student visa sponsorship. When choosing a school, it is necessary to confirm whether it can provide necessary visa support for international students to ensure smooth admission.
7. What courses do children study in the UK?
1. GCSE (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
Grade of study: usually in Year 10 and Year 11 (about 14-16 years old).
Course content: Students usually choose a variety of subjects to study. Common subjects include English, mathematics, science (biology, chemistry and physics), history, geography, foreign languages (such as French and Spanish), art and computer science.
Examination form: GCSE examination is usually conducted at the end of Year 11, and the results have an important impact on students' future study choices (such as A-level or vocational education).
2. A-level (Advanced Certificate of General Education)
Grade of study: generally in Year 12 and Year 13 (about 16-18 years old).
Course content: Students usually choose 3 or 4 subjects for in-depth study, including but not limited to mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, English literature, history, economics, psychology and so on.
Examination form: A-level examination is usually conducted at the end of study, and the results are widely recognized, especially when applying for a university.
3. IB (International Diploma)
Grade of study: mainly for students aged 16-19, usually in Year 12 and Year 13.
Course content: IB course requires students to study six subjects, including language, social science, experimental science, mathematics and art. Students also need to complete "Knowledge Theory" (TOK), "Extended Thesis" (EE) and "Creation, Action and Service" (CAS) projects.
Examination form: IB examination is conducted at the end of the course, and the IB diploma obtained is recognized worldwide.
4. AP (American university prerequisite course)
Grade of study: usually in high school (Year 11 and Year 12).
Course content: AP course covers many subjects, including mathematics, science, history, foreign languages and art, etc. The course content is equivalent to the level of freshmen.
Exam form: AP exam is held in May every year, and students can get university credits through the exam, especially in universities in the United States and Canada.
8. How to participate in and learn about children's learning?
1. Use the school communication platform.
Online system: use the online platform provided by the school (such as ParentMail) to check the children's homework, grades and attendance.
Regular newsletter: pay attention to the school's e-mail and newsletter to get the latest activities and notifications.
2. Attend parent-teacher conferences
Regular parent-teacher conference: attend the parent-teacher conference of the school, have face-to-face communication with teachers, and learn about the children's learning progress.
One-on-one meetings: Attend one-on-one parent-teacher meetings to learn more about children's performance.
3. Participate in school activities
Participate in activities: participate in concerts, charity parties and other activities organized by the school to learn about children's talents and social skills.
Volunteer opportunities: Become a volunteer, participate in school activities, and improve your understanding of the school environment.
4. Check the study report regularly.
Study report: Pay attention to the study report sent by the school and keep abreast of the children's academic performance.
Test results: Understand the children's test and evaluation results, and communicate with teachers when necessary.
5. Keep in touch with teachers
Regular communication: take the initiative to contact the class teacher or the subject teacher to understand the child's performance in school.
Feedback and Suggestions: Share your child's performance at home with teachers and get support suggestions.
9. Can I apply for an accompanying reading visa?
You can apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa, provided that your child is between 4 and 11 years old, studying in a private school in the UK, and holding or applying for a Child Student Visa. When applying, you need to meet the following conditions:
Application condition
Only accompanying parent: You must be the only parent accompanying your child in the UK.
Funding requirements: You need to have enough funds to support your and your children's life in the UK.
Fixed place of residence: there must be a fixed main place of residence outside the UK.
Departure plan: You need to plan to leave the UK when your visa expires.
Application process
Preparation materials: prepare relevant documents, including proof of funds, proof of residence, visa documents for children, etc.
Online application: Submit the visa application for accompanying students through official website, British government.
Payment: Payment of visa application fee and medical surcharge (IHS).
Booking biological information collection: Booking biological information collection (such as fingerprints and photos) after application.
Waiting for approval: after submitting the application, wait for the approval result of the British Visa and Immigration Bureau.
10. Do younger children need to hire guardians to study abroad?
Yes, younger children usually need to hire guardians when studying in Britain. According to British law, if a student under the age of 18 receives full-time education in the UK (more than 12 weeks), his parents must employ a legal guardian if they do not live in the UK. The duties of the guardian include:
Legal responsibility: the guardian will bear the legal responsibility of the students to ensure their safety in life and study in the UK.
Daily care: the guardian will help the students with their daily affairs, including medical care, accommodation and school affairs.
Communication with the school: the guardian will communicate with the school as a parent to learn about the child's learning progress and other important information.
Emergency contact person: In case of emergency, the guardian will be the main contact person of the school and relevant institutions.
How to choose a guardian
Legal qualification: ensure that the guardian is a certified legal guardian, usually a professional guardian service company or individual.
Experience and reputation: Choose an experienced and reputable guardian to ensure the safety and well-being of children.