British private schools are independent of the financial support of the government or local governments, and can decide their own curriculum and enrollment standards.
Definition and classification of private schools in Britain
British private schools, also known as "Independent School", can decide their own curriculum and enrollment standards without relying on the financial support of the government or local governments. It includes two categories: "Public schools" and "Private schools".
Characteristics of public schools
Public schools are representatives of private schools with a long history, such as Eton College and Winchester College. They have achieved the status of being independent of the government in the historical process, so they are called "independent". These public schools usually have profound historical background, excellent educational resources and strict educational standards, which provide students with high-quality education and cultivate many outstanding talents.
Diversity of private schools
Private schools are more diverse in educational models. On the one hand, some private schools are different from the tradition in enrollment age, for example, some start enrolling students at the age of 11 instead of the usual age of 13. On the other hand, the composition of schools also has its own characteristics, some of which are composed of preparatory preschool classes, preparatory primary schools and private secondary schools, rather than a simple combination of primary schools and secondary schools. This diversity makes it more possible for parents and students to choose schools and find the most suitable educational environment according to their own needs and characteristics.
British private schools by age group
1, Pre-Preparatory School(2-7 years old):
These schools provide education for children aged 4-7, and now many also accept children over 2 years old, also known as kindergartens or preschool classes.
Children learn basic reading, writing and computing skills here, while enjoying the fun of playing.
Usually affiliated to a preparatory primary school or junior high school, it lays the foundation for children's education.
2. Preparatory School(8-11/13 years old):
As a private primary school, it provides education for children aged 8-13, also known as preparatory primary school or preparatory primary school.
Teach various subjects to help children enter high school through 11+or 13+entrance exams.
Some preparatory primary schools are closely related to famous private high schools, such as Westminster College and Sao Paulo College, which have their own preparatory primary schools and reserve a certain proportion of 13+places for them.
3. Junior School(7-11/13 years old):
Private junior high schools that provide education for children aged 7-13 are also called preparatory schools or preparatory schools.
Provide comprehensive courses to help students enter high school through 11+or 13+entrance exams.
4. Senior School(11-18 years old):
A private high school that provides education for children aged 11-18.
Three-year general courses are offered, followed by two-year GCSE courses and two-year AS/A2 or IBDP courses.
Some British boys' high schools retain the traditional age of 13+,while private girls' schools are more likely to recruit students at 11+and also offer corresponding courses.
5. All-Through School(2/5-16/18 years old):
It is equivalent to a consistent school in China. Children receive education in the same school from childhood to 16 or 18/19 years old.
Although it will be divided into different departments or campuses, it all belongs to the same management system.
For example, Brighton College provides first-class British education for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. Its academic performance ranks in the top ten in co-educational schools in England, and it has also won the title of "Best Boarding Private School in Britain", and its academic performance ranks in the top three in Britain.
6. Independent Grammar School(11-18 years old):
Grammar schools are equivalent to domestic public key high schools, and some English grammar schools are now private.
It is famous for its excellent academic achievements, such as Reigate Grammar School and Royal Grammar School Guildford.
It is one of the school classifications passed down in British history. Students usually leave school at the age of 18, which has a high status in the eyes of the British.
Classification according to accommodation mode
1. Full boarding
Full boarding is a way that all students must board at school and can only go home at the specified time. All boarders have two opportunities to go home each semester, usually from Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. In this way, parents can participate more in school life, such as watching games, concerts and plays. Full boarding helps to cultivate students' independence and collective living ability, so that they can devote themselves wholeheartedly to school study and social activities.
2. Weekly boarding
Weekend boarding students board at school on weekdays and go home on weekends. Weekend boarders can not only enjoy the benefits of boarding life, such as regular work and rest, rich extracurricular activities and good learning atmosphere, but also keep close contact with their families. They usually go home on Friday afternoon or evening and return to school on Sunday evening or Monday morning. Weekly boarding is a good choice for those students who want to experience boarding life to a certain extent, but don't want to be completely separated from their families.
3. Flexible boarding
Flexible boarding allows students to choose boarding or day study according to their own needs and parents' arrangements. Flexible boarders can change their accommodation methods at any time during the semester, as long as they inform the school in advance. This method is very flexible, and students can arrange their time according to their own learning and social needs. For example, choose boarding during exams to make better use of the school's learning resources and quiet learning environment, and choose day school when the family has special activities.
4. Day school
Day schools do not provide accommodation. Day students come to school every morning and go home in the afternoon or evening. Day students can also participate in school extracurricular activities and clubs, but they can't stay at school. Day students can enjoy family life more and feel the warmth and support of the family. At the same time, day study can also save some expenses, which is an economical choice for those students whose home address is close to the school.
Choosing an excellent British boarding school can be considered from the following aspects:
一、Look at the ranking
ISCIS, the information service agency of the Independent School Committee, an authoritative organization in the UK, will rank private schools according to the national examination results in August each year, and determine according to the percentage of candidates who get A and B grades. Among the more than 3,000 private secondary schools in Britain, the top 200 can be regarded as a recognized good school.
二、Look at the exam results
Pay attention to the proportion of students who get A and B in the test scores. Generally, schools with AB scores of 50-60% are excellent.
You can also look at the AA * ratio. More than 30% of the schools are academically strong.
三、Look at the teacher-student ratio
The average teacher-student ratio of private schools in Britain is 1:9. The lower the ratio, the fewer students each teacher manages, and the more attention and guidance students can get.
四、Look at the school infrastructure
Even smaller boarding schools will be equipped with swimming pools, courts and other facilities. Good school facilities are often beyond imagination.
五、Look at the proportion of international students
The ratio of international students in each school is generally not higher than 10%, and China students usually account for about one third of international students (including Hongkong students).
Parents may be worried about the number of China students in the school, but a moderate proportion of international students can expose their children to different cultures and cultivate an international vision.
六、Consider geographical location
There are many schools to choose from in London-Cambridge-Oxford, with convenient transportation. However, most boarding schools near London are not in the city center, and it may take 30 minutes to an hour by subway or train to reach the central area of London. These schools are usually very popular, with relatively more international students, and the competition for registration is more intense than that in cities outside London.
Schools in big cities can provide more advantages for children to broaden their horizons after school. Boarding schools located in small towns have large campuses and good environment and scenery, which can provide children with a quiet learning atmosphere.