Boarding school, state college or private college ...

Boarding school,state college orprivate college:How to choose?Brooke HouseCollege

What types of school and college are there?• Independent boarding schools: International students who areunder 16 would usually attend an independent boarding school.• State and independent colleges: These colleges tend tospecialise in A-levels and foundation courses and generally caterfor student from the ages of 16 to 18. International students canattend either independent colleges or state-supported colleges(which are sometimes called further education colleges).

Independent boarding schoolsCharacteristics :•More traditional concept of a school•Focus on whole-person development, academic achievement anduniversity entry•More formal environment and discipline•Schools are free to set their own curricular•Develop own style and character•Predominantly admit local students, providing authentic English-learningenvironment. International students from different countries are wellrepresentedand catered for•single-sex or co-educational

Independent boarding schoolsCourses and qualifications :English, Wales and Northern Ireland-•General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) ;•International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE);•A-level;•Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) and•International Baccalaureate (IB)Scotland-•Standard Grade, proceeding to Access;•Intermediate 1 and 2;•Higher and Advanced Higher•Scottish schools may also offer GCSE, A-level and IB courses

Independent boarding schoolsTeaching and learning methods :•Students are likely to be taught in small classes.•Tend to encourage traditional values. Many schools have religious affiliations•Encourage independence, sociability and love of learning•Assessment and homework to support exam preparation

Independent boarding schoolsAccommodation :• Relaxed, home-like atmosphere• Encourage teamwork, and co-operation• Usually dormitories or study bedrooms• Younger children are often accompanied by several other children• By sixth form, rooms are either single/double occupancy

State boarding schools• If you hold a full UK or EU passport, you may also choose toattend one of 35 state boarding schools in the UK. These offerhigh quality education leading to UK examinations, with freetuition. Please note that the holding of a BN(O) passport does notmake a child eligible for a state boarding school place in the UK.

State Colleges (Further education colleges)Characteristics :• Flexible entry and a range of academic or vocational qualificationsoffered• Less formal educational environment• Strong links with industry and industrial advisory groups• Predominantly cater for local students but international students oncampus are considered important and are well-catered for, with specialcourses and pastoral support.• Students are treated as being mature• Focused on gaining university places for their students• No uniforms and few additional expenses beyond tuition fees

State Colleges (Further education colleges)Courses and qualifications :• A range of courses including English language, GCSEs, A-levels, Highersand equivalent, work-based courses, access courses. Some may offerdegree-level courses in partnership with higher education institutions•Students can mix and match between courses and parts of courses, andcross between academic and vocational pathways•Some colleges have links with universities guaranteeing entry for studentssuccessfully completing foundation courses

State Colleges (Further education colleges)Teaching and learning methods :•Involve high levels of personal contact and support from tutors and scopefor independent learning•Encourage students to develop a high degree of responsibility for theirown study progress•Encourage students to question and analyse and to voice opinions

State Colleges (Further education colleges)Accommodation :•Some offer full-board•Self-catering halls of residence or lodging accommodation with hostfamilies and this may offer some advantages in the acceleration of Englishlearning

Private collegesCharacteristics :•Many colleges cater specifically for international students•Flexible entry and range of academic qualifications offered.•Students are treated as being mature•Opportunities to mix with students from many countries•Intensive academic preparation focused on gaining university places fortheir students•No uniforms

Private collegesCourses and qualifications :•Provide a range of pathways to university, including fast-track GCSE, A-level and foundation courses•Some colleges have links with universities guaranteeing entry for studentssuccessfully completing foundation courses•Extensive English-language support

Private collegesTeaching and learning methods :•Involve high levels of personal contact and support from tutors and plentyof scope for independent learning•Encourage students to develop a high degree of responsibility for theirown study progress

Private collegesAccommodation :•Some offer full-board•Self-catering halls of residence or lodging accommodation with hostfamilies and this may offer some advantages in the acceleration of Englishlearning

ComparisonTarget agegroupBoarding SchoolsState Colleges(Further educationcolleges)Private collegesAges 7 – 18 Post -16 Post -16Costs £16,000 – £28,000Fees vary,according to thetype of school,location and age ofstudentsRelatively low cost,from £4,000 –8,000 onwards peryear, excludingaccommodation£9,300 - £18,000per year,excludingaccommodation(for private sixthform colleges)*Roughly £5,000 - £7,000 per year foraccommodation and cost of living

Which is the right choice for my child?•Location – city, town or countryside?•A levels or IB?•Academic or vocational pathway?•University progression?•Number of International students?•Relatives living or studying close by?•Pastoral support?•Additional support given to students (Learning support)?•Cost?

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