School curricula combine classics and innovations: students simultaneously learn Latin and programming languages, read Shakespeare and Foucault, study colonial history and analyze modern international relations. British pragmatism strives for economical and social effectiveness while retaining the ancient traditions. In this context, “sending a child to school” means the beginning of an important stage in their life, which will save parents from routine household worries and give the child the first experience of independent life, albeit under constant supervision from the school staff. A similar practice has existed since the 18th century: at that time wealthy citizens would send their sons to boarding schools in order not only to educate but also to make them into real gentlemen. They provide everything for comfortable living and studying: from a separate room and three meals a day to reading clubs and a personal mentor.

Most international schools in England offer not only quality education and a friendly atmosphere, but also comfortable living conditions under the roof of the school itself - such educational institutions are called boarding schools. In British educational institutions, there are also special Foundation preparatory programs, whose students receive conditional admission to partner universities in the UK. Transferring immediately to the second year of GCSE or A-Level programs is highly discouraged. The school itself decides which year of study in Britain corresponds to the level of knowledge of the foreign student. The last two years of studies are devoted to the standard school program - GCSE.įor further admission to a British university, you must complete the British A-Level high school program or the International Baccalaureate program. Schools conduct additional entrance tests in basic subjects in English.įoreign students enter secondary school from 11-13 years old. Until the child turns 12, a parent can stay in the country on a special Parent of a Child Student accompanying visa.Ī key requirement for applicants is proficiency in academic English. The main accommodation options are in a boarding school or with a guardian. Residents of any country can send their child to an English school as early as the elementary school stage (from 4 years old).įoreigners can only study in private schools. Secondary education in England is one of the main pillars of the British economy: a strong school system prepares millions of teenagers for university education every year.

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