Secondary Education System
Primary - 5-11 years old, sometimes up to 13 years old.
Secondary school - 11-16 years old. Until the age of 14, students will study a wide range of general education subjects. From the age of 14, subjects are usually determined selectively - it depends on the student's inclination and his continuing education program. Students between the ages of 14 and 16 can choose GCSE courses, after which they will receive a General Certificate of Secondary Education. This course focuses on literature and history. Compulsory secondary education ends at the age of 16.
High School - 16-18 years old. Students planning to enter the College can choose the A-levels course. The core subjects are supplemented by numerous elective courses. For foreign students who find it difficult to attend A-levels, a year-long Pre-A-levels preparation course is offered. Final exam results from A-levels courses at UK universities are accepted for entry. Students aged 16-18 can complete the two-year IB - International Baccalaureate programme. It is designed to study subjects for a chosen major. Prior to the IB course, students can complete the Pre-IB course.
Advantages of London Schools
In public schools, education is free for British citizens and foreigners with residence permits. Foreign students most often study in private schools, where they choose boarding schools where children can study and relax. Boarding schools have a number of significant advantages, they are
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Excellent conditions for living, learning, creative development, sports and recreation.
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Complete safety. The campus has a state-of-the-art security system and teachers and educators are in full control of all aspects of student life.
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Small classrooms - 10-12 students per room, providing the opportunity for an individualized approach for each student.
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The best boarding school campuses often have swimming pools, gymnasiums and playgrounds, and creative activity studios.
Educational features of London schools
The curriculum consists of compulsory and elective subjects, which students can choose for themselves. Compulsory subjects include: English, mathematics, science modules, computer science, and foreign languages. Physical Education is usually included in the compulsory courses. Popular electives: economics, accounting, music, drama, and theater.
A hallmark of the British system is the well-rounded development of students, thanks to the numerous departments, interest clubs, workshops and creative laboratories. English teachers believe that social skills are as important to students as academic knowledge.
The academic year is divided into three semesters: fall, spring and summer. There are small breaks in each educational process and longer vacations between semesters.
How to apply to private schools in London
Entrance exams include academic exams in mathematics and English, depending on the school profile, and tests in science, logic, music to determine intellectual potential or other specialized subjects may also be included.
The exams are administered on the same day, including a lunch break, and the duration of each phase ranges from 45 minutes to one hour. Tests are administered in a variety of written or computer-based test formats. Each paper can contain anything from one task of writing an essay or analyzing a text to dozens of questions: from simple questions from the general school curriculum to so-called questions with an asterisk.
In the English test, students will be provided with a grammar and vocabulary test, or analyze a text, or write an essay.
In addition to the academic exams, an equally important part of the admission is the interview with the child. In these interviews, the school's representatives try to understand the child's personal qualities, ambitions and inclinations.
Cost of studying at a private school in London
The price paid by students at private boarding schools in London can vary: it depends on the rating and reputation of the school, its popularity and elite, location and historical significance. You can focus on amounts from £30 to £47,000 per academic year: this is for education and full board, free use of the entire campus infrastructure, additional electives, clubs and sections.
There are more budget options, for example, costing £17,500 to £19,000 per academic year - these are good, high-achieving schools for graduates.
Best schools in London
1 Wycombe Abbey School
Wycombe Abbey School is an elite independent boarding school in Buckinghamshire for girls aged 11 to 18. The school retains the ancient traditions of the Classical English system of secondary education and adheres to three key principles.
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Intellectual curiosity.
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Developing each student's talents in creative, athletic and social areas.
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Encouraging faith in God and service for the good of humanity and society.
Weyerhaeuser Public Schools was founded in 1896 on a small private estate built in the 18th century. The present institution covers more than 160 acres. The silence, spaciousness and solitude of country life lend a special atmosphere for the harmonious development and enrichment of educational activities for girls.
Despite the distance from central London, students at Wycombe Abbey School have access to all the benefits of modern civilization. Stores, cinemas and other types of entertainment are all located within walking distance of the school.
Ongoing funding and active philanthropic investments have made it possible to build a modern sports center near the educational building of Wycombe Public School, equipping laboratories and computer courses with the latest technological innovations.
2 Brighton College
Brighton College is one of the UK's most prestigious educational institutions, leading the way in co-education for 11-18 year olds. The buildings are located in the heart of picturesque Brighton, an hour's drive from London. A short walk separates the campus from the sea and the South Downs National Park.
Brighton College's impeccable reputation and high academic achievement attracts parents and their children from all over the UK.
The educational and scientific achievements of the school's graduates and students are impressive. In 2012, the institution was named the best independent educational institution in the UK by The Sunday Times. Brighton College has been in the TOP 10 best academic results among UK secondary schools every year. Graduates of the school continue their successful studies at some of the UK's most prestigious universities.
However, even non-educational achievements attract dozens of students to Brighton's schools each year. As soon as a child steps through the doors of Brighton College, he or she feels a warm and positive atmosphere conducive to learning and success. It is a surprising combination of high academic standards and the interests and preferences of each student.
3 St. Paul's School
St. Paul's School opened its doors to students in the 16th century - 1509. Sir John Colet founded this educational institution on the banks of the Thames in the beautiful Richmond district in the southwest of the English capital. Along with a number of other schools, St. Paul's School is one of the nine oldest educational institutions in England, known for its centuries-old tradition and its constantly modernizing educational process.
The school got its name from St. Paul's Cathedral in London, because even within the cathedral, an educational institution has been operating since the early 12th century. In the early 16th century, the church school closed and was replaced by the school of the same name. Colette's vast wealth, which was used to open St. Paul's School, and the power invested in it, made it possible to create the largest and richest school in England at the time. Interestingly, education at St. Paul's was initially completely free of charge, with academic ability becoming the main criterion for selecting students.
4 Cheltenham College for Girls
Cheltenham College for Girls is a private boarding school for girls, founded in 1854. The school is located in the heart of the town of Cheltenham, which is famous for its magnificent architecture, rich cultural and historical heritage and numerous exhibitions, festivals and horse racing. Oxford can be reached in just one hour by train and London in about two hours.
Throughout its long history, Cheltenham Ladies' College has earned a reputation as a school of high academic achievement, successfully preparing girls for entry to prestigious universities.
The school now has around 850 girls from all over the world.
5 Tonbridge School
Tonbridge School for Boys was founded by King Edward VI in 1553. Tonbridge School is part of the Eton group of schools, which makes it one of the most prestigious and unique educational institutions in the UK.
Today, on the school's total area of 60 hectares, you will find a wide variety of opportunities for student academic and personal development: modern classrooms, a library, a large gallery, a community center, a lecture theatre, a chapel and a first-class sports center, used as a education ground for the Olympic Games.
The school is located on the outskirts of the market town of Tunbridge, just north of Royal Tunbridge Wells and 30 minutes from London. In their free time, students enjoy walking around the city, browsing the stores and cafes, or just relaxing on the banks of the River Medway, which flows through the entire city center.
The school has around 800 students.
6 St Mary's School - Ascot
St Mary's School Ascot is an independent Roman Catholic school for girls. The school's history is linked to Mary Ward (1585-1645), a pioneer in girls' education. In 1609, Mary founded the College of St. Mary's and continued her work in the field of education for the next several centuries.
Her followers founded St. Mary's School in Ascot in 1885. The earliest buildings remain in the center of the school, including a chapel dedicated in 1906, and the estate's program includes rhododendrons and azaleas that still welcome visitors. The school is very well equipped with modern facilities, including a purpose-built science center, music school, athletic center, all-weather track and field facilities, and performing arts center.
Almost all students are Catholic and the spiritual development of girls is an important part of school life. St. Mary's, Ascot has high academic standards and excellent test scores.
7 Winchester Academy
This traditional boys' English school has been in existence for over 600 years. Winchester College was founded at the initiative of Bishop William of Wickham, and in its first year of study 70 boys from among the nobility entered the school. The Bishop of Winchester was not only the founder of the school, he was also a true innovator in the field of education. Thanks to the educational system developed by Wickham, the famous British method of education of young people who would take a prominent place in the country and succeed in life in the future was formed.
The modern Winchester College remains one of the most prestigious secondary education institutions in the UK. The College is set in 250 acres of picturesque grounds. It includes protected forests, a superb golf course and landscaped parks.
Winchester is 110 kilometers from London. The city has excellent transport links and is close to the country's main airport. Winchester held the status of capital city more than 1,000 years ago and as a result has many historical sites, iconic places and beautiful architecture.
8 Sevenoaks School
Sevenoaks School was founded in 1432 and is one of the oldest schools in England. The school is surrounded by beautiful parkland and a deer sanctuary.
The school is located on the outskirts of the lively town of Sevenoaks in Kent. Sevenoaks is a safe and friendly town, ideal for relaxation and rewarding learning. Central London is only 30 minutes away by train.
The school has around 1200 students. Representatives from 45 countries around the world study here.
9 Wellington College
Wellington College is known for its extraordinary approach to education. Teaching a child not only scientific wisdom, but also developing his leadership skills, inspiring him to achieve great things and discovering talents - this is the main task of teachers at Wellington College.
Children raised in this way do not turn out to be cautious and cold-blooded, because they always feel supported. Each student has a personal teacher-advisor. The family is also actively involved in education and upbringing, even though these people live far from home.
The Wellington College administration welcomes communication with the students' parents. Twice a year they are sent written evaluations with detailed comments from teachers.
10 Radley College
Radley College is a boys' boarding school with the prerequisite of living on campus, which contributes to team cohesion and ongoing interaction with each other and with staff. The school was founded in 1847 on the principles of Christian brotherhood and the image of Oxford University College.
The School has 323 hectares of picturesque Oxfordshire territory, including superb residential, educational buildings and sports facilities, as well as soccer, rugby and croquet pitches, 16 tennis courts and a large indoor swimming pool.
The school is only 8 kilometers from Oxford, just one hour to London - and about two hours by road from Heathrow Airport.
The school has approximately 680 students.