School system in London
Primary education
There are 2 stages: Stage 1 - ages 5-7, equivalent to grades 1-2, and Stage 2 - ages 7-11 (no older than 13 in private schools), grades 3-6, respectively. Parents must enroll their daughter or son in school from the age of 5.
Only British citizens or foreigners with a residence permit are entitled to study in public English schools.
The three main subjects in elementary school are mathematics, English and science. In addition, primary school pupils study information technology, foreign languages, art history, geography, physical education, music and history. Most schools offer religious education. Technology and design are also included in the mandatory program.
Differences between private and public schools.
Higher qualifications of teachers, many of whom have science degrees.
Better physical infrastructure, including laboratories and computer courses.
Excellent infrastructure: there are sports halls, dance classes, tennis courts, swimming pools, etc.
Secondary education
At the age of 11, students in public schools move on to secondary school (also known as high school). Students in private schools move on to secondary school at the age of 13. The education process ends with passing the GCSE course, which offers 5-10 subjects of study.
Compulsory subjects: English, Mathematics, IT Technology, Foreign Languages, Physical Education, Natural Sciences. Depending on the school's specialization, the program may include other subjects, such as religion.
Secondary education consists of two stages.
11-14 years. The program involves the study of 10-15 subjects, including vocational guidance courses. Education ends with a general entrance exam.
14-16 years old. This stage is designed to prepare for the GCSE.
After graduating from secondary school with a certificate, there are two options: find a job or start preparing for university or college.
Higher Education
There are three types of higher education institutions in the UK: universities, colleges with university status, and colleges. Many UK universities award their own scientific titles, such as a PhD in mathematics from the University of Sheffield. There is a system of assessment for letters or credits at UK universities.
Colleges differ from universities in that they offer only bachelor's degree programs and very rarely master's degree programs. Another feature is the narrow specialization.
Specialists are divided into 3 levels.
Bachelor's degree (bachelor's) - 3 to 4 years of study
Master's degree (Master) - from 4 to 6 years.
PhD - from 7 to 9 years.
There are several types of bachelor's degrees in the UK, and the four main fields are arts, engineering, science, and law. Medicine and dentistry are separate. A distinction is made between first, second and third year bachelor's degrees, depending on academic performance.
Benefits of studying in London schools
Educational institutions in England are divided into public and private, separate (girls and boys) and joint. There are more than 500 private institutions across the country for children from different countries to study.
Benefits of studying in London schools.
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In English secondary schools, students acquire relevant academic knowledge and participate in many additional courses, which allow them to form a harmoniously developed, socially adapted personality.
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In boarding schools, children study the main curriculum and learn sports, music and other arts on campus, which makes it possible to allocate study time wisely.
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The British diploma of secondary education is recognized worldwide, making it possible to enter the best universities.
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Due to the high level of English language teaching, elementary school students will hardly feel a language barrier after high school.
How to apply to schools in London?
To comfortably send your child to study abroad, you should first assess his independence and readiness for life separately from his parents. Also, do not forget about the level of the language.
It is worth starting the preparation at least one year before the admission, preferably earlier. In addition, it is important to deal with financial aspects in advance: in order to obtain a student visa, it is necessary to accumulate a sufficiently large amount of money in the account of the child's parents.
The procedure for entering a British school consists of the following stages.
Preparation of documents and their submission to the selected institution.
Passing the test (it can be taken online or in person - depending on the requirements of the school).
Conducting an online or personal interview based on the results of the test.
Students applying to study at an English secondary school must not only demonstrate good academic knowledge and a high level of English proficiency, but also convince the selection committee of their positive life stance. Priority for admission is always given to talented students who can adequately represent the school in various competitions - the institution's rating depends on this. Therefore, when preparing to move to the UK as a student, special attention should be paid to visiting circles and developing your talents.
When collecting admission documents, it is worth paying attention to the requirements of a particular school - they may vary depending on the characteristics of the institution.
A general list of documents that must be sent with the application for admission includes
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School application.
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Questionnaire (you can find the form on the website of the chosen school).
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Information about the child's parents, indicating where they work.
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Proof of successfully passing an international test in English (IELTS or TOEFL).
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Letters of recommendation from teachers and school principals (in English or native language, with translation).
In some British schools, a letter of motivation is required to be added to the standard packet of documents - an essay in which the child describes his reasons for transferring to study in the UK and entering this particular educational institution.
Rules and requirements for admission of foreign students change frequently: every year new rules are added, minimum passing scores on IELTS or TOEFL exams change and new opportunities arise. In order not to waste time searching for relevant information independently, you can use the services of experts in this field.
Education Fees
The academic year consists of three semesters. Traditionally, it is customary to pay for education 3 times a year - before the start of the next period. The price includes the cost of classes, full board (the corresponding category of premises), the organization of school activities.
In addition, there are costs for purchasing school uniforms, holiday accommodation, additional English lessons, etc. In addition, upon admission, you must pay for registration and guardianship services - foreign children must do this.
The price of studying at a university depends on the chosen course, specialization and educational institution. The cost of a university is lower than that of a college. A master's degree will cost more than a bachelor's degree. The most prestigious and accordingly expensive fields include medicine, IT technology and business management.
The cost of studying at a university ranges from £9,000 to £35-40,000 per year. Schools may require a deposit and registration fee. Additional funds for educational materials and supplies should also be taken into account.
The best schools in London
10. Wallington High School for Girls, Sutton
9. Sacred Heart Catholic School, Southwark
8. Nonsuch High School for Girls, Sutton
7. The Tiffin Girls' School, Kingston Upon Thames
6. Mossbourne Community Academy, Hackney
5. Woodford County High School, Redbridge
4. Wallington County Grammar School, Sutton
3. Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet
2. Wilson's School, Sutton
1. Wembley High Technology College, Brent