The British secondary education system is represented by several types of educational institutions. First of all, all schools are public and private. However, foreigners are admitted to private schools only - by the way, the willingness to pay for education is far from always decisive. Without good academic performance, even the brightest children will not get into an English school.
In addition, English schools are divided into day schools and boarding schools. Foreign students can enter both if desired. While studying at a day school, children from other countries live with British families. This can be a concern for some parents who are afraid of leaving their children unsupervised. Therefore, in most cases, the choice falls on boarding schools in England: the child will be cared for 24/7 due to living on the territory of the educational institution.
Finally, as you know, schools in England are only for boys or only for girls and mixed schools. It should be remembered that in single-sex educational institutions, especially in boys' schools, discipline is stricter and living conditions are more ascetic.
A few words must also be said about universities. International colleges in England, which are also classified as part of the schooling system, you can enter from the age of 14-15. Educational programs in English universities are particularly focused on preparing foreign students for entry into British universities. In addition, the situation in these educational institutions is more democratic than in private schools.
Pros and cons of a London high school education
In addition to solid fundamentals, the undeniable advantages of British high schools include teaching students to use information and rules of social behavior, teaching presentation skills, and instilling a taste for the arts.
Sports are also valued in British schools, both as a tool for exercising physical abilities, as a means of promoting health, and as a method of socialization. The country has achieved a great deal in the field of inclusive education: today, for children with special needs in secondary schools, there is both the necessary technical equipment and a specially educated teaching staff.
Disadvantages usually include rigidity of discipline and control, sometimes excessive demands, specific punishments/rewards in each educational institution, and unique pedagogical features. Asceticism is practiced in everyday life, and truancy is not justified by minor or far-fetched illnesses.
They do not indulge a foreign student here simply because he has severed ties with his home country - just as his parents' exalted status does not protect him from harsh demands.
Conditions and procedures for obtaining a study visa
Foreigners can receive education in the UK only on a special visa. You cannot study here on a tourist permit. Foreign nationals who want to study in the UK will be granted one of the following types of visas.
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Student visitor visa.
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Extended student visitor visa.
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Tier 4 child visa.
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Tier 4 General Student Visa.
Student visitor visas are granted to foreign nationals who will be studying for less than six months. The Extended Student Visitor Visa is only granted to those who will be studying a language course. The Tier 4 child visa is available for applicants between the ages of 4 and 17. A Tier 4 General Student Visa will be granted to students who will be studying at a university for more than six months.
To obtain one of the types of UK study visas you will need to submit.
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A current passport and all old passports.
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A color photograph.
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A questionnaire completed in English.
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Documents confirming the applicant's enrolment in the university/school/program.
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Proof of place of work or study.
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A tenancy agreement or proof of provision of a hotel room for the duration of your stay in the UK.
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ConfirmationofAcceptanceofStudies (CAS) - a document provided by the educational institution containing complete information about the applicant.
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Persons entering university are accompanied by a certificate proving an intermediate level of English and above. Minors need to be notarized by their parents before they can leave.
You will need to contact one of the British embassies or visa centers. You can extend your permission to stay abroad and at a British diplomatic mission. The cost of obtaining a student visa depends on its type.
The average period of document review for short-term visas is 15 days. To obtain a long-term residence permit, documents must be submitted 3 months in advance.
Costs of studying at the Colleges of London
The cost of studying at the University of London is approximately £6,000-£9,000 per semester. The annual fees range from £18,000 to £27,000. In US dollars, this amount is approximately 23,500 - 35,500 per year. it should be understood that this is not all money. The amount shown is the basic cost of studying at the English Language Institute and does not include additional costs.
First of all, it must be taken into account that the child has to live with the family of the local guardian during the free time from school. These are additional costs. Additional fees are paid in England and in all non-mandatory courses. Sports sections and events are paid separately. Therefore, parents need to be concerned about the $40,000-$50,000 annual fee.
One thing is certain - the money spent on studying in England will be well spent. The English standard for completing secondary education is recognized in the country itself as well as in Ireland and the Commonwealth countries. With a good school education, you can also get into some Canadian universities.
The best colleges in London
DLD College London
DLD College London is a leading independent residential college in the heart of London, overlooking Westminster and the Thames.
The new college campus has 55 classrooms with 60 touch screens. A 70-seat cinema with movie screens, surround sound system and the latest LED lighting. The education center is equipped with all the latest educational technology, with five separate educational rooms and a special area for up to 16 years of education. The university cafeteria is not only the ideal place to eat, but also to study and socialize. Here you will find benches suitable for large companies and private cabins for privacy.
MPW College London
Mander Portman Woodward is a private, independent, co-educational fifth and sixth form college for boys and girls aged 13-19. The College offers full-time education only.
Prices of study at MPW Academy London start from £25,000
Kensington Park School
Kensington Park School is the newest elite private school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18 years old, located in central London. The A-level (16-18 year olds) opened in September 2017 and the high school section (11-16 year olds) opened in September 2018. Since 2020, Chelsea Independent Academy has been a part of Kensington Park School. Today, Kensington Park School has strong academic, cultural and social links with partners around the world, both between schools and at university level.
CATS College London
CATS College London is located in the capital of England. It is located in the Bloomsbury area, close to prestigious colleges such as UCL, LSE and SOAS, University of London. Nearby are the British Museum, the British Library and many other cultural centers. The college is next door to the headquarters of multinational companies, banks and audit firms.
Tuition fees at CATS College London start from £8,000
Bellerbys College London
Bellerbys College is a co-educational division of Bellerbys International College for boys and girls aged 14-18. The school offers full-time education and boarding. In total, there are approximately 550 students studying here. The school is located in the Greenwich area of London, a 20-minute drive from the city center.
Tuition fees at Bellerbys College London start from £8,000
David's College of Games, London
David's Play Academy is a private, independent, co-educational sixth form college for boys and girls aged 15-18. The Academy offers full-time education only. In total, there are approximately 300 students studying here. The Academy is located in central London.
Tuition fees at David's Play Academy start from £12,000
Cambridge Tutors College
Cambridge Tutors College is an independent, private, co-educational sixth form college for boys and girls aged 15-19. The college offers full-time education only, with foreign students living in host families. In total, there are approximately 260 students studying here. The college is located in Croydon, South London.
Tuition fees at Cambridge Tutor College start from £15,000
Ealing Independent College
Ealing Independent College is an independent, private, fifth and sixth form co-educational college for boys and girls aged 14-19. The college offers full-time education and boarding. In total, there are approximately 110 students studying here. The College is located in the Ealing area of London's West End.
King's College London
King's College London is a public research university and is the fourth oldest university in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1829 by King George IV and Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. The University is part of the elite Russell Group of Universities in the UK and is under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II.