British independent boarding schools are some of the best in the world. As a result, competition is high and the enrolment process for UK private schools can be long and complicated, especially when you are located abroad.
Embarking on the journey of applying to a British private school from abroad can be a daunting task, but fear not! In this guide, we'll explain all the key steps involved in the application process, offering invaluable insights and practical advice to ensure a smooth and successful application. From deciphering admission requirements and understanding visa procedures to mastering entrance exams with expert tuition, we'll equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate with confidence.
Contents
UK Private Boarding School Entry Process
Step 1: Do Your Research
Step 2: Understand The Admissions Process For Each British Private School
Step 3: UKISET (if needed)
Step 4: Submit Application Documents
Step 5: Assessment
Step 6: Offer, Acceptance and Initial Payment
Step 7: Visa Application Preparation
Step 8: Joining Instructions and Procedures
Private School Application Advice
Should I get assistance with my child’s application?
Do I need a UK address to apply?
Will my child need a UK based guardian?
Which entrance exams will my child take?
Do UK independent schools prefer UK students?
When should I start the application process?
When should I start preparing my child?
Does my child need to be fluent in English?
Should I visit the school with my child before they join?
How To Prepare Your Child For Entry To A British Private School
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UK Independent Schools Archive
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UK Private Boarding School Entry Process
UK private boarding schools usually accept applications from students of any age (depending on availability of spaces). However, the main point of entry for most senior boarding schools is around the age of 13 (UK year 9). The first set of entrance exams usually take place at the beginning of year 6 around the age of 10 or 11. Some schools start their admissions process slightly later than this. Nevertheless, we recommend you apply to your chosen school(s) as early as possible — usually at the beginning of year 5 (when your child is at the age of 9 or 10).
Step 1: Do Your Research 🔍
Start by looking into the various independent schools the UK has to offer. Make the most of the information on each school’s website such as virtual tours and the school prospectus to help you. If you can, try to visit the schools in-person, they provide a variety of tour days throughout the school year.
We recommend you consider the following factors when researching schools:
Where is the school located?
How accessible is it for you/your child? Is it reasonably close to London or an airport?
What ages does the school cover?
Is the school co-educational or single sex?
Does the school offer full or weekly boarding? Full boarding is when the children remain in the school over the weekends, weekly boarding is when students can go home on the weekends.
How well does the school align with your child's academic/extracurricular/personal interests?
What is included in the school's curriculum? What qualifications do they offer? For example, GCSE, iGCSE, A Level or IB.
What facilities does the school have?
What is the school’s reputation?
Does the school have any specialisms?
What support does the school provide for international students?
What type of universities does the school tend to send its pupils to? Does it have a good track record of sending students to Russel Group universities in the UK or Ivy League colleges in the USA?
Once you've done your initial research, create a shortlist of potential schools that stand out as promising options. Numbering them, in order of your level of interest, can be helpful. Make sure you involve your child in this process and encourage their input on each school. After all, they are the ones who will be attending!
This process can be long-winded and difficult to easily understand. After all, there are hundreds of different private schools in the UK. For busy parents, companies like The Exam Coach can provide a recommendation based on some information you share with us about your preferences. This can often result in the selection of a more suitable range of schools backed by our expertise and experience. It’s important to choose a range of schools, those which you think your child might find it challenging to gain entrance to and those which are slightly easier.
Step 2: Understand The Admissions Process For Each UK Private School
Once you've compiled a shortlist of potential UK boarding schools, the next step is to understand the admissions process of each school. All of the schools have slightly different admissions processes, exam dates, interview dates and extra requirements which can make it quite challenging to stay organised. Especially if you are applying to many schools in order to give your child the optimal chance of being accepted into the best possible school for them.
Information about each school’s admissions process can be found on the school website under the admissions section. Most major UK boarding schools will have a section of the admissions department specifically available to help parents applying from abroad. Alternatively, you can call or email the admissions department.
The goal at the end of this process is to have all information gathered about the required process for each school, what exams need to be taken, the key dates and deadlines. (School’s will usually provide a timeline on the school website in the admissions section). This will allow you to plan accordingly and ensure you are prepared for each step.
Again, some international families choose to have a company or agency manage this process for them in order to ensure the required level of organisation and foresight is achieved. If deadlines are missed, documents not submitted on time or the incorrect type of preparation made, it is a missed opportunity.
Step 3: UKISET (if needed)
The UKiset (UK Independent Schools' Entry Test) is an assessment designed to evaluate the academic and English language ability of international students seeking admission into British independent schools. It is commonly used by schools as part of their admissions process for all students applying from overseas.
The test covers a range of subjects including English, mathematics, and reasoning skills, and it is tailored to different age groups to ensure age-appropriate content. The UKiset includes an English proficiency assessment to gauge a student's language skills and readiness for studying in the UK.
Many British independent and boarding schools require international students to take the UKiset as part of their application process.
If your child is already attending an international school, it is likely their English is already at an acceptable standard for entry to the school. Therefore, they will not need to take any tests to gauge language proficiency. Instead, they will still need to take the standard entrance exams in English, mathematics and reasoning skills tests, this might also include a writing assessment.
Not all schools require the UKiset therefore it is best to check your chosen school(s) website before applying.
Step 4: Submit Application documents
Once you've identified a list of UK boarding schools you would certainly like to apply to, you need to submit the required application documents via their website. The dates for when this is accepted varies from school to school. It is best to check with your chosen schools as to when this should be completed and submitted for each.
The form will ask for detailed information about you and your child, including their academic achievements, extracurricular interests, and personal information. Most schools will request a school report or some form of your child’s school work at this stage.
The application fee varies but it is always needed as part of the application process. This fee covers administrative costs associated with processing applications and is a standard practice across many private educational institutions in the UK.
Be sure to follow all deadlines provided by the school and submit all required documents promptly to ensure a smooth application process.
Each school’s application process must be completed individually and accurately.
Step 5: Assessment
After you’ve submitted your application it will be reviewed and your child will be invited to participate in entrance exams or interviews. These assessments are designed to evaluate academic ability, critical thinking skills, and suitability for the school's educational environment.
Typically, the school will handle the registration process for these exams. However, they will communicate clearly if there are any arrangements you need to make independently. It's common for assessments to be conducted at designated test centres in your home country or online, providing flexibility for international applicants. On some occasions, physical attendance at the school for these tests may be required.
The assessment will usually take place sometime during the beginning of year 6. Many independent schools use the ISEB pre-test, if your child is applying to schools that use this test they will only need to take the ISEB pre-test once. Then, all results will be distributed to the schools.
Other independent schools may use their own assessment process, though the subject areas and academic potential tested for is very similar to the ISEB pre-test or any other 11+ exam for entrance to UK independent and grammar schools.
If your child is in another age group above or below the age of 9 or 10, the CAT4 test is commonly used. Though, for admission years which are not main entry point years, schools can have an application process unique to them.
A group interview day or individual interview will also usually be part of the process. It helps to ensure your child is familiar with the typical process and expectations of these interviews.
Step 6: Offer, Acceptance and Initial Payment
After the testing and interviews, you will be told the outcome of your child's school application(s) shortly afterwards. If successful, you will be given an offer of admission from the boarding school. Accept the offer and your child has a space reserved for them! 🥳 Any terms and conditions of the offer will also be stated in the offer letter, it’s important to understand these in full before accepting the offer.
After accepting the offer, you are required to make an initial deposit payment to the school in order to reserve the place. Within the offer letter, other details are also given about when future payments are due and how much they will be.
Upon accepting the offer, you can begin working on your child's move to the UK. This will include applying for their visa using the information provided by the school and arranging guardianship (if necessary) for your child during their time abroad. The school will notify you of any other paperwork or financial checks that they require.
Step 7: Visa Application Preparation
If you intend for your child to attend a boarding school in the UK, they must have the correct visa. Most private British boarding schools are licensed student visa sponsors, meaning they have the authority to sponsor international students, allowing them to study in the UK. You cannot apply for your child’s visa until they have been accepted by a boarding school, however it is important to be prepared for this step in advance.
Upon acceptance by the school, you will receive a CAS reference number (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). This number is needed as part of the Child Student visa application.
Step 8: Joining Instructions and Procedures
As your child’s start date moves closer, the school will be in touch with you in order to notify you of any important joining information. For example, what school uniform is required and where to buy it, a packing list of necessary items, teacher contact details and school policies you should be aware of in order to ensure your child is safe and taken care of.
Private School Application Advice
Should I get assistance with my child’s application?
The international application process for UK private boarding schools can be complex and long-winded, especially if your first language is not English. Specialists and consultants can work with you in your native language to ensure your child’s application stays on track, never missing a deadline. They can talk you through the process, handling all correspondence with the schools and assist with your child’s academic preparation. Busy international families usually opt for this in order to ensure the workload is managed effectively and in a timely manner.
Do I need a UK address to apply?
You do not need a UK address to apply. While some schools will give preference to students who live near the school (in the “catchment area”), having an international address will not prevent you from applying to UK independent schools.
Will my child need a UK based guardian?
All international children who attend a UK boarding school are required to have a UK-based guardian. This guardian is there to support your child in case of emergencies and assists them on your behalf. A child's guardian is usually a family member or friend who lives near the school in the UK.
If you do not have anyone who can act as your child’s guardian in the UK, you can purchase guardianship services for your child during their stay. We can also assist you with this.
Which entrance exams will my child take?
There are several entrance exam providers in the UK. Most UK based boarding schools use one of the following:
Do UK Boarding schools prefer UK students?
Unless a school states in their admissions policy that they favour students who live in the local ‘catchment area’, there is no preference. Most UK boarding schools chose students through the results of their competitive entry exams. The higher your child scores, the more likely they will be offered a place. Furthermore, British independent schools look the foster the development of an open-minded global community, therefore having a mix of different cultures and backgrounds in the student body is very important to them. In fact, we would go as far to say — they really do want to be able to accept more international students!
When should I start the application process?
The earlier you start the application process to an independent boarding school, the better. Ideally, begin researching schools and their requirements at least 3-4 years in advance of your child’s intended start date. Therefore, if we take the year in which most UK boarding schools start (UK year 9) as a reference point, we should start our preparation at the beginning of year 5. This will give plenty of time to understand the application process, gather necessary documents, and prepare your child for any required assessments or interviews.
Additionally, starting early provides opportunities for school visits, which can help both you and your child make informed decisions about the best fit for their education.
When should I start preparing my child?
The earlier you start with your child’s preparation, especially their English proficiency, the higher their changes of success. Beginning as early as possible allows sufficient time to focus on your child’s English skills, as well as the content of any entrance exams. We’ve worked with over 50,000 students in the UK for the 11+ school entrance exams; we know students who begin preparing earlier have much higher rates of success.
Does my child need to be fluent in English?
Your child must be able to speak, read, write and understand fluently in English to attend an English boarding school. This is because all teaching will be done in English.
If your child is not currently fluent, there are several things you can do in advance to help them.
Intensive English Improvement Courses/Tuition: invest in English language improvement through school programmes, extra lessons, private tutoring, or language courses. The earlier you improve their English, the better prepared your child will be for success and their education in the UK.
UK Summer Schools For International Students: many British boarding schools offer intensive summer courses for students during the UK summer holidays. These are available for students with different levels of English proficiency and offer an exciting schedule of education, English classes and day trips in the UK, while also allowing the child to experience life in a boarding house. These programmes focus on boosting a child’s English proficiency by immersing them amongst native speakers and teachers.
Consider Boarding Schools with EFL Support: if your child’s English is not quite at the level you want it to be, consider applying for schools with a strong English as a Foreign Language (EFL) support department and a diverse student body. EFL support is improving in most schools and therefore, as long as your child can communicate in basic English, the school will be able to work with them to improve this.
You can find some the Summer Schools we highly recommend here.
Should I visit the school with my child before they join?
Yes (if possible)! Visiting the school can help both you and your child make an informed decision about the best fit for their education. Most schools provide visit days and/or open days to allow you and your child to get to know the school. We’d recommend attending if you can. However, this is not necessary and most schools will allow enrolment without having to physically attend a school tour beforehand.
How To Prepare Your Child For Entry To A British Private School?
The Exam Coach delivers the best online tuition for children studying to sit the 11 Plus exams for grammar or independent (private) school entry in the UK. You can read some of our 185+ five star Google reviews here.
Our tuition is designed to be joined by students around the globe, giving them access to top British tutors and teaching, from the comfort of their own home. When preparing for entry to a senior independent school, your child will usually have to take an 11 Plus exam!
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With the right approach, you can integrate mock testing into your child's 11+ preparation from the comfort of your home. In the guide below, we explain the process of conducting your very own 11 Plus mock exams at home, ensuring that your child is well-prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
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