to ask them about things that you cannot find out from reading a school’s prospectus: whether the school is warm and welcoming and the students are known for being kind; what the pastoral care is like; does it run a house system, and if so what are the benefits; does it empty at weekends; does it have a reputation for having a drug problem; does it cater well to students who require learning support; will your child flourish academically there or drift to the bottom third of the academic group. The details of two school consultants who specifically work with Cayman families can be found below.
School Fairs Two school fairs usually take place in Grand Cayman each year offering parents the opportunity to meet representatives from various overseas boarding schools, however, due to COVID restrictions, it is unknown as to whether they will be held in 2022. Here are the details for future reference: British Schools Fair Cayman Islands
Usually held during the first weekend of November at the Marriott hotel from 2pm–6pm. The school representatives are happy to conduct school interviews or have
a private meeting with you when they are here. For information on which schools usually visit, see www.bvs-education.co.uk/ british-schools fairs. Caribbean School Fair
Usually comprises the top 40 US and Canadian boarding schools and is held on a Sunday in the middle of November from 4pm to 6pm at the Marriott. For more information email: info@bediwalker.com. Boarding School Options Numerous boarding schools visit Grand Cayman during one of the school fairs, so it is worth attending them. Often the Headmaster/Mistress of each school will visit and it is a great way to get a feel for what the school has to offer. They are more than happy to answer your questions and show you photos. They also conduct school entrance interviews while they are onIsland. Here we list a few overseas boarding schools that are very popular with Cayman families:
YOUR BOARDING SCHOOL EXPERTS IN CAYMAN
BvS Education/Niall Browne
BvS gives impartial insider advice based on many years of experience of teaching in leading British independent schools, taking pride in having a thorough knowledge of a wide range of UK based schools and the admissions processes for them. They offer a bespoke service which is centred on finding the right school for your child. They also now offer advice for entry to Canadian schools. Niall Browne visits Cayman when he can (COVID-19 allowing) to meet Island
(345) 936 3676 | (345) 925 4610 | (345) 949 8268 admin@dormandday.ky | www.dormandday.ky • Informed advice with on campus research. • Successful boarding school matches in USA, Canada and UK.
• Arrangements for school visits and interviews. • Expertise in financial aid and scholarships.
Personalised service for every family.
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is based in Grand Cayman and offers a schools placement advisory service for education in Cayman and overseas. Owned and run by Amanda Roberts, every year they visit a diverse range of boarding schools in the USA, Canada and the UK, including schools for children with learning differences, using that first-hand personal knowledge to find the right fit for your child and help you to make an informed choice of school. They guide you throughout the admissions process which includes reviewing transcripts, preparing shortlists, helping with applications and financial aid forms, finding scholarships for talented athletes and high academic achievers, scheduling and preparing for tests and interviews, arranging boarding school visits and communicating with schools from application to arrival. Tel: (345) 936 3676 or (345) 925 4610, email: admin@dormandday.ky or visit www. dormandday.ky. SE E AD T H I S PAG E Dorm & Day
families but he also conducts WhatsApp and Zoom calls with interested parents. BvS also conducts the UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test (UKiset) in Cayman – an invaluable tool in helping overseas parents to select the right schools based on their children’s academic ability. Email: niall@bvseducation.com, call: 44(0)28 9532 0374 or visit www.bvs-education.com.