in the UK
What are the benefits of UK boarding? Are you considering a UK boarding school? This is a great place to learn all the benefits it could bring your child.
Express yourself... Encouraging young people to express themselves is an important stage of discovery. We explore this more on page 5.
What should you consider? There are so many boarding schools to choose from so narrowing down the choice can be momentous task. Page 6 gives you all the things you need to consider before you start.
A PROMISE We speak to a house mistress about what her role entails.
Contents
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Top of the League An introduction into sport in boarding schools and how it can be a vitally important aspect of your child’s education and future.
05
Express Yourself
Read on page 5 how the arts can have a huge impact on your child’s education and in the long term, their mental health.
Things to consider... ...when choosing a UK boarding school. Finding the perfect school for your child can be an impossible task, let us help you with the initial considerations.
06
Who are they?
08
Read up on what role the housemaster or mistress will play in your child’s life while away at boarding school.
Benefits.. ..of UK boarding. Are you still deciding whether boarding will work for your family? Read page 10 for the top benefits of a UK education.
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Our Experience.. of a UK Boarding School Exhibition. King’s School give their feedback on the latest exhibition held in Lagos, Nigeria.
top of the league
The Sutton Trust report found that 37% of Britain’s medal-winning athletes at the 2012 London Olympics attended fee-paying schools. So, what is the correlation between boarding schools and athletes? Providing access to world-class facilities and offering professional level coaching through structured training programmes, boarding schools are one of the best environments to allow your child to maximise their sporting abilities. SPORT MATTERS FOR ALL.
As well as developing personal fitness skills, participating in sports increases confidence, resilience and self-esteem. There are opportunities to gain leadership, self-discipline and teamwork skills, depending on whether the sport is more individual or team focused. Team sports involve all working together towards a common goal, resulting in a sense of achievement and fulfilment when the team succeeds. These skills can be transferred to many other aspects of life, moulding students into future model citizens. As well as building
individual skills, engaging in sports is an excellent route to meeting new people, forming long-term friendships and participating in social events. Sports introduce children to new social circles, promoting a sense of togetherness and unity. It is important for children to feel involved and included at a new schooling environment; the all-round education experience offered at a UK boarding school ensures that pupils will thrive. Exercise trains the brain to be more perceptive and spatially aware. Children are given the opportunity to strengthen their motor and problem-solving skills, increasing overall intelligence. This improves focus and awareness, which in turn will make for higher-quality academic work. Of
course, a balanced approach between academic work and sporting pursuits is required in order to maximise a child’s potential; the staff at boarding schools work hard to encourage an even distribution. A UK boarding school is a pool of opportunity for sports. Children will be encouraged to try a wide variety of physical activities, from traditional team sports such as
football, rugby and basketball, to golf, ballet and badminton. Boarding schools accommodate all skill levels and backgrounds, so you can be rest assured knowing that your child will discover their passion. It is vitally important for sport to be fun, challenging and inclusive of all. Children need stimulation and variety, both of which can be found at a UK boarding school. With masses of opportunities to partake in competitions and tournaments at both local and regional levels, it’s no wonder that so many of Britain’s top Olympians attended boarding schools.
UK Boarding School Specialists and Education Consultants
WE PROVIDE FAMILIES WITH FREE, IMPARTIAL HELP ON UK BOARDING SCHOOLS ABOUT US We have been working with local and expat families worldwide for the past 25 years; to find the best school for their child to ensure that they develop and grow and achieve their potential academically in a safe secure environment. We have visited over 350 UK boarding schools and are able to recommend schools for you to consider and help you through the process.
EDUCATION SPECIALISTS Anderson Education are the best people to offer you free help and advice, we help many families, living in the UK and overseas, to find the best boarding school for their child. When we visit boarding schools we are looking for what is special and unique about each schools, we are then able to match this with your child’s strengths, skills and talents.
WHAT WE OFFER We support the families every step of the way through the process of selecting the best school for each child, arranging school visits, the application, entrance test and interview process, we are available at any time to answer your questions and concerns. Through our close collaboration with the schools and organisations such as BBSW, COBIS, BSME, MEA, BBG we are able to keep up to date with the latest education developments. Our aim is to help cut the amount of time the school search can take when looking for the best school for your child, our input of accurate up to date expertise is exceptional and efficient.
For more infomation:
www.andersoneducation.co.uk +44 (0)1474 815 450 enquires@andersoneducation.co.uk
Langton House, Meopham Green Meopham, Kent, DA13 OPY United Kingdom
ss e r p Ex
Encouraging young people to express themselves creatively is of paramount importance. As Einstein famously recalled,
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
responsible for imagination, expression and emotional intelligence. This is highly beneficial to a child’s future, as organisations everywhere require employees with a creative flair who can offer unique and insightful perspectives on exciting projects.
Experimenting and exploring is vital to a child’s development; one of the ways in which this can be A UK boarding school achieved is through art. Enabling children is the ideal environment to allow to illustrate their feelings via an artistic a child’s artistry to medium improves thrive. learning and cognitive Creativity is essential ability. A child tells a story with each mark to the success and fulfilment of children. they make on the page, and we should It’s scientifically proven that partaking encourage them to share those stories in artistic ventures helps to “unlock” the with the world. It’s right hand-side of the important to allow children to create, brain, which is
YOURSELF
even if that means making a mess whilst doing so.
The passion and power of drama is undeniable. Drama enables students to make physical and mental connections with those around them, strengthening communication and teamwork skills. Many UK boarding schools have fantastic theatre and performance facilities available. Pupils will be given regular opportunities to partake in auditions and theatre productions, increasing their confidence and resilience. Music tuition is another creative venture offered in UK boarding schools. Whether it is a casual interest or a burning passion of your child’s, there is something to suit all
levels of musical ability. UK boarding schools provide access to high-quality instruments and world-class tuition, so you can rest assured knowing that your child is receiving the best possible support in developing their creative skill sets. Creative expression is a fantastic way to get in touch with your inner emotions and feelings, which should be encouraged in children from an early age. Dabbling in the arts allows children to relieve any stresses or anxieties, increasing overall happiness and wellbeing. UK boarding schools certainly embrace the importance of self-expression, offering a vast range of opportunities for pupils to find sanctuary amongst the arts.
consid
The main things you should be
Thinking of choosing a UK boarding school for your child? Not sure where to begin? Single sex or co-educaion, what is the best age, how will I know if the facilities fit my childs needs? Keep reading to discover more about the aspects to consider during the boarding school selection process… WHAT AGE SHOULD I may be the best CONSIDER option for your BOARDING SCHOOL child. FOR MY CHILD? There are three UK boarding different types of schools house boarding schools: children from the preparatory schools ages of 7-18, but (from age 7 until 11 the best age to or 13), senior start all depends on schools (from age your personal 11 or 13 up until circumstances. Are 16) and you travelling independent around a lot and colleges (ages 16+). moving your child We suggest you from school to plan early, allowing school? Is this a at least 18 months possibility for the for researching and future? visiting prospective schools. Constantly moving your child can SINGLE SEX OR highly disrupt their CO-EDUCATIONAL? education and social life. Some boarding Depending on the schools are boys or country you are girls only, whereas moving to and the others are education available, co-educational. at some point a UK Even if the school is boarding school single sex, many
have arrangements with the local school of the opposite sex for social functions, activities and school trips. Learning is driven by individual needs, not by gender. Ultimately, only you can make the decision as to whether your child would benefit from attending a single sex or co-educational school. We recommend that you consider and explore both options. It is important to keep your child involved throughout the boarding school selection process. Spend time talking with them to
discover their preferences and ensure that you work together to determine the best solution. FELLOW PUPILS It is highly recommended that you consider the school’s boarding community in your decision making. How many pupils
dering when choosing UK boarding
are full boarders? How many are weekly boarders? Do they allow flexi-boarding? Most international pupils are full boarders, meaning they spend their weekends at school and participate in a full weekend programme of study, activities and outings. A school with a full boarding house may have a more extensive activities programme, which could be more beneficial to your child. Another aspect to
take into consideration is the nationalities of fellow pupils. Staff working with a diverse community will be more experienced in welcoming students from overseas, offering support and comfort. This will also provide your child with the opportunity to experience different cultures, traditions and languages. VISIT, VISIT, VISIT! The school visit is of paramount importance in
deciding your child’s future education. It is not about the buildings and facilities available, but the people you meet that will contribute to your child’s future happiness and wellbeing. As a parent, you need to feel confident that the school staff are going to take care of your child. That’s why we recommend that international or expatriate families visit at least 3 schools, to
give you a complete picture of what boarding in the UK is really like. As well as attending open days, it is important to make a personal appointment with senior school staff. This will ensure that the visit is much more focused on your child’s individual wants and needs, offering a tailored, in-depth information session.
Housemistresses and masters
Who are they?
Who is the housemistress or master and what are their main roles within my childs school life?
HOUSEMISTRESS PROMISE
Anne Sampson Housemistress of The Manor, the lower school boarding house at Dauntsey’s
A housemaster or mistress lives in independent schools and is responsible for the daily tasks involved in looking after children. This is usually a non-teaching, pastoral caring role, although some teaching duties may be required. Daily responsibilities include feeding, bathing, bedtime and caring for sick children. As well as being responsible for the safety and welfare of students, the housemaster or
mistress supervises and guides staff, ensuring that operations within the House run smoothly at all times. Housemasters or mistresses also build strong relationships with parents and carers, maintaining regular contact and updating them on their child’s progress. The overall goal is to ensure that the boarding house is a productive and happy schooling environment for all.
Here she shares the “promise” she makes to all 70 boarders in her care. As Housemistress, I promise to … - Encourage you to read a book for at least 15 minutes before bedtime - Check that you have packed your bag for school the night before - Make sure there is always hot chocolate ready when you come back from school - Bake you a cake on your birthday, make sure you wear the Manor birthday hat and ask the whole house to sing to you – including the staff! - Welcome your pet hamster, guinea pig, gerbil, fish or budgie to come and live with us - Help and encourage you with your homework - Get up in the night if you are not feeling well – you just have to knock on my door - Organise fun activities to do – from ballroom dancing or zip-wiring in the woods, to movie nights or baking cakes - Remind you every night to brush your teeth and collect your clothes for washing - Call your parents if you are having any problems - Support you in your music, drama and sport ventures – particularly if your parents can’t make it - Be someone you can trust and confide in And most importantly of all, I will check under your bed for spiders!
10 YEARS EXPERIENCE ON PROVIDING SPECIALIST EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANCY TO STUDENTS, PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS Choosing the right UK school is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent, & MBE can help with that impossible decision
CONSULTANCY FOR SCHOOLS Mark Brooks provides comprehensive and practical consultancy for Governors, Heads and Marketing Directors. Services include seminars, audits, marketing strategies, international boarding recruitment and ongoing admissions support.
ACADEMIC GUARDIANSHIP In order to provide parents and students with reassuring additional support with the school, we act as academic guardians for a select number of families. The service includes frequent updates ensuring that your child is worry-free and thriving.
MARK IN NIGERIA Mark has been working in Nigeria for over ten years. Services include recruitment of Principals, helping parents find outstanding boarding schools for their children, running bi-annual schools’ exhibitions (in partnership with Anderson Education) and, with the support of the UK’s Department for International Trade and the British High Commission, taking individual schools to Lagos and Abuja.
FOR MORE INFOMATION Visit: www.markbrookseducation.com
What’s special about a UK boarding school? What kinds of educational experiences do they offer? Keep reading to discover all about what a UK boarding school can do for your child…
BENEFITS of UK boarding
AN ALL-ROUND APPROACH TO EDUCATION A UK boarding school offers a comprehensive approach to a child’s education, helping them to build confidence, broaden their horizons and mould them into a model citizen. There is greater opportunity to receive subject support and partake in extracurricular activities.
exceptional level of academic education and an excellent foundation for future study. Many preparatory schools focus on preparing students for the Common Entrance (CE) exam, which assesses the child’s academic ability for entrance into secondary school.
UK boarding schools take a holistic approach to a child’s development. Communication between pastoral and academic staff is extremely strong, meaning that any problems Senior boarding schools offer educational are dealt with quickly and with minimum depth and allow students to study for fuss. qualifications in a wide array of subjects – so you can rest assured knowing that your child Children in boarding schools are given the will find their specialist area of study. opportunity to develop their individual skills and talents, whether that be music, sports, ALL RELIGIONS WELCOME arts or other. Pupils are always encouraged to use their imagination and express UK boarding schools welcome children of all themselves. religious faiths. Each school has a mission
statement that outlines the purpose, ideals and aims of the school, which is the motivating factor behind all policies and Students from all over the world choose a UK actions. boarding school to study world-leading GCSE, A-Level and International Baccalaureate Many schools are originally of religious faith, programmes. These qualifications are meaning they may have a certain spiritual available in a wide array of subjects, meaning basis and code. Pupils may be required to there is something to suit every child. attend a weekly service of worship, or religion Preparatory boarding schools offer an may be incorporated into school assemblies. TYPES OF STUDY AVAILABLE
There are also many secular boarding schools in the UK that have no religious affinity. Schools who do have a religious emphasis will frequently accept pupils from a wide array of backgrounds, whether religious or not.
of the UK Boarding School Exhibition
King’s Hall School and King’s College attended its first exhibition in Nigeria in February.
King met approximately 30 prospective families.
They enjoyed their visit to Greenwood Over two busy days at House School where the Wheatbaker Hotel the principal, Ron Lagos, Headmaster of Cilliers, gave an overview of schooling King’s Hall, Justin Chippendale, and in Lagos. At Head of CCF at King’s Children’s International School College, Major Steve the delegates were given a very warm welcome by Dr Adam England, the charismatic principal, before meeting some wonderful families, many of whom interestingly had a
great deal of visit our schools very knowledge about the soon. They would be British school system. most welcome. All in all, it was an incredibly enjoyable trip, and we do hope that many of these parents will be able to
The Kings School 01227 595501 info@king-school.co.uk Based in Somerset, Taunton
J OIN U S IN
LAGOS, NIGERIA Whe atb ak e r Hote l, I koyi
1 2 - 1 3 OCT OBER If you, like many local and expat f ami l i e s living in the Middle East or Nigeria, ar e considering a UK boarding school f or s tability of education or a stepping ston e t o u n iversity, there is no better place to start t h an the UK Boarding School Exhibition.
Bo o k no w at: w w w . u k b o a rding s choole x hibit ion.com