UK BOARDING SCHOOLS A GULF NEWS SPONSORED SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020
Make an informed choice on UK education Get an overview of the best options for a UK education for your child by visiting the UK Boarding School Exhibition at Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina on February 28-29
U
K boarding education is increasingly popular with local and expat families living in the Gulf region: to ensure stability of education; as a stepping stone to university; for learning support and the opportunity for children talented in sport, music, drama or academically to achieve their potential. Finding the right school is a daunting prospect, particularly when you live thousands of miles away. Anderson Education, the UK boarding school specialists offer families free impartial help and advice; we have visited over 350 UK boarding schools and are able to help families through the process. Our unique education service is tailored to the individual needs of each child and their family; we understand the importance of this emotional and financial decision to provide the best education we can for our children. The UK Boarding School Exhibition at Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina on February 28 and 29, 2020 is a good place to start your research and provides an opportunity for you to come and talk to leading UK boarding schools, find out what they have to offer and the many benefits of a UK boarding education. You may want to talk to schools about IB or A Levels; girls, boys or coed; state boarding schools; sporting academies; schools in the North, South, Scotland or Wales. Anderson Education looks forward to meeting you, please find below some fre-
contact home by text, Facetime, WhatsApp and Skype. What do boarders do in their spare time? Boarding life tends to be very structured, however, they will have some free time after school and during weekends; they are encouraged to make use of the excellent facilities on site and take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities, trips and excursions. What happens if my child feel unwell? All schools have a registered nurse on site and visiting local GP; parents will be kept informed of their child’s health. pictures and posters from home to decorate their rooms.
quently asked questions: What age is best for a child to go to boarding school? Every child is different, but as a general rule 9 to 13 years; the earlier the better. What time’s best to apply? We recommend that you start planning 18 months before the proposed entry date. What is the boarding house like? A traditional boarding house would have approximately 50 pupils, they have common room areas to cater to everyone’s needs. These may include a television room with a video/DVD player, a study area for prep (homework) and computer access, a games room with table football and a pool table. In addition, each House has a kitchen equipped with a kettle, microwave, fridge and toaster so that pu-
SARA SPARLING, UK Education Consultant, Anderson Education
pils can prepare snacks when required. The school will provide basic provisions. The setup of houses will vary from school to school, however, most have girls and boys in separate houses according to age. Do pupils share a room? Younger pupils are usually in a room with three or four other pupils; as they progress through school they will move in to twin rooms with sixth form students (age 16 – 18) having their own study bedroom. Pupils are encouraged to bring
How does the school help new boarders to settle in? Some schools invite new pupils to the school in the summer term before they join, this gives them the opportunity to meet other new pupils, the teachers and visit their new boarding house. During the term beginning, boarders arrive the day before the timetabled lessons start; they will usually have a full induction programme and may be paired with a ‘buddy’. When can I contact my son or daughter? Boarders have some free time after the end of the school day and between and after school activities and meals. They will get a school email address and will have internet access in their boarding houses to enable them to
Can pupils wear their own clothes at school? During evenings and weekends, and certain other times, pupils in all year groups wear their own clothes. A suggested clothing list will be provided. What does the boarding fee include? It includes accommodation, tuition, food and laundry. What are the add-on costs? There is a charge for individual lessons, for example a musical instrument, horse riding lessons and learning support.
Anderson Education
www.andersoneducation.co.uk Em: enquiries@andersoneducation.co.uk Tel: +44 1474 815450 Twitter: @An_Education Instagram: @Anderson_Education Facebook: @AndersonEducation LinkedIn: Anderson Education
UK BOARDING SCHOOLS
2
February 26, 2020
Why state boarding schools are an excellent choice Put off by high fees and the consequent limited social mix of a typical independent boarding school. You may find a state boarding school is the answer
Shutterstock
S
tate boarding schools have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, partly due to family breakdowns, and partly due to increasing numbers of families with both parents working long hours. “We all work hard during the week, and get together during weekends,” said one father. “It’s much less stressful than trying to oversee homework and music practice after a long day at work and travelling, and she is happy to spend week nights at school with her friends.” Those offering full boarding are popular with families working abroad, in the Forces, the diplomatic service or with international companies.
What do they cost?
State boarding schools are comparatively cheap – mostly somewhere between £10,000 - £16,000 a year in boarding fees – because the government foots the bill for tuition. The majority of
pupils in most state boarding schools are day pupils, but many stay for afterschool activities alongside the boarders – ‘a boarding experience minus the bed,’ as one school put it. Some of the schools, such as Gordon’s in Surrey, levy a compulsory ‘day boarding’ fee of several thousand pounds to all day pupils to cover after-school activities (though bursaries are available for low income families).
Who can apply?
As with other state schools, state boarding schools are open to British citizens, EU passport holders and anyone with a right of residence in the UK. Some are academically selective, some are single sex, and they are permitted to interview pupils (which other state schools are not) in order to ensure they are suitable candidates for boarding.
How many are there?
There are some 40 in England, including one in the Scilly Isles, plus one each in Wales and Scotland – the latter for children from Forces families – with a total of some 5,000+ places. Some offer full boarding, others only weekly boarding, some have boarding for sixth formers only and one is a specialist sixth form college run by the MOD.
What to consider
As with any other school, read prospectuses, school magazines and newsletters, inspection reports and reviews, such as those in this book; we review about half of British state boarding schools, and we have extensive data for all of them on our website. Distance: How far are you prepared to travel for concerts, parents’ evenings, matches and weekend pickups? Many seasoned boarding school parents caution against choosing a school
more than about 90 minutes away. Activities: what happens after school and at weekends? Do activities accord with your child’s interests and abilities, whether in sport, music, art or drama? Considerable sporting successes include national representation in sports as diverse as rugby, fell running, skiing, martial arts and karting. “We cram so much in and are encouraged to do as much as possible and try new things,” said a pupil, “and there are prizes for everything.” Pupils take part in public speaking and debating competitions, produce an impressive school magazine and put together the sixth form fashion show; school recently won a grant to build a single pixel camera to investigate how insects see the world. A wide range of afterschool clubs include the particle physics society, fitness, gardening and DT.
Numbers: How many boarders are there of your child’s age? And how many regularly stay in school at weekends? If you are considering full boarding, it’s vital that your child doesn’t spend weekends rattling around with few friends or activities.
On your visit
Draw up a shortlist and arrange visits. Don’t expect the schools to have the extensive grounds and expensive facilities of many independent boarding schools – though some do. Some tattiness won’t matter, but if you sense neglect, beware. Don’t assume single en suite rooms are essential: many younger children in particular like the camaraderie of dormitories. Most important is the atmosphere. Could you imagine your child living here? Does it feel friendly? Are pupils happy and enthusiastic? And most of all – is your child keen to join?
UK BOARDING SCHOOLS
February 26, 2020
3
Choosing a boarding school in the UK
UK boarding schools are some of the world’s best-performing and most sought-after schools, the global appetite for which shows no sign of decreasing. We examine what residential education has to offer.
W
ith international students comprising a third of the 70,000+ pupils currently at the UK’s 500 or so boarding schools, the global appetite for a traditional residential education shows no sign of diminishing. With hundreds of boarding schools to choose from across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, UK boarding schools offer a wealth of choice in terms of surroundings, specialisms and religious affiliations. In both rural and urban settings, there are top-performing schools that specialise in areas such as sport, music, art, drama, or an academic subject. “Part of the strength of the British boarding market is the diversity of schools available,” says a Boarding Schools’ Association spokesperson. “They may be near airports for ease of travel back to far-flung countries, or near the mountains, giv-
ing pupils more access to the great outdoors; in the middle of fine cities with all their facilities, or in small country towns where the high street is a safe and friendly resource for young people off site for a couple of hours.”
Global mobility and boarding
But it is for the relocating family that the option of a residential education could be a particularly appealing option. Karin Purcell, of Marymount London, a Catholic boarding school for girls, believes that choosing a boarding education can have very obvious advantages in the global mobility context. “The benefits of continuity and academic consistency provided by remaining at the same school are immeasurable,” says Purcell. “This removes the stress of changing systems, languages, climates, cultures and friends,
especially in the final years of education, when disruption is least desirable.” This theory certainly holds true when looking at the statistics. According to the 2017 Independent Schools Council (ISC) Census, boarding is far more prevalent at sixth form than at junior level, and sixth-formers are more likely to board on a full-time basis. Their 2019 Census
confirms the boarding landscape is changing, reflecting parental preferences.
Types of boarding
Over the past 10 years, boarding schools have endeavoured to respond to the ever-changing needs of the modern family lifestyle. Busy parents have increasingly pushed for a more flexible approach to boarding,
one that enables students to switch from traditional patterns to staying the night on a flexible basis. “We are very flexible in our boarding offering to fit in with parents’ busy working lives,” explains Quelli Coles, housemistress at Vinehall School, a co-educational prep school in Sussex. “We offer full, weekly and flexi boarding as well as 8am to 8pm boarding which includes supper, prep and activities. We are also happy to have children to stay for weekends or extended weeks if parents are going away or have work commitments.” Full boarding provides residential education for pupils during the week and over the weekend for the term, and usually appeals to overseas families and those who would ordinarily have a long journey to the school.It is worth noting though that there are fewer and fewer boarding schools that predominantly offer full boarding.
4
UK BOARDING SCHOOLS
February 26, 2020
Settling into life at a boarding school Most schools will offer a range of activities to help boarders settle in and get to know each other
I
t is within the schools’ boarding houses that students really get the chance to integrate with other students and make friends while spending time away from family. But not all boarding houses are the same, and it is worth checking how your chosen school organises and structures the way in which students live, study and spend their extracurricular time together. Sevenoaks School, in Kent, a coeducational day and boarding school for students aged 11–18, was rated ‘exceptional’ in its latest inspection report and recently won the accolade of Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year. With a 600-year history and around 1,080 pupils, including international students from 40 countries around the world, the school has a total of 350 boarders, the vast majority of whom are sixth-formers. “Sevenoaks School has seven boarding houses, two of which – the International Centre and
Supplied
the Girls’ International House (GIH) – are dedicated specifically to sixth-form IB students,” says head of boarding Nichola Haworth.
Boarding’s global appeal But it is Sevenoaks School’s international reputation that often attracts globally mobile families. “The global appeal isn’t just the huge variation of nationalities at the school, it’s also the willingness of parents to move internationally to further careers,” says Nichola Haworth. “Many of our parents are expatriate; they work in a vi-
brant global mix and recognise a similar mix in the make-up of our international boarding houses. Their children are here because they believe the connections that they make will open up a whole world of opportunity in the future.”
Extracurricular activities Most boarding schools will offer extracurricular activities that include a wide range of sports, music, dance, drama, art and photography. It will be worth checking that the activities on offer during the evenings and at weekends at the school of your choice match the
interests of the child and the family. The extensive provision at Box Hill School aims to cater for all tastes.
Entrance exams Some boarding schools will require prospective students to take an entrance exam. The test is a useful device for schools to ensure that they can make appropriate provision for the individual child. Of course, there remain some highly selective boarding schools for which the tests will be extremely challenging, but this will be made clear during the application stage.
Fees Fees will vary from school to school, from region to region, and across the different boarding options. Juniorschool fees are typically lower than senior-school fees, while fees for sixth-formers are the highest. But it is not just the school fees that parents will need to enquire about. It is important to find out exactly what is included in the published school fees, as there may be many hidden costs, such as study materials, school trips, and unexpected charges for extracurricular activities.
[ THE DOWNS MALVERN ]
An inspiring education in the heart of England
W
e believe that enjoyment should be at the very heart of education: visit us and you’ll find exuberant, energised children – fired with enthusiasm for everything they do and passionate about learning: a passion that will help them to fulfil their ambitions in whatever direction they choose. Our role is to ensure that each child achieves their full potential, whether in academic success, sporting prowess, artistic expression… or all three. Most go on for the next stage of their educational journey to our associated senior school Malvern College, others to a host of top schools around the country. The stunning and historic setting for our school is 55 acres of the glorious Malvern Hills: a safe, secure and unspoilt
environment where children can learn, play, develop and grow. Our strong academic programme, coupled with small classes and exceptional teachers, delivers results that stand alongside the best in the prep world, while our superb sports and arts facilities ensure that the school experience is as rich and fulfilling as possible. Our association with Malvern College enables us to make use of their excellent facilities too, and our connections make the transition seamless for those who go on to study and board there. Around 50 of our 250 pupils board with us from Year 3 onwards – either on a flexi-, weekly- or fullboarding basis. Our teachers, tutors, house parents and medical staff work hard to personally know every child and make the boarding experience a hap-
py one.With lessons done, our boarders make use of our excellent facilities and campus, getting close to nature in the beautiful grounds or relaxing in the well-equipped Common Rooms. The extensive extracurricular and hobbies programme includes photography, computer club, jazz band, school television channel, rambling and fencing, plus all the usual prep school sports. The school also boasts the world’s oldest private miniature railway. Wish to know more about The Downs Malvern? Our associated senior school Malvern College is attending the UK Boarding School Show by Anderson Education at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina. February, Friday 28, 2pm-7pm and Saturday, February 29, 11am – 4pm.
UK BOARDING SCHOOLS
February 26, 2020 ADVERTISER’S CONTENT
[ SHIPLAKE ]
The importance of sport in boarding schools BY TYRONE HOWE
S
port provides development and learning opportunities like no other subject. Boarding schools are great at putting programmes together that encourage all pupils to participate — from team sports to individual pursuits such as running, and even yoga and meditation. One of the best things about team sport is the respect and empathy that is fostered among pupils. Team players have to accept and appreciate the different strengths and weaknesses and work together to build their team. They are encouraged to appreciate individual differences and the mix of skills that come with a team — the ideas person, the leader, the shoulder to lean on, the support acts. The same team dy-
namics make up what they will experience when they move into the world of work and start their careers. Competition is a huge part of building a young person’s character. It gives you energy, drive and vigour. To win and achieve your ultimate goals you need to lose, reflect and try again. In sport, pupils have to make and take responsibility for their own decisions. Having this self-belief and going for it helps to establish a ‘can do’ attitude that comes straight off the pitch and into the classroom and further down the line into the workplace. From here our
sportsmen and women can set some goals — ultimately working towards their personal best. Only one person can win a gold medal, but every single person can set a personal best. Research has proven that taking part in sport has a significant positive impact on mental health. Through natural ‘happy’ endorphins that are released when exercising, to all of the benefits of the sense of belonging and purpose and being part of a team or taking part in individual competitive sport brings. The variety of sport on offer at boarding schools allows self-confidence and self-esteem to develop, which in turn creates happy, confident, wellrounded individuals ready to take on the world. — The writer is Headmaster at Shiplake College
5
6
UK BOARDING SCHOOLS
February 26, 2020
What is a boarding school, what are its benefits? Offering a safe and supportive environment to its wards separates the best boarding schools from the rest
T
ing it with interesting new activities and diverse hobbies. Because everyone is experiencing life through a new lens together, they’re able to connect on a deep level and build lasting friendships.
here’s a lot of information out there about what a boarding school is and how students can benefit from attending one. Different boarding schools exist – from prep academies to military or religious schools and while certain characteristics make them unique, others contribute towards a beneficial learning environment. Here’s how a great boarding school can be defined.
Foundation for a bright future
Open-minded community
Depending on which part of the world you are from, you’ve probably heard something about how boarding school can be quite strict. For some, these common misconceptions create a dramatic picture of a suffocating environment. But a good boarding school shouldn’t feel that way.
Safe and supportive environment
Safety is something every school takes seriously, but that doesn’t have to equate to strict and unrealistic expectations. Instead, students should
Shutterstock
be given respect and space to explore, receiving guidance wherever needed. While a strict environment is one that might enforce rules effectively, a supportive environment is one that helps students to feel confident in their decisions. That’s better for students in the long run as it fosters an atmosphere where students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and discover their creativity.
A place for everyone
There is so much to be learned from a diverse community and what better place to find one than at an international boarding school? Students from all backgrounds are welcome and cared for, having the opportunity to learn about new cultures and celebrate diversity. Take the opportunity to explore their new home and enjoy their free time by fill-
Boarding school students are given so many opportunities to build a solid foundation for their future. Living away from home and balancing an advanced curriculum encourages them to become more disciplined and responsible. They’re also given the opportunity to advance academically and carefully map that into their future – whether in their furthering education, career aspirations or otherwise. With curricula like the IB Diploma program or IGCSE, students have the chance to expand their understanding of a variety of subjects, exploring concepts they otherwise might not have been exposed to before university and tailoring their high school experience to fit into their future dreams.
ADVERTISER’S CONTENT
[ MILLFIELD ]
Millfield launches leading Indoor Golf and Cricket centres & appoints first Triathlon Coach M
illfield’s new state of the art £2.6 million indoor Golf and Cricket Centres are officially open. The new centres have received endorsements from leading cricket and golfing figures and invested in world-leading technology, including motion tracking and simulation software, placing Millfield at the forefront of school and university facilities for both sports. The John Graveney Golf Centre enhances Millfield’s already impressive facilities with the latest in technology, including two teaching bays with the opportunity to hit balls from the inside out, a further 6 practice bays, an 81-squaremetre Huxley putting green and the use of the GC Quad and SkyTrak launch monitors, giving instant feedback on ball and club data. Video analysis is also used. For Millfield Cricket, the new centre enables the sport to
be practised all year long to increase the already 370-strong programme (including 80 girls). The centre features new PitchVision technology on three lanes, a state-of-the-art 4G fielding area, three adapt-
able bowling and batting surfaces, as well as five nets and an expansive 22-metre run-up. Millfield has also become one of the first schools in the UK to appoint a full-time Triathlon Coach as the multidis-
cipline sport grows in popularity. Christian Brown joined Millfield from the prestigious Leeds Triathlon Centre programme and will help to grow the sport as well as cycling at the school, where athletes can
enter national events such as the British Triathlon Super Series and European and World qualifiers. Millfield is one of the leading UK independent schools for boys and girls, aged 2-18 years. Located on over 200 acres of open Somerset countryside, both Millfield and Millfield Prep Schools are hubs of activity 24/7 and offer outstanding education, co-curricular and weekend programmes. With full, weekly and flexi boarding from age 7 at Millfield Prep and 950 boarders (75 per cent of the cohort) at Millfield Senior School, Millfield is the perfect place for young people to discover their brilliance. Founded in 1935 as an educator for six Indian princes, Millfield recently won the Independent School of the Year Award for providing an outstanding experience for its international students. millfieldschool.com
UK BOARDING SCHOOLS
February 26, 2020
7
ADVERTISER’S CONTENT
[ PANOBA ]
One size doesn’t fit all: Tailoring your child’s education BY NICKY SAKPOBA,
B
ritish boarding schools have deservedly gained a worldwide reputation for their ability to provide children with an all-round education, encompassing academic excellence, a vast range of co-curricular opportunities, strong pastoral care and preparation to be global citizens. One of the great strengths of the British education system is also the recognition that all children learn differently. Inclusion and being able to engage in a full curriculum are viewed as entitlements for all children, regardless of their ability or pace of learning. Schools offering support for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) provide teaching through a range of formats, including targeted small group sessions and in-class assistance. Speech & Language Therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology and utilising the expertise and experience of
Shutterstock
the SENCo and team in order to best support young people with regards to their learning difficulties is tailored to each child’s needs. In addition, the emotional welfare of each child is closely monitored through house staff, dedicated wellbeing and support coaches and school councillors. The Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils CReST-
eD, maintains a register of schools (including boarding) and teaching centres which meet their own criteria for the teaching of pupils with dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties. All schools and centres included in the Register are visited and assessed regularly to ensure they continue to meet the criteria set. There are a growing number of specialist schools of-
fering a route to A Levels, Foundation programmes and university places for international students who have come to the UK from a their home country’s education system and therefore requiring a pathway into the British system. Many schools are now offering a one-year GCSE programme, where students study up to 7 subjects, sufficient to see them through to the full A Level programme in Year 12. One college in the South East offers such a personalised education for 15 to 19-year-old international students, that they are able to design a completely bespoke educational pathway for each student. One pathway is their Business Diploma in Business and Management, which is formally equivalent to two A Levels and completed in one year. The course comprises 6 course modules covering aspects of business and management and is internally assessed using a combination of written tests, presenta-
tions and a course portfolio. In combination with an additional A Level, the student can gain entry into a range of high-ranking universities. Most top UK universities will require an overall score of at least 6.5 or 7.0 in The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, which the college enables students to take at various points through the academic year. The college also offer a University Foundation Year for students who have completed their own country’s formal secondary school leaving certificate or qualification(s). The course is designed to prepare students fully for UK undergraduate life at some of the country’s very best universities. The message for parents of international students considering a UK boarding school is that there is a myriad of schools offering support for children with different needs but all with a common goal of inspiring students to develop a successful future. — The writer is Director of Panoba Education & Lifestyle