Preparing for university
UK boarding schools help students mentally prepare for the challenges of higher education.
Boarding schools in Britain have a longstanding track record as springboards for students looking to gain entry into top universities. This is based on their combination of first-rate instruction, multicultural learning environments, pastoral care, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
However, according to expert speakers at the recent UK Boarding Schools Festival organised by Education Post, the path to boarding school still requires careful planning. It is best to start early, and the first step is to realise that getting into a good school is not simply a matter of completing forms and paying fees.
The most prestigious schools are well known for their rigorous admissions procedures. They are designed to assess each candidate’s academic and other potential. According to Cissy Lo, education marketing manager at the British Council Hong Kong, it’s important for parents to understand this process and start preparing as early as four years in advance.
While Year 7 (age 11) or Year 9 (age 13) are the usual entry points, some parents choose Year 5 (age 9). Entry to prep (primary) school boarding at this stage allows children to adjust to studying in the UK before moving up to senior level.
At most schools, Year 10 is a crucial point as it sees the start of two-year GCSE courses, usually involving some form of continuous assessment. Interestingly, as Hong Kong’s universities continue to climb the global rankings, some parents are now sending their children to UK schools with a view to applying for university places here, via the international route.
Of course, whether offering GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-levels or IB (International Baccalaureate) programmes, no school can guarantee a university place. Many leavers, though, do go on to a Russell Group university, which includes Oxford and Cambridge plus 22 other leading institutions. Applicants from boarding schools have generally had the benefit of small classes, an in-depth curriculum, and support in developing broad interests and individual talents.
