With the introduction of International Baccalaureate as an alternative to the traditional A-Levels, boarding schools in the UK are becoming increasingly popular with the American students. The UK secondary school system is very different from the US and with close to a 1000 boarding school across the Commonwealth, choosing the right one can become quite challenging.

 

There are two types of boarding schools in the UK -- state supported and independent, commonly referred to as public. Not to be confused with the public schools in the US!

International students can only be admitted by public schools and by the 6-Form colleges, which are also independent private institutions for students 15 and above. Prep Schools - primary boarding schools can accept international students as young as 7. If a boarding school isn’t the right choice for your family, there’s a large number of independent day schools for you to choose from.

 

Please also keep in mind that international students can only study at Tier 4 Sponsor Schools. Tier 4 is a type of student visa, which requires a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number from the sponsor school that grants the admission to an international student. Additional information about student visas in the UK can be found here.

 

Secondary education in the UK requires research and planning. Some of your initial questions can be answered here. Our consultants will be able to answer any additional questions you might have and assist you with the school selection, application, visa, and relocation.

 

Another destination that welcomes students from the US is Switzerland. It attracts students who in addition to receiving prestigious Swiss education desire to learn another language or languages. The majority of Swiss schools offer in-depth study of French, Italian, and German while the main language of instruction is English. Deluxe boarding houses, multitude of extra-curricular activities, and extensive travel opportunities bring students from all over the world to this small beautiful country.

 

Schools across Europe are also very popular with international students. Boarding and day schools where the language of instruction is English can be found in Germany, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, France, and the Czech Republic. These schools are not as lavish as most schools in Switzerland and some in the UK, but students who attend them still receive respectable secondary education and continue on to universities and colleges worldwide. The cost and programs vary by institution, but with the help of our experienced consultants you will find a school that fits your and your child’s preferences.