Advice for parents

Making an application

When you have selected the right UK boarding school for your child, it's time to start the application process

Covered here:

 Making an application
 Preparation for entrance exams
 Entrance exams and interviews
 Final preparation
 School entry

The application process covers a number of steps, ideally taken over a period of two or more years, although the time-scale can vary greatly. In simple terms, it is never too early to start. There is competition for places, and the more popular UK boarding schools tend to become fully booked at least a year in advance. However, schools have become increasingly flexible when considering applications for boarding places, so it is always worth enquiring.

In many countries, the academic year runs from January to December, rather than September to July as in the UK. If this is the case in your country, your child is likely to be one term behind pupils in the UK of the same age. For example, GCSE exams are taken in May–July in the UK, while International GCSE (IGCSE) exams are taken in November and December. In this instance, it would be advisable for pupils to enter the UK system in the September following the IGCSEs, rather than try to catch up the lost ground over the year of the GCSE exams.

The application process

– Carry out research into schools – If possible, visit schools at least a year before entry

– Complete application form – Register with boarding school – Pay deposit/application fee during the year before entry (or earlier)

– Prepare for entrance examinations/tests – Sit entrance/scholarship exams at agreed location – If possible, visit the boarding school for interview during spring and summer term before entry

– Prepare for entry and complete paperwork – Purchase school uniform and other items during the summer term or holidays before entry

– Enter school – Receive school induction at beginning of the autumn term

Making an application

All schools require parents to complete an application or registration form. This is an official request to be admitted as a pupil, normally for the start of the UK school year in September. On it the parent will be asked to undertake that the child will conform to the rules and regulations of the school, and to agree to pay the fees under conditions outlined by the school.

Normally you will be required to agree to advance payment of all fees, possibly including extras for the next term. There will also be reference to entry requirements and registration fees, which are not normally refundable. In some cases, you may also be asked to pay acceptance fees, which are normally retained against the final term’s accounts and extras, and sign a parent–school contract.

If you are unsure that your child will obtain a place, then it may be advisable to apply to more than one school. But try not to apply for too many schools – it is important to think about whether the applicant and the school are suited.

Preparation for entrance exams

The time between registration for a school and the sitting of exams obviously varies from school to school, as do the circumstances of each applicant. Some children sit entry exams or tests from well-established feeder schools, which are well versed in providing the necessary teaching and preparation. Other schools know little about the entry requirements for independent schools, though any school overseas following the National Curriculum of England, Wales and Northern Ireland shouldn't find it too difficult to offer some kind of support. In these cases, some kind of individual preparation and coaching can be helpful. Schools generally provide sample papers to assist pupils, and there are often local teachers able and willing to offer help and advice. If there are difficulties, do not be afraid to ask for advice from the schools involved. 

Entrance exams and interviews

All pupils will have to satisfy the school’s entry requirements, which will include taking a test or exam and possibly attending an individual interview. If it is not possible for the overseas applicant to be in the UK at the normal time of an exam, special arrangements can usually be made either by examining the pupil during a visit to the school or by sending papers to an approved examination centre in the pupil’s home country. These entrance exams can be taken in some British Council offices and overseas schools that satisfy the criteria for administering and supervising external examinations. Do not be afraid to ask if it is possible for your son or daughter to take the exam during a visit to the school or in your home country.

Pre-prep school

At the pre-prep stage (generally ages 5–7, Years 1 and 2), boarding is not an option. To enrol a child in a pre-prep school, you may need to get his or her name on a waiting list years before the proposed starting date.

Preparatory school

At preparatory school level (ages 7–10+, Years 3, 4, 5 and 6), pupils will probably have to take the school’s formal assessments in mathematics, English, and possibly reading and verbal reasoning. The main ages for transferring from junior to senior school and also from the maintained to the independent sector are 11+ and 13+.

In Scotland, independent schools are generally more flexible about points of entry, but most pupils join senior schools at age 12+ (S1 in the Scottish year numbering scheme) or age 13+ (S2).

Senior school

To gain entry to a senior school at age 11+ (Year 7), applicants are asked to sit either the externally set Common Entrance (CE) exam or the school’s own exams in English, mathematics, science and French. (Some schools combine both types of exam.) This is also the case for pupils applying to senior schools at age 13+. Schools may also offer places to pupils aged 14+ and 15+ on a similar basis.

The timings of these examinations and tests can vary, but most take place in February/March and May for September entry. The Common Entrance is an official examination administered by the independent sector, with the aim of providing continuity and consistency within the sector. The papers are set by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) and can be taken between the ages of 11+ and 13+ by those who wish to move from an independent preparatory school or junior school to a senior school. The exam is usually taken at the child’s current school, and the answers marked by the first-choice senior school, with unsuccessful applicants’ papers being referred to the second-choice school. The subjects covered at age 13+, for example, include English, mathematics, a modern and/or classical language, science, history, geography and religious education.

Sixth form

The success of a student aged 16+ applying for a place at a school’s sixth form (Years 12 and 13) or a sixth-form college is normally dependent on their achieving either five or six GCSEs at grade C or above (or a similar number of Scottish Standard Grades at grade 3 or above). Some schools set their own tests in the A-level subjects the applicant wishes to study, and hold interviews in either the autumn or spring term before the year of entry.

In the Scottish state system, pupils in S5 and S6 (ages 16+ and 17+) take Highers and Advanced Highers, and some independent schools in Scotland offer these exams.

Scholarship candidates

Many schools offer scholarships and awards for pupils aged 11+, 13+ and 16+. As well as academic scholarships, there are financial awards for music, drama, art and sport. Scholarship candidates normally sit more advanced papers than the normal entrance exams, mainly in March/May. Further details regarding scholarship exams can be obtained from individual schools. 

Final preparation

Once entrance requirements have been met and the offer of a place confirmed, plans for the immediate future can be finalised. After the initial period of celebration and relief, it is possible that doubts of some kind may arise. These may well be a sign of nerves, which can be settled by reassurance, probably from someone who has been through the experience themselves.

Sometimes, however, worry can be felt about the extent of the financial commitment, whether or not the school meets the child’s needs, and how the child will adapt to living and studying in the UK. Again, such doubts need to be acknowledged early and overcome with the help of someone who can provide realistic solutions. In all such cases, going to someone with the experience to help is essential. It is important that parents’ anxieties should not be conveyed to the child as he or she focuses on the excitement and opportunities ahead.

Arriving in the UK early will allow an opportunity to visit the school before your child starts. It will give you the chance to meet the prospective housemaster or housemistress, to obtain the school uniform and to see something of the school. If this can be done during a previous term, it will be possible to see something of the school in action, and to meet teachers and future friends, which should help to lessen any fears.

School entry

The actual start of an international pupil’s boarding life in the UK is something that parents need to consider carefully. If they are unable to accompany their child to the school, they should do all they can to persuade their child’s guardian in the UK to do this to provide as much support and reassurance as possible. The guardian should also introduce themselves personally to the school and to the key members of staff.

Schools prepare carefully for the pupils’ first day, in their own ways. They arrange meetings with key members of staff, briefings for new parents and introductions within the school to new pupils. It will all be done with brisk efficiency, and before long the children are whisked off to become a part of their new environment, while their parents or guardians undertake the journey home to a much quieter house.

The first official exeat (leave) weekend may be some time ahead, but whenever it is, use it to re-establish your child’s link with the guardian family. The pupil’s relationship with their UK guardian provides essential support for the school and encouragement to the boarder.

A former Headmaster of Bedford School, Ian Jones was a reporting inspector for ISI until 2005. He is now a tutor for the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers and a governor of an independent school.