Boarding School
This option is highly popular within the UK, that is why you can find approximately 500 boarding schools across it. These schools meet strict standards on the quality of their teaching, facilities, and student care.
They provide an excellent education focused on academics and personal development. Most of the students that study here later will apply to demanding and high-ranking universities.
Parents usually choose this option if they have demanding careers or if they want their kids to have a high standard education and personal development. Usually, each school has a restricted number of nationalities that they can have, and UK pupils, so they offer a balanced multi-cultural environment.
‘Boarders’ are pupils who live at the school. ‘Day pupils’ live with their families and return home at the end of the school day. This mix helps to create a good social atmosphere.
The UK boarding school system is split into three levels.
Primary education is for children aged four or five up to 11 or 13. You might hear this referred to as primary school, infant school, junior school, pre-preparatory school or preparatory school.
Secondary education is for pupils aged 11 or 13 to 16. You might hear this referred to as secondary school, high school or senior school.
In the last two years of secondary school (age 14 to 16), most pupils study for GCSE qualifications. Alternatives include Standard grades and Intermediates in Scotland, or the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.
Sixth form is for students aged 16 to 18. The two years are often called Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth. At sixth form level, most pupils take A-levels. Alternative qualifications include Standard Grades and Highers in Scotland, or the International Baccalaureate.
Boarding schools offer a wide range of subjects including maths, sciences, history, geography, drama, IT, literature and foreign languages. All of these qualifications are highly regarded by universities, colleges and employers in the UK and around the world.
The most popular programs for international students are GSCE’s (2 years) and A-levels (2 years), this last one is the one you take in order to apply to university.
To apply you will need a student visa and to prove your level of study. You might also be required to proof your level of English
Undergraduate
There are more than 50.000 undergraduate courses to choose from in the UK and it is one of the top 5 student destinations.
The UK offers an amazing range of courses that allow you to specialize at this level instead of waiting to do it on your master’s degree, this is perfect if you know exactly what you want. They also have more general courses that allow you to find out more about the subject before specializing.
A bachelor’s degree is a common first-year degree. It gives you a thorough understanding of a subject. Bachelor’s degrees usually have a set program of academic study. Some incorporate practical elements and placements.
A full-time bachelor’s degree normally takes three years to complete and you will graduate with the following titles:
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), or Bachelor of Law (LLB). They are all of equal status and it’s possible to get your degree with Honours.
Sandwich Year (4years)
This is to give you an opportunity to do an internship as part of your degree, great to add that crucial experience to your CV.
Integrated Master’s degree
A 4 year course, 5 if you do a placement/internship and it will combine undergraduate and postgraduate study. You will graduate with a masters degree.
If you study Medicine, it will take 5/6 years to complete your degree.
Foundation Year (1+3)
If you don’t have the necessary grades to apply to the first year, you can do a foundation. This will also help you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to do your degree.
Foundation Degrees (2 years)
You will complete 2 years of full-time education, combining academic study with the practical component.
Top-Up degree (1 year)
If you have studied a Foundation degree if you can achieve a full Honours qualification if you complete this top-up degree.
Part-time options are also available at some universities and colleges. This might differ if you are studying Medicine or a course with an integrated master.
The requirements vary according with the university or course you will choose, like Medicine, or if you are applying to Cambridge or Oxford. It is always best to ask us for advice, but generally you will need the following:
You need to have studied a secondary school qualification that is equivalent. You will also need to present proof of your English skills.
The Deadlines you need to consider are:
15th October:
Cambridge, Oxford, Medicine, Veterinary medicine
15th January – Application deadline
After this date you can still apply, but your application will no longer be guaranteed equal consideration.