Relocating to the UK? When is the best time to move with older children?
Norton Alexander unpicks the sometimes-complicated structure of the highest years of the British schooling system.
When families are considering relocation to the UK, one of the key determining factors in terms of timing is often the age of your children, especially as they approach their teens and senior (high) school age.
The age of entry into British schools is based on the child’s age on 1st September of the year of entry, with the most common entry points to senior schools at the ages of eleven or thirteen, following tests that are sat at least a year, (frequently more than a year), beforehand.
Above this age, overseas families can be surprised by the highly structured nature of British education. Its final four years are divided into two 2-year exam courses, GCSEs from 14 to 16 and A-Levels or the IB from 16 to 18. It is very difficult to enter a school midway through either of these courses. However, the beginnings of these courses in fact create some very attractive alternative entry points for families considering a move to Britain.
Changing schools at sixteen for the Sixth Form, or Year 12, is common for many British pupils, as well as being a well-recognised entry point for overseas pupils, especially, although not exclusively, for those considering boarding. Pupils will study A-Levels, or, in smaller numbers, the IB or Pre-U. These exams offer a certain route to university without the need for any foundation years or preparatory courses. The specialised subject focus of the exams is also superb preparation for the British university system with its emphasis on a major degree subject. A student who has attended such a school and followed this curriculum will be in a much stronger position to make a successful application to a leading university than those who arrive directly for undergraduate study. It should be added that A-Levels, or the IB, are also well recognised for entry to US universities and the specialist nature of these exams can aid a US application by helping strong performance in the subject SAT- often crucial for Ivy League entry.
The beginning of the GCSE years at fourteen offers another easily negotiated entry point for new pupils. GCSEs are typically taken in 9 or 10 subjects including core Maths, English, Sciences and Languages. Although this entry point is less common than that of entry to the Sixth Form at sixteen, a number of British pupils do begin new schools at this stage and places can be secured.
An increasing number of schools have started to cater for the demands of families with children whose ages fall between these points and such Pre-Sixth Form years are now well-established. These courses are aimed at 15/16 year olds who would benefit from a year of study in the UK before beginning A-Levels. The programme offered usually consists of a student taking 4 or 5 GCSEs over the course of one year before beginning A-Levels or the IB. The pupils themselves can be returning ex-pats, who have been educated in the US or other systems, as well as overseas ones. Although classes tend to be taught separately from the standard two-year GCSE pupils, Pre-Sixth Form students are often otherwise fully integrated into the life of the school. For example, those at Worth School play sport and board with the rest of the student body, quickly settling into the full life of the school in preparation for A-Levels or the IB.
Also, it should not be forgotten too that the attractions of such an education is a strong reason to choose Britain as a destination in the first place. The facilities in Britain’s leading schools are legendary as they are often located in picturesque, safe, expansive grounds with handsome historic buildings designed to inspire. State of the art science and art rooms are common as are the wide, enriching range of extension trips, talks and exhibitions. The music performed daily in professional concert halls or Gothic chapels typify what excellence in choral and other music should be. Multimillion-pound theatres see inclusive house competitions building friendships for life as well as giving budding professional actors the opportunity to practise their skills; extensive language labs tackle language deficiencies including additional English or learning support. It is in sport, above all, where such schools excel; indeed, modern competitive sports such as football, rugby and cricket were invented in England’s Public Schools. These facilities can be tremendous ranging from Eton’s rowing lake, Cranleigh’s stables, Loretto’s golf course and Stowe’s Polo team to Millfield’s 50 metre swimming pool.
Parents often have many questions when trying to decide the most appropriate route for their own children. A conversation with an educational adviser can be very valuable in helping parents to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a particular entry point and the most appropriate choice for their child. We can help families navigate through the range of options and are likely to be more aware of possible vacancies during a school year. Britain’s schools have been welcoming overseas pupils for generations. They are well practised with their “buddy” systems and strong pastoral support to quickly settle a child into a new educational environment allowing that child to fulfil their potential and take full advantage of all that Britain’s world-renowned education can offer.