The British Independent System
- Nursery
- Pre-preparatory
- Preparatory
- Senior
- Boarding
- Pupils seeking entry at fifteen
- Starting the process
- The Final stages
- The way forward
The Independent System is the name given to the method of education whereby parents pay for their child's education in preference to partaking of that provided by the State System. It is considered throughout the world as a leading example in the field of education.
Over the last few years, significant questions have been raised about the problems being faced by all Secondary Schools at GCSE and A level and this aspect will be dealt with elsewhere in this information document.
It is widely accepted that the British Independent Education System remains second to none and therefore finding places in what are considered the top schools is not without hard work and research. It is a surprising piece of knowledge for parents to learn when they plan on moving to the UK that the best schools require pupils to be registered at birth.
For the expatriate coming into the country this is probably somewhat astounding as well as another challenge to be faced. In short, the sooner that one undertakes the education search the better and as soon as one knows that a move is likely, it is imperative to seek help and advice. At least 7% of the population in the UK is educated within the Independent Sector.
In London there are approximately 60,000 children each day who travel across London to go to school; many children to do not go to school within easy distance of their home but at an establishment where parents believe they will be academically challenged. To give some idea of the situation, some children in Kensington will catch the train from Victoria to attend Dulwich College south of the river; at least an hour's journey each way.
- The available systems are:
- Senior (11-18 for Girls and 13-18 for boys)
- Preparatory (7/8-11 for Girls and 7/8-13 for Boys)
- Pre-Prep (4-7/8)
- Nursery
We will deal with each, beginning with the youngest.
Nursery
It is most important that children are placed into Nursery from the age of two and a half. Unlike other countries this is not a play process and although elements of experimental and educational play are involved, it is conducted in a structured and learning environment.
In the UK, at this age, the Reading and Writing process will begin
It might, to many, coming from outside the UK seem extraordinary that the most prestigious and successful 'Pre-Preps' will require a child of only four years of age to be tested in order to obtain a place - but they do and delay can be critical.
In one of the busiest areas, registration is a priority. In Kensington and Chelsea there are 51 Nurseries at the moment and all are fully subscribed with waiting lists. Places do become available and it is essential to be fully conversant with the localised movement.
New and potentially good nurseries are regularly being launched but those with established reputations, naturally have long waiting lists.
Local knowledge and a reputable consultant can provide sound advice in these areas.
Pre-Preps
Some Nurseries are part of Pre-Preps and indeed some Pre-Preps are part of established Preparatory Schools. Like nurseries these are in high demand and it is important to register for a place as soon as possible.
Head teachers may decide not to grant an interview with parents if they do not have a place available. If they have a waiting list already and offer to place you on this list, it could be that the number is already some 40 strong.
It is prudent that parents do not expect of right a definite place.
Humphrys' Education prides itself on its relationship with the schools and knowing where openings do occur.
We ask that parents are realistic in a competitive environment and understand that their first, second or even third choice may not be an option.
Without wishing to paint a pessimistic picture it would be sensible for parents to be aware of some of the established and long standing situations. In the top Preps such as Wetherby for boys and Pembridge Hall for girls it is standard procedure and a requirement to register within 14 days and 24 hours of the birth respectively of a prospective candidate. Places after that are extremely rare.
Every child of 5 years of age has to be in full time education, however State Education now exists from the age of 4 and from 2004 will also operate a half day for every three year old.
The Independent Sector is in consequence under heavy pressure and again space is limited.
All children will normally be tested at 4 years of age to see if their ability is acceptable for a place. The level of education at these schools is high, with the aim being to gain a place at an established Prep School. In some schools an Educational Psychologist will undertake the testing.
Prep Schools (Preparatory)
Prep schools start at ages 7 or 8 depending on the history of the school. They run through to 11 and 13 respectively for girls and boys. They have to ensure their educational standard is strong - their success or failure depends on their placing their charges in the top secondary schools.
At Colet Court (Prep for St Paul's Boys) the entrance examination at 6+ for entry at 7 years of age, will require a prospective candidate to be able to discuss some 15 (fifteen) books, at interview with the Head, that he has read. This is a somewhat daunting but not impossible task for a bright six year old. They will usually be examined in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning. There are later points of entry, at 10 or 11 years of age, to some of these schools but once again we ask parents to be aware of the fact that there are some 118 students who will compete for just 11 places.
A child who is 10 for a girl and 12 for a boy will find a place in a Prep School quite difficult to find. Entry at this late stage would mean a very short preparation time before they have to take entrance examinations for a Senior School and any Prep School, who guards their academic reputation closely, would be very wary of that happening.
Independent Senior Schools
These schools are by their very nature well established with a long history, many going back even further than the first English Parliament in the 13 th century. The top schools will have entry points for girls at 11 and boys at 13 and then not again until the sixth form at 16.
St Paul 's (Boys' and Girls' Schools), Westminster, Godolphin and Latymer require registration in the November before the set birthday for entry and will sit examinations in the January following. If these dates are missed there is no chance of entry and the situation is non-negotiable, even for the children of returning ex-pupils.
Some of these schools will allow the entry examinations to be taken overseas if they are assured that a child's current school can provide a strict examination process. This does allow some flexibility and a child is able to work in a known environment. Some schools will require pupils are brought here for testing and it is essential that the child is allowed a couple of days, at least, to recover from tiredness and flight fatigue.
Independent Schools are very much governed by League Table results and these are produced on their success rate at GCSE and A level. Results are published annually and are available to all. It is essential to understand that the grading is for 5 GCSE passes at grades A* - C; somewhere like St Paul's Girls' School has a pass rate of 75%+ of their girls obtaining A* and A grade in all of their examinations, which for some may number 11 or 12 examinations.
Anomalies of which to be aware:
- Parents need to be aware that some top schools still have Saturday morning school with sport in the afternoon. This is very much part of the British system and the ethos of the school. This is a non-negotiable part of the school week. If you wish to have your child attend a particular school, but want the weekends for family time, then it is vital one checks the school's requirements.
- At its best the British System of Education is one of the finest and it therefore follows academic standards are very high, as is the level of expectation from pupils.
- Some parents are rather astonished when they are told that their child coming from another system will possibly be behind the British system; it is not a condemnation of child, system or country, simply that we do things in a different order here. Particularly in Maths and English students may find themselves struggling in the examinations. Parents to whom this is indicated would again be sensible to take advice before committing themselves to the "British Experience". On a positive note, numerous schools will wish to have a cross section of pupils within their establishment and as always, will invariably, give credit for other skills and accomplishments where necessary.
- It is important that parents ensure that the school is aware of their child's strengths, especially in areas such as music, drama, sport and other hobbies or interests; again these are a considerable part of an established school ethos and play a vital part in a child's development as a well-rounded student. Most established schools have Scholarships or Exhibitions within these areas as well as the academic fields.
Boarding
If it is the case that a pupil will be boarding at the school, the process of obtaining a place is occasionally, but not always, slightly easier. This situation arises owing to a small decline in recent years, of parents seeking to board their children at school during term time, although recent research has shown an increase in its popularity once again.
Weekly boarding is also on offer in some schools but it is essential to confirm that it means the whole weekend is free, or, only after school commitments have been honoured on the Saturday. (If a pupil is a member of the choir, for example, then their time is very much sought after for practice).
Pupils seeking entry at fifteen
In the UK, whether a pupil is in the State or the Independent Sector for Education, the General Certificate of Education (GCSE) examination is taken after a two year structured course that generally commences in "Year 10" at the age of 14.
This structure does not allow, by its very nature, a child to start in the system unless they enter at the beginning of the GCSE programme.
It is not unknown for a 15-year-old pupil to join at the beginning of a programme by placing them 'out of year' with the 14-year-old candidates. This obviously has a cumulative effect and although in some cases works well, can be both academically and socially disruptive for others.
Perhaps a school, which offers the International Baccalaureate (IB), may be the answer and, as with all other aspects of education, it is advisable to seek proper help and guidance. Please also be aware that even if a pupil is already in a British School abroad, the process is not necessarily simplified. It will depend on the syllabus and examination board and also when the academic year commences, whether or not a smooth transfer may be effected. Occasionally some leeway is offered, but no school concerned about standards and quality of pupil preparation will allow any student to start the GCSE programme after the first half of the Christmas term of the first year of the course.
Starting the Process
It is important to register a pupil as soon as possible and that includes payment of the registration fee, which is non-refundable.
Parents coming to the UK need to bear in mind that some schools have hundreds of applicants for few places and many British parents will automatically register with a number of schools and therefore allow themselves a higher chance of securing a place of their choice.
You are respectfully advised that queue jumping, favours or monetary offerings are never acceptable. No matter from which school your child comes, they will be fairly considered and assessed, upon their ability amongst their peers within the school and nothing else.
The British are renowned for their patience in queuing and that is true of our schools. Although no one would wish to appear flippant in any dealings concerning education, it is always sensible to remember one senior Head who always informs over-zealous parents, "It would not make any difference if you were the Queen of England, your child would not jump our list". One is at least assured of fairness for all.
The Final Stages
Once registered and a place offered, a deposit is required upon acceptance and is a legally binding contract which commits you to the school. If deposits are paid at more than one school you will be committed to paying the first term's fees at those schools, regardless of whether your child eventually attends.
Please do not assume that one may be able to flout this rigidly enforced system, those who have attempted to do so have found that it is to their detriment and cost.
Likewise ONE TERM'S clear notice of your intention to withdraw is strictly enforced, or the next term's fees are liable.
The Way Forward
As we have highlighted throughout, the process of finding your child the right school is a very important one. At times the whole process may appear daunting, but you are not alone and there is sound professional advice to guide your steps through the various procedures. It is very easy to become overwhelmed with myriad views from those who are perhaps not as conversant with the system as they might like you to believe.
A professional adviser has a wide bank of experience and local knowledge and his or her reputation is founded upon and only continues by giving impartial and comprehensive information. Likewise in this country, it is believed that a school is always as good as its Head. Reputation and change can be dramatic, therefore be advised by someone who knows the schools personally and operates in the here and now.
