What an Independent Boarding School in the UK Signify
When it comes to boarding schools in the UK, the independent academic institutions are very vocal in performance and prestige. Many new parents who look for stay-in schools for their kids in the UK find it hard to differentiate the independent boarding schools from the other stay-in schools. This is probably because a majority of the boarding schools are run similarly and their curriculums respect the British education system.
One clear difference between the boarding schools is the funding. Unlike the public boarding schools that are funded by the state and the local authorities, the main source of funding for the independent stay-in schools is the fees that the parents pay. In some situations, they also accept scholarships from willing sponsors for needy students.
The Education Programs
Normally, pupils who enrol in the independent boarding institutions are selected based on their abilities. Students enrolling in the continuous programs are expected to sit for the entrance exam before they are admitted. After passing the exam, the student chooses either the boys’ or the girls’ wing. For the senior schools, your child is allowed to learn alongside the opposite sex if you permit it. There is a range of educational programs offered in the independent boarding schools but the common ones include:
- A level: This option is for senior students who want to advance their academic portfolios.
- Pre-Programme: This program is meant to prepare your teenager for senior school. It is suitable for students aged 15 to 18.
- SummerSchool: This option is great for international students who want to develop their English skills during the summer holidays.
- IGCSE: The program is suitable for both the local and the international students. It runs for a year.
Deciding to take your kid to an independent boarding school is a bold decision. Your child stands to grow academically, socially, spiritually, and culturally.