Secondary Education

Secondary Schools in England

It’s no secret that the English education system is one of the best in the world. One of the reasons for this is the length of compulsory education in the UK which lasts between the ages of 5 and 16. After this period, children can spend two years earning either A-level qualifications or an IB Diploma to get into university.

Secondary school spans the ages of 11 to 16, which are arguably the most formative years of a child’s life. It’s important that a child receives the very best education during this period, which is why many parents choose to send their child to one of England’s many private schools.

In addition to teaching the regular syllabus of English schools (mathematics, English language and literature, chemistry, biology, physics, religious studies, programming, foreign language and physical education), these institutions will also teach additional subjects. The exact range of these additional subjects varies from school to school, though common options include Latin, Ancient Greek, economics, art, music and extra modern languages.

Why Astra Education?

Astra Education won’t just help you choose the right school; our guidance also ensures you save time, know what to expect at every stage of the process and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Thanks to decades of collective experience in British educational services, we are uniquely positioned to secure the very best schooling for our clients. Not only do we understand the intricacies of education in Britain, but our impeccable reputation affords us close relationship with the leading schools in the UK.

Our Services:

  • Assessing a child's readiness to enter into a particular school;
  • Choosing the perfect school based on the goals of your family;
  • Improving academic skills and English language proficiency to facilitate the admission process, if necessary;
  • Help organizing and preparing for UKiset testing for entry into British curriculum schools;
  • Organising tours of schools and open days to enable you to make an informed decision ;
  • Help collating the full set of documents required for admission;
  • Expert assistance with every stage of the enrollment processes;
  • Educational guardian services;
  • Help with resolving any issues that arise during the period of study and stay in the UK;
  • Concierge services: travel, leisure, events and much more.

Сontact Us

Astra Education

+44-(0)-207-993-2115
+44-(0)-7716-302-005
info@astra-education.co.uk

The Pavilion, 34 St John’s Wood Road
London NW8 7HF

Mon – Fri : 9:00 – 18:00


Boarding Schools
Boarding Schools
Boarding Schools
Boarding Schools
Boarding Schools
Boarding
Day Schools
Types of Schools

Features of Boarding Schools

England is one of the few European сountries with boarding schools, and their quality has gained worldwide recognition. This level of education - not just in traditional subjects but in sports, music and art too - is second-to-none in quality and diversity and provides the perfect environment for children to develop well-rounded personalities.

Traditionally located in rural areas with beautiful landscapes, boarding schools don't just provide a place to learn, but a place to live. Facilities are an important aspect to consider when choosing a boarding school; the very best have well-equipped classrooms and residential buildings, as well as libraries, swimming pools, golf courses, workshops, equestrian grounds and plenty more.

Tuition fees range from £30,000 - £42,000 a year; this varies based on numerous factors including location, available facilities and type of school.

Types of Boarding Arrangements

Full boarding: Children live and study within school grounds all year round, returning home only during holidays and exeat weekends. This option is ideal for foreign children, or for English children whose parents spend a lot of time travelling or working.

Weekly boarding: Children live and study within school grounds from Monday to Friday and return home on weekends. This option is generally chosen for children whose parents live in the UK or nearby enough to make the regular travel viable.

Flexible boarding: Children who elect this option stay overnight at boarding school several times a week, though the days may change depending on their age, time of the academic year and school commitments.

Daytime only: No overnight accommodation is included in this option. Children attend classes and are free to make use of the school’s facilities and catering for extended hours, but live at home.

Day Schools

There are many non-residential private schools in London and the UK’s other major cities, some of which (Westminster School, St. Paul’s School and others) are world-famous institutions. Day schools of this calibre tend to produce outstanding alumni, and so only accept candidates who possess excellent academic knowledge as well as a near native-level command of the English language. The admission process of such schools involves multiple exams and interviews.

It’s worth noting that not all day schools are licensed to sponsor foreign students under Tier 4 (Child) visa.

Single-gender and Co-education

England is one of the few countries in the world that still provides gender-separated education for boys and girls. One only has to look at the annual rankings to see the merit of this system, in which single-sex schools usually outnumber their mixed-gender counterparts.

Proponents of educating boys and girls separately point out that this helps promote concentration on their studies, and also provides a more stable environment in which children can develop confidence and independence.

Conversely, some argue that mixed-gender schools actually foster greater social skills, and better prepare their students for life outside of education.

Choosing a School

When deciding where to send your child, you should always have long-term goals in mind. Perhaps this goal is to give your child the best possible chance of entering one of the UK’s best universities, or perhaps you may be more interested in developing your child’s interest in art or sports.

The most important consideration of all, however, should undoubtedly be the extent to which your chosen school is a good fit for your child. Even the greatest school in the world would struggle to get results from a child who isn’t engaged, so it’s crucial to find a school where your child will be happy, confident and receptive.

Astra Education will help you choose the school that fits your goals and provides your child with an environment in which they can thrive and achieve their maximum potential.

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