Every year we are approached by hundreds of families who want to send their child to study in the UK. And every year we see the same mistakes — regardless of the parents' level of training. Some of them cost months of time, others — admission to the desired school.
This article is not a theory. This 17 years of practiceand more than 850 students we have helped enroll abroad.
Students Sent Abroad
enter from the first attempt
years on the market
Choose a school by rating only
The first thing parents do is open a list of the top 100 schools in the UK and start from the top positions. It is understandable, but A rating is an exam result, not a match for your child.
A school with a rating of No. 3 can be ideal for one student and a disaster for another. It all depends on the atmosphere, the approach to study, the size of the classes and how well the school is able to work with international students.
How they do
Take the first 5 schools from the ranking
Do not take into account the character of the child
Ignore the size of the school
Not looking at% of foreign students
As needed
First, the profile of the child
Then — selection of schools according to the profile
Personal visit or video tour
Conversation with alumni
💡
Our approach: first, we make a profile of the child — academic level, interests, temperament, goals. And only then we select schools that fit this profile. Rating is just one of a dozen criteria.
Underestimate language training
“The child knows English” is probably the most common phrase we hear. And the most dangerous. Spoken English and academic English are different languages.British schools expect students to be able to write analytical essays, understand complex texts and conduct academic discussions.
⚠️
If the IELTS or TOEFL is below 6.0 — most top schools will not even consider the application. And if they consider and accept, the child will find himself in an academic environment where he will not be able to fully study.
One of our students, Amar, moved with his family to Spain and studied at a local British school. It seemed that the language barrier had already been overcome. In fact, the difference between a British school in Spain and a school in Britain turned out to be enormous. I had to spend a year trying to tighten up the academic language.
Prepare for IELTS in at least 6-9 months
Separately develop the skill of writing an essay
Practice academic reading and listening
Pass the test entrance test of the chosen school
Don't take into account the difference between boarding and day school
Parents often focus on the name of the school and forget to ask the main thing: will the child live in boarding school or just study (day school)?These are fundamentally different experiences — and fundamentally different responsibilities on both sides.
A boarding house is not just a place where a child lives. It is a 24/7 environment that forms character, independence and social skills. For some children, this is the best option. For others, it is a source of stress.
— Arthur Fleshtor, CEO of Generation Education
We recommend that parents honestly answer a few questions before choosing the type of school:
Is the child psychologically ready for an independent life?
Are there any relatives or acquaintances nearby in the UK?
What budget — boarding house is significantly more expensive
How does a child cope with separation from home?
Not sure what type of school is suitable?
We will help you make a profile of the child and choose the best option
Submit documents at the last minute
Britain's most popular schools fill places 1—2 years before the start of training.If you start looking for a school in April for admission in September of the same year — in 90% of cases you are already late.
Typical error
Apply in 3-4 months
They will find out that there are no places
Take the first available school
Disappointed as a result
Correct timing
Year 9 (13-14 years): 18-24 months
Year 10-11:12-18 months
Sixth Form (A-Level): in 12 months
Serving 3-5 schools at the same time
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Key date: most schools conduct entrance tests in January—Februaryfor admission in September of the same year. Preparation should begin in the fall of the previous school year.
Ignore post-login support
Entrance is not the final. This is the beginning. The first year of a British school is one of the most difficult in a teenager's life: a new environment, a new system, new social rules. Without support, children often “break” at this very moment.
We accompany students and after admission — attend parent meetings, analyze reports from school, adjust focus together with the child. This is not an additional service — it is part of our job.
Regular communication with the school and the child
Analysis of academic reports
Psychological support in the adaptation period
Assistance with visa extension and documents
Briefly about everything 5 errors
Choice by rating
Take the top 10 and apply
First, the profile of the child
Language training
“English is enough.”
IELTS 6.0+, academic essay
Pension vs day school
They don't think about the difference
Analysis of the readiness of the child
Terms of submission
3-4 months before the start
For 12-24 months depending on the class
Pension vs day school
“I came in — I'll do it myself.”
Support throughout the training
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