High academic standards, rich histories, majestic sceneries and an abundance of life opportunities are just some of the reasons why the United Kingdom is one of the most popular choices amongst students when considering studying abroad. Boarding schools, in particular, are the epitome of the best qualities the UK education can offer, providing students top tier teaching, facilities and programmes.
Background Information
It is important to note that the process to successfully apply to UK boarding schools requires months or even years of preparation in advance. Understanding what your choice of boarding school is looking for is fundamental to your success in application.
The application process has four significant parts:
- Identifying the right school for you
- Application & Registration
- Preparation for exams and interviews
- Admission
Entrance Exams
As schools are looking for different qualities within pupils that can develop in their school environment, it is no wonder why all schools have different entrance exam requirements. Some schools may require your child to take a common standardised entrance exam while some will write and set their own paper. These are some of the most common standardised entrance exams boarding schools look for during admissions, please note that some schools use these exams only as an initial assessment:
The Independent Schools Examinations board (ISEB) administers the Common Pre-Tests which are online and in the format of multiple choice questions. Taken by Year 6 and 7s (Primary 5 and 6), the assessment consists of an English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning section, all elements to help identify the pupil’s potential in ability and attainment. Being a flexible test that adapts to the learning abilities of the student, the CPT can accurately determine your child’s potential.
The 11+ entrance exams are sat by Year 6 (Primary 5) pupils to get into grammar and senior independent schools. The exam consists of an English, Mathematics and Science paper; Students can sit the exam in the November or January examination session each year.
The 13+ entrance exams are sat by Year 8 (Form 1) pupils to get into the top independent senior schools. Examining the pupil’s academic knowledge regarding to what they have learnt in Year 7 and 8, the 13+ entrance exams covers multiple subjects and an extensive area of knowledge; Compulsory papers in this exam includes the English, Mathematics and Science papers but most students are required to sit more papers including Geography, History, Classics, Theology, Philosophy and Religion and a Language paper. It is important to check the requirements of the school to understand exactly which papers your child should sit for.
The UKISET assessments are taken by international students aged 9-18 wishing to apply to any British curriculum school. After sitting the exam, a UKISET profile of the pupil will be created, providing schools essential information regarding your child’s academic potential and English skills. In addition, UKISET also compares pupils against British students of the same age. The exam tests the candidate’s Vocabulary and Mathematics skills, other English skills like creative writing and reading and Non-verbal reasoning ability.
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) is an assessment that is typically administered to students between the ages of 6-17. The test assesses the student’s cognitive development, academic abilities and developed skills through measuring their Verbal, Non Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning and Spatial Awareness. With this exam, schools are able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the pupil, identifying their suitable learning style and if the school environment is suitable for them.
Our Serivces
Our teachers and staff here in Blooming Talents are highly skilled and experienced in several areas. From interview preparation to detailed consulting, we are willing to offer any help and advice to assist your child in their newest journey in life. Get started by contacting us and our staff will get in touch as soon as possible.
Most academic and admissions interviews last between 15-40 minutes depending on the school; These interviews allow the school to understand your child’s character, personality, work ethics and much more. More importantly, the interviewer wants to determine if your child will thrive in their school environment and if the pupil’s values align with what the school promotes. Having to be interviewed by a prestigious school can be daunting, especially for your child. However, no matter how difficult an interview may be, with enough preparation, the possibility of a successful admission can be largely increased. Blooming Talents is here to help you every step of the way, giving your child interview advice and preparation training, ensuring your child portrays their best selves in front of their dream school.
Similar to our US college admissions consulting service, we offer the same 1:1 consulting service to those who wish to apply to the top UK boarding schools. We recognise your aspirations, aims and values and after taking those into account, we shape our recommendation and advice on a case to case basis. We will be able to give professional guidance and information ranging from school recommendations that best reflects your values to school application strategies. We understand that applying for schools in another country can be confusing so we are also more than willing to answer your questions regarding this journey during these consulting meetings.
Our diligent teachers can help your child get ready for their momentous exams with expertise. With rich resources and past papers, a thorough understanding of crucial exam skills and adaptable teaching styles, the traditional way of exam preparation which can be stressful will be replaced with something more flexible and versatile, making the exam preparation journey of your child much more easier and efficient.