Frequently asked questions

What degrees are offered at boarding in Great Britain?

The General Certificate of Education Advanced Level, or more commonly, the A Level:

A Levels are generally worked towards over two years and split into two parts, with one part studied in each year. The first part is known as the Advanced Subsidiary Level, or AS Level. The second part is known as the A2 Level. The AS Level is a qualification in its own right, and the AS Level combined with the A2 Level forms the complete A Level qualification.

International Baccalaureate:

The international Baccalaureate is an internationally renowned school leaving qualification. Students choose six different subjects from various subject-categories – three of them are being taught as “Standard Level”, the other three subjects are being taught as the advanced “higher Level”. German students have to ensure that they choose a subject combination that is accepted by the German authorities in order to transform their IB into the German equivalent, the Abitur. The IB is very demanding and keeps all doors open when it comes to choosing a course at University.

What is the recommended length of stay?

There is no simple or single answer to this question since there are many possibilities depending on your expectations and on how much you want to invest.

Spending one term (3 months) at a British boarding school helps to improve English language skills and to get a taste of life at a boarding school. Re-entering one’s own school in the home country after the term usually presents students with no problems whatsoever.

Students may choose to stay one year (3 terms) in order to perfect their English language skills and to gain valuable learning skills for their last years of school. Provided students select the right combination of subjects in Britain, the return to their local high schools usually runs smoothly.

Attending a British boarding school for the last two years of school is the perfect way to finish off a school career. With the right combination of subjects, the completion of A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) allows students to study at universities all over the world. In addition students learn to read, write and speak English fluently.

When is the perfect moment to go abroad?

The ideal time to join a school abroad very much depends on the individual national school systems.

British schools, for example, do have certain entry points where they accept new students.

We are happy to advise you on the different options, depending on the planned length of stay and the country you want to choose.

Are there any deadlines for the upcoming school year?

Generally, there are no fixed application deadlines. However, you should give yourself several months to send in the application and finally choose the right school. Under certain circumstances, even as late as the summer holidays, we will still be able to find a place for September entry.

However, due to the increasing popularity of British boarding schools it is highly advisable to apply at least one year in advance, especially for the more well-known, selective schools.

Furthermore, you should be prepared to consider alternative school options in the event that your child does not pass the entrance examinations at a very selective school.

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