The boarders are ‘my second family’ say international students at Mount St Mary's

Boarding at Mount St Mary's College & Barlborough Hall School is like a home from home according to according to Morag Boles , the school’s Marketing and PR Manager who interviewed some of their students recently.

She explains that there are many benefits for international students who choose to study in the UK.

For those who are not from anglophone countries she says: “The linguistic benefits are huge.? Immersion in an English-speaking environment makes perfecting the language a very real possibility.”

There is also a healthy mix of academic and co-curricular activities at Mount St Mary’s.

Morag says that life outside the classroom is “busy but balanced for boarders”.

“They experience everything the Mount has to offer, with weekend excursions, activities, sporting fixtures, mass, and a bond with new friends that last a lifetime.”

A Spanish student told her: “Boarding has allowed me to have a second family in another country in which we can share our different cultures and feel welcomed by everyone.”

While a pupil from Italy said: "The Mount has given me a second family. It is lovely to see people from different countries having fun together. They made me feel so special and loved.”

Boarding school is also a place to try new things, to learn and to grow.?

A grateful student from Hong Kong enthused: “I have grown so much from being the shy and scared new girl who walked into the Mount for the first time, to entering my final year with more responsibilities than I have ever had before.”

For an introduction to the school go to https://www.markbrookseducation.com/enquire-now/

This article will appear in the autumn issue of UK Boarding Schools Week magazine.

Boutique wealth management firm “always there” for clients “by their side”

In this interview with Vikash Gupta , CEO of VAR Capital , he explains that his boutique wealth management and family office puts their clients first.

VAR Capital has “a few differences compared to some of the larger wealth managers who operate in the region,” he adds.

The firm is independent, “We never charge any commissions from selling any products.? Our fees are paid by our clients and our alignment is with our clients.”

He continues, “Our investments are actively managed in a very transparent, low-cost way.? This leads to better outcomes for our clients as well.”

The final point that Vikash makes is that “we can be a lot more holistic compared to a very large wealth management firm.”

So, he says whether the clients need advice on properties, lending, insurance solutions, and wealth management, “we are always there for them… by their side.”?

to make contact with VAR Capital go to https://www.markbrookseducation.com/enquire-now/

Future forward at Warwick Schools Foundation conference

We had a fabulous two days this week at the 'Future FWD' education conference hosted by Warwick Schools Foundation with top thought leaders from across the whole sector.

The event reflects how the school is forward thinking in its education for day and boarding pupils across the foundation.

The finale for the first day was a spectacular reception in Warwick Castle (above).

Highlights for me include seminars on innovation from Vicky Bingham, North London Collegiate School ; James Harding on AI and David J Harkin CEO 8billionideas (pictured below).

Such a pleasure to catch up with great friends in recruitment and admissions Susan ???? Fang and Rachel Hadley-Leonard.

Thank you so much Sarah Kershaw ?? for the invitation!

Giggleswick dedicated to remain “affordable and accessible”

Last week “The UK woke up to a new political party leading the country,” says Joanne Phillips ???? ?????? Director of Marketing and Admissions, Giggleswick School .

And “one of the key policies that may be introduced by Labour is the addition of VAT to independent school fees.”

While many schools are looking to reduce overheads and seek other forms of income to suppress any fee increases that may be necessary, Giggleswick have taken a radical approach.

Jo explains: “At Giggleswick School, we are committed to providing certainty for families and ensuring that they do not face a sudden and dramatic increase in their fees.”

“Therefore”, she adds, we will not be passing on the additional VAT charge to parents; instead, we will absorb this cost ourselves.”

Headmaster, Sam Hart says: "This decision was not made lightly, and has come at some cost."

"However, the school’s leadership is focused on a strategic approach."

"By shouldering the burden of VAT, we are keeping the door open to growth and evolution, ensuring accessibility of independent education to more families.

"Lagos to London" conference returns for second year!

A conference designed for business leaders and their families relocating to the UKfrom West Africa will be taking place later this summer.

It is in association with the UK's Department for Business and Trade and in partnership with Bimpe Nkontchou W8 Advisory and LagosMums Yetty Williams Williams.

Entitled “LAGOS TO LONDON”, this event will include expert professionals addressing themes such as education, financial planning, relocation and immigration.

There will also be an exhibition from some of Britain’s finest boarding schools.

It is on Wednesday 28th August 2024, 10am – 1pm at The Royal Over-Seas League, London and hosted by Mark Brooks Education

To register go to https://lnkd.in/e35h6ztQ

Participating Schools include: LVS Ascot , Cranbrook School , Downside School , Dukes Education Cardiff Sixth Form College Earlscliffe Kingswood School Lancing College , Mount Kelly Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate TASIS The American School in England

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