The value of UK boarding schools for international students

As the world becomes more connected, parents looking for the best education for their children are faced with a wide array of choices.

UK boarding schools remain a top choice for many, especially for Nigerian families. But why is that?

In a recent webinar hosted by Mark Brooks Education and his colleague Ijay Uwakwe-Okoronkwo with leading educators, Tom Arrand Cardiff Sixth Form College part of Dukes Education , Sarah Matthews Truro High School for Girls , and Diana E Cree Lancing College we explored the key reasons why the UK continues to be a gold standard in education.

Heritage, culture, and quality

Tom, was quick to highlight the rich tradition and global influence of British education.

He stated, "UK education has, for not just many years, but hundreds of years, been really the standard bearer."

This long history of excellence, according to Tom, has made UK schools a model that others across the globe try to emulate.

"UK education around the world is something others imitate, which is, of course, the highest form of flattery," he added.

For Tom, the strength of British education lies not only in its history but also in the modern-day outcomes.

He emphasized that students from UK boarding schools have access to top universities worldwide, saying, "From outstanding UK independent schools, students access universities not just in the UK but around the world."

This global reputation is underpinned by the high quality of A-levels, the rigorous exams that prepare students for higher education.

But it’s not just academics that make the UK an attractive option. Tom also underscored the cultural and extracurricular opportunities available.

"The UK is still a lovely place to live, a wonderful place to learn. There’s a fantastic network of independent schools with no shortage of opportunities to interact with other students of the same age," he said.

According to Tom, the blend of heritage, culture, and quality makes UK boarding schools truly unbeatable.

The Nigerian connection: convenience and cultural ties

Sarah Matthews, who has extensive experience working with Nigerian families, echoed Tom's sentiments, particularly emphasizing the strong ties between Nigeria and the UK.

She remarked, "We're known to be the gold standard of education, and we're very, very proud of that."

The shared history between the two nations means that many Nigerian families feel a strong sense of trust in the British education system, knowing that past generations have thrived in UK schools.

What makes the UK particularly appealing for Nigerian families, according to Sarah, is the proximity and ease of travel.

"It’s so close. We can collect, you can pop them on a night flight, we pick them up, they land at Heathrow in the morning, and there’s no time difference," she explained.

This logistical convenience ensures that Nigerian students can quickly adapt to their new environment while still staying closely connected with their families back home.

"The adjustment’s really easy; they can stay in touch with family really easily," Sarah noted.

Sarah also emphasized the close relationship that UK boarding schools maintain with parents, especially in smaller institutions where heads like herself can personally connect with families.

"I will talk to Nigerian parents myself personally," she said, highlighting the strong pastoral care offered at UK schools.

While the cooler climate may require students to bring a coat, Sarah pointed out that many Nigerian pupils enjoy the novelty of snow and even appreciate the cooler temperatures compared to the often hot Nigerian climate.

A global launchpad: preparing future leaders

Diana, from Lancing College, another prestigious UK institution, offered her perspective on why UK education remains popular not only among Nigerian families but also among many other nationalities.

"For me, the sixth form is the most exciting stage," she shared.

This period, covering the final two years of secondary education, is when students truly start to develop their skills and passions, setting the stage for their future careers.

Diana explained that parents view this as a crucial investment in their child's future.

"They want the best two years they can get for their children because that’s going to set them up, whether they’re going to university in the UK, the US, or elsewhere."

This stage, she believes, is pivotal in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.

"Look at the leaders around the world... many of those leaders have come through a UK education at some point," she said, emphasizing the global influence of British-educated individuals.

Lancing College, where Diana works, has an impressive alumni network, with graduates excelling in fields ranging from medicine to politics.

"We have 8,000 alumni around the world, all in amazing professions," she noted.

The sixth form years, in her view, are "the best investment you can make in a child’s life."

A reputation for excellence

The discussion concluded with unanimous agreement that investing in a UK education is one of the best ways to prepare a child for success in the modern world.

Tom, Sarah, and Diana all pointed to the unique blend of heritage, academic rigour, and personalized care that UK boarding schools offer.

Whether it's the history of excellence, the strong connections to Nigerian families, or the world-class preparation for future careers, UK boarding schools continue to provide an unparalleled experience for international students.

As Diana aptly put it, "It’s the best investment you can make in a child’s life."

This sentiment, shared by all the educators, underscores the enduring appeal of a UK boarding school education—an investment not just in academics, but in a child’s future on the global stage.

For information and informal advice on UK boarding schools go to https://www.markbrookseducation.com/enquire-now/

?