If you have seen the movie or have read the Harry Potter books, you might have been impressed! Obviously, the name Hogwarts School for Witches and Wizards was only imaginary, but the buildings and the school are real (Harrow School, for the classrooms scenes, actually). There are some very famous boarding schools in the UK and many have excellent worldwide reputations. Many leading and influential Thai people have happy memories of their time spent at UK boarding schools. Boarding schools offer their students (usually called 'pupils') a home away from home - some may actually prefer to be at school and it is not unusual for students to want to stay at school during holidays, rather than come home!

A Thai student at a UK boarding school says:
"I started at King's when I was 11 years old. I came in Year 7. I have been a boarder ever since. Becoming a boarder has helped me a lot in many ways. My English quickly improved and boarding has given me confidence. I have also met lots of people from different nationalities. This school has a very good atmosphere. All the teachers are willing to give their time to help any student who needs help. I enjoy sport and at King's you get the chance to play sport nearly every day. The school offers plenty of other activities of all kinds, for example cookery, swimming, golf, etc. Boarders like me get the chance to enjoy all kinds of Sunday activities, for example, going to the cinema, playing bowling and watching top class professional football matches".
- Anuphon (He studied at King's School Ely, Cambridgeshire from age 11 to 17. While studying A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, he was offered a place at Cambridge University to read Natural Sciences. When he was 12, he won the Junior School Headmaster's Prize, and in the Senior School he was a prefect. He was described by one of his English teachers as "… a joy to teach").

Care and More
"Care" is probably the most important word to describe what UK boarding schools do best. They really do care about the students and they create a true and genuine family atmosphere. Teachers and staff in general are always extremely dedicated to student welfare. Boarding schools may appear to have a very traditional image, but many of them are very modern and forward thinking. Many have some of the best technology and equipment available. In addition to academic studies, most boarding schools also have a wonderful and interesting range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, outdoor and indoor activities, clubs, societies, music, trips to interesting places and much, much more.

The Best Chance
Boarding schools in the UK provide students with a real chance to develop their character, confidence, tolerance and perception, together with a practical grounding in appreciation of values and cultural understanding. Many young international students who have attended UK boarding schools have continued on to become international experts in business, politics, and social organisations. There is no better example of this than Khun Anand Panyarachun, who spent many enjoyable and useful years as a pupil at a UK boarding school. In addition, children are encouraged to do their best, to understand the wonderful feeling of achievement and success at an early age. Participation in outside activities away from the "boring"(!) academic studies is a big part of boarding school life and gives pupils the opportunity to excel in other areas than just studying.

Accommodation - A Home Away From Home
Standards of accommodation are very high. Pupils usually live in boarding houses with full-time residential staff and their families. Younger pupils normally share bedrooms, but older ones may have their own rooms. Living rooms, small kitchens for making snacks, recreation rooms and other facilities are also provided. This kind of sharing and togetherness creates a very warm and family-like environment.

Information about Progress - School Reports
Reports at UK schools in general, and at UK boarding schools in particular, are intended to genuinely help the pupils with their education, development and life, as well as giving parents realistic information about their children's progress. They are the truth and not just written to say that a pupil is not having problems when he is! Older people will often think back to what teachers wrote about them in school reports and be thankful that, for example, a problem was pointed out at an early age, rather than later. Reports are done by teachers at the end of each term, and include grades and individual comments concerning all subjects, extracurricular activities, sport, private lessons, and a house report by the housemaster. The head of the school will then read all the reports of all the pupils (this is a good example of the high level of care and attention given to individual pupils at UK boarding schools), before writing his own comments.

What is a "House"?
A simple question, you may think, but in the UK it means the way a school is divided to encourage competition and teamwork. You may remember from Harry Potter that on the first day of term all pupils were separated into "Houses". From that day, each pupil is a member of that house and represents the house in academic, sporting and other achievements and competitions. For achievements, pupils receive 'merits' or 'points' for their respective "house", which are totalled to produce a winning "house" at the end of the term or year. The housemaster is usually a teacher who leads the "house". Sports Days at UK boarding schools are competitions between the "houses" and they can be VERY competitive as pupils are extremely loyal and patriotic to their "house"! Such things generate everlasting memories of success and fun that a person will never forget.

Single sex or co-education (co-ed)?
There are many boy or girl only boarding schools in the UK as well as many co-ed ones. Whichever is decided, it is important for the student and the parents to be involved in the decision.

Entry
It is a good idea to make a list of several suitable schools when choosing. Generally, international students are not younger than 7 years old. The school entry age in the UK is determined by the age at 1st September, although some schools are not too strict about this. Preparatory (Prep) schools take pupils up to 11, but normally13. There is usually no entry examination, but sometimes a report from the current school or a basic mathematics and English test may be necessary. Assessment is by interview with the Head Teacher (or Headmaster or Headmistress). Senior schools take pupils from 11, but usually 13, to 18. The Common Entrance Examination is usually taken, but sometimes an interview only will gain entry. Entry to the Sixth Form at 16 to study "A" levels is normally subject to GCSE results, a reference and an interview. The Head Teachers and Housemasters are the most important people in the entry process. Special assessments are made for international students, and special entry arrangements can be made. This depends a lot on the relationship you can develop with the Head, who is always the key person in an independent school. All applications from Thai students will receive special individual attention. Students who attend boarding schools are generally expected to take part in all aspects of school life, including participation in sports and other activities. Being good at sport can be a real advantage at an independent school! Most schools will provide a contract confirming admission and signing this will guarantee entry.

Cost
Tuition fees are usually charged per term. The tuition fees at Prep schools vary from around 2,500 to 5,000+ pounds per term. At Senior Schools fees range from to 3,300 to 5,900+ per term. Fees should be paid in full at the beginning of each term. The fees usually include tuition, recreational activities, accommodation and food. Required textbooks and basic laundry may also be included. Uniforms, however are not usually included. Extra costs are likely to be things like additional private lessons, trips to theatres, etc. Be sure to ask about extra costs before you enrol - you will probably be pleased to find out that most things (and more) are already included.

Guardianship
It is advisable for students and parents to have the services of a guardian, for advice, help, emergencies, etc. who is their representative in the UK. Most schools require their international students to have a guardian. Guardianship fees vary depending on the level of service required, but can be around 600 to 800 pounds per term. The agent in Thailand can arrange comprehensive guardianship if it is required.

Reasons for Studying at a Boarding School in the UK
· The best and most trusted education in the world
· Total development of skills in a family-like environment
· Become better at English than many native English speakers!
· A chance to become part of the "elite" - Most Oxford and Cambridge students were educated at UK Boarding Schools
· Genuine care from genuine professionals· A wonderful choice of extracurricular activities in beautiful locations· Great and competitive sporting opportunities - the land of the Premier League!
· A perfect way to develop self-confidence and to mature into a young adult· A very safe, friendly atmosphere where long-lasting friendships start
· Easy to visit (and much, much easier to enter!!) UK universities for higher education· Get internationally recognised qualifications and experience - an education at a UK Boarding School will almost guarantee a place at top universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA· Become aware of different cultures and religions at an early age· Easy to travel to and experience other countries in Europe

UK BOARDING SCHOOLS represented by Euro-Education Services

Adcote School for Girls (Shrewsbury)
Bromsgrove School
Dulwich College
Harrow
King's School (Ely)
The Royal School (Hampstead)
Rossall (Fleetwood, Lancashire)
Saint John's (Sidmouth, Devon)
Saint Michael's (Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire)
Shrewsbury
Taunton (Somerset)
PLUS Other Schools

Contact in Thailand (Please visit, e-mail or telephone)