Parent Resources

Choosing the right school for your child is not easy. Important points for parents to consider when selecting a suitable school more »

Looking for a private tutor or tutorial college? more »

Stress-busting advice for parents and pupils more »

Attending a Private boarding school in the UK is a great way for your child to learn English. Their free time is also a valuable chance to practice English whilst socialising with children from all over the world.

• If your child is a citizen of an EU/EEA country, they do not require a visa to study in the UK.



• Non-EU students who are under the age of 18 and want to study in the UK for upto 6 months will require a CHILD VISITOR VISA. If they wish to study for more than 6 months they require a TIER 4 (CHILD) VISA.



• Non-EU students who are 18yrs and over and want to study in the UK for upto 6 months will require a STUDENT VISITOR VISA. If they wish to study for more than 6 months they require a TIER 4 (GENERAL) VISA.
  
  Many schools will assistant you in visa applications. For more information visit the UK Border Agency Website
  
  

A Schengen Visa is required for citizens of non-Schengen member countries to enter this Zone. For more information visit the Schengen Visa Info Website

• The majority of UK boarding schools require parents of International students to appoint a UK-based guardian. Some overseas parents have friends or relatives in the UK who are happy to undertake this responsibility, others have no-one to help them.


• There are many Guardianship companies available that provide students with a secure and caring environment during their stay in the UK.


• The Guardian will accept legal responsibility for the child, and provides the child with a place to live during school holidays or periods of illness.


• AEGIS is the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students. It brings together schools and guardianship organisations to promote the welfare of international students.


• For more information about companies that provide Guardianship services please visit our Guardianship Page more »

• The Good Schools Guide
  The only publication that gives a completely independent and unbiased overview of the country's top state and private schools. Find out what schools want you to know, and importantly, what they don't!
  


• Which School? 2020: A Guide to Independent Schools in the UK
  First published in 1924, Which School? brings together in one volume a wealth of essential information aimed at guiding parents through the process of choosing the right school
  


• John Catt's Preparatory Schools 2018: A guide to 1,500 prep and junior schools in the UK
  The 2018 edition of John Catt's Preparatory Schools provides parents seeking information, at a vital stage of their child's education, with basic facts about 1500 independent prep and junior schools in the UK. The guide has useful articles, including how to find the fees, the difference between prep and junior schools, the various educational organisations that encourage high standards in independent schools.
  


Recommended Study Guides


• Parents' and Teachers' Guide to Bilingualism
  The 4th edition of this book is a practical introduction for parents and teachers to bilingualism. The Q&A format of this book makes it the natural choice for the busy parent or teacher who needs an easy reference guide to the most frequently asked questions.
  


• SATS Revision Guides 2020
  These revision and practice books for KS2 Maths and English offer, full topic coverage for Key Stage 2, heaps of practice questions and accessible guidance and support. Learners can test their knowledge, check their answers and improve their results at KS2.


• GCSE Revision Guides 2020
  These books are full of clear revision notes and detailed diagrams. At the end of each section there are questions to check what you've learnt plus sections on exam skills. Easy to read and revise from - everything's explained in a simple, straightforward style.
  


• A Level Revision Guides 2020
  These revision and practice books for A level are full of clear revision notes and exam practice questions for students and numerous worked examples.
  


• IB Study Guides 2020
  Prepares learners for IB assessment.
  

• Athey Educational
  Athey Educational publish practice tests for Grammar and Independent School selection. Their website provides advice and support for parents, and sample tests.
  


• MW Educational
  MW Educational publish a variety of educational titles relevant to parents and teachers at independent schools including 11 Plus and SAT's practice papers as well as revision guides.
  


• Learning Together
  The Learning Together books reflect the type of questions that are found in 11+ or 12+ examination papers and have been written to help prepare children who are going to sit selective entrance examinations to grammar schools or private schools.
  


• Eleven Plus Exams
  This site contains a wealth of information on many aspects of the eleven plus exam and online resources
  

• Hypnotherapy Directory
  Exam Stress? Hypnotherapy can help by controlling nerves and negative emotions, meaning you can remain focused. A useful resource to help find a suitable hynotherapist in your area
  


• Counselling Directory
  A useful resource for those looking for support or general advice about counselling.
  


• Life Coach Directory
  A useful resource for those looking for support or general advice about life coaching.
  


• Topmarks Education
  Topmarks is an index site listing many links to education-based web pages. This site provides an extensive online resource for both parents and teachers.
  


• BBC Bitesize
  Comprehensive listings of great revision resources
  


• GCSE Site
  This site includes GCSE answers, support for parents, students, teachers etc.
  


• Childline - Beat Exam Stress
  Help and advice for students and parents on how to cope with exam stress