The years when the child is between 11 and 13 are suitable for preparation for senior school and allow parents to choose a senior school where the child will continue their education.
It is not appropriate for the child to arrive in the UK at the age of 15 when the rest of the pupils are preparing for their GCSE examinations, but exceptions are possible.
At the age of 16+ a pupil can study at Sixth Form school or college where pupils prepare for AS levels and A levels examinations – these are the UK qualifications necessary for entrance in a university.
You should not leave the choice of school for the last moment. The process of selection takes time and it is important for the search to start as early as possible. For some of the famous schools places are booked for years in advance but in general it is easier to find a place in a boarding school rather than in a day school. If you decide on a boarding school, you should consider the schools throughout the UK not just the ones near London.
The school year starts at the beginning of September and is divided in three terms: from September to December, from January to the end of March, from the end of April to the beginning of July.
Fees of boarding schools vary a lot and depend on the age, whether it is co-educational or for boys only or girls only, the location etc.
Parents who do not live in UK should ensure the child has a guardian. The role of a guardian can be taken on by a friend/relative of the family or a professional guardian suggested by the school.
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