Summer school is a great way to build interpersonal social practices and advance academically in various topics. In addition, getting a student out of their comfort zone in the world of education can be a great way to encourage confidence and the exploration of new subjects and areas of life that they might not have previously been exposed to. Learn more about the vast benefits of Summer Schools here.

 

What are the best tips for choosing a summer school?

When choosing a Summer School, picking a subject, course age group and location are three key things to consider. Our Director of UK Operations at Gabbitas, Natallia Patsaluyonak, notes 5 key things that should be taken into account when choosing a Summer school:

 

1. Picking a subject

Decide why the student is considering Summer School; do they want to make more friends? Are they interested in exploring different countries and cultures? To learn about a specific topic or to practice their language learning skills? These questions are vital in choosing the right subject, school, and type of programme most suited to their needs. 

Other than choosing a subject or topic to study, it is also essential to consider the programme type. For example, is the student interested in broadening their academic ability overall, or are they interested in choosing a course that gives them comprehensive knowledge on a specific topic? If studying a language course, identify whether they are a beginner, conversational or fluent.  

When it comes to subjects, the list is endless: Digital Animation, Coding, Humanities, Future Medicine, Cultural Studies, International Business Law, Entrepreneurship, International Relations, Mind and Body Yoga, Intensive English, Engineering, Fine Art, and so many more. 

To the same degree, the interest of the student’s chosen subject also needs pairing with the institution and tutors’ approach/ teaching style. Compatibility between the course syllabus and the teaching style will ensure that the student is fully engaged, interested and, most importantly, has an excellent learning experience.

 

2. Course Age Groups

Summer schools can start as early as six years old and up until eighteen. There are also courses for over eighteen-year-olds, generally found at universities.  

Summer schools divide their courses based on age, similar to traditional schools, for the same reasons. Ensuring the syllabus, teaching methods and level of academic knowledge are compatible with the student’s attained academic ability will help gain the best educational experience. Age-specific group courses also help students fully immerse in the classroom, as students usually prefer to be included in a similar group in life stage and academic ability.    

 

3. Research the location

Going to summer school in a desired location, such as Oxford, Milan, or Shanghai, can be the deciding factor in choosing the right program based on the student’s desires. Yet the place might also be the most difficult decision you or the student will have to make, due to distance, and for what many students maybe their first time travelling alone. With that in mind, it is vital to research the grounds of the school where they will be staying, as this is an integral part of the course’s overall experience.  

In addition, consider the students’ use of English – does the USA or the United Kingdom suit them more? If the student wishes to study in the country in the future, Summer School will often be their first impression. Oxford is a historic city, steeped in academic excellence. London is a vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis, with a vast variety of academic institutions. A company to consider that runs summer schools in well renowned institutions in these locations is Oxford Summer Courses.

 

4. Accommodation

On-site residential accommodation will help with a student’s immersion into the course, not just in terms of staying within the school grounds, but often as a way to build closer relationships and social interactions with peers. Students will typically be offered catered accommodation, included in rate, whilst older students can be given the option of self-catered. Depending on the level of independence they desire, these options are essential to consider in ensuring students have a good experience. 

 

5. Research the teaching staff

Looking up the tutor, teacher, lecturers or specialists delivering the courses should also be a factor to consider. To get the most out of Summer Schools, check for esteemed guests, academic qualifications, and the Summer School’s approach to teaching. Knowing all these might be the difference between a good and a great course. 

If you are studying a language, you must check for tutor qualifications to ensure accredited educators teach the course with recognised qualifications for language teaching. Make sure you read through all the course material on the relevant website and email ahead to ask the administration team for any further clarifications or questions. They would be happy to help.

 

A bonus tip below is:

 

6. Contact a Consultant

The decision-making process can be confusing and arduous, given the sheer number of courses and everything else that must be considered. Consultants are a great way to narrow down information and options by working specifically with the needs and desires of students – making sure they apply to the best possible schools.

If you are still unsure about Summer Schools or do not know where to start, contact one of our expert consultants with years of experience in independent education by emailing info@gabbitas.com or alternatively call +44 203 026 7443.

By the 2022 January deadline, just over 43% of all 18-year-olds in the UK had applied to UCAS. With not only the number of university applications increasing yearly, but also the competition, students are having to go to greater lengths to demonstrate their passion and relevant experience for their chosen subject, as well as to showcase other skills which will make them an asset to their university community.

In this article we share our advice on how school leavers can make their application stand out from the crowd and maximise their chance of success.

 

Super-curricular activities

Top predicted/achieved grades in your chosen subject(s) are undoubtedly a strong basis for any application, but admissions teams will be looking for a deeper understanding as well as an interest that extends beyond the classroom. They want students who will be engaged in their university seminars and tutorials, so applicants should try to find effective ways to convey their eagerness to learn and motivation to succeed within their chosen academic field. This is where students should consider undertaking super-curricular activities to bolster their personal statement.

Although they sound similar, super-curricular activities differ from extra-curricular in that super- are related to and help take your studies further. For example, medicine hopefuls could take part in voluntary clinical work, or enter competitions where elements of the research involved is not covered as part of their school’s syllabus. Reading a challenging book on a related topic can also go a long way.

Several summer schools are now offering courses that help students prepare for their university studies, so keep an eye out for these. Check out our recent article on the benefits of summer schools, as well as some great examples of ones taking place this year.

To summarise, examples of super-curricular activities include:

• Voluntary work related to the field of study
• Shadowing a professional, e.g., an architect
• Essay competitions
• Online courses, e.g., coding courses for those wishing to study Computer Science
• Additional reading on the subject
• Trips to places of interest, like museums and art galleries
• Starting a blog related to the subject
• Summer schools, e.g., the Introduction to Law course at Charterhouse

 

Extra-curricular activities

By participating in extra-curricular activities, students will gain sought after transferrable skills that they can apply in both their academic studies and wider university life. Make sure to include any long-term commitment in your personal statement, as they can serve as a testament to perseverance and determination, both of which are invaluable skills in higher education.

Being part of a team, whether it be a drama group, orchestra, or sports team convey good communication, leadership and collaboration. Although university work is often carried out individually, many faculties also set graded group projects, therefore these three characteristics are held in high regard by admissions teams.

 

In-depth research on the course

Remember that you should always focus on the specifics of the course and discuss which elements you are looking forward to studying the most. Simply stating that you wish to study Spanish because you like the language is not enough to impress admissions teams.

If students are unsure which course they would like to apply for, they should consider speaking to an education consultant who will be able to advise based on the student’s current subjects and academic goals, as well as provide support with drafting the personal statement.

 

Interview practice

The UCAS application is only the first hurdle for many courses. Due to the volume of applications, heavily subscribed courses including engineering, medicine, law, dentistry, music, and veterinary science usually require students to attend interviews.

Questions tend to revolve around competence for the course and why the student has applied. Although it can be difficult to prepare answers for unknown questions, interviewees should certainly schedule some mock interviews to ensure that they are familiar with the process and to prepare them for the style of questions that they could be asked.

In comparison, Oxbridge interviews are renowned for often being highly theoretical and different to the typical university interview. In this instance, one of the best ways to prepare would be to arrange an interview session with an ex-Oxbridge student, so they can offer tips for success based on their own experience and that of their peers.

Many Gabbitas tutors have years of experience in supporting students with their Oxbridge interviews. To find out more, head to our tutoring page or email the team at tutoring@gabbitas.com.

 

Additional test preparation

To help filter applications further, some courses have an added extra step requiring applicants to sit an additional test. Examples of these include the MAT and STEP (maths), ENGAA (engineering), LNAT (law), BMAT (medicine), and Oxbridge’s critical thinking tests. A strong score in these can add real value to an application so students are heavily encouraged to prepare beforehand.

Whilst the content of the questions is often difficult to predict, the style of questioning is similar each time. Spending a few hours with an admissions expert to practice these is recommended to achieve as high a score as possible.

 

Whilst there is certainly a lot to consider, the process need not be daunting. Applicants should instead view their university application and the preparation involved as a chance to challenge themselves and discover more about their passion. If any problems or doubts arise along the way, there are always experts to assist.

 

Get in touch

If you would like to find out about how Gabbitas can help you with your UCAS application, or to discuss anything mentioned in the article, please get in touch today by emailing info@gabbitas.com or call +44 203 026 7443.

Here at Gabbitas, we often receive enquiries from international students curious about the difference between Russell Group and non-Russell Group universities, and the benefits of each. Although the Russell Group (RG) is often attractive due to the well-known names within it, it’s always worth considering other options, where students have the chance to pursue specific highly-ranked courses as opposed to just the traditional sciences and humanity subjects.

This article would highlight some of the best non-Russell Group universities as well as courses in which they are ranked highly for compared to Russell Group universities.

 

What is a Russell Group university?

The Russell Group consists of 24 prestigious universities who all play a significant role in the cultural and economic life of the UK, and all share a common characteristic: their focus on producing leading research and maintaining a consistent reputation for strong academic achievement. Some of them include the world renowned Oxford and Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), Durham and so on.

Given their reputability, RG universities tend to have very rigorous admissions criteria. Their entry requirements are often higher than those of other universities, leading to a competitive admissions process, especially for the more highly sought-after courses, like medicine, sciences, economics, and law.

 

Best Non-Russell Group Universities

Despite the Russell Group’s popularity for both British and international students alike, there are approximately 106 other universities in the UK outside of the group that perform equally as well and sometimes even better; are known for their academic excellence; teaching and employability rates; and offer unique courses.

Notable names such as St. Andrews, and Bath rank consistently high in league tables each year, yet they are not part of the Russell Group. They are often mistaken to be because of their outstanding performance and provision of excellent quality education.

More non-RG universities include Loughborough known for its excellence in criminology, media, and sports (2020); Royal Holloway for its sciences and management (2021); SOAS for its development studies, anthropology, and politics (2020); and City University for its strong business and industry links.

 

Why choose a non-Russell group university?

Non-Russell Group universities are often more flexible than their highly selective RG rivals, usually having lower entry requirements. Of course, this depends on the degree — some courses still have high entry requirements, but they tend to be more realistic or achievable. Whilst St. Andrews require AAA-AAB for medicine, Imperial – a Russell Group university – requires A*AA-AAA for the same degree. Where Durham (RG) offers AAB for business management, both the University of Westminster and Royal Holloway require lower at ABB-BBC and AAB-ABB for the same degree, respectively.

Notably, there is often less rigidity and, in some cases, more willingness to consider applicants who fall short by a few marks or have complicated cases with their grades and educational background. Additionally, they are often happy to consider late applicants (aside from UCAS Clearing). This is due to non-Russell Group universities usually still having spaces available, which in comparison is unlikely at Russell Group universities, due to being oversubscribed, making chances of available spaces after initial admission deadlines small.

 

Quality of Education

In the past, the quality of education provided by non-RG universities has been questioned, especially internationally. One thing that has helped change this view is the option to participate in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which measures the quality of the student experience provided by each university, especially within the areas of teaching, learning, and graduate employability or further study outcomes.

Participating universities are awarded bronze, silver or gold. Not all RG universities participate, but for those that do, most achieve silver and gold awards. However, there are many non-RG universities that achieve the same awards. For instance, Bath, Birmingham and Loughborough have attained the gold award, just like Cambridge and Imperial College, as seen on the Office for Students.

Additionally, Brunel, City University, and Brighton have all achieved the silver award, just like King’s College, UCL, and Bristol.

Evidently, some of the participating RG universities have the silver award whilst some non-RG universities have gold, indicating that despite not being a part of the Russell Group, an excellent quality of education is still offered within these institutions.

 

“My course equipped me with important skills to thrive well at university. For example, how to write a good and analytical essay at an advanced level.

The teachers have been so helpful and easily accessible. Coming from Pakistan, my high school qualifications were not able to provide access onto an undergraduate degree in the UK, therefore a foundation course was my only option. I was really pleased to receive an offer from SOAS.

I appreciate their focus on Africa and the Middle East, which I very much look forward to delving into upon completion of my foundation year.”

 

Aryana K from Pakistan
International Foundation Course (IFC) at SOAS University

 

Specialist Courses

Another great advantage of non-RG universities is their reputation for providing specialist courses, allowing students the opportunity to choose a degree that is tailored more to their interests, or focused on a specific field.

Some examples include Greenwich University, the University of Westminster, and Goldsmiths, who, despite usually ranking lower down league tables, offer some of the most unique courses in art and design, business, media, music, technology and more. Many students opt for these universities because of the unique courses they offer, which RG universities do not always provide.

 

Selected Courses

Goldsmiths, University of London
BA Promotional Media

Royal Holloway, University of London
BSc Earth, Climate and Environmental Change

University of Greenwich
BA Film and Television Production

University of Bath
BEng Electronic Engineering with Space Science and Technology
BSc Sport Management and Coaching

Loughborough University
BSc Chemistry with Computing
MSc Construction Project Management with Building Information Modelling

City, University of London
BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management
BSc Music, Sound and Technology

Heriot-Watt University
MSc Brewing and Distilling

 

Student life

Universities in the UK actively ensure that international students settle in well for the duration of their studies. This is evident in the wide range of support and well-being services on offer, some including help with immigration issues, finding accommodation, academic support, careers advice, and counselling. Some universities even go as far as assisting students with arranging airport transfers, creating international clubs and societies and student buddy systems, allowing current students to offer support to the new, as well as make friends.

Many students praise non-RG universities on their welcoming and multicultural atmosphere, and for regularly organising social events to encourage networking. Often commended is Royal Holloway for its network of support, sense of belonging and community feel.

 

“I was unsure what I wanted to study at university but I am so glad I chose accounting and management. It was a very useful degree; I was able to choose different modules to tailor my degree to my interests, for example I really enjoyed Management Psychology.

At university I played hockey, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would say my friends from hockey club made my university experience; we had regular training sessions and attended social events. We also did a lot of volunteering, helping local charities to raise money.

I am still in regular contact with all my university friends and I absolutely loved the experience.”

 

Tammy W from Hong Kong
Accounting and Management at the University of Essex

 

 

 

Get in touch

In summary, there are many non-Russell Group universities that perform just as well as those within the Russell Group, and provide equally satisfying environments, support and student experience, meaning that it is definitely worth considering them when making applications to UK universities as an international student.

Our expert team of placements consultants can help advise further on both RG and non-RG university options as well as help with applications, read more here. Alternatively, please get in touch today by emailing info@gabbitas.com, or by calling +44 203 026 7443.

 

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This article from Sarah Oshun-Williams at Gabbitas first appeared in Great British Education Magazine from Independent School Parent

With the relaxing of Covid restrictions in the UK, schools across the country are thrilled to welcome students back to their summer school programmes. From late June until the end of August, there is a wide variety of summer schools designed to enrich your children’s summer holidays, provide an invaluable experience of life at a British boarding school, and improve their understanding of British culture.

 

What are the benefits of summer schools?

Summer schools provide their students with a toolkit for future success, by building upon their current interests and strengths through academic study, sport, music, and other extracurricular activities. Not only will they develop their current skill set, but they will also have the opportunity to venture into new fields and take on novel challenges. Students will gain soft skills such as collaboration, leadership, and independent thinking. These are highly sought-after qualities and will be looked on favourably by admissions teams and employers alike.

They will benefit from all of this whilst thoroughly enjoying themselves. Students across the world have dealt with unprecedented times and it is important to have some time to unwind and relax. Spending time with peers and like-minded individuals with an array of facilities and activities at their disposal is the perfect way to achieve this.

 

Where are the summer schools located and how do I narrow down my options?

The variety of summer school options is very broad. If your child loves the water, they could spend part of their summer in the Lake District or the Brecon Beacons, where they could learn to canoe or paddleboard. Perhaps your child would prefer a sprawling country estate in Surrey with acres of sports facilities for them to enjoy. Or maybe they would relish the peace and quiet of a quaint cathedral town in Somerset. Whatever the preference, there is an ideal location to match every student’s wishes.

 

What will my child do at a summer school?

With a range of locations comes an abundance of possible activities. Most summer schools specialise in a particular area so you should have a clear idea of what your child would like to achieve before deciding which summer school they are going to attend. Much like when deciding which school they will attend, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Below, we have outlined the types of summer school to help you understand the available options.

 

Intensive English improvement

If your child is hoping to attend a British Boarding School, it is necessary to have a strong grasp of the English language. Many summer schools are designed to significantly improve English skills in a short period. They tend to be structured similarly to a school day, with morning and afternoon lessons before social activities with the other students in the evenings. These are available for students of all levels, for those who are complete beginners, to those who wish to complete their higher education in the UK and just need to refine their language skills. Bede’s Summer School in Sussex is an excellent example of an English-centred summer school. You can read more by clicking here.

 

Preparing for future studies

When applying to universities, it is very useful to have some background knowledge in the subject. Any relevant studies can be mentioned in personal statements and the time taken outside of regular school hours shows a genuine passion for the subject. Charterhouse summer school offers courses including “Introduction to Law” which will help with a seamless transition to studying law at university and, “Entrepreneurship” which will help develop many useful skills for business studies and related courses. Read more about their courses in their brochure.

 

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) courses

STEAM subjects are highly competitive and courses like that offered at Reddam House in Berkshire, provide students with a novel way to develop their knowledge and get ahead of their peers. Students will have the opportunity to show their innovative side through design and robotics projects, each taking home their creations at the end of the camp to remember their experience. Find out more about Reddam House Berkshire by clicking here.

 

Extra-curricular academic courses

These courses are for those who wish to develop extensive knowledge outside of the school curriculum and challenge themselves, in addition to adding an invaluable experience to their university applications. The Catalyst course at Winchester College is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving students. The digital course focuses on change in the past, present, and future and is delivered by a team of experts, including a polar ecologist and a Stanford University Professor. Discover more by following this link.

 

High-level sports coaching

With options for both high-level athletes and beginners, your children could spend two weeks of their summer developing their skills with the guidance of professional coaches. Options include Golf at Bradfield College (brochure), a professional dance course with Bede’s (brochure), and football courses with Liverpool FC (brochure) and LaLiga, courtesy of Charterhouse and Bede’s respectively.

 

What measures are in place for Covid and student welfare?

Any schools recommended by us will have student welfare at the heart of their programme. The ultimate goal for students is enjoyment and to achieve this, schools will ensure all their needs are taken care of. Safeguarding leaders provide extensive training to all employees to ensure that they are best placed to look out for their students. All schools will have Covid measures in place, including double-vaccinated staff to minimize the risk of transmission. For specific details about each summer school, please send us an email and we will be happy to provide you with further information.

 

Get in touch

Our tutoring team would be delighted to help you select the best summer school for your children and to make the registration as easy as possible. Please get in touch today by emailing tutoring@gabbitas.com, alternatively call +44 203 026 7443

As another results day passes, UCAS applications for 2022 start. Although some may have already decided what course they would like to study and which university they’d like go to, with the UCAS deadline being 26th January 2022 for many courses, there is still plenty of time to decide.

Here are a few pointers from our consultants to help hopeful applicants make the most out of their application.

 

Research
Research is crucial. With the option to input 5 choices out of a possible 100 plus universities, coupled with a plethora of courses to choose from, this can understandably seem like a daunting task.

However, there are many resources at one’s fingertips, including websites, education fairs, and consultancies. With knowledge of your educational experience and predicted grades, these resources can help you narrow down which courses might suit you, as well as the universities that offer them.

 

Familiarise yourself with the application process
Familiarising yourself with the format of the application form is wise. It enables you to approach the process methodically. The form consists of six sections:

1. Your personal details.
2. Five university choices (four for medicine and veterinary).
3. Your completed and predicted results, such as your GCSEs, A-levels, IB, BTEC and any other relevant qualifications. Special entrance tests for specific courses, like the LNAT or BNAT, go in the Specialised Entrance Tests section.
4. Employment — include details of any paid jobs you’ve done.
5. Personal statement — take this opportunity to stand out from the crowd. When you read your statement back, focus on whether you sound enthusiastic, interested in the subject you wish to study, genuine, clear and concise.
6. References and submission — once you click send on the application, it will be sent to your designated referee. Don’t be afraid to chase your referee up, as UCAS will not process your application until your reference has been completed.

 

Take your time
Although applying to university is an exciting process, do not rush. You’re able to save the application as you go through, so you can complete a bit each day.

Take your time with your personal statement and bear in mind it can make the difference between an offer or rejection if you miss your grades on results day.

Remember, each admissions department receives a high volume of applications each year. They will be using your UCAS application as a tool to find out more about you, beyond your exam results. They will be looking for well-rounded individuals who show a flair for their subject; people who are responsible and will be able to cope with university study.

 

If you have any questions about the UCAS process, please do not hesitate to get in contact by emailing us at info@gabbitas.com or find out more about how we can help with university search, applications, and clearing here.

 

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This article from Isabel Sheehan at Gabbitas first appeared in the September 2021 edition of School Report 

Helping your child to prepare for an online academic assessment like the ISEB or the UKiset is often a difficult and daunting task. Quality sample papers can be hard to come by and some students will be unfamiliar with the format of the questions, which means that they won’t be completely sure of what they are being asked, risking the chance of answering incorrectly and not being able to show off their skills and academic ability effectively.

However, despite preparation being hard for some, it is undoubtedly an advantage to know how to answer the types of question asked, as it will give students valuable transferable skills that will help them going forward in their lives.

For instance, many online assessments include an essay section where the student is asked to elaborate on a current, age-appropriate topic. Through practicing essay technique, or receiving guidance from a tutor, not only will they be able to answer the assessment’s question to the best of their ability, but they will also find secondary school, university homework, and exams far easier as they will know how to properly structure and plan an essay, as well as have the confidence to do so.

Partially as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many top British independent schools have begun to rely more heavily on assessment tools to assist them with admissions. One reason for this is that candidates obviously do not have to be physically present at the school in order to take the test, therefore making conditions ‘Covid-friendly’. It has also meant there is less need for schools’ admissions teams to have to take the time to set and mark each paper as many of the online assessments are adaptive and auto-marking. This is beneficial to both school and student, as it cuts down the time on the decision-making process, and also eradicates any risk of discrepancies between markers.

The UK Independent Schools’ Entry test (UKiset) is one of the most widely-used online academic assessment tools by British independent schools. In the past its main candidates have tended to be international students coming from overseas schools into the British curriculum, as a means of assessing their skills in English, Maths, and non-verbal reasoning, as well as providing a method of comparison to their peers in top British independent schools. But, with growing awareness of the challenges facing young people today, and the damage that school closures have done to many a child’s confidence, it is of great benefit to understand your child’s capabilities, in order to allow them to freely develop their skills without any added stresses, even if they have been in the British curriculum all of their lives.

 

So how can one prepare? For something like the UKiset, one of the best places to start is to focus on fundamental English and Maths skills. Vocabulary and grammar are imperative, and students should practice verbal and spatial reasoning, as the more familiar they become with the style of the question, the easier they will find it to recognise patterns when it comes to taking the assessment.

At Gabbitas, we understand that communication is key when it comes to productive and effective preparation. Throughout the process of choosing the right tutor for your child, it is important that you take note of how they adapt to your child’s way of learning, and whether they involve your child and you in the planning of each session. This way, everyone is on the same page and your child can feel that they are in control of their own work, whilst also having the support of an expert during their sessions, and gaining the confidence to do their own out-of-session work.

For more information on academic assessment tools like UKiset and how Gabbitas can help those taking them prepare, check out this UKiset Prep FAQ with our assessment manager or get in touch with us at info@gabbitas.com.

 

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This article from Isabel Sheehan at Gabbitas first appeared in the Summer 2021 edition of School Report 

1. Our two sons are close in age and also very competitive. Teachers have suggested it might be a good idea to choose separate senior schools so they each thrive as individuals. Can your school placement team advise on what we need to consider in making the decision and the pros and cons of splitting them up?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany, Senior Education Consultant and SEN Specialist

It is lovely for siblings to have a ‘shared education’, being able to reminisce over the breakfast table about the funny mannerisms of the Latin teacher, or the quality of the food in the canteen, but unfortunately sometimes the same school is not the right option. Children have a great sense of identity and fundamental ‘fairness’, meaning that rivalry can easily be started when one may be performing better than the other academically (or socially). This is obviously not healthy and should be avoided to the best of everyone’s ability.

When choosing different schools for siblings, it is important that parents keep in mind that it should be a considered and sensitive decision. It is imperative to analyse the schools properly, so that both are on level ground to avoid any potential issues of unfairness that might arise.

For instance, if one school has family ties — perhaps a parent or grandparent attended — but the other does not, it would be perhaps best to avoid.
Logistics are another factor to keep in mind. The first person your sons will look for when they score a try or take a bow is you, so it is important that both schools are within similar distance to home so that one can easily get there. This is also something to keep in mind if you are looking at boarding: you do not want one son feeling that he has been sent further away than his brother and therefore sees you less.

I would advise that you try to make sure that both schools are also on a similar level regarding academics, sport, drama, and co-curricular activities. Children should be proud of their school. If a child is happy, they are confident, and when confident they will thrive as an individual and reach their academic potential.

 

2. I’ve been told that as my daughter wants to attend a UK independent school, it would be a good idea to take UKiset so her knowledge and potential can be accurately assessed. Can you explain more about the UKiset process and how schools use it?

Answered by Xanthe Lynden, Assessment Manager

The UK Independent School Entry Test (UKiset), is a standardised assessment that effectively compares international students with their counterparts who have been in the British curriculum all their lives. As well as helping schools understand a student’s level of English, the resulting report generated by the assessment provides credible information on how a student like your daughter may perform within the school environment, as well as her aptitude for certain subjects.

Many people like UKiset as the process is a relatively simple one. Registration is quick and easy, and once the test has been taken, students can choose to send their report to up to 5 different British independent schools (or if they prefer, to none at all).

As well as having test centres across the globe, UKiset are now offering online invigilation, meaning that your daughter can take the test without having to organise travel, which of course has been made difficult due to the pandemic.

Note that there is more to the UKiset than just testing a student’s aptitude. When preparing to take the test, your daughter will learn valuable skills which will help ready her for other school entrance exams, as well as give her those skills required for academic success in the independent school system.

It is important to remember that each school will have different requirements and benchmarks for their applicants, however it is undoubtable that a UKiset report will only serve to strengthen your daughter’s applications. It will also give you a good insight as to where she is at currently in her academic career, which give you the chance to help her improve in any areas needed.

At Gabbitas we have recently launched our accredited UKiset Prep service, if you’d like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact me via info@gabbitas.com

 

3. My daughter is unhappy at school and this is now reflected in her behaviour and progress. We’re looking to move her but are concerned about how current school reports will impact future school choices. How best should we go about finding a school where she will be welcomed and also have a chance to thrive?

Answered by Paul Kelly, Senior Education Consultant

Unfavourable school reports are an issue that many parents face, and it can be daunting to get to the bottom of the reasons why. It is especially frustrating when they can interfere with attempts to enter a new school, where one’s child may perform better. It is important to treat this as an opportunity to use the problem to your advantage, and consequently help your daughter achieve her academic potential whilst also being happy.

My advice is to first talk to your daughter in an effort to establish why this is happening. Tell her that you recognise that she is unhappy, and you are thinking of changing her school. It could encourage her to talk about the issues she faces. Knowing these issues is beneficial for you too, as it will allow you to approach new schools more easily.

In some cases, it can be better to get an objective outsider — such as a family friend or education consultant — to talk to her, as conversations between parent and child, especially relating to this subject matter, can be emotionally charged and therefore inconclusive.

Regarding finding the best school for your daughter, you should undoubtedly look for somewhere with great pastoral care, as your daughter may be entering at an unusual point of entry. It’s also a case of analysing current issues; is the current school boarding? Maybe try looking at Day schools closer to home. Is it a big school? Perhaps your daughter may prefer a smaller, more intimate learning space.

Think about her subjects. If your daughter is sitting her A-levels, schools understand that sometimes the wrong subjects are chosen, or perhaps she might be better suited to the IB? If she is studying GCSEs, there may be a subject she is more passionate about — use this to your advantage when approaching schools.

Approaching the next school can be a tricky process, so if you’d like some impartial advice on next steps or help liaising with schools, please contact us at info@gabbitas.com.

 

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This article was originally published in the Summer 2021 edition of Absolutely Education

1. My daughter’s primary school has suggested she may fall into the ‘gifted and talented’ category. I’m a bit uncertain as to what this means, so would it be a good idea to get further advice and/or look for a school that has expertise in managing her academic and pastoral needs?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany — Senior Schools Consultant and SEN Specialist

The Department of Education and Skills defines those supported by the national programme for gifted and talented education as those with abilities at a significantly higher level to their peers.

The word ‘gifted’, is usually associated with academic level, and ‘talented’ refers to other areas such as sport, drama, art or music.

At Gabbitas, we are often contacted by anxious parents who say, “my daughter came out of school in tears today as she was asked to put her hand down and give the other children a chance to answer in class.” It is any wonder that a bright child may become disengaged from classwork and start to either switch off or become disheartened.

Many primary schools have an excellent provision for G&T children, but parents may like to consider the private school option where class sizes are smaller and, as such, the academic pace is a little faster.

If finances are an issue — as they are for so many in the current climate — many private schools offer scholarships in different disciplines such as academic, music, the arts, and sport to pupils who are particularly gifted and talented. Furthermore, these scholarships can also be supplemented with a means tested bursary, with some schools offering extremely generous bursaries of up to 100% for a particularly talented young person.

Every school has a different procedure for scholarships — whether that be attaining the best marks at the academic assessment, an excellent reference from their current school and an impressive interview or more specific assessments for music, all-rounder or sport.

Applying for a scholarship is the easy part, applying for a bursary can take considerably longer — and not everyone will be successful — but if your child is happy and thriving at school, the hard work and form filling is a necessary evil.

It would be a good idea to seek further advice and explore the options available to ensure that your child achieves their potential. If you decide you would like more advice on finding a suitable school for your daughter to excel at, please do get in touch with us at info@gabbitas.com.

 

 

2. Our child’s self-assurance and academic motivation seem at a really low ebb after remote school. We are wondering if a tutor could give the support they need to help boost both learning approach and confidence. What are your thoughts?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany– Senior Schools Consultant and SEN Specialist

In a report by The Lancet, June 2020 the opening paragraph states: ‘Adolescence (the stage between 10 and 24 years) is a period of life characterised by heightened sensitivity to social stimuli and the increased need for peer interaction.’

Is it any wonder that many teenagers and children have found distance learning extremely challenging? Schools have gone above and beyond to try and engage pupils with their learning and make lessons more accessible and enjoyable but, when much of the fun has been taken out of day to day living, sitting in front of a computer can be rather a dry experience.

Feeling isolated and lonely is horrible at any age but even more so as a teenager — and these feelings can be exacerbated when learning online is difficult. It is all too easy to fall behind in class and become demotivated — it becomes a vicious cycle.

We have suggested to many families during this difficult time to engage a tutor or a mentor. A tutor/mentor is the best of both worlds. The best tend to be young people, with energy, motivation, leadership qualities, teaching ability and an engaging personality. A good role model can have an extraordinary impact on a teenager’s confidence and wellbeing.

Tutors can help pupils revisit topics and talk through areas that they are unsure about, thereby increasing pupils’ confidence and ensuring they have full understanding of a subject, but also helping them enjoy learning once more.

Agencies like Gabbitas can help you find suitable tutors, please do get in touch with us if you’d like to hear more.

 

 

3. We’ve been put on watch that my job may require a spell overseas in about 12-18 months’ time. This would be a bad time to move our older son out of UK education. We don’t have a big family support network, so would guardianship be an option and how does this work?

Answered by Diana Gwynn — Guardianship Manager

Guardianship (to cover exeat weekends and sometimes half terms for boarders) is obviously a big decision. Schools will normally insist that a guardian be within a maximum journey time from the school of around two hours.

Obviously, many would choose family, but when they do not have any like yourselves, or feel the responsibility may be an unfair burden to place on family and friends, guardianship agencies (such as Gabbitas) are set up to fill that gap.

The agency itself is the ‘guardian’ and can give support and advice on a whole range of issues and act as a central point of contact between the school and parents. Agencies vet and recruit a network of host families to provide support and accommodation to students whose parents are based overseas.

The profile of these families varies from those whose own children have flown the nest to those who still have school aged children but perhaps want to broaden the family’s horizons. Good agencies visit all applicant host families and carry out vigorous checks and take up several references.

To ensure that you are happy with the regular host family for your child, you will usually be sent details of a couple of families for you to choose from and there may also be the chance to visit them and form a direct contact before you depart overseas.

As well as linking you up with a host family, the agency will assign a named consultant to your child who can provide ongoing support to you and your child throughout their time at school on a myriad of issues such as buying school uniform, setting up a bank account for pocket money and liaising with boarding and academic staff at the school.

Having an agency and a host family support your child also means that there is also always 24/7 cover in an emergency and a reserve host can be found too if necessary.

Bonds made between host families and students can last long after school life finishes!

If you’d like to find out more about how guardianship works, get in touch with us at guardian@gabbitas.com

 

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This article was originally published in the Spring 2021 edition of Absolutely Education