What is UKiset, UKiset Prep and how can Gabbitas help?

If you’re reading this article now, you may already be contemplating UKiset and how it may benefit you or your child to take it. Furthermore, you may be wondering how you can possibly prepare for a test as challenging as UKiset. So, we have asked our Assessment Manager to break down our own UKiset preparation service and explain why you should be considering it if you’re taking the assessment.

 

Q: What is UKiset?

UKiset is a standardised test that efficiently compares international students to their peers who have been in British schools all their lives. It is a computerised test which is designed to adapt to the student as they answer questions. Anyone from the age of 9.5 to 18 years old can take the test.

After the student has taken the test, the UKiset team can send a UKiset report to schools which provides valuable information on a student’s current level, as well as their academic potential. This type of assessment tool is especially important for international students as it bolsters their application with credible evidence that they can compete within the system.

UKiset tests students on some of the fundamental skills required to thrive in the British independent school system. The skills tested are English, maths, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. UKiset uses various methods, including an essay question and comprehension tasks, to get a more well-rounded view of how a student may perform at their desired schools.

 

Q: What makes it so challenging to prepare for independently?

UKiset is notorious for being a well-guarded assessment tool. Sample papers are not issued and it can be hard to get to grips with unfamiliar styles of questions, such as the non-verbal reasoning questions. Many students will not have come across these types of questions in their daily schooling so may not completely understand what the question is asking. However, these questions are a reliable way of seeing a student’s problem-solving skills and logic.

My advice to those looking to prepare for the UKiset is to focus on the fundamental English and maths skills, vocabulary and grammar being very important, as well as knowing their times tables up to 12. I would also recommend taking the time to practice spatial reasoning questions, as the more familiar the student becomes with the style of questions, the easier it will be to recognise patterns.

 

Q: How can Gabbitas help you prepare to take UKiset?

Gabbitas has been offering high quality tuition for over a century in various subjects from the Sciences to the Arts. Our tutors are all DBS-checked and many hold more than one degree including doctorates, masters and even degrees in Medicine, all awarded by prestigious universities. Our most recent venture has been the UKiset preparation service, otherwise known as ‘UKiset Prep’.

 

Q: So what is UKiset Prep and how does it work?

Our UKiset Prep service provides one tutor for all aspects tested in UKiset. We aim to put the student at the centre of their own learning to fully engage them and encourage them to fulfil their potential. UKiset Prep has been designed to provide targeted tutoring to really focus on those areas where a student feels less confident or tends to score lower.

This targeted learning is established through a pre-assessment designed by our assessment team to reflect the actual test as much as possible. In summary, it has a non-verbal reasoning section, a maths section, and an English section that each vary in difficulty depending on the age of the student, as well as their initial English level.

The pre-assessment is analysed by the assessment team and the student is given areas to focus on. At Gabbitas, we involve the parents and student in their learning plan as much as possible to ensure that we are providing the most suitable tuition. For example, when a student is found to learn more efficiently from visual prompts, our tutors tailor their methods to engage the student and deliver outstanding results.

 

Q: What’s different about Gabbitas’ UKiset Prep service?

At Gabbitas we understand that the tutoring market is highly saturated. It can be a deeply confusing experience for parents and student to find the tutor or agency that is the perfect fit for them. We know that to produce the best results, communication is key.

Throughout the process of selecting the most suitable tutor and onwards during tuition, we aim to provide thorough, consistent feedback that puts client experience at the heart. Each student is unique and learns in their own way. Gabbitas listens to all concerns, queries and requests and works to deliver a bespoke learning experience that takes into account a student’s individual requirements.

We’re known for delivering exceptional results, with the vast majority of our students achieving their desired goal and beginning their exciting new journey into the British independent school system, with Gabbitas providing support every step of the way.

 

Q: How do I get in touch to receive UKiset preparation from Gabbitas and when can I start?

To register your interest in UKiset Prep, contact Lina Baubliene, our UKisetPrep Consultant, directly at linabaubliene@ukiset.com or call our mainline on +44 (0) 7767883914.

 

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It is well known that the coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown restrictions, domestically and internationally, have wilted the number of Chinese students in British independent schools.

Where fears of COVID-19 infections, combined with travel restrictions, have made studying abroad both uncertain and worrisome for many families and students.

Despite this and Chinese domestic schooling, the UK has seen an increase in Chinese students at British universities, even amid the past five years of health/travel concerns.

A recent study outlines that the number of Chinese students enrolling in UK universities has increased 41% over the last five years – even through the pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions. Furthermore, in 2021/2022, 27% of all non-EU students were from China.

Another study found that this undisrupted rise is due to the potential employability opportunities compared to graduates in other countries. The employability factor ultimately suggests that enthusiasm for higher education will continue to rise – far past expectations of a significant downturn.

However, the international student admission rate in independent schools has significantly dropped. Between 2019 and 2022, the ISC reported a 26% decline in the number of students from mainland China.

Bringing into question whether and when the influx of Chinese students will resume. Or will this long-term decline be offset by the rising demand from other emerging markets, such as India and Malaysia?

Our corresponding team in China suggest that this steep decline is a by-product of the COVID-19 Chinese government restrictions. But one that is temporary, with a quick rebound to match previous pre-COVID numbers.

Enthusiasm and willingness to study abroad are due to several different structural, political and cultural factors, including visa application and airline resumptions, government guidance, as well as transitions to new forms of digital pedagogy.

 

Foreign teacher declines in China.

Due to domestic education policies in China in recent years, many foreign teachers at international and bilingual schools have returned to their home countries, leaving a significant gap in the teachings of English and the western-style syllabus.

This has also caused a higher turnover rate of teachers, a factor that can dramatically impact a student’s learning experience. Therefore, teacher uncertainty in mainland China is a factor to consider when positioning the exodus of Chinese students to study abroad.

Technological changes within the education sector have also dramatically reshaped the physical classroom and pedagogy.

The increased domestic travel restrictions in China has meant that schools and teachers have had to adapt their online learning materials. Chinese schools, like UK schools, have had to rely on online lessons to minimise education disruption.

 

 

Yet, Chinese parents and students have been critical of online lessons, claiming that guidance and learning initiatives are substandard compared to face-to-face classes. In particular, the consensus is that primary and secondary school students lack the self-motivation to learn independently – where online courses are not suitable for every child and their learning style.

In addition, these changes, in effect with modifications to the curriculum, mean that many parents will consider plans for their children to study abroad in advance – potentially sending their children to study in the UK at a much younger age than in previous years.

Chinese parents and students directly mentioned these concerns and issues to the Chinese Gabbitas team when taking the UKiset test. It is worth noting that the number of UKiset students has also increased in the past twelve months.

UKiset is a highly adaptive assessment designed for entry into British curriculum schools that tests English skills, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics. The increase in UKiset applicants, therefore, signals and provides a good measure for the number of potential international applicants for British Independent Schools. Find out more about UKiset here.

 

Increase in interest in summer camps and school visits

Demand for summer camps and school visits by international students has also increased after the Chinese border resumed commencement. According to the latest notice from the Chinese Embassy in the UK, the Chinese Visa Application Centre in London has started accepting ordinary visas from January 8th, 2023.

In mainland China, international students can also begin to apply for UK visas usually, making applications, travel and bureaucracy of international education simpler. With these political and transportation restorations, it is easier to travel to the UK from China.

Aside from students and parents being able to resume visiting schools (experiencing the atmosphere, directly speaking with students, admission officers and heads), an increase in the demand for summer camps can be seen also to take charge.

With the disruption of teaching and foreign teachers in China, parents will be weary of their child’s English language skills – and this is where summer camps come in.

Summer camps can be a great addition to a student’s learning tools, improving their academic ability, improving their English language skills and enhancing their communication and social skills with others. Gabbitas has seen a significant increase in parents enquiring about information about summer schools in the UK.

 

Conclusion

Many factors point to an increase in the number of inbound international students coming from China to the UK to study. Where Gabbitas believes the increase in enquiries for British schools and summer camps points to a pre-Covid trend.

To learn more on this, summer camps, UKiset or any other enquiries on how this may impact your school or student, contact our experts at info@gabbitas.com.

What is UKiset, UKiset Prep and how can Gabbitas help?

If you’re reading this article now, you may already be contemplating UKiset and how it may benefit you or your child to take it. Furthermore, you may be wondering how you can possibly prepare for a test as challenging as UKiset. So, we have asked our Assessment Manager to break down our own UKiset preparation service and explain why you should be considering it if you’re taking the assessment.

 

Q: What is UKiset?

UKiset is a standardised test that efficiently compares international students to their peers who have been in British schools all their lives. It is a computerised test which is designed to adapt to the student as they answer questions. Anyone from the age of 9.5 to 18 years old can take the test.

After the student has taken the test, the UKiset team can send a UKiset report to schools which provides valuable information on a student’s current level, as well as their academic potential. This type of assessment tool is especially important for international students as it bolsters their application with credible evidence that they can compete within the system.

UKiset tests students on some of the fundamental skills required to thrive in the British independent school system. The skills tested are English, maths, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. UKiset uses various methods, including an essay question and comprehension tasks, to get a more well-rounded view of how a student may perform at their desired schools.

 

Q: What makes it so challenging to prepare for independently?

UKiset is notorious for being a well-guarded assessment tool. Sample papers are not issued and it can be hard to get to grips with unfamiliar styles of questions, such as the non-verbal reasoning questions. Many students will not have come across these types of questions in their daily schooling so may not completely understand what the question is asking. However, these questions are a reliable way of seeing a student’s problem-solving skills and logic.

My advice to those looking to prepare for the UKiset is to focus on the fundamental English and maths skills, vocabulary and grammar being very important, as well as knowing their times tables up to 12. I would also recommend taking the time to practice spatial reasoning questions, as the more familiar the student becomes with the style of questions, the easier it will be to recognise patterns.

 

Q: How can Gabbitas help you prepare to take UKiset?

Gabbitas has been offering high quality tuition for over a century in various subjects from the Sciences to the Arts. Our tutors are all DBS-checked and many hold more than one degree including doctorates, masters and even degrees in Medicine, all awarded by prestigious universities. Our most recent venture has been the UKiset preparation service, otherwise known as ‘UKiset Prep’.

 

Q: So what is UKiset Prep and how does it work?

Our UKiset Prep service provides one tutor for all aspects tested in UKiset. We aim to put the student at the centre of their own learning to fully engage them and encourage them to fulfil their potential. UKiset Prep has been designed to provide targeted tutoring to really focus on those areas where a student feels less confident or tends to score lower.

This targeted learning is established through a pre-assessment designed by our assessment team to reflect the actual test as much as possible. In summary, it has a non-verbal reasoning section, a maths section, and an English section that each vary in difficulty depending on the age of the student, as well as their initial English level.

The pre-assessment is analysed by the assessment team and the student is given areas to focus on. At Gabbitas, we involve the parents and student in their learning plan as much as possible to ensure that we are providing the most suitable tuition. For example, when a student is found to learn more efficiently from visual prompts, our tutors tailor their methods to engage the student and deliver outstanding results.

 

Q: What’s different about Gabbitas’ UKiset Prep service?

At Gabbitas we understand that the tutoring market is highly saturated. It can be a deeply confusing experience for parents and student to find the tutor or agency that is the perfect fit for them. We know that to produce the best results, communication is key.

Throughout the process of selecting the most suitable tutor and onwards during tuition, we aim to provide thorough, consistent feedback that puts client experience at the heart. Each student is unique and learns in their own way. Gabbitas listens to all concerns, queries and requests and works to deliver a bespoke learning experience that takes into account a student’s individual requirements.

We’re known for delivering exceptional results, with the vast majority of our students achieving their desired goal and beginning their exciting new journey into the British independent school system, with Gabbitas providing support every step of the way.

 

Q: How do I get in touch to receive UKiset preparation from Gabbitas and when can I start?

To register your interest in UKiset Prep, contact Lina Baubliene, our UKisetPrep Consultant, directly at linabaubliene@ukiset.com or call our mainline on +44 (0) 7767883914.

 

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With Brexit rumbling on, will our boarding schools still have their doors open to international students and have they considered the hurdles that they may need to get over?

As experts in British independent education since 1873, Gabbitas is at the forefront of helping families from overseas place their children into British Boarding Schools. We also interact with other agents in this market and with many overseas families evaluating the benefits of a choosing to educate their children in the UK. It is our view that whilst Brexit has clearly been a divisive issue and of concern to many businesses in the UK – British Education does not seem to have been largely affected by the result of the 2016 referendum…yet.

Schools familiar with non-EU student visas and processes

Over the past three years we have not seen any decisive evidence that the international appeal of British education has been affected by Brexit. Independent boarding schools are very experienced in dealing with international students and in handling all the necessary and complex administrative process involved in placing an overseas student in their schools. Traditionally students have been drawn from the EU and the Far East, but today, the majority of overseas students apply from Asia. As a result, schools are already familiar with the visa processes and responsibilities required to enable those students outside of the EU to study in the UK.

The result of a fall in exchange rates has worked to the advantage of overseas families with the costs for boarding becoming even more attractive. Currently, Independent Education is viewed as even better value for money! Some families have asked if they can pay five-years fees in advance to make the most of the currency rates.  This effect also makes British education more competitive against increasing competition from Canada, the US and Australasia who had been growing their international appeal in the run up to the referendum in 2016.

Change in student nationalities

Whilst the statistics show that the number of overseas students has remained steady, the mix of nationalities has changed. UKiset – the UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test has been monitoring changes in international applicants over the past five years. This standardised entry test, owned and operated by Gabbitas, assesses nearly 25% of all international applicants to UK schools and has unique insight into trends and market information on international students. UKiset noted the number of Russian speaking families sending their children to the UK has reduced as a direct result of the political climate at home and the Ukraine crisis. German families no longer have a year in which they can send their children overseas to study as their school system has changed so that it is now 12 and not 13 years- thus the UK opportunity is no longer viable.

The loss of the German and Russian business has more than been replaced by an increase in the number of students from Mainland China, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong. This indicates that the market shift is towards the Far East with increasing numbers of families who can afford a British education in those burgeoning economies; suggesting these more global economic trends are more influential than the UK’s relationship with Europe.

Brexit and the University market are however more closely linked. The Independent Schools sector is a niche enough sector not to be affected by the wider sentiment of Britain leaving the EU. Recruiting university students is on a much wider scale and across a more diverse range of backgrounds and is far more susceptible to the changing environment in the UK. Brexit has made us appear to be far less welcoming to higher education students.

The evidence we have for the past three years shows that the numbers of international students has remained strong and steady. The threat from Brexit is not affecting UK boarding schools who are very well equipped to continue to welcome overseas students not just from Asia but also from the EU, regardless of their visa status.

 

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This article from Alistair Montgomery – Director for London-based education consultant, Gabbitas, first appeared in the Spring 2020 edition of School Report

An increasing number of international students are choosing to study at universities in the UK. UCAS reports an increase of 9% in the 2019 application cycle, with over 63,000 students making applications from outside the UK and EU. These students will be coming from different countries, cultures and curriculums, so how best can they prepare to make a successful transition to studying in the UK? We share our top tips to ease the transition.

Be certain you understand the application process

The first point in a successful transition to higher education is understanding the application process and the time line. For all universities in the UK applications are made online through UCAS. The system allows an aspiring student to apply to study at up to five universities. The application requires a personal statement (explaining the motivation and suitability for studying the chosen course), a teacher reference, predicted exam grades and proof of English language ability, e.g. IELTS. Different universities have different entry requirements and it is important to be clear about these expectations. The application window starts in the September prior to entry and closes for the majority of applications in 15^th January in the year of entry. Students have until May to make a final choice of two universities, a Firm and Insurance choice. Being clear about this process can help avoid disappointment.

Make sure you pick the right course

British universities are well known for their academic rigour and their subject based degrees. Therefore, it is very important to research course choices thoroughly before making a final selection and to understand how the degree works at different universities. With 37,000 different degrees on offer at over 350 different HE environments, it can be overwhelming for many. For the students we work with, we recommend Student Profiling as a valuable tool for identifying their most suitable degree choices.

Choose the best fit university for you

There are so many universities to choose from but it is key to work out the best fit for you.  A campus university suits some with a community feel whereas a bustling city environment will suit others. Studying at a smaller university like St Andrews (6,000 students) will be a different experience to being part of a larger one like Kings College London (27,000 students). Some universities are known for their research in certain areas and others are better known for offering courses more tailored to current employment opportunities.

Gain vital study skills in advance

Studying at university requires students to be self motivated and inquiring learners. For every hour of lecture time there is an expectation that a student will do four hours of independent study. In seminars students will be expected to debate ideas and put forward ideas based on their research. Students also need to be able to work independently and collaboratively. Encouraging students to ‘own’ their learning at school is a key step in supporting them to make this transition.

Ensure you have the language proficiency

An adequate level of English is going to be vital for a successful transition to studying in the UK and all universities publish their IELTS requirements for each course. If a student does not have a sufficient level of English many universities offer pre sessional language courses or International Foundation courses which give both academic and language instruction. Even students who have been educated in an English-medium school can struggle with the language when they arrive, they may be fine in the lecture theatre but socially it can be harder as they are not used to colloquialisms and the many nuances of the English language. Reading in English and engaging with English-medium media can be helpful in understanding some of these differences.

Get familiar with the culture

For many students, even those who have been educated in an English speaking international school, actually studying in the UK can still be a culture shock. The student demographic can feel very monocultural after studying in a diverse international environment. The accepted levels of behaviour can be quite different from the expectations in their home country. We encourage families to send their children on summer schools in advance of university to gain some experience in this area. Plus, making sure you connect with the university international society can be a great way to find like-minded peers.

Sort your accommodation early!

Whilst this may sound a minor issue, it actually has a major impact on any student’s university experience. It is important to consider the location of the accommodation, how far it is from the university, how easy it is to access transport etc. Accommodation varies hugely across each campus with everything from self-catering studio flats, en suite catered apartments, to sharing a room on a corridor with 20 other students with shared bathroom facilities. It is important to book accommodation as soon as possible to secure top choices. More and more international students are opting to move into high quality privately provided accommodation with concierge style security and high spec rooms such as Vita Student.

Encourage independent living skills

For many students this will be their first experience of living independently and for them to do this successfully they will need to have some basic living skills; shopping for themselves, cooking their own food and washing their own clothes. It is also important that they understand about managing their money and how to budget so they can avoid getting into financial difficulties. Parents have a large role to play in this aspect of preparing their child to make this transition.

Be mindful of wellbeing

Once a student reaches the age of 18, the university’s relationship will be directly with the student not the parent.  This can be a shock to parents who are used to regular contact with a school to check on their child’s wellbeing and academic progress. The pastoral care system at this level can be quite light touch. Therefore, it is important to make sure that students know how to access medical care, pastoral support and mental health services as well as knowing where to go for help with academics or learning support. It is also important to have regular communication with your child to check in with them and make sure all is well.

Secure the visa in good time

Securing a visa to study in the UK is dependent on securing the conditional offer made by the university.  Once this is confirmed the university will issue a CAS number which can be taken to the local embassy to start the tier 4 visa application process. In advance of this it is important to make sure the IELTS test has been taken, and that the recommended amount of money can be demonstrated as available. Study visas come with a variety odd conditions and further informal on this can be found on the gov.uk website.

Read more about why studying in the UK could be right for you here.

University Foundation Programmes offer an alternative entry point to UK universities. It is designed to be a ‘bridging’ year between School and University. Primarily, it is aimed at international students who have completed school but are presented with qualifications which are not equivalent to the 3 A Levels required for direct entry onto a UK undergraduate degree.

This one year programme will give a student an opportunity to improve their English Language, academic writing and critical thinking skills.

 

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Foundation Year?

An advantage is you have a better opportunity to get into top universities without A-Levels, whereas, a disadvantage could be the financial cost of doing an extra year. These depend on the foundation route you take. There are four main ways of accessing a Foundation Programme and each one has benefits and drawbacks. One of our senior HE consultants looks at the pros and cons of Foundation year.

 

International Foundation Programme (IFP)

These divide into two categories – ones that offer a very general year of study with a focus on English Language and study skills and those which offer specific pathways which align to certain degree paths. Kings College London, for example, offer 9 study options ranging from Maths and Physics to International Relations and Politics.

Advantage

Entry requirements to study here are a completed High School certificate and 2 years of transcripts with good grades in the subjects you wish to study.

Disadvantage

However, entry onto the Foundation Programme does not guarantee progressions to the degree programme.  Student will be required to achieve a minimum grade to access this opportunity.

 

Commercial Providers

Some universities have outsourced their Foundation provision to external providers such as IntoUniversity. These programmes align with the specific University degree paths but they tend to be delivered in a location off campus.

Advantages

These Foundation Programmes can be an excellent way into some top universities. Applications for these courses are made to the provider and are mostly done online. They also accept applications quite late in the application cycle.

Disadvantage

The caveat is if you do not achieve the grades, you will not secure progression and the course may not be recognised by other universities as a valid entry qualification.

 

Integrated Foundation Programme 

Some universities offer an integrated Foundation Programme as part of the degree, effectively making it a 4 year programme. University West of England in Bristol offer this route into their business programmes and Nottingham have integrated pathways in Science, Engineering and Humanities.  

Advantages

Once you have been accepted onto the course you are guaranteed progression onto the main degree. Taking the route also means you are fully integrated into the university from day one, alongside all the other undergraduates. Applications for these courses can either be via UCAS or some offer a direct online entry, particularly for international students. 

Disadvantage

The entry requirements for this are sometimes a bit higher than for the more “all purpose” International Foundation year.  

 

Guaranteed Progression Pathways

For a guaranteed entry pathway some universities have grouped together, such as the NCUK partnership which includes 20+ universities ranging geographically and academically from Manchester to Bristol and Leeds Becket to Manchester Met. The University of London offers a similar option, again with study centres available globally. Their Foundation Programme feeds through to many of the London universities including, City University, Kings College, LSE, Royal Holloway, Goldsmiths, SOAS and UCL. It is also recognised by universities outside of this grouping, such as St Andrew’s, Loughborough, Oxford Brookes and many others.

Advantages

At the end of this one year programme, which is delivered via Colleges and study centres both in the UK and across the world, a student will be eligible to secure a place at one of the listed universities, depending on the grades they achieve.  A top academic student can progress onto Birmingham, for example and for a student with a lower grade then there will be opportunities to study somewhere like Salford or Sheffield Hallam.

Disadvantages

However, once the programme is complete, it can be difficult to switch course of study or between different universities as students are expected to finish the degree they initially enrolled in.

 

Entry requirements for both of these programmes is a minimum of 5 GCSE’s of grade 4 and above which must include English and Maths, or the equivalent from a local curriculum such as the Tawjihiyya with an average mark of 60% or a US High School Diploma with a C’s achieved in all subjects.

 

Whichever route you choose to take, University Foundation Programmes are an excellent alternative entry point to UK universities for international students. For more information about specific programmes and to find the right one for you, get in touch today.