If you would like more information on this topic or to speak with us directly, please contact us on +44 7878 985564. We are available on the phone, via WhatsApp, or register on our homepage for a free consultation call.
Our clients will often ask us about the admissions test requirements for the best UK boarding schools and best UK private schools. This article looks at the requirements for overseas boarding students and what international students can expect from the process.
When trying to find the best UK boarding school for your needs, you will no doubt consider the selectiveness of the school, either selective or non-selective may be important for you based on your requirements. However, even so-called non-selective schools will have a structured admissions process that needs to be navigated. The types of tests you can expect to take when trying to find a place at a UK boarding school can include the following:
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English language test
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Maths test
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Non-verbal reasoning test
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Presentation test
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Subject knowledge tests (often relevant for specific A Level courses)
There may be other tests that UK private schools ask you to complete, but they will generally fall into these categories. An English language test is required in nearly all cases for international students where English is their second language, although there are exceptions and it may not always be required (e.g. if bi-lingual or the ability for the student to complete the course and language ability is assessed in some other way). There are a sizeable number of schools who ask for a Maths test in addition to the English language test. For UK private schools these usually take the form of two test papers or two online tests.
Some UK boarding schools will combine the English, Maths and sometimes non-verbal reasoning tests into a single online test that can be completed in one sitting. It is quite common for the best UK boarding schools to use external test providers for their examinations, such as the Oxford or Cambridge English tests or the UKiset test, which can be taken in British Council offices. It is important to remember that the quality of the school should not be judged on the type or name of test that it uses. The brand of test chosen is used by the school to suit their own circumstances and you should always look to refine your shortlist of UK boarding schools based on it matching your requirements and needs. An experienced education counsellor will be able to help you prepare for any admissions test requirements, no matter which test/s the school uses.
What is most important is to understand the role the admissions test plays in the process and what information UK private schools are looking for. Navigating the admissions process can be challenging, even before admissions tests are prepared for, so we always recommend that international students seek specialist guidance in advance. This will remove a huge amount of stress from the process and allow you to enjoy the process and learn valuable information about the school along the way.
If you are considering UK education but unsure where to begin, allow us to share our knowledge and experience we have with helping over 400 other families choose the best school for them. We can talk you through a suggested list of the best boarding schools in the UK that match your requirements and we are confident you will be pleased with the results.
Finding the right UK private school is a very important task and one that will shape your child’s future. We do not underestimate the importance of this decision and are confident that we can find the perfect UK boarding school for you and your child, based on your exact needs.
If you would like more information on this topic or to speak with us directly, please contact us on +44 7878 985564. We are available on the phone, via WhatsApp, or register on our homepage for a free consultation call.
This will enable us to schedule an appointment, where we look forward to speaking in more depth about your specific situation, and helping in any way we can. We look forward to helping you on this journey.
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