More and more students from across the globe are requesting to attend high schools in England for long-term academic immersion and to further their education.
MyChoice UK offers international students 3 different English High School Placement programmes at various independent schools and public colleges across England with both host family accommodation and boarding options.
2021-22 English High School Programmes
Independent School with Host Family Placements
*NEW POST-BREXIT PROGRAMME*
This programme is best suited to students aged 15+ and is available to both EU and non-EU students.
Programme lengths can vary, students can choose to study in the UK for:
- 1 Term (September or January start)
- 2 Terms (September or January start)
- 3 Terms (September start)
This is an exciting development and “hybrid” of our study abroad placements combining our pre-brexit ‘state school’ programme and existing ‘boarding school’ programme. Bringing together the cultural and supportive benefits of host family living with the exceptional learning experience offered by prestigious independent schools.
Subject Choices
Following the English education system, students aged 15 join classes working towards their ‘General Certificate of Secondary Education’ (GCSEs) in up to 11 subjects, which for English students are studied over two years, culminating in examinations at the end of Year 11.
For students aged 16+, their education becomes optional, with a choice between studying ‘A Levels’ in up to 5 subjects used as preparing the student for their next step either into Higher Education (back at home or continued at a UK University) or working life.
A huge benefit of choosing to study at an Independent School is the ability for students to focus in on a specific subject area, sport or interest.
Find out more about the School Education System in England
Live with an English Host Family
One of the biggest advantages of living with a host family can offer is the additional immersion and exposure to a warm, welcoming ‘home’ environment that can encourage, support as well as relax a student into their new surroundings, especially when under challenging circumstances that a study abroad placement brings.
Living away from campus allows students to separate themselves from the academic environment and directly participate in the host country’s culture and society, through daily interaction with the host family.
Independent School with Boarding Placements
This programme is available to both EU and non-EU students aged 12+. Boarding schools are a great option for younger students looking for an overseas education.
Choosing to study at an English boarding school offers a traditional, academically focussed British style of education. Boarding schools offer highly qualified teachers and often an additional focus on extra-curricular activities such as sport, art subjects, additional languages and interest areas like debate.
Programme lengths can vary, students can choose to study for:
- 1 Term (September or January start)
- 2 Terms (September or January start)
- 3 Terms (September start)
For younger students aged 12 and 13, their curriculum will be varied at Junior or Preparatory level, however from age 13/14, students move up into Senior school, refining their subject choices for their ‘General Certificate of Secondary Education’ examinations taken at age 16 and often boarding schools will offer many additional subjects that State Schools do not.
Similarly, from age 16+ students at boarding school have the option of studying towards their ‘A Levels’ in a few focused subject areas, however the subjects can be much more unique and focused than State Schools offer.
Living on campus also brings lots of advantages to students studying abroad, not only the accessibility of the school’s facilities and activities but additionally, a great support network including other students, academic staff and non-teaching staff, creating a special environment for students to thrive in. On weekends there are often plenty of organised activities for boarding students to take part in, and we often hear of our boarding students meeting up with local day students.
Public College with Host Family (16+)
A dedicated post-16 study abroad placement programme combining tuition at a public college and host family accommodation, available to both EU and non-EU students.
This programme offers educational options of studying towards either academic qualification ‘A Levels’, a vocational BTEC qualification in a focused subject and in some cases, an International Baccalaureate.
During the placement, live with one of our hand-selected host families boosting the cultural experience of this programme.
Programme lengths can vary, students can choose to study for:
- 1 Term (September / January start)
- 2 Terms (September start)
- 3 Terms (September start)
We now offer a regional choice to students wishing to specify a destination in the UK that they wish to study in – each of these places are special for their own reasons, whether it be the schools they offer or the location.