World-Class Classroom
Traditionally, English education is valued all over the world. Almost 90% of graduates from local private schools go on to Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and other leading universities in the world. The program is extremely intensive, lessons are held in small classes of 10-15 people, so the teacher has time to pay enough attention to each student. Every teacher here will strive for your child's maximum success in academics and physical education, which traditionally receives special attention. The British themselves speak with slight disdain about a school that cultivates fewer than 10 sports.
Keep in mind that local schools are designed for the British – foreigners make up no more than 10%. So at first, your offspring will have inevitable difficulties with communication due to the general reserve and primness of the British.
Healthy Asceticism
Although the cold, hungry boarding schools of Oliver Twist's time are long gone, a certain asceticism is still elevated to a principle here. In the junior classes (education in the kingdom begins at age 4-5), they live 10 to a room. Then, from ages 8 to 11, and in some schools up to 13, a large hall is divided by thin partitions into several narrow cubicles. The small space holds a bed, a desk, a chair, and a mini wardrobe for clothes. All amenities, bath and shower, are on the floor. Only high school students have such luxury as a private room for one or two people.
In an English school, a child is not given a minute to idle; from morning to night, everyone lives by a tight schedule. The day begins with exercises, then breakfast and assembly in the school chapel: a prayer plus a general meeting. Then lessons, and at noon – lunch. After classes, it's time for clubs. Every school necessarily has a drama theater, not inferior in equipment to a professional one, a jazz band, a dance studio, a choir, design workshops, etc. Closer to evening – homework under the supervision of a teacher, dinner, free time, and lights out.
How to Get In
The main intake of students occurs when children move from one level to another: at 5, then at 8, then at 11-13, and finally at 16. However, if there are free places, some schools accept applicants at any time.
To enroll, you need to pass tests, competing with native Britons, which is not easy at all. The level of tests depends on the child's age and the requirements of the particular school. Most often these are English, 'science' (a block of natural science disciplines: physics, chemistry, biology, anatomy), mathematics, and sometimes a foreign language – French or German.
Compromising
However, if your child has average abilities and hasn't excelled in English, don't be upset! There are very good schools ready to accept anyone who can pay.
For parents unsure whether their son or daughter can come to terms with the restriction of freedom, strict routine and discipline, there are international colleges oriented towards teaching foreigners. They accept students from 14-15 years old, the program is standard for all British schools, but the atmosphere is more democratic. After lessons, students are free to go into town, sports are not compulsory, and homework can be done at any convenient time. And the admission requirements here are milder.
Swiss-Style Comfort
The next favorite for foreign education is Switzerland. Comfortable boarding schools are located in the mountains and foothills. Cozy, beautifully furnished rooms, tasty and varied meals, a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Education begins at 3-4 years old. From young children, brilliant success and strict discipline are not expected.
Some lessons take place outdoors, and regular 2-3-day mountain hikes are provided. Primary school students lag slightly behind their Russian peers in the curriculum, but they learn foreign languages faster and more effectively (each learns at least 2, and learns them excellently), are healthier and better physically developed.
Also in Switzerland there are schools that have no analogues anywhere in the world – these are finishing schools. Their task is to turn girls into true ladies. In addition to general education subjects, etiquette, home economics, the art of building family life and running one's own business are added.
As for the curriculum, you will have to choose between Swiss, British, British-American, French, German, and Italian. All of them are necessarily available in any school.
A Nice Little Bonus
Of course, all European countries, as well as the US and Canada, have signed a convention on mutual recognition of diplomas. But it is still easier to enter Oxford with a British diploma, and Harvard with an American one. Also important is that foreigners who have lived in the UK for 10 years receive a residence permit, and after another year, citizenship. The same is provided for by Swiss laws, but for migrants aged 10 to 20, one year counts as two. By the end of school, the child receives a Swiss passport. Very nice indeed!
Of course, as a place of study for your son or daughter, you may prefer France, Germany, Italy, and even Malta. The education systems and admission rules there are more or less similar to those already considered. Think about it, the choice is yours!