Articles & Inspiration

Insights and information about UK schools and universities

Hereford Cathedral School: A Supportive British Education in a Historic Setting

July 23, 2025
During our visit to Hereford Cathedral School, we were struck by its warm atmosphere, deep-rooted heritage, and strong academic results. One of the oldest schools in the UK, it offers a well-rounded education in the heart of a safe, historic city. With plans to expand boarding capacity, the school is investing in high-quality facilities and personalised support. Hereford Cathedral School offers a welcoming environment especially suited to students who may need extra help adjusting to UK school life. While the school is open to international applicants, it is focused on maintaining diversity and therefore encourages early and well-prepared applications.
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Bromsgrove School: A British Classic with Global Ambition

July 22, 2025
During a recent visit to Bromsgrove School, I was struck by its blend of historic charm and global ambition. Founded in 1553, the school offers a full boarding experience on a spacious 100-acre campus in Worcestershire, with over 600 boarders from across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Academic results are excellent — nearly 50% A*/A at A-level and a 39.2 IB average in 2024 — and students regularly progress to Oxbridge and other top universities. Facilities are exceptional, including a dedicated International College to support new overseas students. Importantly, Bromsgrove values diversity and is not seeking to expand recruitment from any single country. Chinese applicants should be aware that places are limited and highly competitive, and early, well-prepared applications are essential.
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Oswestry School: A Safe and Supportive Community with Academic Ambition

July 22, 2025
Founded in 1407, Oswestry School is one of England’s oldest schools, set in a quiet market town near the Welsh border. Its small size and countryside location create a safe, close-knit environment that’s especially valued by European families. Known for strong academic results and a warm, inclusive community, Oswestry combines tradition with a global outlook, making it an ideal choice for international students seeking a personal and well-rounded British education.
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Concord College: Quietly Sending Students to the World’s Top Universities

July 23, 2025
Concord College is one of the UK’s most academically successful and internationally diverse boarding schools. Founded in 1949, it offers a university-style environment with no school uniforms and a strong focus on academic achievement. Over 80% of students come from overseas, and the majority go on to top universities including Oxbridge, Imperial, and Ivy League institutions. With a rigorous admissions process and a culture built on curiosity, kindness and hard work, Concord quietly delivers exceptional results in a warm and globally minded setting.
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Rugby School: Where Heritage Meets Forward Thinking

July 24, 2025
Just back from a visit to Rugby School — one of the UK’s most historic and forward-looking boarding schools. With a strong Oxbridge track record, a world-class music programme, generous bursaries, and a bold expansion strategy, Rugby is blending heritage with innovation. It remains highly selective, but its values-led admissions approach and global outlook make it a standout choice for families seeking a full-boarding experience rooted in both tradition and purpose.
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Finding and Managing the Right Tutor for Your Child

September 6, 2025
Finding the right tutor is about finding someone with impressive qualifications and proven teaching ability. Parents also play an important role too — agreeing clear academic goals that are aligned with their child's curriculum and exam schedule, checking progress regularly, and giving their child the space to build confidence and independence without constant supervision.
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Thinking Carefully Before Switching Schools

August 31, 2025
A UK boarding education nurtures independence and maturity, so children should also have a voice when families consider switching schools. Every school has its own culture and community, and moving can disrupt friendships and confidence — decisions are best made with care for long-term growth and happiness.
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A-Level Results 2025: Rising standards and what they mean for families in Asia

August 23, 2025
This year’s A-Level results show rising UK academic standards, with 28.2% of entries earning an A or A and competition intensifying, particularly in STEM subjects. For international families, success now demands top grades, earlier preparation, and well-rounded profiles that extend beyond academics.
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UCAS 2025 UK university applications: what Chinese & Asian families should know

August 2, 2025
UCAS data (17 July 2025) shows a record 33,870 applicants from China (+10% YoY), making it the largest source of international growth. With UK 18-year-old applicants also at record levels, competition is tightening for popular courses, so Chinese families should begin preparing 12–18 months ahead and plan applications carefully.
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University degrees that launch startups: a new path for ambitious students

July 19, 2025
During a visit to Imperial College London’s Cleantech Innovation MSc 2025 Show, we saw students presenting solutions to global challenges — many already attracting patents and investors. Increasingly, UK universities such as Imperial, Cambridge, UCL, and Edinburgh are offering innovation-focused degrees that blend academic rigour with entrepreneurship, preparing graduates to launch ventures as well as careers.
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Planning a UK boarding school budget: a guide for overseas families

June 7, 2025
Sending your child to a UK boarding school is a major investment, and the true cost goes far beyond tuition and boarding — travel, visas, guardianship, and extras all add up. Careful planning helps families budget wisely, compare schools, and avoid surprises over the 3–5 years of study.
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UK boarding schools & VAT in 2025: what overseas parents need to know

June 29, 2025
From September 2025, UK private schools will add 20% VAT to tuition and boarding fees, increasing costs by up to £9,000 per year. While families should expect higher expenses, there are still ways to find financial value through bursaries, scholarships, careful school selection, and early applications.
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