[New 2024] Study Abroad in the UK – Secondary School Level

The United Kingdom is known for having some of the best secondary schools in the world. Therefore, studying at the high school level in the UK has always been a topic of great interest to students in Vietnam. It is also home to an education system that saves time, with a higher-quality training program compared to many other countries. Let’s explore the most sought-after high school study abroad programs in the UK through this article.

Secondary School Programs in the UK

Secondary School Programs in the UK

In the UK, study abroad programs are very diverse. Choosing a suitable program will help guide your educational path and enhance your skills. This will help you have the most successful high school study abroad experience in the UK.

GCSE Study Abroad Program

The GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a program for secondary school level students, established and developed by the University of Cambridge. In the UK’s qualification system, GCSE is the first academic qualification.

The GCSE program is designed for international students aged 14 to 16 and is recognized worldwide. To be eligible for this program, students must have completed the 8th or 9th grade curriculum in Vietnam. The required IELTS level for students is 4.5 or higher. The program duration is 2 years, meaning you will need to complete 6 academic terms.

A-Level Study Abroad Program

A-Levels is a program designed for international students, typically lasting 2 years. The program is divided into two levels for students who have completed grade 10 and are over 16 years old. This program is considered equivalent to the 11th and 12th grades in Vietnam’s high school system.

In the UK, the A-Level program is regarded as the “gold standard” and serves as the entry requirement for top universities. High school students must complete the A-Level program in order to gain admission to top 6 universities, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Warwick, or universities offering programs in medical fields. Therefore, the A-Level program is often considered the preferred choice for many students.

Foundation Program

Foundation Program

The Foundation program is for students who have completed high school or finished grade 11 in Vietnam. This program is similar to a university preparatory course, equipping students with the knowledge and study skills necessary for the academic environment in the UK. It also helps students develop effective teamwork skills. The duration of the program depends on the student’s GPA and IELTS score.

This program is considered a specialized university preparatory course. Students can choose from two options: attending a foundation course at a school specifically for international students or enrolling in a foundation program directly at the university where they wish to study.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program:

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized preparatory university education program. It lasts for 2 years and is designed for students aged 16 to 18. The admission requirements for this program include a GPA of 7.0 or higher and an IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 or above. Additionally, students in this program are not required to choose a specific major before enrollment.

You may also be interested in:

• How much does studying in the UK cost?
• Tips for winning scholarships for studying in the UK from former international students

Studying Abroad at Public Secondary Schools in the UK

Studying Abroad at Public Secondary Schools in the UK

Public Boarding School
This type of school is sponsored and managed by the local education authority or the government. In the UK, there are 36 public boarding schools that are highly rated for their quality of education and training environment. However, these schools only accept students who are citizens of the UK or countries that are part of the European Union. The tuition fees at public boarding schools are generally lower compared to private boarding schools.

Public Day School
The local education authorities or the government also sponsor public day schools, similar to public boarding schools. The admission requirement for international students is that they must be 16 years or older. Students are accommodated in homestays. Tuition fees at these schools are quite reasonable and suitable for international students from Vietnam.

Vocational Training and Public Secondary Schools
These schools, in addition to offering preparatory university courses, also provide a majority of vocational courses or transition programs leading to university education. Students aged 16 and above can enroll. The tuition fees at these vocational training and public secondary schools are quite attractive for international students who may not have a large budget for studying abroad.

Top 6 UK High Schools Most Chosen by International Students

Top 6 UK High Schools Most Chosen by International Students

Leading High School: The National Mathematics and Science College

This prestigious high school, located in Coventry, is just a one-hour train ride from London. The school focuses primarily on delivering STEM-oriented programs of international quality standards, covering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is an excellent choice for students aspiring to study at top universities worldwide, such as Cambridge, Imperial, and Oxford.

For students passionate about medicine, the school offers a specialized Medical Pathway program tailored for them. Tuition fees start at ₤29,505 per year. Notably, the school also provides several scholarships worth up to 100% of the tuition fees.

High School: Bosworth Independent College

Located in the renowned city of Northampton, Bosworth Independent College ranks among the Top 7 boarding schools most prestigious and well-suited for international students. Many students at this school have achieved outstanding academic results and high performance in graduation exams.

The annual tuition fee for this high school is approximately £30,300. Scholarships covering 100% of tuition fees are available, reducing the total cost to as low as £16,779 for the first year and around £10,290 for the second year.

Abbey DLD College – A Renowned High School in the UK

This prestigious school has multiple campuses located in London, Cambridge, and Manchester. According to the latest reports, 44% of Abbey DLD College students are honored to gain admission to top universities within the Russell Group. Additionally, many students are accepted into elite institutions such as Oxford, UCL, Cambridge, Warwick, LSE, and Imperial.

The average tuition fee at Abbey DLD College is £31,500 per year, with scholarships covering up to 70% of the tuition costs.

CATS Colleges – A Leading Academic Institution in the UK

CATS Colleges – A Leading Academic Institution in the UK

CATS Colleges has campuses in Cambridge, Canterbury, and London, and is part of the top-tier UK educational group, Cambridge Education Group (CEG). To support students, the school designs individualized study plans and limits the number of students per class. Additionally, with flexible schedules and high-quality programs, students often achieve exceptional academic results.

The tuition fee is approximately £36,500 per year, with scholarships and discounts of up to 55%.

Oxford International College – A Top-Quality Boarding School

Ranked number one among the Top 100 boarding schools for Pre-University and A-Level courses, Oxford International College consistently achieves a high rate of A-Level students gaining admission to prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, and UCL. Furthermore, many students from this school are honored to secure places at leading medical universities worldwide.

Tuition fees start at £23,500 per year, with scholarships covering up to 50% of the tuition costs. The total cost begins at approximately £34,750 per year.

Bellerbys Colleges

Bellerbys Colleges is a leading international high school in the UK, with campuses in London, Brighton, and Cambridge. With over 50 years of experience, the school is renowned for providing dedicated support to international students. Its meticulously designed programs are tailored to meet the needs of each student.

The annual tuition fee is approximately £27,500, with scholarships covering up to 70% of the tuition costs.

Brooke House College

Brooke House College

Located in the city of Market Harborough, Brooke House College is renowned as a top-tier boarding school in the UK offering reasonable tuition fees with excellent quality. Classes are limited to 10 students, ensuring personalized attention. As a result, many students successfully gain admission to prestigious universities in both the UK and the USA. Impressively, 100% of Brooke House College students have been accepted into top universities.

The average tuition fee is £34,320 per year, with scholarships available covering up to 100% of the tuition costs.

Conditions for Studying High School in the UK

To study in the UK, students must meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement: Students must be at least 14 years old and currently studying in grades 8 to 12 under Vietnam’s educational system or at an international school, with plans to study in the UK.

Academic Performance: Students must have good academic results, with an average score of at least 7.5. Core subjects should have scores above 7.5, and students must demonstrate strong English proficiency. An IELTS score of 5.0 or higher is required.

Scholarship Exam and Interview: Before enrollment, students must take a scholarship exam and attend an interview with the desired school.

Why Study High School in the UK?

As a country renowned for its top-tier education, the UK is a popular destination for international students, offering numerous advantages for student development and serving as a stepping stone to admission into world-renowned universities.

Quality Education: The UK is home to some of the best high schools globally.

Globally Recognized Qualifications: All degrees and certificates obtained in the UK are internationally recognized.

Competitive Costs: The UK is considered a more cost-effective study destination compared to Australia and the USA.

English Proficiency: Studying in the UK offers an ideal environment for students to develop English skills akin to native speakers.

Efficient Education System: The UK’s education system is acknowledged for saving time compared to many other countries.

Vibrant Student Community: The large Vietnamese student community in the UK provides a supportive network.

Simpler Procedures: Application processes and documentation for studying in the UK are less complicated than in other countries.

EI Education – International Study Abroad Consultancy in Vietnam

Choosing the right study abroad consultancy can significantly simplify and expedite the process of preparing your application for studying in the UK.

EI Education Vietnam is a prestigious recruitment organization for Vietnamese students and parents with ambitions and dreams of pursuing high school education in the UK.

With extensive support from EI Education’s renowned global network, EI Vietnam has expanded its high-quality educational services to new markets, including the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Free support services from EI include:

• Free study abroad consulting with cost-saving solutions.
• Guidance in selecting suitable schools and courses.
• Introducing scholarships ranging from 30% to 100%.
• Assistance in application submission, progress tracking, and receiving confirmation letters from schools.
• Interview practice and free completion of study visa applications, with a 95% approval rate.
• Advice on accommodation, financial planning, booking flights, and pre-departure skills preparation.

Choosing to study high school in the UK is a wise decision for anyone looking to develop themselves, enhance their career prospects, and lay a solid foundation for future growth. We hope this article has provided you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision about studying in the UK during your high school years.

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