Expert assistance in choosing the right Global IB school
A significant proportion of our advisory services are aimed at UK private school placements. However, we do also help parents all over the world, but we confine those advisory services to IB schools which make our EU or global league tables and which teach children in English.
Some global IB schools teach all the IB programmes, whereas others only offer the IB DP with alternative curriculums for children younger than 16. All countries offer day schools (mostly situated in major towns or cities), whereas a limited number of countries also have boarding schools, particularly the UK, Switzerland and Australia. Boarding can be very expensive and we can find much less expensive boarding options in the Czech Republic, Malta and Cyprus. We will advise you based on your budget.
Choosing the right school for your child can be a complicated and confusing process. This is particularly the case at age 16+, when you may be considering which curriculum would be best, as well as the type of school or college your child would thrive at. Depending on the availability we may need to recommend changes in schools at 11 or 16 or both. We like to use our philosophy of an “Education for Life” planning school applications all the way up to 18 plus university entry.
We can talk you through the pros and cons of the IB, A-Levels or the American AP curriculum and help you find schools appropriate to your child’s needs. We talk to you at length about your priorities and aspirations and can help you through all aspects of the registration and admissions process.
Some parents think that it is simply a matter of finding a school in the right location at the right price, but at the senior end there are hugely important decisions to be made about the six subject components of the IBDP curriculum. The IBDP is an immensely demanding programme, which in some respects involves more work than A-Levels. To be successful students must be highly organised and committed. The choice of the three subjects each at Higher and Standard Level is very important, because HL is far more work intensive than SL. Even more importantly, the subject choice must be compatible with any university degree targets. Thus, your child needs a school which actually offers the subjects needed (not all do) and teachers for the HL subjects who are interesting and motivational. Let us use our expertise to guide you to the right decisions.
Schools may be “selective”, which means they set admissions tests for which the scores can be quite challenging for the higher-achieving schools. There are also many non-selective schools which assess applications on previous school reports and interviews rather than entrance exams.
If you have a child with Special Educational Needs, the PYP and MYP may work well for them, but the language requirements and amount/range of work involved in the IB Diploma programme can be challenging. Discuss with us, because SEN children are sometimes better taking practical career-oriented subjects. The IB offers Career Programmes but so far there are so few choices in the UK, it may be more suitable to consider a school offering BTECs.
We are pleased to offer impartial advice to parents, provided by our team of experienced consultants. We pride ourselves on giving unbiased advice to help parents find schools which will best suit your child.
The first consultation of up to 30 minutes, normally by telephone or Zoom/Skype, is entirely free of charge and without obligation. Should you subsequently choose to use our full advice and placement service we will be pleased to provide you with our terms and conditions.
If you would like to speak to one of our advisers please complete an Enquiry Form or call us on +44 (0) 1622 813 870 between 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (UK time) Monday to Friday.
We do not share your personal details with other organisations, except schools and colleges to which we may refer you. Additionally, your details will be used by our school placement consultants solely for the purpose of advising you on school choice. By accepting our Terms and Conditions you are agreeing to the use of your personal data in this way.