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What are A Levels?

A Levels, or Advanced Level qualifications, are subject-based exams that students in the UK and other countries take to enter higher education or professional careers. Typically studied over two years, A Levels are a crucial step in the academic journey of many students, offering a deeper exploration of subjects than what is covered at the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) level. A Levels are an alternative programme of study to the International Baccalaureate programmes offered at the same age range (16-18).

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a comprehensive and academically challenging pre-university educational programme for students typically aged 16 to 19. It was established in 1968 by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) in Geneva, Switzerland and aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.

Education Advisers - VAT on Private School Fees... Why It's Not The Answer

If the Labour Party wins the General Election on 4th July, they will be eager to implement their flagship policy of imposing VAT on private school fees. What is the reasoning behind this and what will the implications be for families and schools?

There is no denying that the educational achievement of young people in the UK varies considerably, with some children leaving school with top qualifications that will open doors to elite universities and careers and others struggling to achieve basic levels of numeracy and literacy after more than ten years of compulsory education. An Institute of Fiscal Studies report in 2022 concluded that one of the main determinants of educational success is household income, with children from the poorest families least likely to get five good GCSE qualifications including English and Maths. This is the case regardless of whether the child attends a state or private school, although the attainment gap is even wider for children in independent schools. Young people from better-off families do better at all levels of the education system. They start ahead and they end up being more qualified as adults. Instead of being an engine for social mobility, the UK’s education system allows inequalities at home to turn into differences in school achievement.

But what exactly is it about the UK’s education system that is failing our children? Is it the existence of private schools in which the imposition of VAT on fees is implicitly challenging?

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What do we look for when visiting schools?

As education consultants, we of course become very involved in our students’ journeys and are always thrilled when they receive offer letters from schools. We know how hard children work to prepare for entrance tests and interviews and it is wonderful to see their efforts rewarded. Recently, students have received offers from some fantastic schools including Malvern College, The King's School, Wellington College, Queen Anne’s, Ardingly, Caterham, King’s Ely, Leweston and St Lawrence College.

It has also been a privilege to visit a range of schools over the past few weeks, to catch up with admissions colleagues and to see the incredible facilities and opportunities on offer. We have enjoyed visits to Dean Close, Framlingham College, Taunton, Giggleswick, Stonyhurst, Rossall, Sedbergh, Windermere and Kent College. Every school has something special to offer and it is this which makes our work as consultants so varied and interesting.

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NEW YEAR, NEW SCHOOL LEAGUE TABLES, NEW TEAM MEMBER!

Greetings from the Education Advisers office in Kent

We hope 2024 has started well for you all. It has been an exciting start for us, having received some fantastic offers from the UK's top schools for our students, including, amongst others, Brighton College, Tonbridge, Oundle, Sevenoaks, Bede's, Ardingly, Haileybury and Bromsgrove. Our aim of course is always to find the best possible school for each student and it is a great privilege to work with so many wonderful families and schools. In 2023 we helped young people from over 30 countries secure offers from a wide range of schools.