OVERSEAS SCHOOLS

Those serving abroad are spoilt for choice because in addition to the 68 International Member Schools of the HMC, who in the main prepare their pupils for their own countries’ universities, there are a large number of other schools world wide offering a British curriculum (international GSCEs and A levels). Additionally there are also schools accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) across the world that offer the wellestablished and reputable IB Diploma in English.


These schools tend to either focus on a bicultural and bilingual education or model themselves on the British independent sector with an emphasis on British culture and language. A bilingual curriculum is a challenging and stimulating environment for children who speak English as a first language, especially as students are required to write essays in both their native and host language. Check carefully to see what immersion language classes are available and what support is offered for students who initially only speak English. A bilingual curriculum is both beneficial and enriching for students and encourages them to become global citizens.


School fees increase incrementally according to age group and are often paid in the local currency. There are extra costs to consider, such as application and enrolment fees, school development fund fees, lunch and transport costs, student accident insurance, uniforms and exam entry fees. Full IB diploma examination fees cost around £340. Some schools offer discounts on tuition fees when two, three or more children from the same family are enrolled.


Neither the IBO nor the Council of International Schools (CIS), which accredits schools, publish league tables. The following is accordingly a small random list of good international and IB schools across the world based on a combination of factors, such as exam results, school facilities and extra-curricular activities.

 

 

Asia India, Japan (and its islands) China, and in particular Hong Kong, have the best and widest range of international schools in the region catering for a large expatriate population. When choosing a school in Bangkok, it's advisable to consider the distance from home to school because of the heavy traffic. Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, West Malaysia: www.jaring.my/ktj Two streams, one Malaysian the other international following IGCSEs and A-levels student intake. International intake, vast majority of teachers expatriate and UK trained Tanglin Trust School, Singapore: www.tts.edu.sg Students must be fluent in English to be accepted to the school; the vast majority of teachers are British. British curriculum. Dulwich College International School, China (Shanghai and Beijing): www.dulwichcollege.cn A partner of Dulwich College in London, with a traditional public school atmosphere. The vast majority of its staff are native English speakers. The Garden International School, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur: www.gardenschool.edu.my The largest international school in Malaysia, follows the British curriculum.

Europe International School of Geneva, Switzerland: http://www.ecolint.ch/ecolint/ch/en-ch/index.cfm Large hi-tech flagship IB school with a bilingual international environment, curriculum either IGCSE, IB or French Baccalaureate. Latin America St Paul’s School, Sao Paulo, Brazil: www.stpauls.br This Anglo-Brazilian bilingual school is regarded as one of the leading British schools in Latin America. Newton College, Lima, Peru: www.newton.edu.pe One of the leading British-style, bilingual, international schools in South America. Grange School, Santiago, Chile: www.grange.cl A well-established and renowned bilingual school. Middle East St Christopher’s School, Bahrain: www.st-chris.net Pupils from around 50 countries study GCSEs and a broad choice of A-level options. Note It must though be remembered that overseas schools are highly unlikely to qualify for the Continuity of Education Allowance. However boarding can be available for those attending SCE Schools.

 

 

Boarding Overseas for those attending SCE Schools

Boarding accommodation is available in three secondary schools in Germany; at Windsor School, Rheindahlen, King’s School, Gütersloh and Prince Rupert School, Rinteln. These schools meet the needs of secondary aged pupils who live outside daily travelling distance of the nearest secondary school. All three schools offer weekly boarding facilities, and in addition full facilities for termly boarders are available at Windsor School Rheindahlen. Parents are required to pay a ‘Home Savings Contribution’.


This is a payment made in recognition of those savings, which are made generally and on food by children attending boarding school as opposed to living at home and attending a day school. The Home Savings Contribution is payable in advance at the beginning of each term.


Application form SCE Form 3001 - obtainable from HQ SCE or any of the SCE boarding schools - must be completed and forwarded to HQ SCE before pupils are admitted to a SCE boarding school. Further details of the scope of education and financial support available for children living in ‘remote’ areas of North West Europe can be obtained from the AEO (Schools) at HQ SCE, BFPO 40 - telephone: (0049) 2161 908 2305 or contact the Helpline on (0049) 01980 618244.


Special arrangements have also been made to provide secondary education for pupils whose parents are posted to Brunei. Local provision is available at Jerudong International School, while a limited number of places is available at the United World College, S.E Asia, Singapore, and Uplands School, Penang. Both schools offer boarding facilities. Parents should inquire through SCE (UK) about the availability of places at this school before the family embarks for Brunei. It is stressed that places at United World College, Singapore and Uplands School, Penang are strictly limited and no guarantees of a place at either of these schools can be given.


Further information can be obtained by contacting the Helpline on (0049) 01980 618244.