How to get into British Schools
A conversation with Cat Sutherland Hawes.
HF: Tell us a bit about your experience in schools
CSH: I’ve been both Director of Admissions at Latymer Upper School in London and at Wycombe Abbey, the UK’s leading girls boarding school. I know how admissions officers work from the inside. I help guide families to the right decisions and firmly believe there’s the right school for everyone.
HF: How would you best describe the British education system?
CSH: In one word, the system is individual, and every school is different. Every child can be treated as an individual. Opportunities abound and allow you to develop as an individual. When you ask a school ‘what’s your type of student?’ they will now truthfully say ‘there isn’t a type’.
Pupils will do well and come out with strong results, but character, friendships and extra-curricular interests are celebrated too. There’s a real chance to develop a strong network at school that will sustain you in later life.
When it doesn’t go well, and if things aren’t working well, there’s huge scope to pick things up when they don’t go to plan.
It’s individual, time for pupils and traditional.
HF: How do British schools differ from the international model?
CSH: The majority of British schools will wear uniforms and the routine is more set. In the sixth form schools can have more freedom for student clothing. More set hours, more structured timetable, fewer subjects whereas international schools more commonly follow the IB model. British schools are more likely to do A-Levels although many do both now.
There is a sense of values, ethos and the traditions of the place. International schools are probably more open and more liberal in some ways. Safety too, you feel you belong, and you feel you’re known.
HF: Are British schools modern or traditional?
CSH: It really depends on the school, but schools can be, and are, both. The two sit alongside each other. It’s not just about A-Levels but about character too. Schools are looking ahead to US and UK universities. These schools are adapting with tradition and heritage sitting alongside new ideas and people. You’ll know when you get to the right school, and its balance of tradition and modernity.
Perhaps it’s best expressed that British schools are built on tradition, focused on the future.
HF: How would you advise parents to deal with admission departments?
CSH: Don’t start too soon. The children may be too young. For 11+ the earliest you should be looking is when the child is 8, for 13+ it depends but I always think it is best to take the test the year of entry. For 16+, year 10 is when you should be looking. Before you really know your child and what they want, don’t get too fixated on the schools they may go to.
Go to an open day. It’s a set piece and everything is choreographed. Talk to students and staff. Good schools will put up current parents to talk to.
Make a shorter list with follow up visits, get your closing dates right as admission departments will almost never accept a late submission! Don’t think you can miss the deadlines.
There’s a fine line between enthusiastic and bombarding. It’s not a bad thing for us not to remember you! Don’t think of excuses to get in touch with us. Have the bureaucratic efficency, have determination but don’t pester. Those with diplomacy and can make it clear they love the school stand the best chance.
HF: What should you expect from the admissions team?
CSH: Talk to the admissions team when you visit and make yourselves known. Have specific questions related to your child. I’ve sat with families where they’ve found the right place, and the wrong place and it’s important to list to the school and your gut feeling.
The admissions team’s job is to sell, to sell the school so it’s worth being aware of that. If you get a bad impression from them, that is telling. That said, you’re dealing with a seller who’s not quite sure of their own supply and demand and it’s a constantly changing landscape. Lists change, contexts change. It’s a moving jigsaw puzzle.
What are the common mistakes and top tips for international families?
CSH: It's difficult because you’re at a distance but don’t message us with 24-hour notice asking for a visit. I would always bring your child with you. Look at dates, plan ahead, respond to things quickly, which is always a good thing. If you have any difficulties with dates, it’s not always likely they can change them. A phone call is better than an email.
Lots of people use agents and I would prefer to speak to the parents. Agents tend to bombard and it’s not helpful. Understand there is a role for agents but what you want (as an admissions department) is someone who will choose the right school, not any school.
Don’t just look at results and destinations. Search for parents currently there.
Frame it as: is this the best school for my child? There’s the right place for everyone.
Nowadays schools are testing aptitude not just learned content. You can spot an overly tutored child a mile off. There’s a big difference between tutoring and mentoring.
Don’t email us about the content of papers, we won’t and can’t tell you. Do your homework and do not over tutor them.
Schools are really curious about the natural potential of the child. If you can showcase that to the school, then great. The niche interests are what to develop and celebrate. It’s a school system that will love to celebrate this.
Overall:
Be personal
Be efficient
Be diplomatic
Be honest