Changing school at sixth form is not a decision that should be taken lightly and is something that should always be given very careful consideration. It’s the most crucial time of your child’s education journey, launching them on the pathway towards their future career, university place or attaining their post-school goals and ambitions.
Now, early September of year 11, is the time to consider this seriously as the timeline for sixth form boarding school applications is looming. Most boarding school registration deadlines are imminent, some have even passed. The pre-tests, online tests and assessment days, as well as interviews, will take place for most schools in October and November of year 11. Offers of places for most boarding schools are made on, or around, the 1st December of year 11.
Before committing the time investment, a change of school for sixth form requires, asking yourself why you or your child wants to move school is a crucial exercise in ensuring you are putting your child through a rigorous entry testing and interview process for the right reasons. This is a challenging age to make new friends, settle into a new school routine or get to know new teachers and their approach to learning. Make sure you are not acting on a whim because your child tells you, ‘Everyone else is leaving’.
Here are seven reasons when considering a change of school for sixth form might makes sense, enabling you to ensure you are making the right decision to support your child’s future.
1. A move from state school or private day school into a boarding school to offer your child the opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills and grow independence, develop a sporting or other talent.
2. You’d like your child to make new friends from all over the world and build a network of alumni who will be a strong support throughout life.
3. Your child has made exceptional progress in their current school over many years, and you perhaps feel a change of school will present new challenges to achieve their potential. Be wary, their exceptional progress may well be because they’re in the best school already, with the best teaching and ethos for them.
4. You are an expat family who feels a move from an international school overseas to a British boarding school for sixth form will build independence and give access to strong in-house support with UCAS and university planning, perhaps gaining access to domestic fees.
5. Your current school doesn’t offer the A level subjects that your child is interested in, or they might not offer IB, if that is on your radar. A wish to study psychology, history of art, a certain language or to access BTEC qualifications are common reasons for a move.
6. You feel a move from single sex to co-ed boarding school might offer the opportunity to develop social and life skills. However, do beware - it can also lead to a loss of very good long-term friendships, and the nurturing approach to boarding school life that your child is used to.
7. Your current school does not have a sixth form, so choosing a boarding school for sixth form is a good option to broaden choice.
There are lots of reasons to change school for sixth form and a boarding school can offer a whole range of new and exciting opportunities to gain new life skills and friends for life. It should be a strategic decision with well-considered reasoning, not something you decide on a whim. If your youngster can’t easily answer the potential interview question, ‘so why do you want to come to this school for sixth form’, its probably not something you’ve given enough thought to, before going ahead.
Sixth form entry tests for places at boarding schools are competitive and a challenge, at the same time as studying hard in year 11, to get the best GCSE grades possible. Adding extra work, worry and additional demands on time at this crucial year in education is the right thing for some. Make sure it’s the right decision for your child, before embarking on this journey.
Our expert education consultants are here to assist parents with talking through strategy and suggesting boarding schools which will meet the outcomes you are aiming for. We place each child at the heart of our advice. A happy child will achieve their true potential.
If this piece on UK Boarding Schools has made you think considering British boarding schools could be the right option for your child, we offer a complimentary call for all families so we can explore this discussion further on an individual family basis. During the call we will ask you about your child, and your ambitions for their education. Then, we discuss how we are best to help you navigate the often-confusing waters of choosing, applying and securing an offer of a place to join the best British boarding school for your child and family.
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