Expert assistance in choosing the right Global IB school
The majority of our families are looking at placements into UK private schools but we are able to assist parents looking for schools in other parts of the world so please get in touch if you need help. Our advisory services mainly cover the schools that appear in our IB league tables and which deliver the curriculum in English.
Some global IB schools teach all the IB programmes, whereas others only offer the IB Diploma 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.
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 IB curriculum. The IB Diploma 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 a Career-Related Program but so far this is only offered by a very small number of schools in the UK and 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.