If English is not your first language UK Boarding Schools offer first class English language teaching and have a great deal of experience in helping students, whose first language is not English, to improve their language skills. The EFL (English as a Foreign Language) Department in schools and colleges offer the overseas student a warm welcome; they have an important role to play in helping the international student successfully integrate and understand the excitement and challenges of boarding life. International Study Centres have specifically designed pre-boarding and pre- A Level/IB courses; their aim is to ensure that the student’s English is of a sufficient level to enable them to cope with the GCSE and A Level/IB examinations. A Summer School provides an excellent introduction to the UK, offering English language teaching and activities, such as sports, art, drama and outdoor activities; a fun way to improve your English. Visas for Boarding School Students in the UK OVERVIEW You can apply for the Tier 4 (Child) student visa if you’re aged between 4 and 17 and you want to study in the UK. You should also: • have a place on a course • have the consent of your parent or guardian • have enough money to cover your course fees and living costs • be from a country that’s not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland • meet the eligibility requirements HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE Learning Support We can recommend schools with excellent learning support for children with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD as well as specialist schools for children with Asperger's Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy, deaf children and young people who have complex learning issues. You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to the UK. gov.uk/child-study-visa You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. Check the guide processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in your country. FEES It costs £348 to apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa from outside the UK. You’ll also have to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application. HOW LONG YOU CAN STAY State Boarding Schools Admission to state boarding in the UK is limited to British citizens, EU passport holders and anyone with a right of residence in the UK. At state boarding schools you pay for the boarding only and the tuition is paid by the government, as it would at any other state school in England. Your age and the length of your course of study will affect how long you can stay. Age when you apply Under 16 16 or 17 How long you can stay Course length (up to 6 years) plus 4 months afterwards Course length (up to 3 years) plus 4 months afterwards A Guardian Family It is a requirement of schools for all parents resident outside the UK to appoint a Guardian living in Britain, who will act with their full authority. The choice of Guardian is the responsibility of the parents. The ‘Guardian’ acts on behalf of the parent, providing a home from home environment at half term and weekend exeats, they represent the parents at school functions and are available in case of an emergency. For further information visit: www.aegisuk.net 6 You can arrive in the UK: • up to 1 week before your course starts if your course lasts 6 months or less • up to 1 month before your course starts if your course lasts more than 6 months Disclaimer: This information in this guide is correct as of June 2019. Visa requirements are subject to change. For up to date information, please visit the website of the British Embassy or Consultate where you live, or the nearest Visa Application Centre. UK SCHOOLS DIRECTORY 2019/20