Every year millions of Indian students go abroad for higher education, however, another trend which has picked up momentum in the past few years is Indian parents sending their children abroad for schooling. The United Kingdom is one of the most preferred destinations for Indian children going abroad for boarding schools, this not only gives them an edge over their Indian counterparts while applying for higher education there also puts them on the same pedestal as the local children of that nation. Nicola Huggett, the Head of Cheltenham College, England talks about the trend and how international students learn there.
Q. Cheltenham College is around 180 years old school. There are some Boarding schools in India, which are as old. What advantage Cheltenham has over other schools?
A. Cheltenham College has been educating young people since 1841 and we have around 750 students in our senior school. The school has built a reputation for supporting young people to discover their interests and passions, and ultimately fulfil their potential. Bestowed with stunning buildings and set in the heart of one of England’s most beautiful and vibrant spa towns, we provide a modern first-class all-round education that prepares our pupils for their next step onwards into life, whatever that may be.
As a school, learning is at the heart of what we do; we want our pupils to be inspired to achieve high academic standards, leaving College with exam results they can be proud of and to that end, we focus our school aims at encouraging our pupils to develop in five key areas; Character, Creativity, Curiosity, Community and striving for Continuous excellence.
Whilst academic achievement is important, the Cheltenham journey is more than just the classroom. Our wide-ranging and busy co-curricular programme contains something for everyone and allows us all to play our part, whether that is on the sports pitch, the stage or within one of the many clubs and societies that take place each week.
As a Day and Boarding school, pastoral care at College is something that everyone here takes pride in. We focus our school aims at encouraging our pupils to develop in five key areas; Character, Creativity, Curiosity, Community and striving for Continuous excellence.
Q. How does community work help students?
A. It is the foundation which enables our pupils to gain confidence in themselves. This is supported by our partnership work with a wide range of local schools and charities. Volunteering and fundraising for various causes and local care organisations is yet another way in which our pupils gain an understanding of the importance of giving their time to benefit others, and in doing so, build an understanding of their role within our local and global community. This outward-looking focus has been enhanced in 2021 with the opening of our sister School, Cheltenham Muscat.
I am often asked, what kind of pupils flourish here and I always reply that we feel so fortunate to have within our midst, young people who are positive and enthusiastic, willing to learn, ambitious to achieve and keen to get involved. Boys and girls who join College at any age, will leave us as well-rounded young men and women, having fulfilled their very own potential and gained a place at a top university of their choice. They will have been prepared for life beyond school and they will be keen to contribute positively to society.
Q. Is there a trend of Indian parents sending their children to the UK for school education?
A. Yes, there is an interesting trend in which Indian parents are looking for schools which can provide the foundation for British or American universities by offering the right curriculum and path. They are also looking for boarding schools which can make their children independent and provide a safe and secure environment.
Q. How do you compare boarding schools in India with that in the UK?
A. I don’t have much idea about the cost of education in India, but for that, in the UK it would cost around 40,000 GBP per year. The boarding school market in the UK is very developed and very competitive. We are very keen to grow the number of Indian students on our campus.
Q. What are the advantages of doing schooling in the UK?
A. I think it comes down to the level of confidence and independence boarding away from home gives you and it helps during the interview process for selection during the interview for Oxford or Cambridge. We have interview practice, we mentor, and all this helps. We know inside out the need of the British and American universities and we prepare our students accordingly this is a major advantage our students have over those who are back home.
Q. Are you also offering some kind of scholarship for international students?
A. Yes, we offer different types of scholarships which are academic, drama, art and sports, so people can apply for any one of those at the age of 13 or age 16.
Q. At which class or grade do you admit students? Is there an entrance test?
A. We admit students in Grades 8, Grade 9 and Grade 11. Yes, there is an entrance test which includes English proficiency test as well. For Grade 11, we take an exam of three subjects in which they wish to take admission and then they also have an interview and reference from the school where they are currently studying.
Read More:
Follow Shiksha.com for latest education news in detail on Exam Results, Dates, Admit Cards, & Schedules, Colleges & Universities news related to Admissions & Courses, Board exams, Scholarships, Careers, Education Events, New education policies & Regulations.
To get in touch with Shiksha news team, please write to us at news@shiksha.com
