British boarding schools prove popular choice for middle eastern students, families

Felsted School offers overseas pupils perfect gateway to leading UK universities

Dubai, UAE, 25 February 2016: UK boarding schools are reporting an influx of international students from the Middle East, as more parents opt for the British education system.

Providing an ideal gateway to leading universities, 38.5% of all boarders in the UK are from non-British families who live overseas, with 399 pupils coming from the Middle East specifically, according to recent data from the International Schools Council Annual Census 2015.

Felsted School, a leading co-educational, independent boarding and day school based an hour away from London, has become a popular choice among UAE residents who are looking for their children to gain a successful all-round education.

Such is the interest from the GCC and wider Middle East, management from Felsted have travelled to the UAE to attend the upcoming UK Boarding Schools Fair, running from 26-27 February at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai.

“I spent my sixth form years at Felsted, studying A levels and my time there was unforgettable, providing me with countless opportunities,” said UAE resident, Serena Kapoor, now 19, who left Felsted last summer.

“I never imagined the friendships formed would be so strong. The supportive pastoral care and friendliness of the other students made me feel so welcome – it truly was like a second home.”

With 20% of Felsted’s student body coming from overseas, whether as British expats living abroad or pupils with English as an additional language, the Round Square affiliated school provides an environment for all nationalities to thrive.
UAE expatriate and CEO of The Sparkle Foundation, Sarah Brook, also attended Felsted and fully supports the UK boarding school system.

“It changed my life. Boarding helps you to become more independent and the number of activities you can be involved with is limitless,” Brook said.

“In just two years I went on an exchange abroad, captained the hockey team, joined the CCF, took part in a play, became a school prefect and obtained my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. This all contributed to me gaining my place at Exeter University to read Psychology.

“I didn’t want to leave. The staff and pupils are all one big family together and I never had time to feel homesick. If I ever get the chance, I hope one day to be able to send my own children there.”

As well as embracing British education and values, Felsted offers a modern international outlook, with opportunities not only to study the IB Diploma, but also to get involved in Model United Nations events.

For families looking for a taster version of British education before committing to a full academic programme, Felsted’s Summer School provides children aged 12 to 16 a flavour of boarding school life for up to four weeks.  To find out more about Felsted School, visit the UK Boarding Schools Fair, 26-27 February, open from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai, where former pupil, Sarah Brook will be in attendance.