If you’re casting your eye further afield for the next stage of your child’s education, be aware that competition for a spot at one of the top UK schools can be especially tough. JEROME BARTY-TAYLOR, a private tutor in Hong Kong and founder of consultancy BartyED, outlines these application challenges specifically for an education in the UK – and how to get on the front foot through entrance exam preparation!
How has competition for spots at the top UK schools changed in recent years?
It’s certainly true that we see more applicants at all levels – especially from families who are based overseas. This means competition has never been tougher for entry into “brand name” UK schools – regardless of whether a family is applying for boarding or day schools.
Families are finding that the “traditional” entry method of registering interest at the end of the previous academic year, taking an 11+ or 13+ test, and doing a 20-minute interview with the school in January are no longer enough to secure a place.
What factors are going into this shift?
Firstly, there’s a stronger understanding of Common Entrance tests and how to approach them. Due to the digital availability of most schools’ past papers, candidates can prepare more thoroughly. While that initially appears like a positive shift, in that it makes these examinations less intimidating for young learners, it’s also had other effects. Historically, many schools considered 60 percent the effective “pass” mark at which students would be accepted. Increasingly, we find students needing to achieve at least 90 percent on their 11+ or 13+ to be in with a chance at entry to top UK schools.
What’s caused this drastic climb in achievement? It isn’t necessarily that students are growing cleverer, but rather this increased understanding of the test format means that students must appear exceptional in order to stand out in a crowded market.
How do you begin carving a pathway to an education in the UK?
Even outside of academics, the competition is tough. In meetings with parents hoping to place their children in top UK schools, we always advise as long a lead time as possible. It’s not unusual to find that schools require a registration of interest as early as Year 5 with a view to entry in Year 9. Needless to say, this requires a lot of preparation and forethought from families!
Another important way you can stand out from the competition is to have a much more long-term engagement with schools. That includes in-person visits to the schools, talking to alumni and current students, and attending whatever lectures, workshops and coffee mornings are available. Letting the schools know that you have committed to this and are excited for your child to start their education there is essential.
It’s also worth considering how the pandemic has affected children. While of course academics are important, three years of mostly online learning has greatly impacted children’s social development. This is particularly visible in primary school-aged children.
We’re finding that students are struggling with longer term concentration and classroom comportment much more than before the pandemic. This will undoubtedly be affecting their performance in the all-important interview stage of admissions.
How can private tutors in Hong Kong help with applications and entrance exam preparation?
At BartyED, we have many years of experience in coaching children for success in Common Entrance exams and interviews. But, increasingly we find families are interested in our admissions consultancy services. This is in part due to the increased competition discussed previously. Parents are interested in casting the net wider to find the right fit for their child.
Our process is entirely individualised and we do not receive placement fees from schools. Therefore, our recommendations are individualised and child focused. Over the years, we have also developed close links with a number of schools, and regularly host admissions assessments at our centre in Wan Chai.
Interested in applying to some of the top UK schools or hiring private tutors in Hong Kong? Contact BartyED at enquiries@bartyed.com or call 2882 1017.
This article about entrance exam preparation and steps to take before applying to a UK school first appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
Also, see more in our Schools section!
