boarding schools for international students

[seem123]

Hello there I am a new member in Mumsnet
I am trying for my DD admission in IB boarding schools. I have narrowed down my search and finalised on three schools Oakham,Malvern college and St Edward's in that order.
Could someone kindly suggest me how are the boarding facilities for international students in these schols as we live overseas .My only source of information so far is the school website
MY DD is academically a bright child ,not a very sporty person but excellent in art and english literature
My DD will be joining year10 in sept 2013

[Hamishbear]

Can't help on the specific schools apart from friends who tell me that St Edward's has great pastoral care. Oakham and Malvern I hear are good schools too but hopefully someone here can give you specific help. Have you visted the schools? Is your DD doing CE or schools own paper?

Did you look at Haileybury and Sevenoaks too out of interest?

Did you consider GCSE/A level pathway even if in an IB school previously?

[Colleger]

I would send to a school where more children are boarders than day and possibly a location which is out in the sticks as less kids tend to go home at the weekend.

[Hamishbear]

Yes, definitely IMO avoid those that empty out at the weekends. Wellington apparently does etc. Not sure about those you've mentioned. There is another boarding thread running somewhere on here which might be useful.

[EdithWeston]

Oakham is about 50% full boarders (half and half boys and girls) accommodated in single sex boarding houses. There are extensive sports and other co-curricular activities on Saturdays, with many of the day pupils coming in then (and during the week there are also weekly boarders, plus day pupils often stay until late into the evening). There are activities available on Sundays plus outings.

It's in a small town, near both the A1 and the main East Coast railway line, so easy to reach.

I only really know parents of day pupils though; the ones I know have been very pleased with the school and their DCs seem to have done well (academically and all-round). Although it has a sporty reputation, it has an excellent theatre and performance arts are also a strength.

[seem123]

Thankyou Hamishbear . My DD will be taking school's own paper . We are planning to visit UK ( a long long flight for us) in october and thats when we will see the schools and DD will take the exams.I did try for Sevenoaks but they do not have seats for 2013 although she has been wait listed but i have my doubts if there will be seats available
Thankyou Colleger for your valuable suggestion I will look into it

[Hamishbear]

Have schools concerned provided examples of their own papers?

Good luck!

[Colleger]

HappyGardening knows St Ed's well.

[goinggetstough]

Have friends who live overseas who have DCs at Malvern and St Edwards. They have been very pleased with it both on the boarding and academic side.
Do check what being a full boarder means at each school as it can vary and does lead to schools emptying at the weekend after lessons. All of your three choices have Saturday morning school which is important IMO as otherwise it can be a long weekend.
As an overseas parent myself I have found that it is useful to make sure there are reasonably good links for transport to airports etc so that they can travel independently otherwise it can be very expensive.

[happygardening]

St Edwards has indeed a very high standard of pastoral care and currently 600+ full boarders and about 130 day children. Lots come from abroad I would highly recommend it.
PM me if you want to know more.

[ripsishere]

Concorde College in Shropshire is well worth considering. I have friends who teach there.
It is very caring, has outstanding results but is in the middle of nowhere at the back of beyond.