agent/consulant in UK for boarding schools

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Hi

I am come from HK, thinking to find an agent in UK to recommend any girls boarding schools for my daughter since they are local people in UK, they may know more details than the agents in HK. Not sure my thinking is right. Any experience or good agents in UK recommend? Thanks

Try these people www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/advice

Gabbitas is one of the big name consultancies for education advice and assistance with placement. I've not used them, but have never heard a bad thing about them.

Gosh are they still going? Used to be Gabbitas and Thring I believe?

We've used Gabbitas a couple of times recently. They have extremely helpful and provided excellent advice.

I worked at a girls boarding school in Ascot and they used Gabbitas a lot for the overseas girls, they were very good.

Thank you for the information.

Hi Helensilson

Since you are working in boarding school, what do you think the reference letter should be written by who (from govt important staff, university professor, or .....) will be most helpful? Thanks

TBH it doesn't matter which agent you use. The agent is only good if.
A. You know what type of school you want for your daughter.
B. If you have a particular school in mind.

Other than that the agents are feeling in the dark for a right fit for your DD.

I have a friend who's daughter is having a torrid time at boarding. They did not ask their DD opinion nor understood her needs. Hence failure not only academically but socially too.

Going to the UK is not the easy option as many HK parents think. There are lots to consider.

1. Language barrier, understanding and comprehension.
2. Social ability, culturally we are different. DD needs to accept this as she will be with many different cultures

These two points may seem simple but can be difficult to grasp.

The honest question you have to ask will my DD not only survive boarding will she enjoy it too. Don't do as my friend did just pick a school. You really need to find one that fits your DD style , ability and ethos.

Don't pick one that suits yours for boasting rights. If that is the case. You will find boasting rights soon drop to the wayside. When the problems begin much to the dismay of my friends.

our school has an international school. It is a separate school from the rest but the students are also part of the school for pastoral care and social integration.

Overall I love the school my DD attends as it is centred around family. When your children are boarding, they are treated with respect and love so they feel confident and secure. That is what is needed when you can't be there to provide it yourself.

Check if the school puts a limit on the number of students from a particular country,nothing worse than large groups sitting together at every meal,not talking English and not getting involved in school activities

Another vote for Good Schools guide. They are fab. As for needing to know what you want, so dint think that is true as their role is to guide you through options, asking pertinent questions along the way.

Set aside done time to come to the UK and visit schools on your short list. (Private visit versus open days, so you can get a realistic flavour of the school.

I do have some first hand knowledge of several schools so feel free to pm me

I work for angloed.com and we have helped many students from all over the world. We are small, friendly and free while Gabbitas charge very expensive fees for the same job. I know several agents from other countries, some are free some charge a small fee. To know the student and match his character and talents with the right school is the most important factor for placements. Any agent in the world will have this as a priority, otherwise we wouldn't be in bussiness for very long.

You might be able to help more students if you had a website that was accurate,a long feature on a school that hasn't existed for three years does not inspire confidence

I don't understand why you can't use the local agents in Hong Kong. There are several very good ones. They do hold open days where the UK schools send representative over to HK to market their schools.

I think if you're send your child to the UK to study. You do need to get your priorities right. Always make sure your child will be comfortable there. Then start thinking about academic excellence or any other areas.

I look after boarding school students for an agency in the holidays. Duchy Guardians which are part of Inbound2UK. They are based in Cornwall, but have staff everywhere so will look after you and keep you safe. Specially if you are from Hong Kong because most of their students are Chinese.

www.inbound2UK.co.uk last time I looked!

Beatrice.

You really don't need an agent. Research yourself, ask on here for current parental views, contact schools, visit when over.

I worked extensively in all girls schools if you want particular help?

Hi I'm not an agent but I attended a boarding school (as a day pupil) and at the moment know a lot about what's going on with the Scottish independent sector as recently reviewed for my dc. If you want anymore info send me a private message

A note of caution about the Good Schools Guide from our experience. We found for example that the entry about our Prep did not give the full picture. The visit to the school by the reviewers was heavily stage managed. Any negative aspects were well hidden or 'spun'. Have a look at the Good Schools Guide but I think it is also essential to try to get a fuller picture of your shortlisted schools.

Do U deal with Cardiff Sixth Form?

Hiring a consultant is a waste of money-they won't help you get your daughter in. You are better off buying a copy of the Tatler Good Schools Guide.