Sixth form - Boarding - Hong Kong - urgent :(

[marlowrose]

For two DDs, we are looking for Boarding school Sixth Form. Would be very happy if there was a large Chinese or Hong Kong contingent, so they feel at home. Both predicted A*s for A levels, but also need some neurodiverse support (dyspraxia). No preference for co-ed or not, private or not, or the location. Ideally this is for urgent entry this September, should you know of any places still admitting, but it would be possible for us to defer for a year. Any ideas please.

Will they even be considered if they are half way through their A Levels? You may find that once you find a school they may have to go back a year.

Thank you, thank you ! Have got to ask fast. Very grateful for these names and tips. Wish we were not in this situation :( but can’t dwell on that have just got to try for them.

(DDs would be entering Year 12, to start 2-year A level course.)

Ruthin? Moreton Hall? Shrewsbury?

Wells was my first thought too as they are likely to have places - they have a strong international contingent as they are a specialist music school attached to a general school. They also have quite a lot of UK boarders so the place doesn't empty out at the weekend as some schools do.

I second Top Schools.

St Mary's School in Cambridge has lots of Chinese students. It is Catholic (not sure if that would be a plus or a minus for you).

Do have a look at Bromsgrove. They have about 50% international students and 50% UK day pupils. There are lots of Chinese and SE Asian children in a vibrant, modern environment. The pastoral care is exceptional. They have no exeats and provide accommodation for students over some holiday periods if needed. It’s a big school with a dedicated 6th form house as well as the other boarding houses so they may be able to find last minute places for your DC. If you are interested though, be quick as most UK boarding schools close out the end of June.

Whitgift is boys I doubt you would be eligible for state boarding.

Are you looking for entry into year 12, what age are your dds ? Many schools will be reluctant to take pupils more than a year older, for safeguarding reasons. Marlborough, Wellington, Charterhouse, Caterham, Brighton college, Kings Canterbury, Hurtwood House might be worth asking. You may find there are spaces due to cancellations from Russia. Are there any other considerations or interests to take into account?

Thank you all.

Haberdashers Adams in Shropshire recruits students from Hong Kong, IIRC. They are co-ed in 6th form.

Far as London is concerned, Whitgift and Westminster are not only highly in demand, but their closing date was October/ November last year. Whitgift for boys only and Westminster takes those girls who are so clever, most of the boarders are on the Queens.

I hope my info is not too outdated, but a school that fits the bill is DLD College. Huge, huge Chinese community, Central London, small classes, good pastoral care (would also cater for any SEN related issues). Great teachers - most redbrick graduates, with lovely, polite disposition. Last I checked, last minute admissions was fine too.

Only thing is that they are not quite as traditional old style English schools with uniform etc.

I had some positive experience with them some years ago. I don't like Alpha Plus group in general, but I can't take away my good experience with DLD.

Queenswood in Hertfordshire May have space but no idea as to current contingent as dds left 5 years ago.

I went to the Mount in York, loved it. Mainly Chinese/HK boarders even in the 90s.

Cardiff Sixth Form College is private, co ed and has a very large Chinese contingent.
I didn't go there so I can't comment on the additional support but possibly one to look into?

I went to Roedean and still go back to visit regularly. There is a large contingent of pupils from Hong Kong. It was recently renovated, has lots of amenities, bedrooms are lovely and there are great views. All the girls seem very happy.

Cross off Gresham’s. Lovely school but not academic and very few Asians and few pupils who board at weekends. It’s a school best know for day flexi weekly, sport loving outdoorsy all rounder children.

You might aswell choose a school with good airport links to make half term and school holidays travel home as easy as it can be given the logistics.

This website might help www.isc.co.uk/schools/

Bear in mind there are approx two weeks, if that, of summer term remaining. After then it may be more difficult to liaise with the relevant staff, for example Heads of Department, regarding possible subject options, and Boarding Houses.

Fulneck School?

Second vote for Concord College in Shropshire.

www.atlanticcollege.org/ Atlantic College outside Cardiff is very international but I don't know anything about it other than that!

I was at Malvern last week for another reason, seems very nice, head teacher seemed good. Not the most academic but good all around. The young lady showing us around was Chinese

2/3 are full boarders apparently

Wychwood in Oxford?