Seminars and Interview Sessions

Kings Education is an independent sixth form college with campuses in London, Bournemouth, Brighton and Oxford. Kings specializes in educating senior form students (from F.4 on), providing options such as GCSE (1-Year & 2-Year programmes), GCE A-levels (1-Year & 2-Year programmes) and university foundation (1-Year & 2-Year programmes).

With over 50 years of experience, each campus of Kings Education now teaches about 300 students. The personalized approach to education is delivered through small class teaching, with an average of 4-10 per class in GCE A-levels. As such, the University Foundation programmes in Kings also come in two tiers with different curriculums and progression routes. These include the Advanced Level Foundation that offers “guaranteed progression” to year one of an undergraduate degree in University of Bristol or Aston University, upon achieving the specified grades in internal assessment.

GCE A-levels & Advanced Level Foundation: Receive a Conditional Offer from University of Bristol or University of Aston before the Start of Course

Students studying GCE A-levels and the Advanced Level Foundation at Kings Education will receive a conditional offer from University of Bristol or University of Aston before the start of their courses. This means that progression to year one of an undergraduate degree in University of Bristol or Aston University is guaranteed, if students get enough grades in GCE A-levels or internal assessment of the Advanced Level Foundation.

Results & Destinations (2018)

In the GCE A-level class, A*-A rates in GCE A-levels were at 42% while A*-B rates were at 65%. Up to 86% of students have received conditional offers from one of top 20 universities in the UK. In the Advanced Level Foundation, about 25% were able to get AAA – grades good enough to progress onto Medicine in Aston University ^{progression to Medicine is subject to meeting additional interview and other requirements}.

Summer Study Tours

In addition to full-time academic programmes, Kings Education also offers a range of short-term English and holiday courses for school and college students, as well as adult learners! Shortlisted below are options in summer, which are based in traditional British boarding schools and Kings Education’s sixth form colleges, suitable for students aged 3 to 17:

• Summer Medical Programme at Kings Oxford
• Summer Course in Boarding School (Brighton College Prep School, Cheltenham College, Downside School)
• Parent & Child Programme

Adcote School for Girls is the only girls’ boarding school in Shrewsbury – a town in the mid-west part of England and about 1-hour ride away from UK’s second largest city Birmingham. The School occupies a Grade I historic building, currently there are about 300 students. The majority of them come from local families with professional and business background. Among them, about 34% are boarders. Academically, about 65% achieved A*-B in GCE A-levels.

St Francis’ College is an all-through girls’ boarding school located in Letchworth Garden City, north of London. In the past five years (2015-2019), A*-B rates in GCE A-levels were between 69% to 84%. With good performance in sports, some students have participated in badminton, tennis and swimming competitions for the county and national teams.

Myddelton College is a new, small-scale boarding school in the market town of Denbigh, North Wales. Established in 2016, Myddelton College currently teaches about 200 students, about 30% of which are international students coming from 14 countries and regions around the globe. Putting a strong emphasis on sports and outdoors activities, the School aims to develop resilience in their students. Myddelton College runs its own Elite Triathlon Team – which Nathanial John Harries, Team GB’s rising star of Triathlon, is part of!

Sherborne School is a boys’ school with almost 500 years of history, located in the wealthy and historical town of Sherborne. Academic standard and reputation are top of league in the UK, which made Sherborne School the usual first choice of students from DBS, La Salle College and St Joseph’s College in Hong Kong. Students continue to achieve excellent grades in 2019 with about 77% of them gaining A*-B in GCE A-levels. Many in the past have gained the high grades needed to take up offers from Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Imperial, LSE, and St Andrews.

Norwich School is a large, historical and academic independent day school in Norwich, which sits next to the Norwich Cathedral right in the city centre of Norwich. One of the Top 80 independent school (2014-2019), students from Norwich School achieves spectacular results in public exams, with 85% to 91% of them getting A*-B in GCE A-levels from 2011 to 2019. The class of 2017 saw 15 of a total of about 170 graduates making it to Oxbridge, while 90% of those applied to medical schools made a success of their applications.

Norwich School has a large student body of about 900, the majority of which come from local families. In more than 920 years since its establishment, Norwich School has educated many notable alumni. They include Lord Nelson (British flag officer in the Royal Navy in the 18^th century), Joe Farman (British scientist who co-discovered ozone hole), as well as many elites who were awarded the Order of the British Empire.

Staying with a Host Family

Although Norwich School once had a boarding house, the School at the moment doesn’t provide full boarding options for students. International students joining Norwich School will stay with inspected host families.

Sidcot School is a co-educational boarding school with over 300 years of history, located near the coast of the South West of England. Boarders are accepted starting from year 7. GCE A-levels and IB Diploma are both available for sixth-formers. Its campus covers 170 acres of land (approximately 3.5 times bigger than the Victoria’s Park of Hong Kong) and comes with superb facilities. Horse riding has long been part of the School’s tradition and a BHS-approved equestrian Centre is run on-campus. Sidcot School is academically outstanding with about 63% of students achieving A*-B in GCE A-levels 2018 and an IB average score of 31.

Details of Event

In the South-West of England and with over 300 years of history, Warminster School is the first school in the area to provide GCE A-levels alongside IB programmes. Of the 500 students at school, about 40% are boarders. They include students from 22 countries with students from Europe being the majority. The School encourages participation in extracurricular activities outside classrooms. Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are both popular options among others.

Sherborne School for Girls is a girls’ school in the wealthy and historic town of Sherborne, which has close links with Sherborne School, a traditional top boys school in the area. The two schools collaborate in academic and extracurricular activities, providing exchanges on music and cultural activities. Boarding is a key feature of the whole Sherborne Girls experience, where over 90% of students are boarders. Academic performance is consistently outstanding and A*-B rates in GCE A-levels were between 68% to 81% in the past five years (2015-2019). The majority of graduates were able to continue their studies in one of Russell Group universities, which represents the highest research and academic rigour of Britain.

King’s Ely School (formerly known as the King’s School, Ely) is a large-scale, “all-through” boarding school with over 1000 years of history. Notable alumni include Edward the Confessor (a former king of England) and Thomas Willett (the first mayor of New York). More contompary alumni include John Browne (former CEO of British Petroleum) and a number of experienced BBC journalists. Founded to educate choristers for the Ely Cathedral, King’s Ely School is based in historic buildings surrounding the cathedral and today runs both boys’ and girls’ choirs. Outdoor education is a key focus, with rowing as one of the most popular options and many student rowers competing in national competitions. In the past five years (2015-2019), A*-B rates in GCE A-levels were between 58% to 75%.

Downside School is a Catholic boarding school in the South West of England, situated near Bath and Bristol. It’s known for its outstanding performance in sports and music, as well as impressive academic results – which saw 61% to 79% of students achieving A*-B in GCE A-levels over the past five years (2014-2018). Its long-standing rivalry with Sherborne School in rugby matches is a big deal in town. And school choir performs regularly in local venues, while Jazz band goes on world tours, performing in Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, etc.

Loughborough Grammar School is a boys’ boarding school in the Midlands with over 500 years of history and a reputation for outstanding academic result. These, with its relatively economical boarding fees, have made Loughborough Grammar School a very popular option for Hong Kong students. In the past five years (2014-2018), A*-B rates in GCE A-levels ranged from 66% to 81%, which have put the School within Top 100 in the UK. On average, every year 98% of students either gain entry into their first choice or a Russell Group research-intensive university, with an average of 12 students making it to Oxbridge.

Royal Masonic School for Girls is a top boarding school that occupies a picturesque campus of 150 acres (that’s 3 times bigger than HK Victoria Park), where a few featured movies were filmed. Located in suburban area North West of London, within the London tube system, it only takes about an hour by train to get from Heathrow Airport to Royal Masonic School for Girls. In the past five years (2014-2018), percentages of students achieving A*-B in GCE A-levels were steady at 72% to 85%.

Situated in stunning rural area in Scotland, Glenalmond College is one of the oldest boarding schools in Scotland and where the Hong Kong governor David Wilson had his education! Glenalmond College has a high boarding ratio and very good academic tradition, where students are stimulated academically with a range of extra learning initiatives. Glenalmond College follows the English national curriculum and teaches the GCSE and GCE A-levels qualifications just like other independent schools in England and Wales. As many as 26 subjects are offered in GCE A-levels, including some less commonly-found subjects such as Music Technology, Classical History, etc. Glenalmond’s spacious campus provides students with superb facilities and grounds for outdoor activities, including its own golf courses. Students who like hiking will probably like the environment and the expeditions offered as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme!

Strong Tradition of Golf

Glenalmond College has a strong tradition of golf, and owns a 9-hole course designed by former Open Champion, James Braid. A specialist golf development programme is offered, which includes regular training sessions in partnership with Dean Robertson at Stirling University’s Golf performance Centre, golf range visits and golf tour. Students with a particular interest in golf will find Glenalmond College an attractive option.

Located in a small town in the north west of London, Berkhamsted School is a large scale independent school very popular among local British families. Its preparatory and senior school now educate over 1600 students, with just about 50 boarders from overseas. International students will therefore have lots of opportunities to interact with local students inside and outside of the classroom. Although co-educational in essence, classes in the senior school are divided into boys and girls classes until sixth form, providing the benefits of both single-sex and co-educational education.

Berkhamsted School is reputable for its excellent track records in public exams. In the past five years (2015-2019), A*-B rates in GCE A-levels were at 70% to 80%. In 2019, about 78% of students achieved A*-B.

Stonyhurst College is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the North. With more than 400 years of history, the School has educated some of the very important figures in modern history, including Sir Frederick Weld (New Zealand’s Prime Minister) and Charles Carroll of Carrollton (signatory of the Declaration of Independence of the USA). Its campus includes a Grade-1 historic building and is the largest among all British boarding schools. In the past five years (2014-2018), A*-B rates in GCE A-levels ranged from 58% to 71%. Every year there are students gaining places in Oxbridge.

Located in the South West of England, West Buckland School is a boarding school with very good records of academic achievement. In 2019, 74% of students achieved A*-B. Art & Design, French, English Literature, History and Mathematics are the strongest subjects of the School. Many students were able to continue their education in top universities, including LSE, UCL, King’s, Bristol, Durham, Sheffield, etc. While the majority of students progressed to universities in the UK, a number of Hong Kong students were able to get into Chinese University and Polytechnic University of Hong Kong in the past, doing subjects such as economics, nursing, advertising, etc.

Holding an international reputation within its own portfolio of achievement, Strathallan School offers both the English (GCE A-levels) and Scottish education system with excellence. The School is regarded as one of the best schools in Scotland in terms of academic achievement and is also strong in sports, music and the arts. In its 100 years of history, the School has educated numerous international sportsmen, high court judges, scholars as well as businessmen and politicians of high status, such as former president of the HK & Shanghai Bank John Malcolm Gray and former finance secretary of Singapore.

Strathallan School has a staff/pupil ratio of 1:7 – one lower than what you usually find in average boarding schools, which means that on average each teacher only has to take care of 7 pupils, thus providing much better support for pupils. Since 2015, A*-B rate in A-levels has been above 70%.

Culford School is well-known for its excellence in both academic work and sports, and has been very popular among parents in Hong Kong. It has been awarded the prestigious Good School Guide award in the past and is particularly strong in its training in tennis. There are four in-door tennis courts and pupils are coached by professionals from the Cambridge National High Performance Centre.

In the past five years (2015-2019), 45% to 59% students achieved A*-B in GCE A-levels. The majority of them were able to progress on to some of the finest universities in the UK, with a few of them making it to Oxbridge.

Queen Anne’s School is a girls’ boarding school located in the suburb of Reading, in the south of England. It’s a boarding school with over 120 years of history, known for outstanding results and its forward looking approach to education. Queen Anne’s has advocated STEM education, promoted the important of learning skills via its own teaching & learning research initiative “Brain Can Do”, and introduced new options of extracurricular activities, to make sure that its teaching will stands the test of time! The School has constantly achieved outstanding results in public exams. In the past five years (2015-2019), A*-B rates ranged from 64% to 77%, with students progressing to top UK universities such as Bristol, Durham, King’s College London, Imperial College and more!

Music Scholarship Audition Arrangement: Up to 20% Reduction on Boarding Fees

John Padley, Director of Music from Queen Anne’s School, will be visiting Hong Kong on 18/10 (Friday), to hold the Music Scholarship Audition. Successful applicants of the Music Scholarship will enjoy a fee waiver of up to 20%. Interested students are advised to make an appointment with an education consultant of British United in advance.

Whitgift School is a top all boys boarding school with a very advantageous location in London (Zone 5). With the options of GCE A-levels and International Baccalaureate (IB) in sixth form, Whitgift School enjoys a very good reputation in academic work and music and has in the past (2008-2011) been listed as one of the best 50 schools in the UK, out of 3000 schools. In recent years, however, Whitgift School has refused to be included in league tables published by newspapers in the UK – a move employed by many top independent schools to avoid parents paying too much attention on public exam results and overlooking other important aspects of education. That doesn’t mean that Whitgift School has lowered its standard on academic work though. In 2018, the A*-B rate in GCE A-levels remains an impressive 84%. In International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, the average score is 38, out of the 45 full marks – results that would have put the School in top positions in any league tables.

In Music, Whitgift School is famous for the orchestra, which collaborated with the The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London in 2011 and has performed in many other countries including Japan, Spain, German and more.

Since 2013, Whitgift School has expanded its boarding provision and can now provide more than 100 boarding places – which still does not satisfy the demand, making competition for places extremely fierce. Students are advised to apply two to three years in advance.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit their applications before the closing dates in accordance to their year groups. Eligible applicants will be invited to an admission interview after passing Whitgift School’s entrance exams.

• Year 12: Applications close on 18/10 (Friday)
• Year 9: Applications close on 22/11 (Friday)

Located in the famous historic city of Bath, Kingswood School has been highly rated by Ofsted Inspection Report. Among many things, teaching, sports facilities and boarding facilities are exceptionally outstanding. About 2/3 teaching staff live inside the campus. Relationship between teachers and students is close. Achievement in public exams is exceptional with 76% of students gaining A*-B in GCE A-levels 2018. Kingswood School only offers a limited number of places to Hong Kong and Chinese students. Early application is highly recommended.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit a school report to Kingswood School for preliminary assessment. Eligible students will be informed for further assessments and are required to submit their applications on or before the specified deadlines in accordance to their year groups.

• Year 7: Applications close on 25/10 (Friday)
• Year 9: Applications close on 10/1/2019 (Friday)
• Year 12: Applications close on 18/10 (Friday)

From our experience, since Kingswood School only offers a limited number of places to Hong Kong and Chinese students, school places can be fully filled very early. Parents are therefore recommended to submit school reports to Kingswood School for preliminary assessment early to avoid disappointment.

What’s so good about studying in the UK? In addition to small class-size, excellent provision of facilities and more flexible teaching methods, what makes the As in UK student’s report cards? What options do students from the new 334 education system have, to continue their studies in the UK? What makes up the best preparation for progression to the finest universities? How does British boarding school experience benefit students when they apply to universities in Hong Kong? In the seminar, our education consultants will answer all these questions by sharing their own experience in the UK. The seminar is suitable for parents of primary and secondary school students and students themselves, who are interested in studying in the UK.

Content Highlights

• The Education Systems: In what circumstances can Hong Kong students progress to the next year group in the UK? In which year groups does it offer more school options?
• The Boarding School Life: What time is lights out time? What weekend activities are available for boarders? What are these unique school holidays in boarding schools?
• The Public Exams: How do GCSE and A-levels subject choices affect your options in university? What subject combination may bring extra advantages to Hong Kong students?
• GCSE & A-levels Reform: What were being reformed and when? Are the two exams more difficult now than before?
• A brief analysis of Non-Jupas admission data
• The Application Procedures: What should you consider when selecting a boarding school? What criteria are used when boarding schools select students?
• Is it necessary to sit boarding school entrance exams (such as BUSSATs & UKiSet) in advance?
  

Students attending the seminar can take home a free copy of The Metropolis UK Boarding School Guide by giving a Facebook Like to our Facebook page.

Students and parents can register with individual schools and colleges by making a booking in relevant postings in our website. If you can’t decide yet, you can submit your registration here. Our education consultants will get in touch with further advices.

School representatives will be able to conduct admission interviews with prospective students. Families in initial stages of their research are also welcome to meet with the representatives to learn more about each schools.

In addition to schools attending the Recruitment Weeks, students can also apply to over 330 boarding schools and many state and private sixth form colleges in our school network.

Participating Schools

Boarding School Seminar

We will be holding our regular Boarding School Seminar in three consecutive Saturdays, to provide an overview of the unique culture and regulations, as well as the application procedures of British boarding schools.

• 19/10 (Saturday) Boarding School Seminar
• 26/10 (Saturday) Boarding School Seminar

After the Boarding School Seminar, our education consultants will be available for consultations with individual families.

Taunton School is a large-scale all-through boarding school in Taunton, a town in south west of England, which currently educates over 1000 students and offers the options of GCE A-levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) in sixth form. Design & Technology is one of Taunton School’s strongest subjects. In the past, a Hong Kong student has won a scholarship awarded by IKEA to pursue a product design degree in university! In terms of public exam performance, A*-B rates in GCE A-levels in the past three years (2016-2018) were between 59% to 68%. In addition to standard curriculum, Taunton School also offers One-Year GCSE and Pre-IB programmes, which are excellent bridging courses for F.4 students from Hong Kong.

Dauntsey’s School has a long history of teaching and excellent academic results, which makes the School popular among Hong Kong elite school students. Hong Kong singer Eason Chan is one of its alumni. In the past ten years (2009-2018), there have been five years in which A-levels A*-B rates are at 80% or above.

In Dauntsey’s School, students are provided with a wide variety of adventurous pursuits and are encouraged to develop a strong spirit of adventure. These activities include sailing on board the ‘Jolie Brise’, a sailing ship with over 100 of history owned by Dauntsey’s School, as well as overseas expeditions which have in the past brought teachers and students to destinations such as Scotland, Morocco, India, Romania and many others.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit their applications before the closing dates in accordance to their year groups. Eligible applicants will be invited to an admission interview after passing the entrance exams.

• Year 7: 21/10 (Monday)
• Year 9: Considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Year 12: 21/10 (Monday)

King Edward’s School is a boarding school located in Surrey, south of England, with a 100-acre campus (about 2 times the size of HK Victoria Park). GCE A-levels was re-introduced in September 2015. Students may choose to study between GCE A-levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in sixth-form. Over 70% of students are boarders (majority are British students) and day students come from local families. International students therefore can enjoy a very British boarding community.

The average IB points score for 2018 was 32.4. Some students went to UK top 20 universities including Durham, Bristol, Exeter and Warwick.

Arts education is an important part of King Edward’s School. Specialist programmes such as Art-in-Residence programmes are provided. Music Technology is proving very popular that the Mac Suite is provided with digital audio softwares Logic Pro X and Sibelius. Students who are interested in performing and visual arts and music will enjoy a great deal of extra support from King Edward’s School than other boarding schools.

Kent College, Pembury is a traditional all girls boarding school in the South East of England, which is only 40 minutes away from London by train. Students from the College have consistently achieved outstanding results in public exams in the past ten years (2009-2018). A*-B rates in GCE A-levels are from 62% to 85%, with five years going at 75% and above.

Students with a particular interest in cookery, wine tasting or perhaps nutrition will find Kent College, Pembury an attractive option. Starting from Year 7, they will have the opportunities to opt for Food Technology and related subjects. At sixth form, they can take the Basic Certificate of the Leiths School of Food & Wine, which will equip them with the cookery skills and knowledge in nutrition that benefit a career as a chef or a nutritionist.

Prior’s Field School is a girls’ school in the south of England, founded in 1902 by Julia Huxley – members of the Huxley Family include Julian Huxley (the first Director of UNESCO and a founder member of the World Wildlife Fund), Nobel laureate Andrew Huxley, etc.

Prior’s Field School is known for its academic excellence and is also notable for its provision in tennis coaching and the performing arts. In the past five years (2015-2019), A*-B rates in GCE A-levels ranged from 59% to 76%. The Tennis Academy in Prior’s Field School provides training at beginner’s to elite level. For the performing arts, students in Prior’s Field School can work towards LAMDA and RADA certificates. A good number of notable British actresses – such as Lily James (lead actress in the Disney film Cinderella) and Victoria Hamilton (played the role of Queen Mother in the Netflix series the Crown) – are graduates of Prior’s Field School.

Queen Margaret’s School is a girls’ boarding school in Yorkshire, North of England. Its 75-acre campus is 90 minutes away from Manchester Airport and 20 minutes away from the city of York. Boarding has its very own flavour in Queen Margaret’s School. Not only is it one of the few girls’ boarding schools that still has a high ratio of boarders, every Friday Queen Margaret’s School also provides stayover opportunities for day schools! In public exams, Queen Margaret’s School has in the past five years (2014-2018) achieved 69-85% A*-B rates in GCE A-levels and in 2018 a 68% A*-B rate. Many go on to higher education in the North, making Durham, Edinburgh and Manchester the most popular choices of universities, while some were admitted by University of Cambridge and University of Oxford.

With its advantageous location in the coastal town of Bangor in North Wales and proximity to the Snowdonia National Park, students in Bangor University enjoy one of the lowest cost of living in the UK in a picturesque environment. Ranked the 63^rd in the UK, Bangor University is strong in Radiography, Sport Science, Social Policy and Psychology. Benefiting from its coastal location and proximity to Snowdonia, Bangor University is home to one of Europe’s most established department of Oceanography and is able to offer a wide range of options in the areas of Zoology, Oceanography as well as conservation! Notable alumni include Oscar-winning movie director Danny Boyle (works include Slumdog Millionaire) and Sir Robert Edwards, winner of Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine .

Areas of strength (Subject Ranking)

Radiography (1), Celtic Studies (2), Social Policy (4), Agriculture & Forestry (8), Creative Writing (8), Nursing (8), Art & Design (12), Linguistics (14), French (15), Italian (16), Sports Science (17), Music (20), Geology (21), Sociology (22), Archaeology & Forensic Science (23), Education (27), Iberian Languages (28), Philosophy (29), Electrical & Electronic Engineering (30), Psychology (30), Chemistry (33), German (33), Economics (37), Anatomy & Physiology (38), Computer Science (39), Law (40)

Located in the North Wales, St David’s College is a small school that specialises in providing for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). As a member school of National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE), 55% of its students have SEN and 20% are More Able and Talented (MAT). In order to deliver interactive and appropriate lessons to pupils over a broad ability range, all teachers have to complete a comprehensive course in conjunction with Bangor University. In the 2012 Estyn Inspection Report, it was mentioned there is a strong sense of enjoyment in learning at St David’s College, that is unusual in pupils struggling with learning difficulties. The teaching efforts on SEN students were highly lauded by the inspectors!

Located in the famous historic city of Bath, Kingswood School has been highly rated by Ofsted Inspection Report. Among many things, teaching, sports facilities and boarding facilities are exceptionally outstanding. About 2/3 teaching staff live inside the campus. Relationship between teachers and students is close. Achievement in public exams is exceptional with 76% of students gaining A*-B in GCE A-levels 2018. Kingswood School only offers a limited number of places to Hong Kong and Chinese students. Early application is highly recommended.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit a school report to Kingswood School for preliminary assessment. Eligible students will be informed for further assessments and are required to submit their applications on or before the specified deadlines in accordance to their year groups.

• Year 7: Applications close on 25/10 (Friday)
• Year 9: Applications close on 10/1/2019 (Friday)
• Year 12: Applications close on 18/10 (Friday)

From our experience, since Kingswood School only offers a limited number of places to Hong Kong and Chinese students, school places can be fully filled very early. Parents are therefore recommended to submit school reports to Kingswood School for preliminary assessment early to avoid disappointment.

What’s so good about studying in the UK? In addition to small class-size, excellent provision of facilities and more flexible teaching methods, what makes the As in UK student’s report cards? What options do students from the new 334 education system have, to continue their studies in the UK? What makes up the best preparation for progression to the finest universities? How does British boarding school experience benefit students when they apply to universities in Hong Kong? In the seminar, our education consultants will answer all these questions by sharing their own experience in the UK. The seminar is suitable for parents of primary and secondary school students and students themselves, who are interested in studying in the UK.

Content Highlights

• The Education Systems: In what circumstances can Hong Kong students progress to the next year group in the UK? In which year groups does it offer more school options?
• The Boarding School Life: What time is lights out time? What weekend activities are available for boarders? What are these unique school holidays in boarding schools?
• The Public Exams: How do GCSE and A-levels subject choices affect your options in university? What subject combination may bring extra advantages to Hong Kong students?
• GCSE & A-levels Reform: What were being reformed and when? Are the two exams more difficult now than before?
• A brief analysis of Non-Jupas admission data
• The Application Procedures: What should you consider when selecting a boarding school? What criteria are used when boarding schools select students?
• Is it necessary to sit boarding school entrance exams (such as BUSSATs & UKiSet) in advance?
  

Students attending the seminar can take home a free copy of The Metropolis UK Boarding School Guide by giving a Facebook Like to our Facebook page.

The College of Richard Collyer is ranked the 21^th by GCE A-levels results, among state sixth form colleges in the UK. Its history can be traced back to 1540. The College now mainly offers GCE A-levels programmes with options of more than 40 subjects. In 2018, 60% of students were able to achieve A*-B in GCE A-levels. Teaching quality and learning support are also highly rated by the Ofsted, the government inspection body, granting it the highest “Outstanding” rating in these areas. In the past few years, the College has visited Hong Kong every year, during which they also meet with parents of existing students, helping parents keep track of the latest progress of their sons and daughters.

Royal High School Bath is a girls’ boarding school located in the historic city of Bath, known for its consistently outstanding results. The School provides both GCE A-levels and the International Baccalerette (IB) in sixth form. In the past five years (2015-2019), A*-B rates in GCE A-levels were between 71% to 82%, while the IB average scores ranged between 36 to 39. In the past, many graduates of Royal High School Bath have continued their education in University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, as well as other research-intensive universities under the Russell Group including Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, UCL and more! There was also a case in which a graduate progressed to Chinese University of Hong Kong, reading Pharmacy.

Abingdon School is a top UK boys’ boarding school in Oxfordshire where students are not only good in academic, but also in sports and the arts. With its strict admission criteria, the school usually only considers applications of Hong Kong elite school students.

Like many top independent schools, Abingdon School has refused to be included in school league tables, to avoid parents paying too much attention on public exam results and overlooking other important aspects of education. The school continues to perform exceptionally well in GCE A-levels that in the past ten years (2009-2018) A*-B rates were over 83%. In 2016, Abingdon School saw twelve of its graduates continue their education in Oxbridge, while the majority went to top universities such as Durham, Exeter, Bristol, Imperial College, UCL, etc.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Abingdon School recommends students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake to submit their applications before the deadlines listed below, in accordance to their year groups. Eligible applicants will be invited to sit an entrance exam and an admission interview.

• Year 12: Applications close on 8/11 (Friday)
• Year 9-10: Applications close on 31/10 (Thursday)

Caterham School is well known for its well mannered and disciplined students as well as its outstanding academic results. For years it has been one of the top options of students coming from top schools in Hong Kong. In 2018, Caterham School is ranked the 70^th for performance in GCE A-levels examinations. With its advantageous, suburban location in South London, it is only 40 minutes away from Heathrow Airport. A*-B rates in GCE A-levels have been over 85% for 10 consecutive years since 2009, with four years at 90% or above. The majority of teachers live within the school campus and in neighbouring communities, making it possible to provide immediate assistance to any case of emergency.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit their applications before the closing dates in accordance to their year groups. Eligible applicants will be invited to an admission interview after passing the entrance exams.

• Year 9 & Year 10: Applications close on 11/10 (Friday)
• Year 12: Applications close on 1/11 (Friday)

Undergraduate Year One in Top 30 UK universities normally require 544 to 555 in HKDSE, with subject-specific requirement depending on your choices of programmes. If students fall short of such requirement, they can progress through International Year One or University Foundation Courses. These programmes accept entry at 433 to 322 in HKDSE and enable qualified students to progress onto Year 2 and Year 1 of an undergraduate programme in Top 30 UK universities respectively. Students aiming for top universities and highly-competitive subjects such as medicine and actuarial sciences, however, will benefit from the 1-Year A-levels which also allows them to apply to universities in Hong Kong through the Non-Jupas route.

In the seminar, our education consultants will introduce these four options for HKDSE students. Content includes university options, subject options, entry requirements, plus the procedures and important dates of UCAS.

Click to see our university network: Students can apply to over 125 universities and specialist institutions in our university network.

Content Highlights

• How does UCAS work? What are the important dates?
• How to make best use of the five application quotas in your UCAS application?
• Is it possible to have the sixth and the seventh quota?
• Tips on writing a winning personal statement.
• Options of university and academic disciplines in pathway programmes.
• University Foundation Courses that accept applications from F.5 students.
• The option of One-Year A-levels and a brief analysis of Non-Jupas admission data.

University Pathway Programmes (Foundation & International Year One) are one-year programmes that allow students to progress onto year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate programme in the UK. Many of these programmes are taught in dedicated teaching centres within university campuses and provide “guaranteed progression” to an undergraduate degree upon achieving the required grades in internal exams and coursework assessment.

Swansea University (30)

With hugely improved student satisfaction and graduate prospect, Swansea University in 2019 broke into the Top 30 for the first time in UK university ranking. Traditionally the School of Engineering is the most celebrated school in Swansea University. In the latest research assessment exercise (REF 2014), 94% of researches in engineering were rated as “World Leading” and “Internationally Excellent” – a result comparable to that of traditional engineering schools such as UCL and Bristol. In subject rankings, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering are all ranked within top 15 in the UK – reflecting outstanding performance in both teaching and scientific researches.

University of Leicester (38)

Ranked the 167^th globally (THE 2019) and the 38^th in the UK, the University of Leicester provides the flexibility with Major/Minor degree options, which enables students to concentrate on a subject area as the major subject, while broadening knowledge with a Minor subject. University of Leicester has put great efforts into science and technology over time. It’s home to the largest space research centre among all European universities. The Department of Physics and Astronomy has participated in the PanCam research project under European Space Agency (ESA)’s ExoMars programme. DNA Fingerprinting technology was also discovered by one of the professors in University of Leicester!

University of Portsmouth (51)

As its name suggests, University of Portsmouth is located in the port city of Portsmouth in the South of England. It’s one of the polytechnics that were granted university status because of the 1992 Education Act. As one of the best performing Post-1992 universities, University of Portsmouth is now ranked the 51^st in the UK. The University has good reputation in medical-related subjects, educating over 600 medical professionals every year (including pharmacist, medical technologists and radiographers). The £14-million brand new home of the Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries provides state-of-the-art technology and teaching space for students interested in art, design and new media, which include new Motion Capture facilities as well as Virtual Reality devices such as the Oculus Rift.

University of Herfordshire (90)

Based in Hatfield, the historic centre of British aviation manufacturing, the Faculty of Engineering provides a wide range of options in the area which include aerospace engineering, aerospace technology, etc. Some of these incorporate Pilot studies programmes that offer as many as 400 hours of flying practices, enabling students to qualify for the National Private Pilot’s License when they graduate. Alumni of University of Hertfordshire are widely employed by leading manufacturers in the field such as BAE Systems (one of the world’s largest defense and aerospace manufacturer), Rolls-Royce (the world’s second largest airplance engine manufacturer) and include Frank Ogilvie the deputy chief designer of the Airbus A380.

In Creative Arts, University of Hertfordshire was named the 12^th best in the world for VFX, Animation and Games by the Rookies (an international award for new creative talents). In the two years that follow (2016 & 2017), the Rookies awards also rated the University within Top 5 in a number of specialisms in new media arts including Game Design & Development, Photography, Film Making, VFX & Animation, and, in 2016, number 1 in the world for Next-Gen Gaming!

Students of the School of Creative Arts are offered a wide range of options that include Animation, Digital Media Arts, Special Effects, Music Technology, as well as other more common options such as Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Photography and more!

Robert Gordon University (96)

Located in Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University follows the Scottish education system, providing 4-year undergraduate programmes. The University is one of the polytechnics that were granted university status after the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 and is ranked within top 30 in a wide range of disciplines, which include Building & Surveying, Architecture, as well as medical-related subjects such as Radiography and Physiotherapy. The majority of undergraduate programmes in Robert Gordon University offer a placement. In some cases, these may be year-long paid placement.

The third oldest school of architecture in the UK, the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment is ranked the 28^th for architecture in the UK. Its excellent record of graduate employment shows that 95% of students were in employment within six months after graduation. Students will have the opportunities to go onto overseas field trips, which have in the past covered destinations such as Amsterdam, Venice, Paris, Barcelona and more!

University of Northampton (99)

University of Northampton is a university in the Midlands, which was granted full university status in 2005 but with a history that can be traced back to the 13^th century. The University is well recognized for its efforts in supporting social enterprises and was one of Ashoka’s global network of “Changemaker Campus”. The number of social enterprises that the University works with is so large that it allows every of its 14,000 students an opportunity to work in a social enterprise during their courses. In terms of other academic areas, University of Northampton is strong in teacher training and health subjects, and is the region’s largest providers of teachers and healthcare professionals.

University of Northampton is home to the one and only Leather Technology programme in the UK, which teaches the technology behind the manufacturing and materials of high-end leather products. If you’re interested in a career working with high-end manufacturers and designers of luxurious shoes, handbags, clothes, furniture and sport scars, it’s likely to be the right course for you! In the past five years, the course has achieved a 100% graduate employment rate, reflecting the recognition by the industry.

University of Northampton also offers foundation programmes that can lead to a degree in Podiatry, which suits students who are interested in medical related disciplines!

Anglia Ruskin University (122)

Accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC), the BOptom (Hons) Optometry in Anglia Ruskin University is recognized by the Optometrists Board of Hong Kong. Students therefore will be eligible in registering as an Optometrist in Hong Kong, after successful completion of the professional examination set by the College of Optometrists (UK) and a year of work placement.

During their studies, students will learn to perform eye examinations, acquire knowledge of ocular diseases and pathology. In Year 3, students will spend up to 6 hours per week gaining hands-on experience in the open-to-public University Eye Clinic, performing eye examinations and dispensing patients with appropriate spectacles when required.

Pathway programmes provided by ONCAMPUS can lead to undergraduate degrees in colleges of University of London as well as modern universities such as Coventry! University Pathway Programmes (Foundation & International Year One) are one-year programmes that allow students to progress onto year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate programme in the UK. Many of these programmes are taught in dedicated teaching centres within university campuses and provide “guaranteed progression” to an undergraduate degree upon achieving the required grades in internal exams and coursework assessment.

These programmes are suitable for HKDSE graduates, while some of them also accept applications from F.5 students.

In the academic year of 2013/14, ONCAMPUS London first introduced the University of London International Foundation Programme in their designated study centre in Birkbeck, University of London. The Programme provides a more challenging curriculum that comes with more diverse progression routes for students aspiring to top universities. With specially written study materials by University of London, students will study four academic subjects (normally students study three subjects in a foundation programme) alongside English language and personal development programmes – a total of 28 teaching hours per week. Upon completion, students will be eligible to apply to a range of UK universities, including top universities such as London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), Bristol, Durham, Manchester, Nottingham and more!

University of Reading (40)

University of Reading is ranked the 195^th globally (QS 2019) and the 40^th in the UK. Its business school (Hanley Business School) comes 32^nd in the European Business School Ranking (FT 2018). The University offers collaborative Accounting degrees with PwC – one of the Big 4 accounting firms in the world. Entry requirement is high, but students from the programmes will enjoy guaranteed work placements with PwC, and if they achieve a 2:1 and impress on their work placements they will be likely to be offered a permanent job with PwC – which is a very valuable option for students who aspire to become an accountant, especially those who want to pursue a career in the UK after graduation! In addition to applying directly for year one, students can now progress onto the degree via a university foundation.

Building & Surveying, Film Studies, Design and Meteorology are also among the university’s most reputable disciplines. Not only is University of Reading the first UK university to offer Typography and Film Studies, its master’s programmes in Typography are considered one of the best in the world. Many contemporary font designs of our age are created by graduates from University of Reading – these include Calibri (created by Luc(as) de Groot), Comic Sans (created by Vincent Connare) and many more!

Coventry University (46)

Coventry University has been named “Modern University of the Year” by Times in three consecutive years (2014-2016). With high student satisfaction rating and employment rate, Coventry University has become one of the most remarkable post-1992 universities, with significant improvements in major university league tables. Communication & Media, Art & Design and Physiotherapy are the most popular areas of study. With over 160 years of history, the Coventry School of Art & Design offers specialist programmes in diverse areas such as Automotive and Transport Design, Interior Design, Product Design.

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) (105)

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is one of the largest universities in the UK that provides a wide range of subject options. In 2014/15, the University started its medicine programme (MBBS), after the success in establishing its dentistry programme. The MBBS programme is tailored for international students and provides placement opportunities in the NHS as well as private clinics. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is known for its outstanding support to its students and a top player in nurturing graduate start-ups. With the good support from the University, over 70% of these graduate start-ups were able to survive the first two difficult years of operation.

Progression Universities & Degrees: Medicine, Physiotherapy and other Medical-Related Subjects ^Abstract

The Medicine Foundation in UCLan can lead to undergraduate degrees in Medicine, Physiotherapy and a range of medical-related subjects. Starting from the 2019/20 cohort, students can also apply to Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and other medical-related subjects in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and St George’s University in addition to progression options in University of Central Lancashire (UCLan),

• University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Dental Hygiene & Dental Therapy
  • Medicine (MBBS)
  • Nursing (Adult)
  • Nursing (Child)
  • Nursing (Mental Health)
  • Pharmacy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Sports Therapy
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
  • Medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Physiotherapy
• St George’s University, Grenada
  • Medicine
  • Veterinary Medicine

Successful Cases to MBBS & Physiotherapy
Comes with a “Guaranteed Interview” Mechanism: 90% of Students who achieved an Interview Progressed to MBBS at UCLan

University Pathway Programmes (Foundation & International Diploma) are one-year programmes that allow students to progress onto year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate programme in the UK. Many of these programmes are taught in dedicated teaching centres within university campuses and provide “guaranteed progression” to an undergraduate degree upon achieving the required grades in internal exams and coursework assessment.

University of Exeter (12)

Ranked the 141^st globally (THE 2019) and the 12^th in the UK, University of Exeter is top 10 in as many as 29 academic disciplines and reputable for Sports Science, Communications & Media, Sociology, Psychology, Geography and Business studies. The University’s Business School has been a popular option of Hong Kong students for Accounting & Finance (ranked the 7^th), Business Studies (8^th) and Economics (13^th) . Notable alumni include JK Rowling (author of Harry Potter), Thom Yorke (lead singer of Radiohead) and more!

University of East Anglia (15)

Globally ranked the 190^th (THE 2019) in the UK, University of East Anglia (UEA) is a world-renowned university in scientific researches and for many years has been the 1^st choice of students pursuing a degree in Medicine and Pharmacy. The University is also famous for its achievements in Art History, Communication & Media Studies, Geography & Environmental Sciences, as well as medical-related subjects such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. Among many others, 82% of researches in Social Work, Social Policy and International Relations were rated “World Leading” and “Internationally Excellent”, which was top 5 in the UK (REF 2014). In Environmental Sciences, UEA has contributed more than any other universities in the world to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and are among the leaders in the investigation of climate change. UEA is also ranked the 11^th in International Development.

University of Manchester (19)

The University of Manchester is the 6^th best performing UK university in the QS World University Ranking, which ranked it as the 29^th best in the world (QS 2019). There are as many as 25 Nobel laureates among its alumni and professors. A recent survey also shows that University of Manchester graduates are most targeted by employers in the UK. Students aiming to study at this prestigious university, but fall slightly short of its entry requirement for direct entry into a degree, now have the option of a designated University Foundation programme. The Foundation has considerably higher entry and progression requirements, but can lead to a wide range of academic disciplines including Psychology, Biological Science, Pharmacy, Engineering, as well as many Humanities and Social Sciences degrees.

Newcastle University (21)

Ranked the 141^st globally (QS 2019), Newcastle University is among top 20 in 27 academic disciplines. It is one of the few universities that provide both University Foundation and International Year One in Architecture (ranked the 6^th in the UK), making it a popular choice among aspiring architects. First established as a School of Medicine, the University had been part of Durham University before it became an university of its own. It has been named the “University of the Year” by the Times, for its highly recognized effort in delivering the best education.

Queen’s University Belfast (38)

A member university of the Russell Group, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) is the top university in the Northern Ireland, which is currently ranked the 180^th globally and the 38^th in the UK. Academic researches by the University were highly rated in the research assessment exercise (REF 2014). In terms of academic disciplines, it’s best known for Pharmacy, Accounting & Finance, Architecture, as well as its strong School of Engineering!

University of Stirling (44)

Named the Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence in 2008, the University of Stirling excels in Sports Science, Education, and Communication & Media. Its sports facilities are often used by the UK and Scotland national teams for training (swimming, tennis, gold and football). Under the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), degrees in University of Stirling allow more flexibility in electives and changing courses. Students can ‘mix & match’ modules from different disciplines to engineer a degree that fulfills their interest and ambitions. Two third of students are from Scotland while the rest come from England and around the world.

City, University of London (68)

Located in the heart of London with easy access to destinations such as the British Museum and London financial district, City, University of London is a powerhouse for Business Studies as well as Communication & Media. The University is ranked the 38^th in Communication & Media globally (QS 2016). The well-renowned Cass Business School is ranked 16^th in Europe (FT 2018) and many see it as a stepping stone to get into investment banks and large-scale financial institutions. Students benefit from the School’s extensive network of alumni that includes the CEO of Coca Cola Company. Students can connect with these alumni via a private online platform with as many as 2000 active users of alumni.

Manchester Metropolitan University (69)

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) is home to the second oldest art school in the UK, which has educated generations of artists and designers, including Thomas Heatherwick the designer of the UK pavilion at the Shanghai Expo 2010 and L. S. Lowry the legendary British painter. The Manchester School of Architecture (jointly administered by MMU and University of Manchester) is a world-famous architecture school with star alumni such as prolific architect Norman Foster. Other Art & Design options include Fashion Design (menswear, womenswear and sportswear), Creative Multimedia, Photography, Graphics and 3D design. 75% of teaching modules in the art foundation are art-related, giving students tons of opportunities to perfect their crafts and skills.

University of Gloucestershire (81)

University of Gloucestershire is a university that focuses on Business, Art & Design, Computer Sciences and Humanities. Its Landscape Architecture programmes are leading in the field, which are ranked the 3^rd among programmes accredited by the Landscape Institute (UK) and is the most historical one! Other than that, University of Gloucestershire also provides a wide range of art & design programmes related to popular culture and media, including Pop Music (production and promotion), TV & Film production, Photography (commercial, documentary, journalistic) and Multimedia design. University of Gloucestershire has relatively lower entry requirements and accepts associate and higher diploma graduates to second and final year of their degree courses.

Glasgow Caledonian University (101)

Glasgow Caledonian University provides 4-year degree programmes. The University is good for Physiotherapy, Radiography, Hospitality & Tourism, Medical-Related subjects, as well as Building & Surveying. It is the largest provider of health-related graduates to NHS Scotland and is also the only one that offers Optometry degrees in Scotland, training 90% of eye care specialists in Scotland.

University Pathway Programmes (Foundation & International Diploma) are one-year programmes that allow students to progress onto year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate programme in the UK. Many of these programmes are taught in dedicated teaching centres within university campuses and provide “guaranteed progression” to an undergraduate degree upon achieving the required grades in internal exams and coursework assessment.

Lancaster University (6)

Lancaster University is now the 131^st in World University Ranking (QS 2019) and has been a popular option among Hong Kong students in the past few years. Lancaster is ranked Top 10 in Communication & Media, Social Work, Accounting & Finance, Business Studies, Biological Science, Sociology and more. As is located in the North West of England, Lancaster University provides a very different experience from other city-based universities. Students would find the University a good destination of living and study with Lancaster’s award-wining accommodation, which has been named the Best University Halls for 5 consecutive years.

Durham University (7)

A member of the Russel Group, Durham University is now ranked the 74^th globally (QS 2019) and the 7^th in the UK. In REF 2014, 83% of its research was assessed as being of “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”. The University teaches a wide range of academic disciplines, in which 16 disciplines are within Top 5 in the UK. Like many traditional universities, Durham University is strongest in Law, the humanities (such as Anthropology, Education, etc) and sciences (such as Physics and Chemistry) while Business Studies and Accounting & Finance are ranked the 15^th. Durham University is also one of the ten most targeted UK universities by leading recruiters in 2017/18. Notable alumni included Steve Easterbrook (CEO of McDonald’s), Cecil Chao (Hong Kong Billionaire) and Richard Adams (Founder of fairtrade organization Thraidcraft).

University of Leeds (11)

University of Leeds is a Russell Group university ranked the 93^rd globally (QS 2019). First made into top 10 in the UK in 2018, the University is known for its outstanding academic researches, teaching quality and employability. Graduate surveys consistently put the University as one of the ten most sought-after universities by Britain’s top employers. Among many of its areas of strength, Accounting & Finance, Business Studies, Economics, Engineering, Sociology and Communication & Media are particularly outstanding. Star sociologist Zygmunt Bauman taught in the Department of Sociology before his retirement in 1990. It’s also where Leslie Cheung studied before he returned to Hong Kong for his career in the entertainment industry!

University of Surrey (23)

Ranked the 248^th globally (QS 2019), University of Surrey is a leading educator in Hospitality & Tourism and Animal Science with a new veterinary school opened in the 2014/15 academic year. Most of its undergraduate programmes involve a year-long placement. With improving student satisfaction level, University of Surrey was named the 2016 University of the Year by the Times in praise of the good balance between research and teaching quality!

University of Sheffield (25)

Ranked the 75^th globally (QS 2019), the University of Sheffield excels in a wide range of academic disciplines. Architecture, Communication & Media, Town Planning & Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences are among Top 10 in the UK. Sheffield’s reputable engineering school now educates more than 4000 students and is a leading institution in systems engineering and smart materials globally. Notable alumni include five Nobel laureates, as well as Chung Sze-Yuen (Senior Unofficial Member of Legislative Council of Hong Kong) and Douglas Young (founder of lifestyle design and retail brand G.O.D.).

University of Sussex (41)

Ranked the 161^st globally (THE 2019), University of Sussex excels in social sciences and the humanities. It’s ranked number one in the world for International Development (QS 2017-19). Anthropology, Philosophy, Accounting & Finance and Psychology are all within Top 20 in the UK. University of Sussex is special in terms of its diverse offerings of interdisciplinary programmes (such as Law & Politics, Psychology & Sociology), which is suitable for students with diverse interest. University of Sussex is home to one of Europe’s largest International Relation department. Its International Relation department and Communication & Media department are one of the few that offer both University Foundation and International Year One, allowing international students to start with a relatively lower entry requirement. Notable alumni include former president of South Africa and a number of Noble Prize winners.

University of Strathclyde (44)

University of Strathclyde is ranked the 268^th globally (QS 2019) and offers one of the best Accounting and Finance programme in the UK. Its business school comes 39^th in the European Business School Ranking (FT 2018), and is one of the few business schools that is triple accredited by AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

University of Strathclyde follows the Scottish education system, in which undergraduate qualifications are obtained in 4 years. The Business School and the Law School do offer 3-year intensive options! Students from the 3-Year LLB English Law will have study exchange opportunities, through which they can study one semester at City University of Hong Kong, in order to enjoy two extra subject exemptions in the PCLL Conversion Exams.

In addition to Business, University of Strathclyde is also a good choice for Architecture, Hospitality & Tourism as well as Engineering. Strathclyde’s School of Architecture is named one of Europe’s Top 50 architecture schools for 3 consecutive years by Domus, an Italian architecture and design magazine. The School of Enginnering, on the other hand, educates 4000 students coming from all around the world with as many as 40 choices of programmes, which include niche areas such as Aerospace and Naval Engineering.

University Pathway Programmes (Foundation & International Diploma) are one-year programmes that allow students to progress onto year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate programme in the UK. Many of these programmes are taught in dedicated teaching centres within university campuses and provide “guaranteed progression” to an undergraduate degree upon achieving the required grades in internal exams and coursework assessment.

University of Birmingham (14)

University of Birmingham is a historical and research-intensive university, which is now ranked the 79^th globally (QS 2019) and the 14^th in the UK. Birmingham enjoys very good reputation in the academia globally and is a founding member of the Russell Group, which symbolizes the highest standard of research and teaching in the UK. The University of Birmingham is ranked within Top 10 in the UK for 25 academic disciplines, in which many are within top 5 (including Hospitality & Tourism, Sports Science, Town Planning, Music, Philosophy, Chemical Engineering and more). Its alumni and staff include 11 Nobel laureates, as well as Geoffrey Ma, the Hong Kong Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal.

University of Nottingham (16)

University of Nottingham is ranked the 82^nd globally (QS 2019) and a member of the Russel Group. It has been cited twice in the last three years as “The Best University for Finding Graduate Recruits” by UK’s top employers. 51 academic disciplines are offered. 23 of them are ranked among top 10 in the UK, while Pharmacy, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Chemical Engineering, Physics & Astronomy and Animal Science are all ranked among top 5. The university also offers a 5-year MPharm programme, so that students do not have to worry about visa issues during their Pre-Registration Training for Pharmacists.

University of Glasgow (17)

Ranked the 69^th globally (QS 2019), University of Glasgow is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world with over 560 years of history. As a member of the Russell Group, the university offers a wide range of academic disciplines and research, in which as many as 27 are ranked with Top 10 in the UK. Civil Engineering, Education, Law, Sociology, Accounting & Finance, Electrical & Electronic Engineering are some of its strongest areas. Notable alumni include economist Adam Smith, two former British Prime Ministers, a number of Nobel laureates and Regina Ip (former Secretary for Security of Hong Kong).

University of York (22)

University of York enjoys worldwide recognition and is now ranked the 134^th globally (QS 2019) and the 22^nd in the UK. With strong focus on the humanities and sciences, York is a research-intensive university and a member of the Russell Group, which symbolises the highest research and academic standard in the UK. Overall research quality was ranked within top 15 in the UK by the latest research assessment exercise (REF 2014). Its Communication & Media, English, Psychology, Criminology, Biological Sciences and Chemistry are ranked among UK’s top 10.

In slightly over 50 years’ time since its establishment, alumni of University of York has became active players in British politics and include many notable people in areas such as literature, history, music, etc. Notable alumni from Asia include Yeung Sum (former LegCo member of Hong Kong) as well as Han Seung Soo (former Prime Minister of South Korea).

University of Essex (29)

As one of the best in Social Sciences, University of Essex is ranked the 29^th in the UK. Researches in Economics, Psychology, Politics and Philosophy are all highly rated by REF (2014). Respectively 93%, 90%, 87% and 85% of researches in these disciplines were rated World Leading and Internationally Excellent – a very impressive achievement for a university with only 50 years of history. A number of professors in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Hong Kong are graduates of University of Essex. Other notable alumni include LegCo members LEUNG Yiu-chung and British film director Mike Leigh.

University of the West of England, Bristol (58)

Set in the creative city of Bristol, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) was formerly a polytechnic and was granted full university status in 1992. Employability remains at the heart of UWE Bristol’s education. The already tight relationships with employers continue to foster, which now include formal links with the BBC, Airbus, etc. Career support services of UWE Bristol were voted the best in the UK in 2014 while graduate employability comes as the 8^th in the UK with over 95% of graduates in employment within six months after graduation. UWE Bristol provides academic programmes in as many as 36 disciplines, among which Building & Surveying, Architecture, Town Planning and Art & Design are the strongest. UWE’s Bristol School of Animation enjoys a worldwide reputation. Chris Ford, creative director of PIXAR, is also one of UWE Bristol’s graduates!

Bournemouth University (78)

Set in the coastal resort town of Bournemouth, on the south coast of England, Bournemouth University is one of the polytechnics that were granted university status in 1992. The University is most famous for Computer Animation and Tourism & Hospitality Management.

Bournemouth University is a successful advocate of work placement, who is able to offer placement opportunities all honour degree students, and nearly 90% of its students have taken up the offer of placement in the past – one of the highest participation rate among UK universities. These have resulted in much improved employability. The retail management degree, for example, has achieved an impressive 100% employment rate for eight consecutive years!

National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), the animation school of Bournemouth University, is named the 13^th best animation school in the world by Animation Career Review. Aimed at training tomorrow’s technical directors in the animation field, the BA (Hons) Computer Animation Technical Arts involves a 50/50 mix of creative and technical training. Graduates of Bournemouth University have worked in films such as The Martian, Avator, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and more. More than 50 alumni have participated in the production of Oscar’s Best Visual Effect winner, Gravity.

University of Westminster (114)

University of Westminster is located in the heart of London and is formerly the Royal Polytechnic Institution, which was founded in 1838 and was Britain’s first polytechnic institution. The University was officially granted university status in 1992. Today it remains the choice of many in London for continuing education.

Journalism, Architecture and Art & Design are among its strongest subjects. It was ranked by the QS University Guide 2018 as the 6^th in the UK and the 40^th globally for Communication & Media Studies. The School of Architecture was also voted the 2^nd best by practising architects in Architects’ Journal. With its long history of teaching, alumni of University of Westminster is spread across different sectors, especially the architecture, art & design as well as the media – many of them are people awarded the Order of the British Empire for their contribution to their professions.

University of Brighton (123)

The seaside resort Brighton in the South of England is now more than a famous tourist destination, but also an important cluster of the creative industries near London. The University of Brighton has long enjoyed a reputation in Art and Design and is well-known for its Fashion Design, Architecture and Graphic Design. It has been constantly regarded as one of the top 50 fashion schools in the world by popular fashion website “Fashionista”. In recent years, other disciplines such as Sports Science and Hospitality & Tourism are enjoying a growing reputation. University of Brighton also offers foundation programmes that can lead to a degree in Podiatry, which suits students who are interested in medical related disciplines!

A member of the Russel Group, Durham University is now ranked the 74^th globally (QS 2019) and the 7^th in the UK. In REF 2014, 83% of its research was assessed as being of “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”. The University teaches a wide range of academic disciplines, in which 16 disciplines are within Top 5 in the UK. Like many traditional universities, Durham University is strongest in Law, the humanities (such as Anthropology, Education, etc) and sciences (such as Physics and Chemistry) while Business Studies and Accounting & Finance are ranked the 15^th. Durham University is also one of the ten most targeted UK universities by leading recruiters in 2017/18. Notable alumni included Steve Easterbrook (CEO of McDonald’s), Cecil Chao (Hong Kong Billionaire) and Richard Adams (Founder of fairtrade organization Thraidcraft).

Subjects of Strength (Subject Ranking)

Geography & Environmental Sciences (1), Music (1), Classics & Ancient History (2), English (2), Theology & Religious Studies (2), Education (3), History (3), Middle Eastern & African Studies (3), Russian & East European Languages (3), Archaeology & Forensic Science (4), Chemistry (4), East & South Asian Studies (4), Iberian Languages (4), Italian (4), Physics & Astronomy (4), Mathematics (5), French (6), Geology (7), German (7), Law (7), Computer Science (8), Sports Science (8), General Engineering (9), Philosophy (10), Criminology (11), Anthropology (12), Biological Sciences (13), Economics (14), Sociology (14), Accounting & Finance (15), Business Studies (15), Psychology (15), Politics (17)

Abingdon School is a top UK boys’ boarding school in Oxfordshire where students are not only good in academic, but also in sports and the arts. With its strict admission criteria, the school usually only considers applications of Hong Kong elite school students.

Like many top independent schools, Abingdon School has refused to be included in school league tables, to avoid parents paying too much attention on public exam results and overlooking other important aspects of education. The school continues to perform exceptionally well in GCE A-levels that in the past ten years (2009-2018) A*-B rates were over 83%. In 2016, Abingdon School saw twelve of its graduates continue their education in Oxbridge, while the majority went to top universities such as Durham, Exeter, Bristol, Imperial College, UCL, etc.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Abingdon School recommends students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake to submit their applications before the deadlines listed below, in accordance to their year groups. Eligible applicants will be invited to sit an entrance exam and an admission interview.

• Year 12: Applications close on 8/11 (Friday)
• Year 9-10: Applications close on 31/10 (Thursday)

St Joseph’s College is an all-through boarding school in the town of Ipswich, with very good reputation for football, rugby and arts education. The International Football Academy in St Joseph’s College is led by Darren Eadie, former Norwich City player. Students from Year 7 to sixth form can join professional training and gain access to about five hours of extra training every week. In partnership with Ipswich Town FC, students from St Joseph’s College will have the opportunities to train alongside talented young players from Ipswich Town FC. In Rugby, the National Schools Rugby Festival – what was created to celebrate the College’s 50th anniversary – is now an annual highlight, which sees school teams from all over the UK compete on St Joseph’s College’s pitches. The quality of arts education in St Joseph’s College is certified by the “Gold” Artsmark award by Arts Council England. In Sixth Form, students will have the options of a wide range of A-levels subjects in the area of art & design, including Drama & Theatre, Fine Art, Music, Photography, Product Design, as well as the option of a BTEC in Creative Media. Notable alumni include the shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and the legendary British musician Brian Eno.

Dulwich College is a top boys’ boarding school in London. With its excellent academic standard, many graduates have progressed onto medicine, engineering, law and other professional disciplines. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) gave the College a perfect score in every single category and awarded the College a rare ‘Exceptional’ accolade for Achievements and Learning. More than 90% of A-levels students have scored A*-B since 2007, which marks the school standing within top 50-100 UK independent schools.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit their applications before the deadline (15/11, Friday). Eligible applicants will be invited to an admission interview after passing the entrance exams.

The seaside resort Brighton in the South of England is now more than a famous tourist destination, but also an important cluster of the creative industries near London. The University of Brighton has long enjoyed a reputation in Art and Design and is well-known for its Fashion Design, Architecture and Graphic Design. It has been constantly regarded as one of the top 50 fashion schools in the world by popular fashion website “Fashionista”. In recent years, other disciplines such as Sports Science and Hospitality & Tourism are enjoying a growing reputation. University of Brighton also offers foundation programmes that can lead to a degree in Podiatry, which suits students who are interested in medical related disciplines!

Subjects of Strength (Subject Ranking)

Anatomy & Physiology (17), Education (17), History of Art, Architecture & Design (29), Geology (30), Building & Surveying (31), Physiotherapy (31), Pharmacology & Pharmacy (33), Linguistics (34), Sports Science (37), Aeronautical & Manufacturing (39), Criminology (42), Social Policy (44), Social Work (44), Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism (45), Architecture (50), Philosophy (50), Chemistry (54), Civil Engineering (55), Medical Related (57), Electrical & Electronic Engineering (58), Art & Design (63), Mechanical Engineering (66), Music (67), Nursing (67), Geography & Environmental Sciences (70)

Whitgift School is a top all boys boarding school with a very advantageous location in London (Zone 5). With the options of GCE A-levels and International Baccalaureate (IB) in sixth form, Whitgift School enjoys a very good reputation in academic work and music and has in the past (2008-2011) been listed as one of the best 50 schools in the UK, out of 3000 schools. In recent years, however, Whitgift School has refused to be included in league tables published by newspapers in the UK – a move employed by many top independent schools to avoid parents paying too much attention on public exam results and overlooking other important aspects of education. That doesn’t mean that Whitgift School has lowered its standard on academic work though. In 2018, the A*-B rate in GCE A-levels remains an impressive 84%. In International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, the average score is 38, out of the 45 full marks – results that would have put the School in top positions in any league tables.

In Music, Whitgift School is famous for the orchestra, which collaborated with the The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London in 2011 and has performed in many other countries including Japan, Spain, German and more.

Since 2013, Whitgift School has expanded its boarding provision and can now provide more than 100 boarding places – which still does not satisfy the demand, making competition for places extremely fierce. Students are advised to apply two to three years in advance.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit their applications before the closing dates in accordance to their year groups. Eligible applicants will be invited to an admission interview after passing Whitgift School’s entrance exams.

• Year 12: Applications close on 18/10 (Friday)
• Year 9: Applications close on 22/11 (Friday)

Bedford School is one of the few large-scale all-through boarding schools in the UK. Its preparatory school and senior school now educate over a thousand students. The School is also one of the few schools that offer both GCE A-levels and IB in sixth form, with outstanding results. Every year the School sees a number of students making it to University of Oxford and Cambridge. Such reputation has made Bedford School the first choice of many from Hong Kong’s top schools. In the past five years (2014-2018), A*-B rates in GCE A-levels are from 70% to 82% and is ranked one of the top 100 to 200 independent schools in the UK. Average score of the IB class of 2018 is 34.9.

Bedford School is the only school that has its own observatory and planetarium – a unique option for students with an interest in physics and astronomy.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit their applications on or before the deadline (1/12, Sunday). Eligible applicants will be invited to an admission interview after passing the entrance exams.

Badminton School is one of the top 100 independent schools as well as a top 10 girls boarding school in the UK. The school is highly competitive and has been the first choice of many students from Hong Kong elite schools. Students are very disciplined in Badminton School and have achieved outstanding exam results, with 73% to 91% of A-levels students getting A*-B (2009-2018). More than 10% of graduates get into Oxbridge each year. Notable alumni include former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi, award-winning British writer Dame Iris Murdoch and so on.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit their applications before the closing dates in accordance to their year groups. Eligible applicants will be invited to an admission interview after passing Badminton School’s entrance exams or the UKISET exams.

• Year 12: Applications close on 7/10 (Monday)
• Year 9-10: Applications close on 14/10 (Monday)
• Year 7-8: Applications close on 9/12 (Monday)

St Peter’s School is a top boarding school in Yorkshire, with a long history that can be traced back to 627. In terms of public exam results, St Peter’s School is usually ranked among the Top 100-150 of independent schools in the UK. In the past ten years (2009-2018), A*-B rates are over 80% in eight years! Every year St Peter’s School has students gaining entry into Oxbridge. Entry standards are high and students are expected to have excellent fluency in English.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit their applications before the deadline (31/12, Tuesday). Eligible applicants will be invited to an admission interview after passing the entrance exams.

From our experience, places in the senior school can be fully filled very early. Parents are therefore recommended to submit school reports to St Peter’s School for preliminary assessment early to avoid disappointment.

Located in the famous historic city of Bath, Kingswood School has been highly rated by Ofsted Inspection Report. Among many things, teaching, sports facilities and boarding facilities are exceptionally outstanding. About 2/3 teaching staff live inside the campus. Relationship between teachers and students is close. Achievement in public exams is exceptional with 76% of students gaining A*-B in GCE A-levels 2018. Kingswood School only offers a limited number of places to Hong Kong and Chinese students. Early application is highly recommended.

Application & Exam Arrangement

Students who are interested in enrolling in the September 2020 intake must submit a school report to Kingswood School for preliminary assessment. Eligible students will be informed for further assessments and are required to submit their applications on or before the specified deadlines in accordance to their year groups.

• Year 7: Applications close on 25/10 (Friday)
• Year 9: Applications close on 10/1/2019 (Friday)
• Year 12: Applications close on 18/10 (Friday)

From our experience, since Kingswood School only offers a limited number of places to Hong Kong and Chinese students, school places can be fully filled very early. Parents are therefore recommended to submit school reports to Kingswood School for preliminary assessment early to avoid disappointment.