helping your child adapt to the UK schooling system

essential tips for overseas parents and how Bright World Guardianships can help

It can sometimes feel overwhelming to prepare to start a new school life in the UK, and adapting to a new culture, language, and academic system can feel like a huge task to overcome.

There are many ways in which UK boarding schools and guardians can help international students prepare for the British schooling system, but there are also plenty of things parents can do to help too - here are some tips that can help parents and students feel prepared.

pre-arrival preparation

a young man studying on his laptop

  • The British education system: Provide your child with information about the UK schooling system, and how it differs from the education system of your native country. You can read more about the British Education System here.
  • Familiarity with your school: Take the time to familiarise yourself and your child with the school's website, facilities, and extracurricular activities. Many schools also provide a virtual tours, virtual open days, and a map of the school campus on their website, which can help ease worries about moving to a new location.
  • Download the Bright World App - this holds a lot of useful information for our students and parents.
  • Bright World Guardianships has prepared a Pre-Departure Guide specifically for our students and parents with invaluable hints and tips. Once you are enrolled on our guardianship programme you will be sent a copy.

choose a UK guardian

Securing a UK Educational Guardian is a must for international students. A guardian acts as a reliable support system, ensuring students' well-being. They bridge the communication gap between parents and schools, offering invaluable assistance during emergencies and providing a familiar connection for the student.

Guardians can also provide host family accommodation during half-terms and exeat weekends and transport between the school and airport.

Find out about Bright World’s UK boarding school guardianship service

post-arrival preparation

parents waving to their child

  • Emotional health: Take the time to check in on your child's emotional wellbeing. Moving abroad can feel overwhelming, and students might find themselves feeling homesick or dealing with culture shock. To read more about these issues and how Bright World can help, click here.
  • Keep in touch: Schedule and maintain regular communication, via video, phone, email or letter.
  • Staying active: Encourage your child to participate in activities. This will help your child stay active, make new friends, and learn new skills.

To find out more on how parents can continue being involved in their child's academic life, read our blog.

language support

  • Practice: Encourage language development by practicing English together as a family.
  • Additional help: For extra study, consider enrolling your child in additional English classes ahead of time, or consider using other English learning tools.

Summer Language Schools can be a great opportunity for students to practice and perfect their English. Click here to learn more about our summer school courses.

academic readiness

children in class raising their hands

  • Academic expectations: Ensure your child understands the curriculum and academic expectations.
  • Research: Review the grading system and any specific subjects or topics that might be challenging. Schools often provide additional lessons or tutoring on a multitude of topics, so parents can be reassured that help is available.

connect with school resources

  • Get in touch: Reach out to your school's international student support services.
  • School resources: Familiarise yourself with the school's counselling and academic support resources.

help familiarise your child with the UK school policies

  • Policies: Share information with your child about the school's policies on attendance, homework, and communication.
  • Event calendar: Stay up to date with the school calendar, important dates, and upcoming events. Many schools can now arrange online meetings for events such as Parents Evenings, or arrange recordings of music and theatre recitals.

send an enquiry for guardianship

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enquire now

  • enquire about our guardianship programme

Apply online

  • Apply for guardianship

Bright World AEGIS report 2021

AEGIS Re-inspection Summary