Rising of UAE school fees and weaknened pound boosts value of overseas UK education

Felsted Boarding School lead the way as UAE families turn to Britain to ensure their children can reach their full potential




Families across the UAE are turning to the UK school system, as the weakened Pound makes British education the best value for money in over a decade.


Providing the best gateway to leading universities, 58.3% of all boarders in the UK are from non-British families who live overseas, with more than 1,200 pupils of these from the Middle East.



Felsted School, a renowned boarding school based only one hour from London, caters for a significant number of families who send their children overseas to access its British educational values and expertise.




“Over 20% of our student body come from overseas, whether as British expats living overseas or pupils with English as an additional language,” said Sophy Aitken, Head of Marketing, Felsted School.



“Everyone here benefits from the experience, as international students add richness to both lessons and social activities. We find families based in the Middle East are internationally diverse by nature, with children often speaking two languages at home, plus the ability to speak several more.”



Former Felsted pupil, Sarah Brook, who has lived and worked in Dubai for many years and was recently voted ‘Middle East Humanitarian of the Year 2017’, fully supports the UK boarding school system.



Brook said: “Boarding helps you to become more independent which I believe is vital for a future successful life. I chose Felsted School due to the broad range of facilities in both the academic and extra curriculum. I have no regrets and it shaped me to be the person who I am today.”



Whilst the school embraces its British education and values, it has a modern international outlook, with opportunities not only to study the IB Diploma, but also to get involved in Model United Nations events. Pupils can also take advantage of the School’s Global Membership of the Round Square Organisation, offering exchange opportunities with schools all around the world.



The Kapoor family, based in Dubai, who chose to send both their children to Felsted School said: “We wanted to send them to a top rated British school that would provide a stable and happy environment.



Our children settled in very well from the start; and the support and dedication of all the staff involved from the House Parents and Matrons to the Teachers and Administrative staff could not have been more helpful. Their many friendships forged will no doubt stay with them for many years to come.”



Serena Kapoor, now 19, who left Felsted in 2016 commented: “I spent my sixth form years at Felsted, studying A levels in French, Spanish, Geography and Psychology. My time there was unforgettable, providing me with countless opportunities, including participation in Model United Nations Conferences.



 I never imagined friendships formed would be so strong. The supportive pastoral care and friendliness of the other students made me feel so welcome - it truly was like a second home.”



If this seems a step too much, many families choose the taster version of British education before committing to a full academic programme.



Felsted’s Summer School is perfect for this, offering children aged 9 to 17 a flavour of boarding school life for up to four weeks. This may include intense English tuition but also specialist academies such as Global Studies, Maths, Science, Sport and Performing Arts.



 Each day is packed full of activities, including cultural trips to nearby Cambridge and London. The excursions, lessons and sporting activities, run by young and qualified staff, are very well balanced, creating a very lively and fun environment.



Levent, who attended last summer said: “My experience at Felsted was extraordinary. The staff always put a smile on your face. I made new friends from different countries - Felsted is truly the place where learning and fun meet.”



- Sarah Brook, Total Communications Dubai