UK International Schools: A Lesson in Learning

This article first appeared in the journal: British American Business 2003 in April 2003.

While parents around the world place great importance on the education of their children, few national groups view and value education more highly than do those of us who are Americans. From colonial times, through the mass migration years of the early 20th century, to the present day, education has always been of paramount concern to the citizens of the United States. It has come to be viewed both as a highly-prized right and a stepping stone to a better and more secure life. We have invested, and continue to invest, generously in our schools and universities, and, as a result, have developed an educational system that is second to none.

In today's highly mobile world, with executives and their families being posted to destinations across the globe, the need to maintain a standard of American educational excellence has become a priority, both for families and organisations. This is true even for "premier-posting destinations" such as the United Kingdom. Happily, however, in the UK, American families will find a wealth of exciting, interesting and quality-based educational opportunities, all of which are in the American educational sector in Britain.

Primary and Secondary Schools

An abundance of educational opportunities exists for families with school-age children (pre-school - high school), with eight leading American schools being situated in greater London. Although different, one to the other, each provides a well-rounded and in-depth curricular and extra-curricular programme, helping to ensure that the educational experience offered is a blend of the best of US education coupled with the richness and rewards associated with an international/overseas learning experience.

Since 1967 the American Community School system (with campuses in Cobham and Egham, Surrey and Hillingdon, Middlesex) has served the needs of the expatriate community. It offers a complete range of pre-school through high school offerings, including, for high school students, both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programmes. The Hillingdon campus also serves as a Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) centre.

The oldest American school in the London area, the American School in London, offers a lower, middle and high school programme to over 1,200 students. Occupying a modern, purpose-built complex (including gymnasium, theatre, computer labs, art studios and library) in St. John's Wood in north-west London (close to Regent's Park), ASL is well-placed to serve the educational needs of families residing in the inner London area; it, too, is a SAT centre.

Southbank International School was the first UK school to offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum to pupils of all age groups (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme). The Southbank Kensington campus (ages 4 - 18) is located in Notting Hill, while the Hampstead campus (ages 3 - 14) is sited in northwest London, both with easy access to central London.

For families seeking a boarding school environment, TASIS, The American School in England offers both boarding and day-school opportunities. Situated on a 35-acre campus some 18 miles from central London, the school offers early childhood, lower school, middle school and an upper school programme for children 4 - 18 of age. At the high school level Advanced Placement courses are on offer. TASIS is also a SAT centre.

Founded by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Marymount International School, in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 - 18. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme are available. Marymount is a SAT centre.

Britain's oldest full day school for children with specific learning difficulties (such as ADD), Centre Academy, accepts children of average to above-average ability (8 - 18) who can benefit from an individually-created and structured curriculum. Students in the Upper School earn credits for American high school graduation.

Finally, and outside of the greater London area, the International School of Aberdeen (Scotland) offers a complete pre-school through high school American curriculum. ISA is also a SAT centre.

Universities

University education is not overlooked in the UK, and a number of independent American universities exist - all in the greater London area. While primarily undergraduate orientated, a limited number of graduate courses are also available (in business, international relations, art history and so forth).

Situated on two sites (Richmond, Surrey and Kensington, London), Richmond, The American International University in London is a comprehensive American liberal arts and professional studies university offering Bachelor's and Master's. In addition to being accredited in the United States by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Richmond is also accredited in the United Kingdom by the Open University Validation Service.

The British American College London, located on the campus of Regent's College, is a private, independent, co-educational institution. The College provides courses leading to a Bachelor's degree accredited through Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. Primary curricular areas include International Relations, Management, International Business and Communications.

Located in a large, elegant Victorian townhouse, formerly an embassy, in West Kensington, Huron University USA in London is a small American university (approximately 320 students) offering degree programmes in Business, Art History, Studio Arts and Communications. Through its association with Marlboro College in Vermont, the University's degrees are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Holding both US and UK accreditation, American Intercontinental University provides practical, career-focused degree programmes in areas such as Interior Design, Visual Communications, Fashion Design, Media Production and Business.

In addition to obtaining more information about these institutions from their respective websites, a number of other useful organisations can provide information and assistance about US educational opportunities in the UK:

• The Fulbright Commission, London. The Commission functions as the educational wing of the US Embassy.
• FOCUS Information Services, London. FOCUS serves as a resource centre for American families; it provides information on a range of services, including education.
• European Council of International Schools (ECIS), Petersfield, Hampshire. ECIS is a not-for-profit membership organisation providing services to international schools, educators and parents.

Whether elementary school, high school or university, American education enjoys a prominent and well-respected position in the UK, with the various institutions offering academic and extra curricular programmes that integrate the best of American educational practices and standards with the richness and diversity of the British culture.

American families looking to relocate to the UK will not be disappointed with education that is on offer: it is exciting, dynamic and, most importantly, of a standard that we have come to expect.

Jon Tabbert of Jon Tabbert Associates, London, UK, is an affiliate of Bennett Educational Resources, Inc. Bennett Educational Resources, Inc., based in Westchester, Pennsylvania, USA, provides school and university counselling services to families relocating worldwide.

FULBRIGHT COMMISSION
62 Doughty Street
London, WC1N 2JZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7404 6994
Website: www.fulbright.co.uk

FOCUS INFORMATION SERVICES
13 Prince of Wales Terrace
London W8 5PG
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7937 7799
Website: www.focus-info.org

EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
21 Lavant Street
Petersfield, Hampshire
GU32 3EL
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1730 268244
Website: www.ccis.org

JON TABBERT ASSOCIATES
39 James's Street
London, SW1A 1JD
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7491 8085
Website: www.jontabbert.com

BENNETT EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
310 North High Street
West Chester, PA 19380, US
Tel: (610) 692-9096
Website: www.schoolplacement.com