An alternative to public schools in the UK is the International College - Sixth Form College or Tutorial College. Colleges are primarily concerned with students gaining knowledge in selected subjects. Physical education classes and various clubs take up a lot of the student's time and there is not much time to prepare for exams, so there is not much focus here. The main tasks of the college
To prepare students to pass the British Secondary Education Examination.
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To help them succeed in their chosen university.
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To provide students with initial vocational education and the opportunity to start work.
You can enter university at the age of 14-15 or 15-16. Courses are held in small groups of 10 students. The International College's education programme includes not only GCSE and a-level secondary courses: here students can also gain a certificate of professional education or even a university-level bachelor's degree.
Colleges courses in the UK
Colleges courses are designed to last from 6 months to 2 years. Discipline at these educational institutions is quite strict, with no lateness or poor academic performance allowed, and smoking and the use of alcoholic beverages are prohibited. As in all public schools, girls and young people live in separate residences (if accommodation is provided). At the university, as a rule, there are no uniforms, but students are expected to adhere to the classic business style of dress.
The most popular academic courses are .
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International Baccalaureate (IB)
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A Level
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BTEC
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International Foundation
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HND - Higher National Diploma.
The course is characterised by independent student choice of priority subjects and no fixed set of subjects (only for pre-university studies). International university students can transfer from one programme to another without taking additional examinations - this only requires the preparation of a transcript with high academic results and confirmation of their knowledge of English with an IELTS and IELTS certificate. In addition to the main courses, the College also offers English courses (geared towards business, academic, intensive and conversational).
The UK's best colleges
The UK's best international colleges create excellent conditions for students, which will enable them to prepare in the best possible way for entry and study at the UK's top universities.
Cardiff Sixth Form College
Cardiff Sixth Form College enjoys a high reputation. In 2022, according to the Daily Telegraph and The Times, the school took the lead. A year later, the institution was the best high school to offer A-Levels. The main A-Level subjects receive more attention than at other institutions. Here, seven hours a week are dedicated to this direction, whereas in other schools students receive only four hours.
Cardiff Sixth Form College is located in Cardiff, in the heart of it. You can easily reach it from Cardiff or Bristol airport. 30 or 40 minutes will be spent on the road respectively. The distance to the British capital is approximately 200 km and the time to London by high-speed train is just over two hours.
Cardiff Sixth Form College is characterised by a small number of students studying here, each of whom is individually selected. It is important not only for the study of compulsory subjects, but also for social interaction, sport, music and other areas. This allows you to develop a well-rounded personality, which is very important later in life. All the teachers working in the educational institutions have at least 15 years' experience and many of them have written their own textbooks.
The average class size at Cardiff Sixth Form College is 12 pupils, with over 300 pupils in total. Most graduates go on to the best universities in the UK without fail.
Concord College
Concord College is an international boarding school, established in 1949. It is located in the picturesque town of Shrewsbury, in the heart of England, bordering Wales. Shrewsbury is a 45-minute drive from Birmingham and a three-hour drive from London.
"Harmony" means harmony and concord, and it is a great opportunity to learn foreign languages and cultures of other countries with students from all over the world. The combination of a high standard of education with good living and sporting conditions allows us to talk about a school that is one of the best in the country.
The school has excellent facilities: library, computer centre, laboratories working offices. Much attention is paid to sports activities. There is also a photo lab, a disco, a room for watching videos and an internet café for schoolchildren.
Hurtwood House
Opened in 1970, Hurtwood House is located in Dorking, Surrey, just a 45-minute drive from London. The founders of the school combined all the advantages of a traditional boarding school and a preparatory college. Here the children are happy and interested in learning. And parents are completely calm for the safety of their children: the school is located away from the big cities and therefore away from busy motorways, pubs, night discos and other temptations.
Only high school students study at Hurtwood House, which creates a unique atmosphere of serious adult life at the school.
The school has a bias: applied and fine arts, as well as journalism. Despite this, the school is strong in natural sciences and all subjects are generally studied at a high level. In 2014, 63% of pupils received A/A* grades ('excellent' and above 'outstanding') in their final exams.
The results for textiles and iso are phenomenal. The school invites professionals in the field of art and media at the highest level, which explains the high price of education . "They come out of here and can run the BBC studios," says the director.
Graduates go to universities from Cambridge to California, and many go to the most illustrious universities such as the London School of Economics, Durham, Bristol, Warwick, King's College London and Imperial College. Many, of course, come to study the arts and the film industry. Quite a few go for engineering and business management.
Albemarle Independent College
Albemarle Private College in London offers a wide range of GCSE and A-level courses including Science, Computing and Mathematics, Business and Humanities, Languages, Arts and Literature. They are one of the top ten independent colleges in London. The video presentation shows the college and the proximity to central London.
Albemarle is renowned for its excellent A level results. Every full-time, two-year a-level student has achieved a 100% pass rate, with grades of A*, A, B or C. Students are taught in small groups using traditional methods, focusing on passing exams and the skills needed to succeed at university.
All of Albemarle's tutors are subject specialists and most have experience as examiners. They are particularly successful with young people: able to motivate and communicate with them in a way they understand. Barriers are quickly broken down and the learning process is enhanced.
At Albemarle, each student has a personal tutor who will monitor their progress and help them reach their goals for submitting their work. They will also provide advice on study skills and career options.
Class sizes at Albemarle are kept small - an average of four to five students, with a maximum of eight students in each class. As a result, tuition is focused on the students, they are able to participate fully in class discussions and, most importantly, are encouraged to develop independent thinking.
All the a-level students plan to study at a leading university and they provide expert advice on choosing the right degree course and university. Many students find choosing the right course a daunting task, so an important part of the work is to provide students with the tools they need to make their choices. Many of the alumni visit to offer advice to current students and provide their experiences of university life.
D'Overbroeck College
D'Overbroeck's College cannot boast a century of history, the year of its foundation being 1977. However, this does not prevent this educational institution from providing its students with a quality education and preparing them for entry to one of the UK's leading universities.
The student population is only 280, so teachers can provide attention and support to each individual. Classes have a maximum occupancy of 10 students but in most cases no more than six.
D'Overbroeck's college has an International Education Centre where students from other countries can study under an adapted curriculum for subsequent transition to A-Levels. The centre offers high quality language education - students show rapid progress in learning English.
D'Overbroeck's college is located in Oxford, a city with a centuries-old student tradition. The proximity to the city centre is excellent from the point of view of familiarity with the cultural and architectural landscape.
The train from London to Oxford leaves Paddington station and the journey time is two hours. The nearest airport to the college - Heathrow - is an hour away by bus.
Abbey College
The Abbey DLD group of colleges is a group of private colleges in three UK cities: London, Manchester and Cambridge. Each of these departments works very independently, with its own specificities, but the universities combine high quality standards and working principles.
The Abbey Dld group of colleges has its origins in the merger of Davies Laing and Dick College (DLD) and Abbey College. DLD College was founded in London in 1931. The merger later led to the opening of schools in Manchester (1990) and Cambridge (1994). The level of education received at these colleges enables you to successfully continue your studies at top universities in the UK and around the world.
Classes are held in small groups, which allows teachers to pay more attention to each student. Students often write tests and papers which help to absorb the material and learn effectively.
From the moment of admission, each student has his or her own tutor. He helps with settling in, choosing subjects, solving everyday problems, monitoring academic progress and communicating with parents.
University education aims to develop strong personal and leadership qualities in addition to academic education .
All the colleges in the group are modern educational centres with excellent conditions for an innovative and high-quality learning process, comfortable and cosy living and fun leisure.
Cambridge College was opened in 1994. It is renowned for the success of its teaching staff and its students. Graduates of the University study at the highest ranked universities - Cambridge, Oxford, University College London, Imperial College, London School of Economics and Political Science, etc.
Cambridge is one of the world's most famous university towns, with an academic tradition that dates back over 800 years. Abbey DLD College Cambridge prides itself on its close links with the University of Cambridge and the fact that its students have access to the University's colleges and departments and can even undertake placements in the University's laboratories.
The college is located in the Homerton Gardens area, just a 25 minute walk to the historic city centre. The campus is based on modern classrooms, laboratory courses, 2 libraries, music and art studios, a fitness room, a cafeteria and 120 rooms with residential facilities. There is a modern leisure park 10 minutes from the campus with a cinema, bowling alley, café and supermarket.
Canterbury Cat College
In 2021, the Complete College Guide named Canterbury as one of the safest cities in the UK for students. It offers students many places to explore, from museums and theatres to the famous Canterbury Cathedral, built in 597. Canterbury is just a 50-minute train ride from London.
At Canterbury, students live and study in an atmosphere of assured quality that promotes personal development and academic success. Cat Canterbury is accredited by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, an organisation that assesses independent schools in the UK. The College received the highest rating in the most recent ISI inspection (March 2019) and was rated as 'fully compliant' in all areas including accommodation, social security, achievement and outcomes, curriculum, additional courses, pastoral care, leadership and education .
The College offers GCSE and A-Level qualifications and is one of the few providers in the UK to offer the International Baccalaureate. Experienced teaching and excellent links with universities ensure that students are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
Brampton College
Students come to Brampton with the aim of achieving high marks in their a-levels and gaining entry to the university course of their choice. The aim is to help each student succeed in their aspirations and achieve the best possible exam results. This is achieved by having a highly dedicated and enthusiastic team of teachers and small classes where students can receive personal help and attention. Individual tutorials are also available in the main subject areas.
The broad and flexible curriculum allows students to find the course that best suits their needs. The atmosphere at the College is friendly and informal, but with a high level of academic discipline. Regular homework and exam practice, closely supervised by individual tutors, is balanced by a range of extra-curricular activities. Specialist vocational teachers provide support in all aspects of the college application process.
They are registered with the Department for Education as a member of the Association of Independent Schools and Independent Schools. They are inspected by ISI, a government approved inspection body that inspects independent schools.
Duff Millar College
Duff Miller College is an independent, private educational institution. Duff Miller College accepts students from the age of 14. This educational institution has been in operation since 1952. Its speciality is to prepare students for university entry for one or two years.
The magnificent Victorian college buildings are located in the prestigious area of London - South Kensington, 59 Queen's Gate Street. This part of the British capital is known for its diplomatic missions and embassies, its many popular museums, its most visited squares and parks and its concentration of cultural and leisure venues. An excellent city transport network provides Duff & Millar College students with easy access to the surrounding city.
The high level of education at Duff Miller College enables students to adequately pass examinations at prestigious educational institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford, where rigorous selection takes place and a large number of applicants apply for a place. In addition to intensive education courses in core subjects, university entrance specialists provide comprehensive assistance to students in choosing the right course, preparing for interviews, passing specialist tests and writing essays.
In 2021, Duff & Millar College took 16th place among private colleges preparing for university entry based on A-level results. According to 2022 statistics, over 80% of college students gained grades a and B. The percentage of students completing college and attending their first choice of higher education institution was 100%. Duff & Millar College has over 30 subjects to choose from. Thus, further education can be pursued in any field - medicine, arts, science, humanities.
Today, there are 322 students aged between 15 and 19 at Duff & Millar College. Most of them are British citizens. For foreign nationals, places at Duff & Millar are limited. Their number does not exceed 9% of all students. A mandatory condition for admission is the presence of an IELTS certificate, where the level of each skill corresponds to a score of 5.5, as well as a distinction confirming a high level of previous education . In addition, prospective students will have to pass an interview. For international students, the College offers a special education programme which will help to improve their knowledge of English.
Cambridge Tutor Academy
The Cambridge Tutors' College has been in existence for over 60 years. During this time, Cambridge Tutor College has been one of the most successful Sixth Form Colleges.
Today, the British College is an honorary member of the Council of Private Schools, the Council of Private Schools and the British Association of Independent Schools for International Students.
The current Principal of Cambridge Tutor College is also a member of the Association of Private Schools.
Cambridge Tutor Academy is a modern English Sixth Form College with approximately 120 students. They represent over 25 countries and are characterised by its status as an international college.
In contrast to traditional boarding schools, Cambridge Tutor Academy is like any other open-plan academy. It has a smaller campus area and opportunities for extra-curricular activities. On the other hand, the main features of Cambridge Tutor Academy are a stronger academic bias, freedom and a large range of courses and academic support.
The main course at Cambridge Tutors is the A Level. In addition, there are a number of additional Cambridge Tutor Academy programmes designed to accommodate and integrate international students into a UK education.
These include programmes .
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Pre-GCSE.
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One year GCSE.
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One and a half year A Level.
In addition, as part of their studies at the Cambridge Tutor Academy, students can access EAL language support, additional education courses in medical specialisms, Oxbridge and more.
For international students at Cambridge Tutors College, there is the opportunity to study a foundation course represented by two streams and allows you to secure a guaranteed place at one of the 20 partner universities.
NCUK (Northern Consortium UK) is an educational organisation that creates the conditions for foreign students to prepare for and enrol in UK universities.
The organisation's network of partners includes over 10 higher education institutions in England and the Kingdom and in its 35 years of existence it has placed over 30,000 students from abroad at UK universities.
Cambridge Tutors is a university with rigorous subject education . The most popular subject at UK universities is mathematics. Over 80% of students study Business, Science and Engineering.
Cambridge Tutors College's high ranking achievement at A-level (over half of the 18 years of a*-a results in Maths and Science) enables students to choose from some of the most prestigious universities in the UK. Over the same 18-year period, 97 students from Cambridge Tutors College attended universities such as Cambridge and Oxford. In total, there were over 300 - to the Commonwealth University of London.
In addition, Cambridge Tutors' students regularly win prizes at the National Olympics, music competitions, etc.