Sue Anderson Consultants – Education

Free impartial advice and guidance on UK boarding schools, independent sixth form colleges, summer and language programmes.

Email: enquiries@andersoneducation.co.uk
Web: www.andersoneducation.co.uk to complete an enquiry form
Local contact in UAE:  Samantha Plumbridge    Mob: 050 850 8414 

Deborah and her family visited the UK Boarding School Exhibition in February 2009; she started boarding school in Year 10 in September 2009

Read part two of her story (written by mum) ….

It would be dishonest to say that she took to boarding like a duck to water, far from it, the first three weeks, she was homesick and in tears for part of every day. As her mum, I was horrified and wondered if we had done the right thing, especially as I was missing her like crazy. There were e-mails bouncing back and forth, some positive, most negative; with myself and my husband feeling utterly helpless to make it alright. The Head of Boarding was very helpful and reassuring (after all, she had years of experience and had seen this all before) and held our hands via email through what was a very difficult time for us whilst keeping a weather eye on our daughter. However, despite being unhappy and clearly unsettled trying to get her head around the rules of the boarding house (all there for her safety and well-being), she continued to be positive about the school itself. Actually praising the staff and proudly informing us of how much she had already learned from teachers who were encouraging, approachable and willing to spend extra time with her on topics she was unclear about. Something she had never experienced before I’m afraid.

When she came home for the October half-term we could not believe how much she had changed in just six short weeks. There was an air of confidence that had been missing before, a real sense of self worth. No more slouched shoulders and lack of eye contact whilst mumbling monosyllabic answers to the simplest questions. She had negotiated both Heathrow and Dubai airports successfully and with the minimum of fuss, kept reasonably up-to-date with her laundry (at Haberdasher’s, the girls do their own washing and ironing) and even remembered to pack the correct books to do her holiday homework with.

She was pleased to be home, especially as she prefers my cooking, but clearly looking forward to getting back too. She talked about various teachers that she particularly liked and even admitted she was enjoying Chemistry, now that she finally understood it! She dislikes the weather, but again that attitude of “let’s just get on with it” showed itself. She is already talking about the “A” level programme at the school and wondering what she might be good enough to study by then, so she is clearly looking at the full four years at boarding with an optimistic and very positive approach.

As far as my daughter is concerned, just six weeks at boarding school has already made a huge difference to her and been a successful aid in her transition from that awkward stage in life that all teenagers have to get through, where they are neither fish nor fowl; not children but not yet adults. I admit to be still missing her most days, but keep myself busy, happy in the knowledge that this is the right thing for her. I am so pleased we took the plunge and let her do this.

Dubai Mum

Why consider boarding?

o Boarding provides stability of education
o The best route to a UK university
o Excellent learning support for children with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD etc
o Intensive English language provision to improve fluency.

What are the benefits of a UK boarding school education?

o A supportive and structured environment with excellent pastoral care
o Traditional values
o A wide range of subjects
o Excellent facilities for sport, music, drama, art and languages
o Stunning locations across the UK
o Small classes and individual attention.

“Boarding is not just a school; it’s a way of life” James, Year 11 boarder

 

Out Now:  
UK Boarding School Directory – Middle East 2010/11
Available now from the British Council and branches of Jashanmal,  Books Plus and Book Worm bookshops.

Contact us today for FREE and impartial advice and guidance:
Email: enquiries@andersoneducation.co.uk
Web: www.andersoneducation.co.uk
Tel: + (0) 44 1474 815450
Local contact in UAE: 
Samantha Plumbridge    Mobile: 050 850 8414