Choosing which school to go to or send your children to is an extremely difficult decision, especially if the schools are in a different country. The first thing you need to decide is whether you would like a boarding school or a day school, but do you know the difference between these two types of schools?
What is a boarding school?
If you choose a boarding school, you/your child will study and live at the school. During term time, the school provides accommodation, meals and extra activities in addition to full-time education.
What is a day school?
If you choose a day school, you/your child will study in the school during the day but will return to their home in the evening and at weekends. For guardianship students, this is usually homestay accommodation located close to the school.
Should I choose a boarding school or a day school?
Boarding schools and day schools have different pros and cons so choosing one will depend on your own preferences.
There are many advantages of studying at a boarding school in the UK. It encourages students to become more independent while being immersed in an educational environment. Students are usually offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities, for example, sports or music, which will help them to develop non-educational skills. In addition, students will study and live with their friends which can help to improve their confidence and social skills.
On the other hand, guardianship students who study at a day school and live with a host family may feel more comfortable as they will have a ‘home away from home’. Host families generally treat guardianship students as one of their own children and students will usually have their own bedroom. They are included in the daily family life, giving students the opportunity to gain insight into the British way of life.
Do I need a guardian if I study at a boarding school?
The simple answer is yes. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) (responsible for student visas) and most UK schools require that students whose families live overseas have a legal guardian living in the UK to act on their behalf during term time and when the school is closed.
Therefore, you will need to find someone who can act as your guardian and many students use an educational guardianship company for this. Guardianship companies will take care of your wellbeing all year round and will be available 24/7 for emergencies. They will also usually arrange homestay accommodation for you during half terms and exeat holidays.
If you are attending a day school, an educational guardianship company can arrange accommodation for you with a host family. However, your guardianship in the UK will remain with your guardianship company at all times.
As you can see, choosing the right school for you/your child to study at can be a daunting and difficult decision. If you are using a guardianship company for your guardian needs, they can usually help you with this decision by recommending day and boarding schools in the area you wish to live in.
Please contact UKGuardianship for more information.
