Guide to applying under 13
Admission to Boarding Schools · UK & Switzerland
Admission to Private
Admission to Private
Boarding Schools
in the UK and Switzerland
There are about 2,600 private schools in the UK, and almost all of them are good — but they are very different. The biggest mistake costs not money, but a year of your child's life: you only notice it a year later, and it's almost impossible to fix. Our job is to find the right school and see you through to a place there.
Boarding schools · UK & Switzerland · Since 1996
What is a boarding school
Why choosing the right boarding school
Why choosing the right boarding school
matters so much
Boarding school
A private school where students live on campus during the academic term. There are over 500 such schools in the UK and around 40 international schools in Switzerland.
They differ in pace of learning, strong subjects, discipline, size, difficulty of entrance exams, atmosphere, and parent community. A "good school" means nothing here — what matters is whether it is right for your child.
The main criterion is one — the child must be happy and learn at a comfortable pace. Not too easy and not too difficult. Otherwise motivation suffers
What's included
Full-service —
Full-service —
from interview to adaptation
Full service
- Two interviews with the child: in Russian (character and preferences) and in English (language level assessment)
- Selection of 2–5 schools in the UK and/or Switzerland that are realistically achievable for your child
- Detailed description of each school: why it suits your child and how it differs from others
- School reference preparation — opens access to exams even when places are officially full
- Interview preparation and mock interviews — often the decisive stage of admission
- Form completion, contract and terms & conditions review, payment assistance
- School visit organisation — tour the campus and experience the atmosphere
- Guardianship arrangement — a mandatory requirement for boarding school students
- Packing assistance: school rules, kit list, club and activity selection for quick integration
- Transfer and first month: airport transfer coordination, adaptation monitoring
Guarantee: we see you through to a place
If your child is not accepted into any of the selected schools — which is extremely rare for us — we find additional schools and see the process through to a place at a good school. At no extra cost.
How it works
7 steps —
7 steps —
from conversation to admission
Everything is done online, so your location does not affect speed or quality.
1
Consultation (1–1.5 hours)
Video or audio. We discuss your child's characteristics, family goals, and possible educational paths.
2
Contract and start
Diagnostics, document collection, school list formation — takes at least a month, usually around six weeks.
3
School selection and detailed descriptions
At least 14 working days. This is the objective minimum for quality work. You receive an analysis of each school — not a list of links.
4
Choose 2–3 schools to register
You review our materials and select the schools that appeal to your family.
5
Registration and reference
We submit documents to schools, secure exam access — even when places are officially full.
6
Visits, tests, interviews
We arrange visits, prepare for UKiset/CAT4, rehearse interviews, coordinate exam dates.
7
Support until 1 October
A WhatsApp working group stays in touch until 1 October of the first academic year — even if you contacted us years in advance.
Important: applications should be submitted at least a year in advance. Exams — October–November, offers around December, second round in March — but places are noticeably fewer by then.
Pricing
Transparent pricing —
Transparent pricing —
no hidden fees
This is an investment comparable to investing in a business or property — and the cost of a mistake is too high. That is why we name our prices honestly and upfront.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| School selection and admission, 1 child | £6,990 (£4,990 on signing + £2,000 after accepting a place) |
| 2 children | £9,990 |
| 3 children | £11,990 |
| Admission to one school chosen by you | £1,990 |
| 1-semester placement (test the British system) | £1,990 |
For comparison: professional London companies charge up to £20,000 per child. The school's own registration fee is £100–300, paid separately. VIP academic year mentoring is also available on request.
Why you shouldn't skimp on a consultant
Give your consultant
Give your consultant
a little exam
An amateur will bombard you with links to "good schools" but won't explain how they differ or why they suit your child. "Strong maths" is not an answer — it's strong in many schools.
Questions to ask a consultant before signing a contract:
- How does Oundle differ from The Leys?
- How does Institut auf dem Rosenberg differ from Leysin American School?
- Compare the "big three": Eton, Westminster and Winchester
- Which schools suit a child with dyslexia / ADHD?
- How does IB differ from A-level for UK university admission?
- Which schools are strong in [your child's interest]?
You are an attentive person — you will immediately sense whether you are speaking with a professional or an amateur.
Success story
A boy with ADHD —
Read all success stories
A boy with ADHD —
an Eton student
Situation
A boy diagnosed with ADHD. In his home country, he was directed to a special school — the outlook was concerning.
What we did
We found a British school environment where the child's traits were not a hindrance but an asset: with the right pace, support and atmosphere. He started studying in England at age 8.
Result
He was accepted into Eton — one of the world's most prestigious schools. The full story is told by the child's mother in a video interview.
Useful videos
Everything about admission
Everything about admission
to British schools
Videos by Natalia Strein: step-by-step guides, system comparisons and tips to help you decide.
Guide to applying 13+
Two main criteria for choosing a school
How to choose a school in the UK
Russian vs British education system
Values and community in British schools
IB vs A-level vs AP comparison
Why many graduates struggle to find their path
Frequently asked questions
Answers about
Answers about
boarding schools
£6,990 per child (£9,990 for two, £11,990 for three). School tuition is paid separately — approximately £40,000 to £60,000 per year depending on the school.
If they are not admitted to the selected schools, we find additional options free of charge and continue until they secure a place at a good school. In practice, this is very rare.
At least one year before the start of studies. Exams take place in autumn, offers come by December. The earlier you start, the more good places are available.
Often yes. Many schools are not strictly selective, and even entering at 16 with imperfect English, a child can join a ranked school and then a strong university. We prepare a profile that opens the door to exams.
Yes, for underage boarding students, the school requires a guardian in almost all cases. We arrange this as part of the service.
Yes, the process is entirely online. Your location does not affect the speed and quality of our work.
Let's find a school for your child
Your child won't get a second chance
Your child won't get a second chance
to start school at 11, 13 or 16
Start with a conversation — it carries no obligation. We will analyse your situation and honestly tell you what is realistic.
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We create success stories for your children and grandchildren. Since 1996.