For expat parents in Germany, choosing a British school comes with many advantages. Offering the English national curriculum alongside an expansive mix of cultures and nationalities, British schools abroad provide a full and well-rounded education.
Many German schools offer very little support to non-German speakers so they can be very challenging for expat children to attend. British schools conduct all their classes in English and have a large proportion of native-English speaking teachers. If your child does not speak German, it is a good option for them, especially if they are starting secondary school with the pressure of exams.
Sport plays a huge role in British culture so it’s no surprise it features strongly in the school system. British schools abroad generally have a large variety of after-school sports clubs that help develop children’s sense of teamwork and fair play. For example, King’s College Frankfurt offers clubs ranging from football and tennis to taekwondo and fencing, giving children a chance to try a sport they might not have considered before.
Non-sporting clubs are also offered in most British schools. In after-school activities like music, art and drama clubs, children are able to learn how to play a musical instrument and develop their creative talents.
British schools abroad are increasingly popular and new schools are opening all over the world . This means that if you move back to your home country - or relocate to a different one - your child will likely be able to continue their education in a British school without any hassle, meaning the least disruption possible to their education.
British qualifications are also recognised worldwide , granting pupils access to some of the world’s top universities both in the UK and beyond. Through regular inspections conducted by the Council of British International Schools (CBIS), you can be assured that the schools are always meeting the expected standard and quality of teaching.
In the UK, it is more common to study A-levels than the International Baccalaureate (IB). Some British schools abroad follow suit. Allowing for freedom of choice, as pupils select just 3-4 subjects to study, A-levels let students select the subjects that interest them. For those who are clear about their future, this option for specialisation allows them to focus on the subjects most closely related to the course they wish to study further down the line.
Other institutions follow the IB system. Requiring the study of a greater number of subjects than A-levels, this could be a good option for pupils who are less sure about university and their future. Whether a school follows the A-level or IB system is important to consider. Some children will benefit more from the ‘wider’ education offered by the IB and others from the more ‘in-depth’ education offered by A-levels.
Before making a final decision on where to send your child, it’s a good idea to visit a school in person. During a visit you can see all the facilities on offer, get a feel for the school and ask any questions you may have.