November's feature school is:

Battle Abbey School in East Sussex

Built on the site where modern English history began, Battle Abbey School preserves the best of their past traditions whilst eagerly embracing the challenges of the new.  Highly qualified teaching staff are selected on their ability to communicate and inspire and pupils, teachers, parents and the governing body work closely together. This spirit of cooperation gives the school its special atmosphere.

They offer a forward thinking and dynamic curriculum. The school has a long tradition of encouraging creativity in its pupils across all subjects.  For example they are one of only six British schools which have been granted ‘e-mature’ status because of our innovative use of IT to enhance learning. 

They take pupils with a range of academic ability yet achieve strong exam results.  Academic success is something they value highly but they are proud of the achievements of their pupils in all fields.

They aim to develop confident young people ready for the next stage of their lives and studies.  In 2012 39% of sixth form leavers obtained places at Russell Group universities and in 2013 they have had 3 Oxbridge acceptances.  They have strong links with local universities to support teaching and learning and pupil transition to higher education.

The curriculum incorporates Sport, Culture and Personal Development options such as Sports Leadership, Duke of Edinburgh, Asset Languages, Art and Drama.  Together with a varied optional extra-curricular programme, these encourage international pupils to experience all that a boarding school can offer.   Many of their pupils are musical and 30% of the senior school pupils sing in the main choir.  There is at least one major production staged by the drama department each term and the dedicated Performing Arts Centre is constantly buzzing with activity.  

The school is part of an iconic historical site but offers many modern facilities including newly refurbished science laboratories and IT suites and a heated, indoor swimming pool.

Boarding at Battle Abbey is not leaving home but moving to a home away from home.

Would you like more information or would like to apply to Battle Abbey School?  If so, contact us immediately.  We offer FREE placement services.

Don't forget that children under the age of 18 whose parents live abroad will require a UK-based guardian, we can also provide these guardianship services as well as arrange accommodation for students during exeat and half terms.

T: +44 208 886 5300
E: info@jamesleeconsultancy.com
W: www.jamesleeconsultancy.com
F: www.facebook.com/jamesleeconsultancyltd
T: @JLCLtd

October's Feature is more than one educational institution.  

It's the Abbey DLD Group of Colleges.

Abbey DLD Colleges offer high quality programmes to prepare students for entry to some of the UK’s most prestigious universities. Their courses include GCSE and A Level programmes, and an International Foundation Programme.

Their five colleges are situated in popular big cities:

• Abbey College Birmingham

• Abbey College Cambridge

• Abbey College London

• Abbey College Manchester

• DLD College, London

Abbey London

They offer students from all over the world a tailored education designed to launch them on a successful and prosperous future. Entry can be from 15 years of age to study GCSEs, or from 16 years of age for A Levels and preparation for university entrance. All their colleges have first class reputations in the education community and in the wider employment world; reputations which grow every year with each new cohort of students.

DLD London

Abbey Birmingham

Choosing The Right Abbey DLD Course For You

• PRE A-LEVEL AND SUPPORT PROGRAMME
• ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES
• A Level Preparation Programme & EFL

Through Abbey DLD College's dedicated department, they prepare international students for International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessments, recognised by all British universities.  If the student's first language is not English, they will be required to attend IELTS classes, unless their IELTS score is already high enough for the university of their choice. Most universities require students to achieve an IELTS score of around 6.5 to 7.0.  Their courses will not only help develop the student's English language skills; they will also enable them to become more proficient in written English for A Level examinations.

• GCSE
• One or two year GCSE programme

Many of Abbey DLD College's younger students (15 to 16 years old) choose to study seven or eight subjects at GCSE level, before progressing on to A Levels.

• A-LEVEL
• Two year A Level programme (September start)

The two-year A Level course follows the traditional UK pattern of three or four subjects, usually studied from the age of 16 or 17. Students may choose any subjects they wish, allowing for timetabling and their standard of English. If entry to a UK university is the student's ultimate aim,Abbey DLD College will help the student choose the most appropriate A Levels for their preferred university/degree.

• 18-month A Level (January start)

The content for the 18-month A level is identical to the 2-year A level, but students study the initial Advanced Subsidiary (AS) content in an accelerated programme between January and June of the first year, before joining the second year of the standard A Level course in September.

Bedroom in Halls of Residence

The UK has an international reputation for the quality of its education system. Qualifications offered by British schools, colleges and universities are recognised globally as hallmarks of excellence and distinction. Four of its universities – Oxford, Cambridge, University College London (UCL) and Imperial – regularly feature in the world’s top ten, so it is no surprise that employers around the world look favourably upon UK graduates.

The benefits of studying in the UK reach far beyond qualifications and certificates, however. English is the international language of business and becoming fluent is one of the most important skills any ambitious student can develop. The UK also offers more help to international students than any other country, from learning support to assistance with visa applications.

If you would like more information or if you would like to apply, please contact us.  We can also arrange for you to visit before you make up your mind.

BRIGHTON COLLEGE

is our feature school for September

Type of school: Co-educational

Age range: 13+ - 18+

Number of pupils: 940

Fees per term: £11,340 - £11,500

Head Master: Mr Richard J Cairns

Location

Situated at the heart of Brighton's Kemp Town, just a short walk to the sea front and town centre, with London less than an hour away by train and easy access to Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Academic

Brighton College consistently achieves the best academic results in Sussex and is regularly the highest achieving co-educational school in England.  In 2011-12, Brighton was named ‘England’s School of the Year’ by The Sunday Times; this is the most prestigious schools award in the United Kingdom.  Richard Cairns was then named ‘Headmaster of the Year 2012’ by Tatler magazine. The school has been transformed in five years from one of middling academic achievement into one of the powerhouses of the independent sector.  Children are encouraged to achieve through exceptional teaching and pastoral care – and they are pushing the bar ever higher with the passing of each year. 

In 2012, 91.0% of the pupils achieved A*/A at GCSE, whilst at A Level, 77.8% achieved A*/A and 96.8% A* - B.

Pastoral

With outstanding pastoral care, the system in the college is based upon the house system. Each house is run by a Housemaster or Housemistress with a team of tutors who are allocated to each year group. They give pupils support and advice on a whole range of issues, from subject choices to more personal matters. Additional support is given by matrons and the onsite qualified doctors and nurses. 

Boarding is very popular at Brighton; they enjoy an exclusive social hub, with a café, dance floor, outside theatre space and wi-fi study stations.  Accommodation is spacious, characterful and well appointed.  With the demand for boarding increasing each year, a substantial investment has been injected into the development of an additional girls’ boarding house due to be opened in 2013.

Located in the beautiful English countryside and a short distance away from Brighton College’s junior school is Handcross Park offering boarding from 10+ to 12+.  With an exceptional record of success at Common Entrance, Handcross Park pupils are prepared for the transition to Brighton.

Community - A Culture of Kindness

The school strongly believes that young people who are happy are young people who thrive and believe that the best way of achieving a happy community is to ensure that everyone feels valued for who they are.  They want pupils to be first class versions of themselves, not second class versions of someone else and place great emphasis on tolerance and mutual respect. 

Sports and Culture

Major sports are football, tennis and athletics, with rugby, cricket, girls’ hockey and netball played at national level.  Teams compete on a weekly basis throughout the year, with Saturday fixtures played against other major independent schools in the south east. Opportunities in sailing, beach volley ball and more.

Art, photography, music, dance and drama are offered at Brighton.  Pupils of the Arts at Brighton will be able to work with professional artists, composers, musicians, actors, directors, choreographers and dancers and through this they will gain a view of artistic development in the wider world and the heights to be attained.  Departments run academic and cultural trips, either local or further afield; some are subject related, eg. field trips and outing days and some are fun activities.

A-level Results and Clearing 2013

A-level Results are due to be come out TOMORROW - 15th August 2013! Less than 24 hours away!!!

We are very excited for our students and feeling as anxious as they are.  We hope everything goes well with them.

James-Lee Consultancy offers a wide range of services helping students during these exciting days!

We offer:

• university guardianship services at only £300 per term
• host family placement 
• accommodation placement (e.g.: in apartment blocks with houseparents, independent self-catering accommodation e.g.: studio flats and shared houses)
• assistance with Clearing
• advice on A-level re-takes and placement into specialist colleges offering Intensive A-level course for re-takers
• UK university placement

We will  be writing a separate post on the different accommodation options we have to offer.

CLEARING

If you have missed those grades and did not get into your university of choice,  DO NOT FEAR! Enter CLEARING immediately.  Be prepared, pick up The Telegraph newspaper first thing in the morning tomorrow. It will list all the universities with clearing spots.  You can also view Clearing vacancies on the UCAS website.  You may even find these information online TODAY!

Preparation

Research into which university you potentially want to go to and have all the contact numbers ready

Be ready to answer interview questions such as why you chosen to call that university and why you have chosen that course.  Have your A-level results ready as well as your UCAS track number and your personal statement.

Download the Clearing 2013 app
http://clearing.telegraph.co.uk/

If you need any assistance call James-Lee Consultancy on 02088865300 or 07990970806 or 07823339378 and our team of experienced staff can give you further advice and support.

What if the course you want is not available on Clearing?
Competitive courses such as Medicine and Dentistry are not likely to be available on Clearing but do not despair.  You STILL have many options such as:

• re-taking your A-levels (One year A-level courses are available)
• taking a Gap Year the re-apply for September 2014 or re-evaluating your plans
• doing a Foundation Course

Our consultants can advise you on a number of options you may do during your Gap Year.  Call us to get friendly and professional advice.

James-Lee Consultancy are able to help you in MOST aspects of your educational needs.  Why not call us on +44 (0) 208 886 5300 or +44 (0) 7823 339 378 or +44 (0) 7990 970 806 and we can advise you accordingly.

Useful links:
http://www.ucas.com/clearing
http://www.independent.co.uk/student/into-university/clearing/if-the-prospect-of-clearing-is-stressing-you-out--heres-how-to-cope-8031591.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/clearing/10233907/Clearing-2013-How-to-play-the-system.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/clearing/10242018/Clearing-phone-call-what-to-say-and-what-to-avoid.html
www.jamesleeconsultancy.com

Taunton School

Taunton School is a traditional co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 2–18 years. The School is located on a beautiful and safe campus on the edge of Taunton town and has excellent road and rail links with London. Taunton School was founded in 1847 and the beautiful old buildings are complemented by modern facilities including two swimming pools, a fitness suite, a modern theatre, a music school, a spacious library, well-equipped art studios and latest IT suites.  Taunton School is a lively, international community leading the way in independent education. Pupils leaving Taunton School go on to top universities including Oxbridge. They offer the very successful IB Diploma alongside their A level programme.

Taunton School comprises of Taunton School Preparatory, Taunton School, Taunton School International, which all share the same spacious campus; whilst Taunton School International Middle School is located in The Grange, a beautiful, traditional Manor House close to Taunton School.

Taunton School International

Taunton School International was established by Taunton School in 1996 to provide an intensive preparation for international students wishing to complete their education in a British school. Taunton School International, has places for 84 boys and girls aged 15 –17.

Their One Year GCSE / Pre-IB Programme offers 24 examinable subjects and is an excellent preparation for students before they begin their A level studies or the IB Diploma at Taunton School or elsewhere. This is a high quality course preparing students well for life in a British boarding school academically, socially and culturally.

They provide high-quality tuition where students study a range of academic subjects following the British National Curriculum.  All students also follow an intensive course in English for Academic Purposes.

They want their students to participate fully in the life of their next school, and, to help them develop the self-confidence to do so, Taunton School International runs a wide variety of clubs and sports. Taunton School Internatioanl enjoy full use of Taunton School’s excellent facilities, which include two swimming pools, fitness suite, sports halls, and basketball, badminton and tennis courts. This is a good opportunity for our students to make friends with British students. They encourage our students to take part in the sporting, musical and house activities that are offered in Taunton School on weekdays and weekends.

James-Lee Consultancy's Placement service is FREE so if you would like to apply to Taunton School or Taunton School International OR would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Accommodation and facilities

Taunton School International is fully residential and is a house in the Taunton School house system. Boys and girls live in separate houses in comfortable, single or mixed nationality bedrooms.  Taunton School International has its own garden leading on to playing fields, two recreation halls, a laundry, IT room, classrooms with interactive boards and a language laboratory. Wireless access is also available throughout the School campus. Taunton School has its own medical centre providing 24-hour nursing care.

Taunton School International Middle School

At the International Middle School, pupils aged 8—14 are provided with an intensive education in the English Language alongside core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, ICT, Art, Humanities, Drama, Music and Physical Education.  This is a 'stepping stone' course providing students with the necessary academic and social skills to make the transition smoothly into a British Preparatory or Secondary school.

Courses range in length from one term to one year and students will gain the necessary skills to be able to join a mainstream British Boarding School at the end of their course. For many, this will mean a move into Taunton School Preparatory, Taunton School International or Taunton School, but others will be fully supported to find a school to continue their education in Britain or elsewhere. Transition to a British Preparatory or Secondary School will be made at the appropriate point for an individual student's development.

Summer School

The Senior Summer School is ideal for students who are preparing for exams or are going on to a British boarding school. The Senior Summer courses in July and August are for students between the ages of 13 and 17, and combine intensive English tuition with other academic subjects. The Senior Summer School is excellent preparation for GCSEs, A levels and the IB Diploma. Students take a City and Guilds International ESOL examination at the end of their course. Lessons are complemented by a full leisure programme including sports as well as a varied programme of activities and excursions to local cities and places of interest. The Summer School is very popular, as it provides a well-supervised, structured and academic course in a safe environment. Fees are all inclusive, and include airport transfers.

Their Junior Summer School is for students aged 7-12. This course is based in our International Middle School using all their excellent facilities.  The teachers are qualified primary school teachers who have an understanding of the way that younger children learn and play. Students study a range of subjects and will take an English exam at the end of their course.  There are trips and excursions as part of their lessons and a full programme of sports and cultural activities.

Location

Taunton is a market town in Somerset, located in the South West of England.

Nearest airports:

• Bristol (40 mins by car)
• Heathrow (245 km / 1.75hrs by train)
• Gatwick (300 km / 3 hrs by car / 3.5hrs by train)
• Birmingham (215 km /2 hrs by car / 2.5hrs by train)

Programmes

Taunton School International

1 year GCSE / Pre-IB course (Year 11: Age 15-16)

Taunton School International Middle School

1 term to 1 year  (Years 5 -10: Age 9-14)

Taunton School

2 year A Levels / IB Programme (Years 12-13: Age 16-18)

2 year GCSE (Years 10-11: Age 14-16)

1 year pre-GCSE (Year 9: Age 13)

Taunton School Preparatory

Foundation (Years 3-8: Age 7-12)

Number  of Students (2013-14)

Taunton School International:                   84 students (max 10 students in a class)

Taunton School:                                       591 students (274 students in the Sixth Form)

Taunton School Preparatory:                   282 students

Senior Summer School:                           90 students each course (max 10 students in a class)

Junior Summer School:                            70 students each course (max 10 students in a class)

	Taunton School International	Taunton School Intl Middle School	Taunton School	Taunton School Preparatory
Age range	15-17 yrs	8-14 yrs	13-18 yrs	7 - 13 yrs
Total no. of students	81	36	591	282
Boys / Girls	51 / 30	24 / 12	320 / 271	154 / 128
Boarders / Day Pupils	81 / 0	32 / 4	274 / 317	36 / 246
No. of International Students	81	36	158	8
No. of Nationalities	20	12	40	5

Would you like more information or would like to apply to Taunton School or Taunton School International?  If so, contact us immediately.  We offer FREE placement services.

Don't forget that children under the age of 18 whose parents live abroad will require a UK-based guardian and we can also provide these services.

T: +44 208 886 5300
E: info@jamesleeconsultancy.com
W: www.jamesleeconsultancy.com
F: www.facebook.com/jamesleeconsultancyltd
T: @JLCLtd

Please don't forget to follow on Twitter and 'like' us on Facebook for regular updates. Thank you!

Monthly features of our Partners

Hello everyone!

We have been very quiet on our blog site but things are about to change....

Every month, we will be featuring one of our partner educational institutions on our blog.  The objective is to give you insights on different educational institutions in the UK; to help you to make the best choice possible.

Should you have any further inquiries about any of the institutions or about James-Lee Consultancy and the services we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information at any time.  One of our knowledgeable and experienced colleague will be happy to help and provide you with FREE advice!  They will even get back to you within 48 hours of your inquiry.

Please don't forget to follow on Twitter and 'like' us on Facebook for regular updates.  Thank you!

T: +44 208 886 5300
E: info@jamesleeconsultancy.com
W: www.jamesleeconsultancy.com
F: www.facebook.com/jamesleeconsultancyltd
T: @JLCLtd