It doesn’t have to be a traditional educational route, either – you can study flexibly and online, whether you want to land a dream job and increase your prospects with new qualifications or take on a new challenge. 

Here are a few possibilities to get your learning journey started.

1. CAPSLOCK

It’s easier to switch careers than you might think thanks to CAPSLOCK. This groundbreaking, government-backed education institution reskills adults into cyber professionals in as little as four months, with no up-front costs. And no, you don’t need existing cyber knowledge to apply.

The CAPSLOCK course focuses on retraining people via a revolutionary curriculum designed by former cyber security lecturers. It features over 400 hours of live tuition in an online classroom, over a period of either 16 weeks (full-time) or 26 weeks (part-time). It also includes four industry recognised cyber qualifications.

The idea is to combine the rigour of a master’s degree with the speed of a boot camp, whilst tackling one of the UK’s most urgent skills gaps. It is estimated that the cyber sector will need an additional 3.5 million qualified professionals by 2023, so it’s a great time to make a career switch to this future-proof industry.

Find out more at capslock.ac

2. Babbel 

Found anything useful at home lately? That mug you forgot about at the back of the cupboard? Pennies behind the sofa? How about an exciting new language and culture? 

With the language learning app Babbel, you get lessons crafted by a team of over 150 language experts. But you also get to uncover and enjoy a new culture every day. Because from food to phrases and dancing to dialects, language and culture are inseparable. 

Lessons are based on real-life conversations to get you speaking ASAP and, before you know it, you’ll be using your new skills and knowledge. Maybe cooking a delicious new dish, like a regional speciality, whilst proudly showing your loved ones on the phone what you’ve learned so far! 

Babbel’s experts also customise content for native English speakers. In-context grammar tips, ‘false friends’ lessons, and more offer a more tailored, relatable and effective language learning experience. 

Find out more at babbel.com

3. The Art Institute 

The Art Institute’s online art appreciation course is a comprehensive and flexible art history course delivered in a supportive learning atmosphere. The course will help students think critically and become art savvy. The focus is to develop a deep knowledge and to expand the student’s horizons to enjoy art with confidence either as a hobby or to support certain career options.

Course curator Hilary Kay, best known for her appearances on the BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’ programme, has brought together 12 remarkable authors presenting the students with an engaging course to study at home, whenever it suits. Students can enrol every day of the year. 

A tutor will be allocated to the student upon enrolment, who will guide the student through each module of the course, while giving constructive feedback on all submitted work. Benefit from 24 hours’ support for all levels.

Find out more at theartinstitute.co.uk

4. Oxbridge Content 

Now is the best time to launch a business. Oxbridge Content’s business plan writing service provides the highest level of support for writing the best plans for your pitch. Preparing to pitch your start-up or company to shareholders or investors is almost always a daunting prospect, no matter at what stage of seed or funding you find yourself. Where an ill-conceived or poorly communicated business plan can halt many ventures before they’ve even gotten started, a well-written document can mean the start of a truly successful company. 

At Oxbridge Content, they have taken lengths to develop their own bespoke business plans service, combining excellent copywriters with a multitude of business and industry experts, aiming to write a plan, and continued support, that will help launch your new chapter. Their business plan writing services include expertly crafted business plan writing, expert business plan help and a tailored service, based on your needs.

Find out more at oxbridgecontent.com

5. ITonlinelearning 

ITonlinelearning specialises in providing training and career placement to individuals looking to switch careers and move into the lucrative project sector. 

They use bespoke, accredited training material to ensure that you earn UK-relevant qualifications in project management, change management and business analysis while fully supporting you with their team of mentors, tutors and recruitment consultants. 

They’re so confident in the effectiveness of their programme that, if they don’t place you, they offer a money-back guarantee! 

Once you complete the training programme and are then suitably qualified, their recruitment team will work with you to help secure your first job in this exciting field. Students who have completed their programme will work as junior project managers, project support officers, project administrators, co‑ordinators, analysts, senior administrators and account managers. 

The aim of the programme is to empower you with accredited qualifications, a professional CV and career skills, helping you to stand out in the job market. 

Find out more at itonlinelearning.com

6. Benslow Music 

Do you love the sound of strings and wish you’d had the chance to learn?

Benslow Music is launching ‘Late Starter Strings’, offering adult music lovers the opportunity to have a go at learning a violin, viola, cello or double bass. Classes will be informal and fun, with the opportunity to have friendly, inspirational lessons individually, in pairs or groups. This is for everyone – regardless of ability! 

There’ll also be some informal play alongside sessions, where Benslow Late Starters will get the chance to work with other local string players, to experience the joy and fun of playing together.

Taking the leap as an adult to learn an instrument can feel a bit lonely. However, Benslow Music is creating a fun and supportive environment to learn, and quickly get to play with others – which is what music’s about.

Find out more at benslowmusic.org

7. Enginuity 

Enginuity are passionate in their belief that, given the opportunity, one engineer can change the world. However, for far too long, too many young people have been denied the opportunity to put their engineering talents to use. The next George Stephenson or Ada Lovelace could be going through the school system right now – but they need to be inspired by what engineering is and excited about what a career in engineering could look like.

That’s why in 2019, Enginuity launched their award-winning Skills Miner game. Based on the record-breaking popular Minecraft game, Skills Miner helps young people to discover engineering through gamification while embedding the digital skills that are becoming ever more important to engineering careers.

Skills Miner really came into its own during the Covid lockdowns and has become a powerful learning tool for parents and teachers alike to use in the home and remotely

Find out more at enginuity.org

8. Future Connect 

Covid-19 has taught us many lessons and has affected our personal and professional life. If you are planning a career change, looking for a stable job and one which is future-proof, you should consider becoming an accountant.

Accountancy is a demanding profession. It requires more than just ambition to be an accountant, it requires your full attention and complete command of subjective knowledge and technical skills. This is where Future Connect Training’s winning formula of blended AAT qualification with hands-on practical experience can help you kick start your accounting career. 

AAT, a global body of accountants, offers a qualification that many employers admire and is a CV booster.  At Future Connect Training, not only do they provide you with quality AAT tuition but their courses also combine theory and practical aspects. This includes accounting work experience at bookkeeping, accounts assistant, management and accountant levels. 

Courses are available nationwide. 

Find out more at fctraining.org

9. Learning People 

Have you been made redundant, furloughed, or faced career uncertainty? Retraining in tech is one of the most accessible ways to secure your future in an innovative, sustainable and growing industry.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 1.58 million tech roles available in the last quarter of 2020. The tech industry has remained resilient and has continued to grow through the digital transformation which has been accelerated over the past year.

Since 2010, Learning People have built career pathways for the tech and project management industries. 

Their award-winning StudentCare™ team can help you every step of the way, including direct access to career support to help you navigate the jobs market and secure employment.

Compared to traditional education like university, Learning People’s full-service career pathways offer flexible training to your schedule, 360 careers support and an integrated alumni community to build connections.

Find out more at learningpeople.com 

10. Point Blank Music School

Established in London in 1994, Point Blank Music School has since taught over 50,000 aspiring artists, musicians, DJs, producers, managers and music industry professionals worldwide.

For students looking for a fully funded, hands-on degree from a top-ranked music school in the heart of East London’s creative hub, then Point Blank might just be the place.

Whether you want to study in-person, online, or a combination of both, Point Blank are open for clearing and have limited places remaining on their fully funded, hands-on Music Production, Sound Engineering, DJing and Music Industry degrees. With standard three-year and accelerated two-year options available, their industry expert lecturers, state-of-the-art studios and extensive industry connections will enable you to succeed in the ever-changing music industry. 

Can’t make it to London? Point Blank offers a range of incredible online courses that can be studied from home.

Find out more at pointblankmusicschool.com

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Agriculture Level 3

A mixture of practical and theoretical sessions, plus work experience, this qualification is not just for farmers but anyone wishing to take on a position of responsibility in the industry or progress to related courses at university. 

Students will focus on modern farming practices, livestock and arable operations. 

Subject areas may also include animal anatomy and physiology, crop production, principles of plant or soil science and business management.

Theatre Studies A-level

Love the stage but don’t fancy treading the boards yourself?

There are plenty of other routes to a life working in theatre.

A practical qualification in something like theatre studies can prepare you for jobs such as stage management, production, or scriptwriting.

Most courses will involve spending time at the theatre, watching a range of different styles offerings, giving students the opportunity to analyse and critique other people’s ideas.

Persian Edexcel Level 3

This qualification aims to enhance students’ linguistic skills and knowledge and understanding of the language, culture and society of Afghanistan and Iran.

Language skills and strategies will be developed and learners will engage critically with texts, films and other media in the original language.

Translating texts from Persian to English and English to Persian will be covered to help students develop as independent researchers.

Food Science and Nutrition Level 3

Useful knowledge for anyone wishing to pursue certain careers in hospitality, food industry production, catering, fitness, health and others.

When studied alongside other relevant qualifications at the same level, learners will be able to use this course to support entry to higher education in subjects such as human nutrition, food science and technology and public health nutrition.

Solving food production problems and meeting nutritional needs of specific groups are included in the syllabus.

Shipping and Maritime Operations (Engineering) Level 3

Students will develop knowledge and skills in basic vessel engineering systems; controlling vessel operations; vessel construction and stability and electrical principals for marine engineers.

Employment and health and safety practice are also covered on the course.

Those who are successful in their studies will be prepared for the next stage of the approved merchant navy officer training programme.

It is also relevant for other careers in the shipping industry.

Divinity A-level

Learners of divinity will consider pre-canonical prophets, pre-exilic prophets and study specific biblical passages.

The Four Gospels is also a focus, giving students the opportunity to gain a scholarly understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus, followed by an in-depth look at The Apostolic Age.

This will consider the development of the early Christian Church, as well as studying the Acts and Epistles in the syllabus.

Quantitative Methods AS-level

This practical qualification was developed for students wishing to gain maths skills for university and employment.

It was designed for learners who have achieved a grade 4 or better in GCSE Mathematics and wish to study subjects such as biology, business studies, chemistry or geography, which require an understanding and application of maths.

Topics covered include use of ICT, statistical problem-solving, graphs and risks.

Thinking skills AS and A-level

A range of transferable skills, including critical skills, reasoning and problem solving, are developed.

Students will develop their ability to analyse unfamiliar situations, come up with problem-solving strategies and evaluate different potential solutions.

These skills can be applied across a wide range of subjects and complex and real-world issues.

Biblical Hebrew A-level

This qualification covers the language and literature of the bible, as well as the times and context in which they were written.

Students are expected to develop an in-depth appreciation of Biblical Hebrew linguistic skills and the life and culture of the ancient world.

Life and Health Sciences

Developed with key industry partners for a growing sector that generates £800m turnover per year in Northern Ireland alone and is growing by 12 per cent annually.

Units include experimental techniques; brain science; genetics, stem cell research and cloning, and medicine, drugs and clinical trials.

Learners who gain this qualification will be equipped to go on to a wide range of STEM careers and higher education.

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1. Petit Boum Sensory Bottles

This trio of sensory bottles will stimulate imagination and wonder in young children’s development.

The set includes Silver, Black Sensory Float bottles and the Artic Sensory spy bottle, designed to support key development stages.

Petit Boum Sensory Bottles, £36, boostoys.co.uk

2. My First Story Puzzles

An egg becomes a chick and then a hen – three-piece jigsaws which take learners through the life stages of different animals and insects.

These story puzzles promote understanding of logical sequences and simple stories while having fun.

My First Story Puzzles, £9.99, laurenceking.com

3. Fennies Nurseries

Fennies Nurseries are an award-winning London nursery group with a range of experts.

Their dedicated specialists ensure children learn about nutrition, mental and physical health, the environment and sustainability, STEM and linguistics delivered through their enhanced curriculum.

Their nurseries also include sensory experiences for personal, social and emotional development, virtual readalongs, music classes and messy play to enable multi-skill development from a young age.

See more at fennies.com

4. Optibac Probiotics

Gut health has been big in nutrition circles recently and probiotics are thought to work naturally to boost friendly bacteria, offering ongoing support for children as they grow and develop.

Clinical trials show they can also help reduce common childhood ailments, including digestive issues, asthma symptoms and colic, making them a beneficial addition to baby’s first 1,000 days.

This liquid drop supplement is suitable for breastfed and formula-fed babies from birth.

Optibac Probiotics, For Your Baby, 30 servings, £14.99, optibacprobiotics.com/uk

5. 101 Playground Games

Lockdown is likely to have affected children’s social skills and ability to make friends.

Education specialist and bestselling author Therese Hoyle’s new book 101 Playground Games aims to support educators to facilitate playtimes which address these issues.

The quality of day-to-day playtimes and lunchtimes has a beneficial impact on behaviour, engagement, learning and social, emotional, mental and physical health and wellbeing.

A collection of active and engaging school playground games for children, it offers a practical toolkit of ideas to promote lively and enjoyable games and provides clear instructions for adults on how to organise.

101 Playground Games by Therese Hoyle, £24.99.

6. The Womb Effect

After becoming a parent and finding a lack of research-based information for families, Dr Nauf set up The Womb Effect.

The educational platform was created to guide new and aspiring parents to make informed health and wellbeing choices for their children.

Her Royal Highness, Dr Nauf AlBendar, is a doctor of clinical medicine and has a passion for helping to decode evidenced-based research and medical studies to make them more accessible.

Investigate further at thewombeffect.co

7. Bracky Builds a New Den

Experiencing the serious illness or injury of a loved one can have traumatic effects on a child’s development.

Bracky Builds a New Den is the tale of a happy dinosaur whose life is turned upside down when their dad has a serious accident.

Aimed at children aged from five to eight, the book was developed through market research, tailored professional advice from therapists and first-hand accounts from families and children in similar situations.

A range of activity sheets for children and information sheets for older children has also been produced.

Bracky Builds a New Den, free download from fletcherssolicitors.co.uk

8. The Carrot Who Was Too Big For His Bed

Connect with nature while making connections in little ones’ minds. 

This plantable children’s book is printed on paper and contains real carrot seeds – encouraging gardening and healthy eating all in one.

The end of the story is just a new beginning.

All seeds are non genetically modified organisms, while the book is made in the UK and printed with vegetable-based inks.

The Carrot Who Was Too Big For His Bed, £9.99, daisytreebabyboutique.co.uk

9. Spoon, Fork and Knife set

Encourage motor skills and good eating habits from young with specially designed cutlery.

The colourful soft touch areas develop the pincer grip in little fingers, working on hand and arm strength and developing dexterity, coordination and control.

Suitable for children from 18 months, they can be used with a variety of foods and textures.

Available in three different colours.

Spoon, Fork and Knife set, £16.95, doddl.com

10. Pitagora Wall Shelf

Small people are more likely to enjoy tidying up their own space if everything has a place.

A divided shelf such as this one encourages neatness, provided it’s within easy reach.

The choice of configurations, lengths and colours means you can find one that suits your child.

Pitagora wall shelf, nubie.co.uk

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Here are some that are top of their class.

1. Eaton Square School 

Eaton Square Schools are the independent, co-educational school of choice for families seeking excellence in academic achievement, pastoral support and vibrant extra-curricular variety. Renowned for their nurturing environment and exceptional London surroundings, the schools are repeatedly awarded ‘Excellent’ in all ISI categories.

Eaton Square Schools provides a seamless co-educational learning experience from the Early Years in their four central London Nursery Schools, through to the Preparatory School in Belgravia, then onto the Senior School in Piccadilly

Children aged four to 11 years old are surrounded by opportunities to discover and develop their individual passions – from music to sport, debating to coding. The result? They embrace the next stage of their journey happy, confident and fully equipped with the unique skills required to make their own mark in the world. 

In Year 6, pupils consistently gain competitive places and scholarships at top UK senior schools – day and boarding.

Find out more at eatonsquareschool.com

2. Merchant Taylors’ 

Merchant Taylors’ is one of the country’s ‘great nine’ schools, founded in 1561 by the Merchant Taylors’ Company. 

The school is academically highly successful but is also well known for its exceptional extra-curricular provision and impressive pastoral care. It has a unique tutorial system with each boy assigned a tutor who looks after him throughout his time at the school. 

More recently, Merchant Taylors’ has excelled at sport, becoming Under 17 National Champions at cricket in 2017 and winning the U18 National Plate in hockey in 2018. The school focuses on developing the intellectual strengths of its pupils in an atmosphere that is challenging, exciting and enjoyable. 

Facilities are superb and give every boy the opportunity to find several things at which he, personally, can excel. 

The school enjoys a campus of 285 acres of parkland with easy access from the Metropolitan Line.

Find out more at mtsn.org.uk

3. Oxford International College 

Oxford International College (OIC) is the UK’s number one A-Level college, in national rankings including the Times League Table and the Daily Telegraph League Table.

Known for its academic record and university destinations, OIC attracts students seeking places at the world’s top universities and on competitive courses – such as medicine, law, engineering, economics and architecture. 

OIC’s combination of academic, career preparation and welfare provision offers impressive outcomes. In 2020, 50% of OIC applicants were admitted to Oxford and 58% of the entire cohort progressed to Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE, or UCL. Yasmin Sarwar, OIC’s Chief Education Officer, has seen 100% of students in her schools receive offers from Russell Group universities during her almost 20-year career.

The college’s progressive nature has proved a winning pedagogy. OIC is a small college that tailors a unique academic pathway for each student, oriented to sparking and sustaining an individual passion for lifelong learning. 

Find out more at oxcoll.com

4. Haberdashers’ Boys School 

The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, founded in 1690, is renowned for offering a world-class education and regularly topping league tables. It is located on a rural, 100-acre site with its sister school, Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls, in leafy Elstree, Hertfordshire. 

Haberdashers’ is within easy reach of central London and is near to junctions on the M1, M25 and A1. The schools share one of the largest coach networks of any school in the UK, allowing pupils from far and wide to benefit from a Haberdashers’ education.

The Boys’ School prides itself on ‘nurturing excellence’. Pupils benefit from an energetic and enthusiastic learning environment for inquisitive minds in a simply outstanding environment, with truly exceptional facilities. 

Haberdashers’ is a diverse, multi-cultural and happy school with a rich history of producing confident and self-motivated young adults, who are fully prepared for the challenges of the future. 

Find out more at habsboys.org.uk

5. Exeter School 

Voted top co-educational independent secondary school in the South West in The Times and The Sunday Times Parent Power 2021, Exeter School’s 25-acre site is well equipped with a range of first-class sports facilities. The school is especially proud of its excellent art, music and drama departments. Pupils enjoy an impressive range of academic subjects and extra-curricular activities. Exeter School is academically selective and has an excellent record of success at GCSE and A Level and in placing pupils in a range of leading universities. Recently, 17 offers to study medical or veterinary sciences were made to Upper Sixth pupils and nine pupils were offered Oxbridge places. Admission can take place at age three and over to the Pre-Prep facility, seven and over to the Junior School and at age 11, 13 and 16 years to the Senior School, but applicants may also enter at other ages where places are available.

Find out more at exeterschool.org.uk

6. St David’s College 

St David’s aim is simple – create a unique whole person education centred on the individual, built on Christian principles, embedded in a family atmosphere. A whole person approach finds the true gifts of every individual and tailors their education.

St David’s allows each child to grow much more than just gaining knowledge to pass exams. The school removes barriers to learning with highly qualified staff delivering fun, engaging lessons in classes of around 12 pupils.
Many leavers go on to top universities to study architecture, engineering, maths, and a wide range of subjects. St David’s pride themselves on supporting students through BTECs and on into apprenticeships.

Pupils leave St David’s with unique personalities, individual strengths, and the core values of honesty, respect, and loyalty. They head out into the world with the determination to succeed and the will to never give up.

Find out more at stdavidscollege.co.uk

7. The American School in England 

The American School in England is a co-educational, independent, day and boarding school. Its mission statement encapsulates its core values: TASIS England nurtures intellectual curiosity and emboldens each learner to flourish as a principled, open-minded and compassionate member of a global community.

Students aged three to 18 from more than 50 countries benefit from individualised attention as they are taught in small classes, averaging at around 15 in each. They are encouraged to play their part in the learning community both in and out of the classroom. Comprehensive programmes of athletics, the arts, and extracurricular activities enable students to explore and develop their talents and excel wherever their strengths lie.

Looking beyond a narrow definition of academic excellence, the school promotes essential attributes such as resilience, adaptability, curiosity, and reflection. Students are also encouraged to develop international-mindedness – the ability to interpret and analyse issues from different perspectives through the lens of intercultural understanding and a respect for others.

Find out more at tasisengland.org

8. Christ College 

Situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Christ College is an independent co-educational 
boarding and day school. Founded in 1541, the college is one of the oldest schools in Wales.

Consistently achieving excellent results, over the past three years, 43% of A level grades were A* or A and 85% grade A to C. 46% of GCSE results were grades 9 to 7. This strong track record has enabled the majority of Christ College pupils to progress on to their first choice of course and university.

The school quickly becomes a second home and pupils and faculty become family. Its second curriculum, which complements academic study and promotes the pupils’ character development, includes music, creative and performing arts and an excellent sport and outdoor pursuits provision.

“One of the best value schools in the UK, where the fees comprise almost everything and extras are limited.” – Good Schools Guide 2020.

Find out more at christcollegebrecon.com

9. Queen Anne’s School 

Students at Queen Anne’s School in Caversham, Berkshire, now have the opportunity to record and mix music of all genres to a professional standard with a new recording studio and top editing software. 

The opening of the studio at the independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18-years-old marks the completion of stunning new facilities in The Scott Music Centre. 

This is an addition to a suite of 24 iMacs, 23 new pianos, sound-proofed practice rooms and the fully digitised St Cecilia Recital Hall.

Set in 35-acres and just a short walk from the River Thames, Queen Anne’s School prepares over 450 students every year for an ever-changing world. Staff achieve this through an exciting and continually evolving education, steeped in excellence and innovation.

Students will excel and achieve at the school through first-class teaching, education clinics, 
co-curricular opportunities and pastoral care.

Find out more at qas.org.uk

10. Campbell College 

Recently named by the Good Schools’ Guide as one of the top 10 best value boarding schools in the UK, Campbell College is considered to be a hidden gem. 

Established in 1894, Campbell is an all-boys day and boarding school based five minutes from Belfast City Airport. With over 1,200 pupils, the college campus sits in 100 acres of woodland and boasts an impressive array of facilities. A historic college boasting both academic and co-curricular excellence, Campbell is home to over 150 boarding students from all over the world.  

An even balance of cultures and nationalities make up the Campbell boarding ‘family’ and in the words of one of the students: “No matter where you come from, you will always find a second home here.”

Find out more at campbellcollege.co.uk

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With impressive and extensive amenities they can give individual attention and a tailored experience that provides a unique pathway through school life and a solid grounding from which to go out into the world as confident, independent young adults.  

Here are some schools that could prove a home from home.

1. Ipswich High School 

Ipswich High School is a prominent day and boarding school, for boys and girls from Reception through to Sixth Form, situated in an idyllic 87-acre campus at Woolverstone Hall on the banks of the River Orwell in Suffolk. The school has long enjoyed a high profile across the region and is much respected for both its academic success year-on-year, and for its superb pastoral care and unrivalled enrichment programme.

They are renowned for ensuring their pupils are equipped to be so much more than highly skilled at passing exams. They believe great results are a by-product of an outstanding education, not its sole focus. They do this by providing them with the widest possible range of experiences, both in and outside of the classroom, to broaden their minds and create new opportunities for every pupil to thrive.

Boarding is available for pupils in Year 7 upwards on a full-time and weekly basis. 

Find out more at ipswichhighschool.co.uk

2. Ellesmere College

Ellesmere College, set in 150 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside, has built up an enviable reputation over many years, not only for its outstanding academic success, but also for its ability to combine this with a broad co-curricular programme including an award-winning arts programme and world-renowned sporting programmes.

Ellesmere places its focus firmly on the individual – success is measured by the confident, resilient, empathic and life-ready young adults that begin their journey in Lower School, through Middle School to Sixth Form – making it the perfect platform for academic and personal success. Students aged from seven to 18-years-old can take full advantage of the rural setting as a day pupil or they can enjoy the home-from-home luxury of flexi or full boarding, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in everyday life at the college.

Find out more at ellesmere.com 

3. St David’s College 

St David’s aim is simple – create a unique whole person education centred on the individual, built on Christian principles, embedded in a family atmosphere. A whole person approach finds the true gifts of every individual and tailors their education.

St David’s allows each child to grow much more than just gaining knowledge to pass exams. The school removes barriers to learning with highly qualified staff delivering fun, engaging lessons in classes of around 12 pupils.
Many leavers go on to top universities to study architecture, engineering, maths, and a wide range of subjects. St David’s pride themselves on supporting students through BTECs and on into apprenticeships.

Pupils leave St David’s with unique personalities, individual strengths, and the core values of honesty, respect, and loyalty. They head out into the world with the determination to succeed and the will to never give up.

Find out more at stdavidscollege.co.uk

4. Merchant Taylors

Merchant Taylors’ is one of the country’s ‘great nine’ schools, founded in 1561 by the Merchant Taylors’ Company.

The school is academically highly successful but is also well known for its exceptional extra-curricular provision and impressive pastoral care. It has a unique tutorial system with each boy assigned a tutor who looks after him throughout his time at the school.

More recently, Merchant Taylors’ has excelled at sport, becoming Under 17 National Champions at cricket in 2017 and winning the U18 National Plate in hockey in 2018. The school focuses on developing the intellectual strengths of its pupils in an atmosphere that is challenging, exciting and enjoyable.

Facilities are superb and give every boy the opportunity to find several things at which he, personally, can excel.

The school enjoys a campus of 285 acres of parkland with easy access from the Metropolitan Line.

Find out more at mtsn.org.uk

5. The American School in England

The American School in England is a co-educational, independent, day and boarding school. Its mission statement encapsulates its core values: TASIS England nurtures intellectual curiosity and emboldens each learner to flourish as a principled, open-minded and compassionate member of a global community.

Students aged three to 18 from more than 50 countries benefit from individualised attention as they are taught in small classes, averaging at around 15 in each. They are encouraged to play their part in the learning community both in and out of the classroom. Comprehensive programmes of athletics, the arts, and extracurricular activities enable students to explore and develop their talents and excel wherever their strengths lie.

Looking beyond a narrow definition of academic excellence, the school promotes essential attributes such as resilience, adaptability, curiosity, and reflection. Students are also encouraged to develop international-mindedness – the ability to interpret and analyse issues from different perspectives through the lens of intercultural understanding and a respect for others.

Find out more at tasisengland.org

6. Oxford International College

Oxford International College (OIC) is the UK’s number one A-Level college, in national rankings including the Times League Table and the Daily Telegraph League Table.

Known for its academic record and university destinations, OIC attracts students seeking places at the world’s top universities and on competitive courses – such as medicine, law, engineering, economics and architecture.

OIC’s combination of academic, career preparation and welfare provision offers impressive outcomes. In 2020, 50% of OIC applicants were admitted to Oxford and 58% of the entire cohort progressed to Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE, or UCL. Yasmin Sarwar, OIC’s Chief Education Officer, has seen 100% of students in her schools receive offers from Russell Group universities during her almost 20-year career.

The college’s progressive nature has proved a winning pedagogy. OIC is a small college that tailors a unique academic pathway for each student, oriented to sparking and sustaining an individual passion for lifelong learning.

Find out more at oxcoll.com

7. Haberdashers’ Boys School

The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, founded in 1690, is renowned for offering a world-class education and regularly topping league tables. It is located on a rural, 100-acre site with its sister school, Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls, in leafy Elstree, Hertfordshire.

Haberdashers’ is within easy reach of central London and is near to junctions on the M1, M25 and A1. The schools share one of the largest coach networks of any school in the UK, allowing pupils from far and wide to benefit from a Haberdashers’ education.

The Boys’ School prides itself on ‘nurturing excellence’. Pupils benefit from an energetic and enthusiastic learning environment for inquisitive minds in a simply outstanding environment, with truly exceptional facilities.

Haberdashers’ is a diverse, multi-cultural and happy school with a rich history of producing confident and self-motivated young adults, who are fully prepared for the challenges of the future.

Find out more at habsboys.org.uk

8. Christ College

Situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Christ College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school. Founded in 1541, the college is one of the oldest schools in Wales.

Consistently achieving excellent results, over the past three years, 43% of A level grades were A* or A and 85% grade A to C. 46% of GCSE results were grades 9 to 7. This strong track record
has enabled the majority of Christ College pupils to progress on to their first choice of course and university.

The school quickly becomes a second home and pupils and faculty become family. Its second curriculum, which complements academic study and promotes the pupils’ character development, includes music, creative and performing arts and an excellent sport and outdoor pursuits provision.

“One of the best value schools in the UK, where the fees comprise almost everything and extras are limited.” – Good Schools Guide 2020.

Find out more at christcollegebrecon.com

9. Lucton School

Founded in 1708, Lucton School is set in a peaceful, rural location in 55 acres of beautiful Herefordshire countryside.

There is a good mix of day pupils, weekly boarders and full boarders. Many team and individual sports are offered and boarders enjoy a wealth of weekend activities – sporting, cultural, social and just good fun – all included in the fees.

Senior boarders have individual rooms – although some younger ones prefer to share – and pastoral care at Lucton is second to none.

An Oxford University admissions tutor commented that the typical thing about Lucton students is that there is no typical student – they are very much individuals! What they do have in common is that they leave Lucton confident in their abilities and strengths, ready to embrace opportunities and play their part. They also achieve excellent results at A-level and GCSE and secure an impressive range of university places.

Find out more at luctonschool.org

10. Queen Anne’s

Students at Queen Anne’s School in Caversham, Berkshire, now have the opportunity to record and mix music of all genres to a professional standard with a new recording studio and top editing software.

The opening of the studio at the independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18-years-old marks the completion of stunning new facilities in The Scott Music Centre.

This is an addition to a suite of 24 iMacs, 23 new pianos, sound-proofed practice rooms and the fully digitised St Cecilia Recital Hall.

Set in 35-acres and just a short walk from the River Thames, Queen Anne’s School prepares over 450 students every year for an ever-changing world. Staff achieve this through an exciting and continually evolving education, steeped in excellence and innovation.

Students will excel and achieve at the school through first-class teaching, education clinics,
co-curricular opportunities and pastoral care.

Find out more at qas.org.uk

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