Moving to the UK
Moving to another country can be a difficult and traumatic process. Finding the right school is a major worry for parents. Gabbitas understands your concerns. We have been helping parents for decades to make the transition into the British system and to find the options best suited to their children's needs.
Find the right independent school or college
Our specialists regularly advise families coming from overseas. We ask you to tell us about your child and his or her education to date. Using our knowledge of independent schools (private schools) and colleges we can recommend those which we think will interest you and arrange for you to receive further information.
- Independent boarding schools (prep and senior)
- Independent day schools (prep and senior)
- International Schools
- Schools with a special emphasis, e.g. in sport, music, art
- Schools with provision for special needs, e.g. dyslexia or ADD
- Sixth form colleges
If you are new to UK education, you may want more extensive guidance on sending your child to school there. We are happy to help you with every stage of your search for the right school. We have a range of options covering all aspects of school choice as well as practical arrangements for visiting schools and making applications. Some of these may be particularly helpful for parents who live outside the UK or who have a limited knowledge of English.
"Our children are attending an International School in the London area. They are very pleased with the school and we are very pleased with the services you provided to us." Mr and Mrs L, Sweden
Overseas visits
Our consultants regularly visit cities throughout the world to meet parents who are interested in sending their children to schools in Britain. To see when Gabbitas will next be in a city near you, please click here.
Gabbitas consultants will visit clients in their home country as part of the Diamond Package (see below) at a mutually convenient time.
Fee Structure
Our consultation fees start at £199 (plus VAT) and we have a range of packages which provide excellent value. Please contact us for full details. If you require extensive research, liaison with several schools, assistance with your application or a Gabbitas consultant to accompany you on a school visit, one of our packages could be the answer.
- 1 hour consultation – either in our London office or in your home country – to discuss your child’s needs face-to-face. During this time we can also contact schools on your behalf to arrange appointments, explore admission requirements, check vacancies and find out whether the school would be willing to offer a place.
- Golden Package
This includes a 1 hour consultation – either by telephone or in our London office plus 2 hours research, which would include a personalised selection of schools and liaison with these schools to ascertain availability of places. - Platinum Package
This includes a 1 hour consultation by telephone or in our London office plus unlimited research, which would include a personalised selection of schools and liaison with these schools to ascertain availability of places. - Diamond Package
In addition to the features offered in our other packages, our new Diamond Package includes a visit by one of our consultants to your home or other location, either within the UK or abroad. We will meet you and your child to discuss his or her needs in depth and consider any special points and answer any questions you have before we make our recommendations.
"I'd like to thank you once again for your help in selecting the right school for my son. Thank you so much for your opinion, it really helps." Mrs D, Albania, had a telephone consultation to discuss choices for her son's A level studies in the UK.
We also offer:
Assistance with applications and registrations
We can help with all administrative details including completion of application forms and can also advise you of important dates and deadlines. Application procedures can vary widely from one school to another.
Accompanied visits
If you would like a Gabbitas consultant to accompany you on your visits, we are happy to arrange this for you. This may be helpful if you would like an independent opinion of the suitability of schools for your child.
Educational Assessment
This includes a full assessment with an educational psychologist, report and consultation with a Gabbitas schools specialist.
English language testing
If your child's first language is not English, schools will want to be sure that he or she knows enough to be able to do well. We use a specially created test to assess your child's English for entry to school at any age from age 13. The test can be done at Gabbitas or completed by your child before you arrive in the UK.
Interview and exam technique for entry to selective public schools
This is available for students sitting 11+ or 13+ entrance examinations.
Subject specialists for Oxbridge interview technique
This includes a general and a subject specialist practice interview held either on the same day or different days according to your convenience.
Career focus
Includes a computerised aptitude test and a full consultation to assess the results and discuss suitable career or higher education areas. We also offer guidance on job searching techniques, CV preparation and interview skills.
Private tutors
You may find it helpful to engage a tutor to help your child prepare for the transition to education in the UK. We understand that families employ private tutors for a variety of reasons, among which might be for a son or daughter who:
- is gifted or talented and who needs to be stretched through extended learning opportunities
- is home-schooled and who would benefit from working with a tutor or tutors
- is preparing for examinations such as GCSE or IGCSE, A Levels in particular subjects or the demands of the International Baccalaureate
- would benefit from extra preparation for the Common Entrance examination during the holidays
- has special educational needs and requires additional assistance and support outside their regular schooling
"It was quite stressful for us to find a good combination of housing and schools. Thank you very much for your good services. I would recommend your organisation to any family in th esame situation." Mrs S-D
Gabbitas understands that every child is different. To discuss your personal requirements, contact Catherine Walters.
