A Very British Education

September 2019

When it comes to providing children and young adults with a unique education, London, with its world-class universities, private schools and cultural institutions, is the city of choice for growing numbers of international students and their families.

Indeed, the city boasts four of the world’s top 50 universities, including, notable multidisciplinary universities such as University College London (UCL) and King’s College London – famous for its pioneering research into the structure of DNA. London also offers specialists in particular disciplines such as the London School of Economics and scientific powerhouses, Imperial College and Brunel.

According to Lalage Clay, director of education and talent at the Mayor of London’s promotional arm, London & Partners, London is a popular place to study for several reasons. “London is one of the world’s great cities. It has a rich heritage and cultural history, but it’s also modern, dynamic, creative and adaptable. Its status as the UK’s centre for government and business has long attracted high calibre people and created the need for top-quality education.”

Asian students are especially drawn to London’s universities. According to a report by the Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) produced for London & Partners, more than 21,000 Chinese students attended London’s universities in 2017/18 – up by almost 60% since 2013/14 – making this the largest international group at London’s universities. Over the same period, the number of students from India rose 13% to 5,500, while 3,000 came from Malaysia, a rise of 6%.

For many, studying in London’s finest universities has far-reaching benefits. “Many students build up an international network of contacts who can help them in their careers,” notes May Huang, CEO, UK Education Weekly.

London also boasts some of the best private schools in the country, including Harrow, Dulwich College and Westminster School. Our latest properties, No. 1 Palace Street and The Broadway, are situated at the heart of this unique education offering, with Westminster School only a few minutes’ walk away. Just across the river also sits Thomas’s Battersea, one of London’s most prestigious prep schools, now famous for counting Prince George and Princess Charlotte as two of its pupils.

The benefits of a British education are numerous says the aforementioned Lalage Clay. “A British education values developing higher-level skills – analysing evidence, understanding trends, evolving and testing arguments, critical evaluation – rather than simply acquiring facts or learning competencies. Those skills are highly prized in the marketplace and much valued by employers.”

Finally, let’s not forget London’s leading fashion and design colleges. From the prestigious Central Saint Martins in Kings Cross where graduates include Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, to the Royal College of Art and Chelsea School of Art, there is no better city in which to stretch the mind, make lifelong friends and enjoy all that London has to offer.

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