The UK is still the top destination for Chinese parents choosing a boarding education for their children, according to a new BSA-commissioned report which builds on a similar survey last year.
The report, produced in partnership between Boarding Schools’ Association, British Association of Independent Schools with International Students and Chinese education specialist Connexcel, gives valuable feedback to schools seeking to meet the needs of international boarders. It shows that the overwhelming reason that Chinese parents choose to send their children to study in the UK is the offer of a more well-rounded education than is available in China (up from 77% last year to 85% this year). The vast majority of parents surveyed regard the UK as the best place to study from a list of worldwide destinations.
1,100 Chinese families, with children currently boarding at UK schools or registered to begin boarding in the next two years, answered the survey – around 23% of the total number. These families have experienced some extreme challenges posed by continued Chinese travel restrictions. In many cases, children have not been able to return home for holidays and have needed generous assistance from guardians and school house staff in the UK.
Other key findings from the report show how much parents value the work of a trusted, high-quality agent to help them find the right school for their child. 85% felt the most important source of information when choosing a school came from educational agents.
Responses also highlighted the importance of guardianship for parents, with 74% citing certification of a guardian or guardianship agency the most important factor. BSA runs Certified Agents and Guardians schemes to assure schools and parents of professional quality across recruitment, safeguarding and student placement.
Over 90% of parents said education quality was the key factor in choosing their child’s study destination, equalled by the security and safety of a country. How open the country’s attitude to international students came in third place. Parents also felt studying at UK boarding schools has a very positive impact on their children, with 85% saying their child became more self-reliant and increasingly mature in their outlook.
Robin Fletcher, CEO, BSA and BSA Group, said: “This report provides an important snapshot of Chinese parents’ views and, especially take together with last year’s results, will clearly inform UK boarding schools what they are doing well in terms of recruiting Chinese students, and what parents and students are looking for when making their choices.
“It also demonstrates the value of our Certified Agent and Certified Guardian schemes, which give an assurance of quality to parents and schools.
“UK boarding enjoys an enviable reputation all over the world. It has a long and proud tradition of welcoming international students, from China and across the globe, and we’re delighted this study indicates that if schools continue to meet parents’ and students’ needs, this will continue to be the case.”
To view a copy of the full report, please click here.
Categories: BSA News
