How to get into a boarding school in the UK?

Going to a boarding school in the UK (questions about A-levels/IB/IELTS/etc)?

• Lately I've been thinking about going to study abroad Sept 2013, specifically to the UK. The reasons would be that the A-level system seems much more reasonable than the IB/the curriculums at the gymnasiums in my country (Estonia), I would also be able to work on my English and since I was planning on going to uni in the UK anyway, it would make the whole process easier. There are also the usual "irrational" reasons, like wanting to be independent and figuring out who I am/what I want to do with my life, etc. My questions are quite random, but I'm hoping that you can maybe answer at least a few of them: * What are your thoughts about A-levels and the IB? Which one do you prefer and why? * If I would go, then I would enter sixth form - at the age of seventeen (in my country, people start school at 7 y/o and I will have graduated from 10th grade by the time I leave. It would have been better to go this year as I'm fresh out of 'basic school' (no English equivalent for this), but the idea is sort of sudden and I don't want to impulsively rush into things). Do you think it would be a problem considering most people who enter 6th form do so at the ages of 15/16? * Has anyone here ever taken the IELTS test (GT)? How hard is it to get a decent score (let's say above 5 or 6)? * What are your experiences with boarding schools (if any)?

• Answer:

  According to our former pri-minister, Tony Blair, the IB system is more difficult than our own A Level one. However, with A Levels you can generalize and focus on specific subjects- you also don't get as much of a work load. So as per what i prefer- A Levels. Though apparently it's harder now that they've added the new A* grade. Anyhow, this gives you more times with other things like friends/extra-curricular activities. Most people who enter sixth form are at least 16. People when they are 15 are still in secondary school. However, there will be a large number of mature students on campus too so you won't feel like the oldest there, trust me! Most people who are in sixth from (except for mature students and really smart youngsters) will attend college from 16-19- so you fit the average. I haven't taken the IELTS sorry but good luck with them! :) Also, boarding school? Don't know... SORRY Hope i helped with what i could! :)