Great Britain has a unique tradition of high quality education. Not surprising, really, for a nation unified for a 1000 years, with stable government, laws, industry and innovation that have brought great prosperity. For many years, as now, many of the World’s leaders, political, scientific, legal and entrepreneurial have been educated in Britain. This has not happened by mere chance.

And while educational systems in Britain are long-established, they are by no means trapped in the past. Teaching and learning today are among the most innovative and advanced anywhere in the World. At a time of rapid globalization, these systems and structures have never been so important.

English is the lingua franca not only for business across the World, but also other areas such as internet. While Chinese is increasing in importance, English will remain dominant for a generation. Therefore, it is logical for the successful student to learn English, if they can, as it is for them to come to Britain to be educated, if they can afford it.

A Levels, GCSEs, IGCSE, IB, Cambridge Pre-U

British boarding schools and colleges embody just those qualities that the World’s best students require. Top teaching and expert guidance in specific subjects is underpinned by assessment structures that are fair, rigorous and consistent. Just as our examinations – GCSE, IGCSE, IB, Cambridge Pre-U and A-level – are independently regulated and controlled to ensure total probity, our university degrees maintain that stamp of quality that rank them among the best in the World. The international university ranking tables see British universities enjoying a disproportionate share of top slots – again, no mere chance.

Boarding in Britain’s school and colleges today is a world away from the era of ‘Mr Chips’, despite its trademarks of formal uniforms and handsome old buildings. The reality sees young people living in modern communities where their individual comfort, safety and happiness are paramount. Resources for learning are truly outstanding: traditional teaching by gifted and devoted teachers, supported by 21st century technology and opportunities to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities and sports, and to achieve the highest levels of performance.

British Education – University and Lifeskills

Students learn much more than their subjects too – they learn how to learn – arguably the most important thing of all for personal success in the future. They also learn how to get on with and relate to different people from different backgrounds. These and other lifeskills constitute an often unspoken benefit that contributes real weight to the investment that is a British education.

All schools and colleges, must, by law, be accredited and inspected so as to meet quality standards. While the bar is, rightly, set high, it does mean that parents can trust schools and colleges to live up to what they say in their brochures.

This article was written by David Lowe, Principal of DLD College & Abbey College London. Abbey DLD Group of Colleges will be participating in British Council’s education fair from 10 – 17 March. More details on www.educationuk.org.my/events.