General Points:

Religion: Schools and guardian families respect children's religious beliefs, but parents must realise that it is impossible, within a school or a British home, for every aspect to be observed.

Weather: Children usually commence their studies in September, which is the beginning of the academic year. The weather becomes progressively colder and wetter from then on into the winter months.

Clothing: It is important that overseas parents send their children to the UK with a sufficient supply of warm clothing, including woollen jumpers. A waterproof jacket and "wellington" boots are also a necessity. Many children from tropical countries arrive with little or no means of keeping warm and this is distressing for them. Should parents be unable to purchase these items themselves a good guardian family is always ready to help by taking the student shopping immediately on arrival. Some schools will arrange shopping expeditions.

Food: Students who are used to highly spiced dishes do not like the bland food served in UK schools. They do get used to it eventually, but find it hard at first. Schools and guardian families ensure that special dietary requirements, either on religious or health grounds, are respected.

Visas: Since May 1991 the facility for acquiring re-entry visas in the UK has been withdrawn. The situation now is that anyone granted leave to stay in the UK, for more than six months, will not be required to present a visa if they depart from and return to the UK within the period their original visa is valid. They will, however, be liable to examination at the port of entry to confirm that they qualify for readmission.

When their child first comes to the UK it is important that parents:

1 apply for a student visa for their child. This can be obtained from the UK Embassy or equivalent diplomatic post in their own country.

2 a supporting letter must be obtained from the chosen school stating that:

a) a definite place has been offered

b) the date the term commences

c) the estimated number of years students will be at the school, e.g. "to study for GCSE (or A Level) examinations".

This letter is a safeguard, should be undated, and always kept safely in the student's passport. This will prevent problems arising at Immigration. This must be done prior to departure for the UK.

Proof that funds are available (to cover the child's expenses as well as school fees) may be requested.

Students who obtain LESS than a six month visa or come to the UK on a visitor's visa may have to return home in order to obtain a valid one.