studytravel.network
Open in
urlscan Pro
51.140.180.76
Public Scan
Submitted URL: http://clickeu.swiftpage.marketing/s/055-606f233c-4423-4b15-8ec6-55b918ae5d72?enr=naahiaduabyaa4yahiac6abpabzqa5aaouagiadzab2aa4qam...
Effective URL: https://studytravel.network/magazine/news/0/30145?email=andrewh@usca.edu
Submission: On October 17 via manual from US — Scanned from GB
Effective URL: https://studytravel.network/magazine/news/0/30145?email=andrewh@usca.edu
Submission: On October 17 via manual from US — Scanned from GB
Form analysis 1 forms found in the DOM
<form st-data-layer-text-search-tracking="" class="ng-pristine ng-valid"> <!-- ngIf: search.label -->
<div class="input-group"> <input name="textSearch" type="text" class="form-control ng-pristine ng-untouched ng-valid ng-empty" placeholder="Search magazine" ng-model="search.model">
<div class="input-group-btn"> <button class="btn btn-secondary btn-icon ng-isolate-scope" st-data-layer-text-search-tracking="" ng-click="search.search()" st-btn-loading="" hide-loader="search.searchFinished" replace-content="true">
<i class="flaticon stroke zoom-2"></i> </button> </div>
</div>
</form>Text Content
Public
Join the
Login
Contact us / Terms & Privacy / FAQs /
1. Regular
2. BSA REPORT: CHINESE AGENTS MORE IMPORTANT FOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL RECRUITMENT
SEARCH
LATEST NEWS
QA HIGHER EDUCATION LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL…
IEAA EXCELLENCE AWARDS ANNOUNCED AT AIEC 2023 EVENT
QUÉBEC INCREASES FEES FOR INTERNATIONAL AND OUT-OF-PROVINCE…
NEW ZEALAND SET FOR ENHANCED WORK RIGHTS FOR INTERNATIONAL…
BSA REPORT: CHINESE AGENTS MORE IMPORTANT FOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL RECRUITMENT
Published on 09/10/23
Agents are becoming even more important in the recruitment process of Chinese
students to UK independent schools, according to the latest survey of current
and prospective parents by the Boarding Schools’ Association, which also shows
more inclination towards longer-term study and work and satisfaction with the
school experience.
The report, based on a survey of 943 parents of students either currently
enrolled at a UK school or in the application process, is the third in a series
by Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) and China education specialists
Connexcel.
Agent usage: Agents were ranked as the top source of information, cited by 86.5
per cent of parents – an increase compared with 74 per cent in 2021. This was
followed by school websites (52.5), recommendations from friends/family (46.9)
and school visits (27).
The vast majority of prospective students intended to apply through an agent
(86.27 per cent), which was an increase of 15 percentage points compared with
the first survey in 2021.
“It is increasingly clear from our surveys, that agents have been playing a more
and more important role in the admission process. UK schools need to be aware of
this trend and work more closely with agents,” the authors said.
How Chinese parents plan to apply to schools. Source - BSA/Connexcel.
For prospective parents, local accreditation was a top factor in choosing an
agent (96 per cent important or very important) along with provision of
guardianship services 97 per cent, recommendations (77) and overall fees (67).
Of current parents, 88.49 per cent had applied though an agency, up from 78 per
cent in 2021. Professionalism, accreditation and provision of guardianship were
designated as the most important factors in choice of agent.
Study abroad reasons: In terms of reasons for studying abroad, the authors found
that ‘pressure from the current Chinese education system’ as the top reason,
cited by 73 per cent – up from 41 per cent in 2021, followed by studying abroad
offering ‘a more well-rounded education’ (70). The chance of ‘entering a top
world university’ has also increased from 33 per cent in the 2021 survey to 50
per cent this year.
Choice of destination: Security & safety and educational quality were rated as
the top two factors in choice of destination – as in previous surveys – but
employment prospects/immigration possibility was more prominent this year at 28
per cent, compared with only 12 per cent in 2021.
Other destinations considered: As a survey of UK-inclined parents, the UK was
predictably the preferred study destination, but the authors found that the USA
was also considered by 68 per cent of prospective parents, and that Canada,
(30), Hong Kong (22), Singapore (15) and Australia (12) were also in the
consideration mix.
Selection of school: In terms of choice of school, finding the right match
between school and child was rated as very important or important by almost all
parents (97.1 per cent), followed by league tables/university admissions (95.8),
experience of looking after international students (95.3), school facilities
(94.4) and reputation of the school (78.5).
John Zhang, Co-Founder of Connexcel, said that interest in the UK among Chinese
students remains strong.
“It has been increasingly noted by parents that further education, graduate
employment prospects and immigration policies are important contributing factors
in making the decision to apply for the UK boarding school.”
Effect of potential UK changes: Prospective parents were also asked what impact
potential educational changes would have. Oxbridge and well-known British
universities increasing the proportion of students from private schools and the
relaxation of UK work permit policies would have a positive impact, parents
said.
Meanwhile, the imposition of VAT on private school fees and any shortening of
post-study work rights would be negative – 67.1 per cent and 58.2 per cent
respectively. Last week, StudyTravel Magazine spoke to UK associations and
schools about the potential imposition of VAT by the opposition Labour Party if
they win the next election.
Satisfaction of current parents of Chinese students at UK independent schools.
Source - BSA/Connexcel.
Guardianship services: Among prospective parents, the percentage who had not
heard/did not know much about guardianship services was 55 per cent, up from
previous surveys. The authors said that schools and agents needed to focus on a
deeper understanding of guardianship among parents.
The certification of a guardianship provider, either by AEGIS or the BSA, was
cited as the most important factor by 86.7 per cent, followed by the provider’s
ability to understand the cultures of both countries and communicate
bilingually.
Satisfaction with UK school experience: The highest areas of satisfaction among
current parents were for extracurricular activities and diversity of course
selection, campus safety, pastoral care and academic atmosphere.
Caroline Nixon , International and Membership Director of the Boarding Schools’
Association , said in the foreword that overall the responses were extremely
positive.
“The many benefits of boarding education in the UK, ranging from portable
qualifications which open the door to entry into top universities in any country
in the world, to excellent pastoral provision, to networking opportunities, to
increased confidence and independence, still exist.
“It is pleasing to note that their concerns around safety, security and the
welcoming nature of our schools have decreased from last year. However, we need
to note emerging concerns around the messages from our country as a whole about
how welcome their children will be as graduates.”
Click here to access the full report from BSA and Connexcel.
By Matthew Knott
News Editor
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS:
?Show / hide this help menu
×