Top-level High Schools in the UK
Posted on 08. Dec, 2011 by Brian R. in High School
There are several high schools in the United Kingdom which offer a high-class education. But how can a good education standard be measured properly? One possibility could be to ask teachers, parents and pupils about their opinion. Does the school provide a nice learning atmosphere? Are pupils promoted individually? Can pupils choose interesting free-time activities and clubs? Is the staff qualified and motivated?
The Problem with surveys like these is that they only provide information about individual opinions. That is why school rankings usually base on examination results. Every year a list is published which shows the best British high schools in view of their A-Level results. Most of them are independent schools. Among the ten best high schools in the United Kingdom in 2010 are five girl schools, three boy schools and two mixed schools. Here are the three best high schools in the United Kingdom.
The third rank: Perse School for Girls
The Perse School for Girls is a very traditional and famous school in Cambridge. It was founded in 1881. About 750 pupils attend this school, they are between 3 and 18 years old. The girls are assigned to one of six houses which take part in different competitions during the year. The school offers to learn several foreign languages, for example German, Italian, Russian and French. There is a drama club which performs at least one play every year and sometimes musicals. Many Extracurricular activities are offered in sports, languages, arts and drama.
The second rank: Westminster School London
The Westminster School in London is one of the leading British independent schools. Many of their former students are accepted at Oxford and Cambridge. Around 750 pupils attend this school, both girls and boys. The famous school was founded in the 12th century; important persons like John Locke and Christopher Wren were educated at Westminster School. It is located in the former monastery of Westminster Abbey. Not everybody is allowed to attend this high-class school. Even if the parents can pay the fees, their children must have very good marks and test results. They are interviewed by some kind of jury before they get one of the coveted places.
The winner: The St Paul’s Girls’ School in London
The St Paul’s Girls’ School is located in central London. It was founded in 1904. At that moment, about 720 pupils aged between 11 and 18 years old attend this top high school. The girls do not need to wear a special school uniform. Beside the successful drama club, St Paul’s Girls’ School publishes a lot of newspapers and magazines. The school offers some scholarships for talented children ever year.
Picture: Christian Schwier – Fotolia.com