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Expats

Our school is popular with expatriate families. Each year, we warmly welcome students whose primary residence is located abroad but who are UK citizens.

At the Royal Alexandra and Albert School, we are only able to consider applications from students who are eligible for state education. For the majority, this will mean that they are British or Irish citizens.

We are a true boarding school with traditions rooted in modern British values, while upholding a global outlook. Diversity and inclusion are core to our boarding community. This is one reason why expat families choose us, but there are many reasons why expat families opt for a UK boarding education for their children including:

• Familiarity with the British Education System: British expat families may prefer the familiarity and the continuity that the British education system in the UK can offer, ensuring their child receives an education that likely aligns with future academic aspirations.
• Language Proficiency: Enrolling a child in a UK boarding school can enhance their English language proficiency, especially if the family is living in a non-English speaking country.
• Cultural Integration: Boarding schools in the UK provide an environment where students can immerse themselves in British culture, fostering cultural integration and a better understanding of the family’s heritage. This is particularly important for families who have been overseas for many years.
• Family Connections and Friendships: Attending a UK boarding school can offer students the opportunity to establish connections with family members in the UK and develop lifelong friendships.
• Exposure to a Global Community: UK boarding schools often have a diverse student body, providing an enriching experience where students interact with peers from various backgrounds and nationalities.
• High-Quality Education: UK boarding schools have a world-wide reputation for providing high-quality education. Families value the varied academic curriculum and emphasis on safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing of students.
• Holistic Development: Boarding schools often focus on holistic development, encompassing academic achievement, co-curricular activities, and personal growth. This is appealing to parents seeking a well-rounded education for their child.
• Preparation for Higher Education: UK boarding schools are known for preparing students for higher education, whether in the UK or abroad, and a focus on developing essential skills for university success. Access to home fee status may also be a consideration for some families*
• Sports and Co-curricular Opportunities: Many UK boarding schools offer a wider range of sports and activities, allowing students to explore and develop their interests beyond the academic curriculum.

*please read the item below regarding UK university fees.

UK University Fees

If you are resident overseas, being a UK national may not automatically entitle you to ‘home fee’ status at UK universities. The requirements for entitlement to home fees in the UK can vary and depend on factors such as nationality, immigration status, and how many years a child has been resident in the UK. The item below gives a quick overview of this:

Generally, individuals must be resident and ‘settled’ in the UK on ‘the first day of the first academic year’ of their course to be eligible for home student status. With some exceptions, they must also have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for the three years before that date. The three-year residency rule applies to UK nationals who have been living abroad. (Commons Library, June 2023)

There are exceptions to the above and more nuanced information is available. We strongly advise families to read published government guidance on this:

Where do your expat students come from?

In the last 5 years, we have received over 1,000 boarding applications from British and Irish citizens living overseas. Take a look below to see where some of our students come from.