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Wednesday September 25th, 2024
Welcome to your September issue and the start of a new academic year. It may be the end of summer, but the autumn days herald new starts in more ways than one. Whether you’re starting a new school, getting your first glimpse of your prospective university, or packing in preparation to head off there soon – there’s a sense of change and newness in the autumnal air. It’s both exciting and a little bit nerve-racking. Don’t forget – we’re always here to help you navigate the next challenge in your child’s education. Drop us a line today if we can help.
Last weekend The Times published their university ranking. For the first time Oxbridge isn’t in their first and second spot but replaced with LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science) in first place and University of St Andrew’s – Prince William’s and Princess Kate’s alma mater – in second place. Which means Oxford and Cambridge dropped down to third and forth places in the ranking.
Here is the top 19 universities from The Times 2025 university ranking table:
2025 2024 University
1. 4. London School of Economics
2. 1. St Andrews
3. 2. Oxford
4. 3. Cambridge
5. 7. Durham
6. 5. Imperial College London
7. 6. University College London
8. 8. Bath
9. 9. Warwick
10. 10 Loughborough
11. 16 Bristol
12. 14 Lancaster
13. 11 Exeter
14. 18 Sheffield
15. 19 Aberdeen
16. 12 Glasgow
17=. 13 Edinburgh
17=. 17 York
19 17 Southampton
Tuition fees are one of the main sources of funding for the UK universities. Currently domestic students pay tuition fees of £9,250 per year while international students pay up to £38,000 per year. Recruitement of overseas students has fallen since Covid and the Russian war and many universities are now calling for the increase of the fees for UK students, at least to keep up with the rate of inflation.
Under new UK laws coming into force at the end of this year, anyone travelling from overseas to work, study or live in the UK will need a digital eVisa. We’re currently receiving lots of questions about this scheme, which replaces all physical immigration documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or Cards (BRC).
You’ll need to set up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account online, so you can prove your immigration status once your BRP expires in December. You can create your account now – but you will need to keep using your physical documents when you travel, until the end of 2024.
To create your UKVI account, you’ll need your BRP number, or application number (sometimes called a UAN) which often begins with the letters GWF. You’ll need to refer to your passport, and add your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile phone number to your online application. You’ll also need access to the UK immigration ID check app, which you can download from the Google Play or Apple store. It’s a three-step process to create your account, confirm your identity, then link your account to your eVisa. You’ll also need to link your eVisa to your passport so you’re ready to travel. Watch a brief video about the process on gov.uk.
The new eVisa system should make it quicker and easier toprove your immigration status at the UK border, and to share your status with third parties like employers and landlords. If you’ve any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
For children considering an independent school for their secondary education, it is now time to sit their 11+ and 13+ Common Entrance (CE) or ISEB exams. Although many schools arrange 11+ tests in either September or January for school entry in the September of next year, with further options for 13+ testing in May and June, some will stagger the tests according to a child’s date of birth. For example, the children of some families we’re working with are sitting their entry exams now and next month for autumn 2026 entry. As you can see, some schools have a longer lead time than others. We wrote a bit about this in our November 2019 blog, but please do get in touch if you’d like any advice or support about when and where to register for an independent school.
Earlier this month, Year 6 pupils in some UK state primary schools took their 11+ test. This comprises multiple choice questions, testing children’s maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills, and is designed to ascertain which children are likely to thrive in a grammar school environment. Results are released towards the middle of next month. Those who achieve the required score have the option to attend a grammar school from the following September, with secondary school places being confirmed for all state primary pupils in early March.
If you’re planning to start your degree course in October 2025, chances are you’ve already got a few options lined up and your UCAS form is coming together nicely. You can submit your application from early September, but you have until mid-October (for Oxbridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses) or late January for most other degree courses at most other universities. However, many universities will continue to accept applications from international students until later in the year, nearer the start dates of degree courses. We can advise you on applying to UK universities as an international student. From visas to English language skills – get in touch to find out more.
It’s also open day season at universities! For Y12 and Y13 students alike, these are the perfect opportunities to get a real taste of university life. You can speak to staff and current students, see the facilities on campus and get a feel for the local area and where you might spend most of your studying time (if you already know what course you’d like to take). The UCAS website features university open days, or you can go direct to your university of choice, or ask us for advice. If you’re considering an Oxbridge application for 2026 entry onwards, don’t forget we run an Oxbridge application programme. Suitable for students aged 15 to 18, it includes support on choosing a subject and writing your personal statement; a tutor in your chosen subject(s) and ongoing support from an Oxbridge mentor (either a current student or Oxbridge graduate); a university insights day and visits to Oxford or Cambridge, plus an intensive two-week, live-in course to get a taster and build your subject skills. Get in touch to find out more.
Of course, if you’re all set for your 2024 course start, then you’re probably contemplating a big suitcase and a trip to IKEA (or similar) right now! Check out our September 2021 blog for tips on packing for and preparing to start university. From room décor to budgeting, cooking and the all-important laundry arrangements…
We wish you and yours all the very best with the next, exciting steps in your educational journey. If you’ve any concerns or queries about any of the topics covered here – or any aspect of your child’s education – please do get in touch. We love hearing from you.
“ Regency Education helped all three of our boys get into a wonderful school where they now thrive. ”
“ REGENCY EDUCATION WAS ABLE TO HELP US WITH EVERY STEP OF THE SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS ENSURING THE EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS OF OUR CHILDREN. AN INVALUABLE SERVICE. ”
“ REGENCY EDUCATION WAS ABLE TO HELP US WITH EVERY STEP OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS ENSURING THE EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS OF OUR CHILDREN - AN INVALUABLE SERVICE. ”
