Why choose a British education? What are the hallmarks of an excellent independent school, college or university, and what are the warning signs if it isn’t as good as it claims to be? What questions should you ask when you visit? Where will your child live, and why does this matter? What is it really like to study at a private school in the UK?

In this book, two leading experts answer the questions facing any family as they consider a UK education for their child. Their clear, unbiased advice will make a difficult decision easier than ever before.

Dr Martin Stephen (former High Master of St Paul’s School) is only the second person in history to have held both High Master posts in English Independent schools, at The Manchester Grammar School and St Paul’s School in London. He was also Headmaster of the prestigious Perse School in Cambridge and was elected Chairman of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), the organisation that represents leading independent schools. Martin is the author of over 20 books on education, literature and history.

Dr Julian Davies (Principal of Abbey College, Cambridge) is a biologist and a former research scientist at the University of Illinois. He conducted his PhD research on the effects of climate change in the Antarctic. Julian has been Principal of Abbey College since 2002, leading it to become one of the most academically successful and sought-after independent colleges in the UK. Its students have a stunning record of obtaining places at top British and world universities.