How high-school high-fliers take

TRAVELLING ABROAD to study is commonplace and one of the most popular destinations has always been the United States, with all the advanced facilities and educational opportunities it offers.

But how easy is it for British kids to move over into the American system? US educationalist Glenn Drew specialises in helping international students of sixth-form age get a foothold.

The good news, says Mr Drew, executive director of the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, North Caro- lina, is that British qualifications are highly thought of there.

“We find British students exceed their US counterparts in some subjects. The essential requirement for university entry is a minimum of five GCSEs and three A-levels. UK students would also be expected to sit the SAT college entry exam, (standardised achievement test). Every university in the US will look at this in addition to their A-level and GCSE scores and their personal CVs.”

But students can gain an advantage by spending the last two years of secondary education at an American academy to increase their familiarity.

In the past six or seven years, American institutions have been actively looking overseas to attract students, says Mr Drew.

“There is no doubt that secondary schools have seen a significant increase in international applications to their schools and in turn that has driven increased enrolment. A lot of that was driven by the worldwide recession but as a result, American institutions have realised there are clear advantages in having a diverse and global student body.”

What students will find when they enrol in an American school is that the