Several schools based in the United Kingdom (UK) are set to host the widely recognized UK Boarding Schools Week in Abuja and Lagos this week. The exhibition is scheduled to take place from January 16 to January 19, providing an opportunity for Nigerian families to engage with representatives from some of the most esteemed boarding schools in the UK.
This event coincides with a substantial decline in visa applications for work and study in the United Kingdom, as reported by the UK Home Office. Between April and December 2024, there was a 42% decrease, equating to nearly 400,000 fewer applications compared to the same period in 2023. Specifically, the number of applications dropped from 942,500 in 2023 to 547,000 in 2024, a reduction of 395,100.
This decline has been particularly pronounced among international students and foreign care workers, largely due to newly implemented restrictions aimed at reducing illegal immigration.
Despite these challenges, the organisers of the UK Boarding Schools Week, Mark Brooks Education, in collaboration with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, are celebrating 17 years of fostering connections between Nigerian families and top-tier UK educational institutions.
What This Implies
In a statement, the organisers emphasised that the event offers families a chance to discover schools renowned for their outstanding academic performance, high-quality boarding facilities, exceptional pastoral care, and a strong commitment to supporting Nigerian students.
The event will also highlight the remarkable achievements of Nigerian students who have excelled at leading UK schools. Participating institutions include Aldro Preparatory School, Bromsgrove School, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Concord College, Glenalmond College, Lancing College, Malvern St James Girls’ School, and Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate.
