Questions? Reach out!
High school exchange program in the UK
Live the life of a British teenager on a short-term or semester exchange program in the UK.
Experience the authentic British culture and lifestyle
Student exchange program in the UK
Studying English literature in the country of Shakespeare, visiting Hogwarts-like castles or ancient ruins, experiencing the afternoon tea tradition, taking on a different accent... a high school exchange program to the UK will be a full immersion in everything that the British culture has to offer.
The UK are an island-nation comprising of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here, you will be surrounded by history as well as innovation. Some of the places that have shaped Western culture over the centuries are found here, together with world-famous art galleries, universities, cities, and cultural sites. Broaden your horizons and travel through time with an exchange program in the UK!
A real-life novel, in British style
Customs and etiquette
The UK are known for their unique traditions and customs, such as five o’clock tea, Sunday roast, the Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard, a love (read: obsession) for the British Royal Family, and many more.
What’s high school like in the UK?
A stimulating environment
A rigorous, holistic approach that prepares students to excel academically but also on a personal level: experience a world-class education system in the UK.
Diversified curriculum
You will have the opportunity to study in a wide range of fields, from English literature to history, from science to the arts. A diversified offer to find your own path!
Global citizenship
Although we speak the same language, Australia and the UK have major cultural differences. Become a true citizen of the world by learning about the peculiar traditions and colourful history of each of the countries that make up the UK.
Sense of belonging
You might not make into Hogwarts’s Gryffindor House, but you will feel part of your school community and may be assigned to a House to represent with pride, in line with local traditions.
Four countries, one nation: let it surprise you with an exchange experience!
Live the dream – trust WEP and prepare to be amazed.
On a Flex program to the UK, you will be placed in either England, Scotland or Wales, depending on the location of the host family who has chosen you to share this incredible adventure with. Ready to live life as a Brit?
Flex programs offer a very similar experience to Classic Exchange programs, with placement in a host family and enrolment in a local school. However, host families receive a payment or subsidy, and tuition fees are usually charged by the host school.
Flex programs are not registered and supervised by our Regulating Authorities in Australia, as they do not meet the requirement of a volunteer host family and a volunteer host school applying to Classic Exchange programs. However, WEP requires the same level of screening and quality of placements from the overseas partner organisations, and program rules and expectations of our students are the same.
Paid homestay family
Tuition fees apply (included in the program fee)
Placement in England, Scotland or Wales
Short-term or semester programs available
Your host family during your exchange year
Gain a second family – they can’t wait to welcome you into their lives!
Here is why:
British host families stand out for their long-established hospitality culture. Their collective experience in hosting students from all corners of the world guarantees a deep, authentic cultural immersion experience.
The unique British humour may baffle you at first - sarcasm, irony and self-deprecation are bread and butter for the Brits. A tongue-in-cheek comment from your host parents such as “I really like how loud you play your music”, accompanied by a smile, is a sign they truly like you... or maybe not?
From afternoon teatime to traditional country-wide celebrations, you will experience centuries-old customs firsthand and learn the ins and outs of modern British culture.
British teenagers tend to be quite independent and learn how to manage their own time and responsibilities early on. Follow in their footsteps to grow and mature as an individual!
Your school in the UK
Find out more about your school experience in the UK
The British education system
Education in the UK spans 13 years, divided into three cycles:
- Primary School: it typically starts at 5-6 years old until 10-11, and like in Australia, it includes years 1 to 6. The first two years are also known as Infant School, while students aged 7-11 are in Junior School
- Secondary School: comprising of years 6-11, it caters to students aged 11-12 to 15-16
- College: for students aged 16-17 to 17-18, British Colleges include the last two years of school, year 12 and year 13
The British education system
Subjects in the UK
During the last two years of Secondary School (years 10 and 11), English, mathematics, science and physical education are always part of the core subjects, together with four more subjects chosen by students.
In College (years 12 and 13 – also known as sixth form), pupils focus on three or four subjects each year – a combination of core subjects and electives, such as art, sociology, psychology, technology, film studies, cookery, or fashion design.
Subjects in the UK
College in the UK
Students participating in a secondary exchange program to the UK are enrolled in the sixth form and attend a local College, comprising of:
- Year 12th – 1° year of College - 16-17 years old
- Year 13th – 2° year of College - 17-18 years old
College in the UK
Extra-curricular activities
Whether it’s sports, recreational activities, social or cultural associations and student groups, fun is guaranteed!
Many College students choose to dedicate most of their spare time to studying, as the sixth form is the most academically challenging. However, opportunities for extra-curricular engagement are definitely there, and a great way for exchange students to meet new people.
Extra-curricular activities
The school calendar
The British academic year starts between late August/early September and ends between late May/late June. The year is divided into four terms, with breaks for Christmas and Easter (approximately two weeks each) as well as three shorter half-term breaks in October, February and May, halfway through each term.
Schools are also closed on:
* New Year's Day: 1st of January
* Good Friday: usually in April, the Friday before Easter Sunday
* Easter Monday (except in Scotland): usually in April, the day after Easter Sunday
* Early May holiday: a well deserved day of rest
* Spring bank holiday: also in May, to celebrate the arrival of Spring
* Christmas: 25th of December, a special time to spend with the family
* Boxing Day: 26th of December, a popular time to hit the shops!
The school calendar
Grades in the UK
Academic grading across UK high schools varies depending on country (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland). Most students, however, are assessed using the following systems:
GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education): from 2017 onwards, a numerical scale from 9 (the highest mark) to 1 (the lowest score) has been in use. This system – used in England especially – has replaced the previous A-G grading scale, which however is still in use in *Wales** and Northern Ireland. A score of 4 corresponds to a C whereas a score of 5 indicates a result between a C and a B.
A-Level (Advanced Level): this system, generally used for students older than 16 and necessary to access university, continues to utilise a literal scale from A* (the highest score) and E (the minimum passing score). Receiving a U = Ungraded means the student has not reached the minimum level of proficiency required.
In Scotland, the system is different. National grading systems, such as National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, are based on a scale from A to D, with A being the highest score and D the minimum score to pass. Receiving a “No Award” grade means the student has not passed.
Grades in the UK
Stories from students and parents who have been there
Here are the testimonials of families who have chosen WEP for their exchange experience.
Join one of our upcoming events
to learn everything there is to know
about our high school exchange programs!
Going with WEP is best
Since 1988, a wide choice of destinations and comprehensive assistance before, during and after your overseas program. WEP is the ideal partner for your adventure.
We also get to choose who we travel with: our schools, host families and overseas partner organisations are carefully selected.
We offer a custom-made insurance policy, specifically designed for our participants, and we have a solid network behind us.
Emergency assistance, overseas and from Australia, is available 7 days out of 7, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Allowing all our participants to live their desired overseas experience is a mission, a challenge we're thrilled to accept.
FAQ
Your host family, local coordinator and your host organisation will provide you with support while you are overseas. WEP Australia will remain in contact with the host organisation and your parents to coordinate and support your experience. In case of an emergency, both you and your family will be able to call an emergency phone number that is answered 24/7.
You will be advised of your placement location, host family and host school as soon as feasible. This can range from a few months prior to departure, right up until departure, as a lot needs to happen behind the scenes before each student's placement process is complete and can be communicated to you with certainty. The placement process doesn't only include sourcing a suitable host family, but also finding availability at a local school, and completing all red tape (including, for example, lenghty criminal history checks in some countries). Prior to departure from Australia, all students will receive host family, host school and local coordinator details.
Independent travel is not permissible while on exchange. However, you will be able to travel with your host family, school, host organisation and other community groups such as sporting teams or scouts. Again, the foremost aim of the program is educational, and your priority for any holiday periods must be your host family, who will be investing a lot of time, energy and money into this experience - simply in return for your frienship and positive contribution to their household.
Generally speaking, overseas schools won't issue a diploma to exchange students who are only there for a short time and don't graduate at that school. You may however be provided with a honorary certificate, as well as a WEP certificate of completion, which however don't count towards credit or graduation in Australia.
Language experience is desirable, but not necessary, for most countries. However, some countries have mandatory language requirements. You'll find the specific requirements for each country listed on its page. Intensive language courses may, in some circumstances, meet language pre-requisites. WEP strongly recommends language preparation prior to departure as language knowledge is of enormous benefit in assisting you to quickly adapt to your new family, school and life.
Of course, there are English-speaking destinations available if you are not interested in learning another language.
No, it's the host families who choose the student they wish to invite into their home. Based on the documents you will submit as part of your WEP application, one lucky family will choose to open their home and hearts to you, which is why for all Exchange Classic programs, and many Flex programs as well, there is no avenue for students to choose a specific location.
It may be possible to live with an overseas family that you already know (excluding relatives of the student). However, the family will have to be screened and approved, prepared and supported by our partner organisation in the same manner as any other host family. School enrolment must also be available.
Got more questions?