Virginia Water makes the grade when it comes to international schooling in the UK
- Forecasts say that expat numbers will reach 56.8 million globally by 2017 (Finaccord)
- 20% of estate agents agree that the top priority of house hunters is good schools (Move with Us)
- Virginia Water in Surrey is within 6 minutes of two world class international schools – TASIS The American School in England and ACS International.
According to international market research company Finaccord, the number of expats is continuing to rise globally at a SOLID rate, forecasting that by 2017 the total figure will reach 56.8 million (compared to 46 million in 2009). Finaccord statistics suggest a compound annual growth rate of 2.4% per annum.
Whether relocation is required due to employment, family reasons or simply a new adventure, it is of little surprise that top educational facilities are important to expats. Indeed a new survey from Move with Us suggests 20% of estate agents think living close to good schools is a top priority for UK house hunters.
With education at the forefront of so many parents’ minds, choosing a family home within reasonable commuting distance of a school of choice is a must for many expats moving from abroad.
Selling homes in Virginia Water, the exclusive international nucleus of north Surrey, is James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt estate agency, who has been working in the locality for 30 years. He mulls,
“At least 65% of our customers moving into the area, many from overseas, are looking for new schools for their children. Fortunately the team here at Barton Wyatt, being from the local area, are experts in the choices available – which are extensive!
“Here in Virginia Water we are blessed in with having two exemplary international schools nearby and global businessmen and women are very grateful that their children can continue to be taught the same curriculum that they have already started within these educational institutions.”
Whilst some top public schools in the UK are now offering the IB (International Baccalaureate) as an option to UK and expat students, this alone does not fulfil the definition of an international education. Schools that have a diverse student body, provide language support, and are completely dedicated to international teaching methods are few and far between, yet highly desirable to global students coming to the UK from around the world.
One such school is TASIS England based in Thorpe, Surrey. Maybe better known for the thrill seeking Thorpe Park amusement park than for international education, TASIS England’s Thorpe village location is perfectly situated close to London, within easy reach of both Heathrow and Gatwick airports and the international community at Virginia Water.
Mary Mitchell of TASIS England comments:
“TASIS has been in operation since 1956; first opening in Switzerland and then here in the UK in 1976. Offering both the IB Diploma and an American curriculum, we have expertise in teaching children from all over the world who find themselves resident in the UK. Our decades of specialist experience ensure that virtually all of our graduates go on to further education, with about 60% choosing to study in America, Canada, Asia or Australia.
“Almost as important is the support our international community gives, not only to the students, but also to the entire family as they settle into expat life in the UK. We have extensive resources which we encourage the entire family to use; we have found this sort of support helps them settle quickly, this all goes to making happy families which in turn makes our school and our community a better place to be. ”
James Wyatt adds,
“When it comes to international home seekers and the international schools that we are blessed with close by, it’s like the chicken and egg quandary – I often wonder which came first? We have two first class schools on our doorstep – TASIS and ACS International – both of which are popular with expat parents, so much so that sizeable waiting lists are sometimes in place.
“For our international customers, both buyers and tenants, it is a dream come true to have a choice of schools on hand. I don’t believe there is another spot in England (bar central London) that is blessed with two such fine International schooling options.”
Wyatt continues,
“Property in the surrounding Virginia Water area can be almost harder to find than a place at one of these two prime schools but that is where we come in! We really are experts at knowing who is moving out, who is moving in and who might be on their way soon, so finding the right home for each client becomes a much easier task.
“We are fortunate to have a choice of some of the finest properties to let in the UK on the Wentworth Estate and in Virginia Water, as well as in gated communities such as Virginia Park or St Anne’s Park; many international clients love these environments as they can enjoy the security and privacy of the 24-hour patrolled gates and CCTV systems, as well as a whole host of leisure facilities”
Currently Barton Wyatt has a large selection of properties available to buy or to rent that would be highly suitable for an international family. Homes with large open plan areas which will feel homely to Scandinavians or Americans alike, double door American fridge freezers, top loading washing machines, drinks fridges and huge TV’s are all high on the list of ‘wants’ for international travellers. For those stuck doing the school run though, the commute is paramount, and from the heart of Virginia Water, both TASIS and ACS are just a 6 minute drive.
For more details on properties available in the Virginia Water area please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.
For more details on TASIS England contact their admissions department on 01932 582316 or visit www.tasisengland.org.