Families in Dubai seeking a world-class British education for their children will have a unique opportunity to meet representatives from top UK boarding schools at the Boarding Schools Show on March 15, 2025.
Organised by Bonas MacFarlane, a leading educational consultancy, the event will take place at the Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, providing essential insights into the admissions process, entrance exams, and financial planning.
Boarding Schools Show
Now in its 11th year, the Boarding Schools Show brings together some of the most prestigious UK institutions, offering parents and students direct access to admissions teams.
Attendees can engage with representatives from schools such as Wycombe Abbey, Charterhouse, Millfield, St Mary’s Calne, and Westminster, among others.
The event will also feature boarding schools from Kenya, including Pembroke and St Andrew’s School, Turi, broadening options for families considering international education.
The event will feature a dedicated content session from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by personal consultations and networking opportunities until 2:30 PM. Educational specialists will discuss key topics, including:
- To Stay or To Go? – A discussion on the advantages and challenges of UK boarding schools versus Dubai-based education.
- Preparing for the ISEBs – Strategies for success in the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) assessments.
- VAT on Private School Fees – Understanding the cost implications of UK private education.
- Sixth Form in the UK? – Insights on whether transitioning for A-Levels or the IB in the UK is the right choice.
Bonas MacFarlane
Bonas MacFarlane, founded in 1992 by Charles Bonas, has established itself as one of London’s most successful private education consultancies. The firm provides tailored educational services, from school placements and tuition to university admissions support for both UK and US institutions. Its team of experts guides families through every stage of academic planning, ensuring students secure placements at top schools and universities worldwide.
Bonas MacFarlane has a proven history of success. In the latest UCAS cycle, 45% of their students applying to Oxford and Cambridge secured placements across diverse fields, including Engineering, History, and Asian & Middle Eastern Studies. In the US, students supported by Bonas MacFarlane received offers from Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, many with scholarships. The consultancy’s approach is not academically selective but instead focuses on unlocking potential in students from varied backgrounds, including both independent and state school systems.
British boarding schools
British boarding schools are known for their exceptional academic standards, strong pastoral care, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With over 41 percent of the UK’s 69,979 boarders coming from overseas, demand for a British education continues to grow. These institutions foster independence, leadership, and global awareness, preparing students for top universities and successful careers.