Why We Must Fight for Educational and Cultural Exchange
2025-06-24
The importance of intercultural communication and understanding has rarely felt greater than now when each day brings heartbreaking, and frankly terrifying, news of conflicts erupting between rival nations, fuelled often by apparently opposing beliefs about how societies should be organized and individual lives should be lived. How can we respond when we mostly feel powerless to influence global events?
One way which has been central to my own work in education has been to provide opportunities for young people to live and learn amongst people from other backgrounds and cultures. Educational exchanges and study abroad can play a huge role in fostering positive attitudes towards other cultures and belief systems and therefore help to promote international understanding. Right now, it feels as if our government is totally failing to recognize the importance of international education and the value it brings not just to individuals but to the global community.
As an international education consultant, it is my great privilege to be able to help families from all over the world who are looking for ways to educate their children abroad, especially in the UK. It is therefore particularly sad to see how many obstacles are being put in the way of students wanting to come to school or university in the UK.
A Steep Decline in Numbers
British boarding schools can provide a wonderful, truly international environment within which young people can build genuine friendships with children from other cultures. Yet, sadly, according to the Independent Schools Council (ISC), the number of non-British pupils with overseas parents attending UK boarding schools dropped to 25,500 in January 2025, marking a 14% decline from its pre-pandemic peak in 2020. This is not a temporary dip but part of a sustained downward trend that threatens the financial and cultural vitality of the sector.
The Value of Educational Exchange
International students bring more than just tuition fees—they bring the world into the classroom. Educational exchange fosters cross-cultural understanding, global citizenship, and lifelong friendships that transcend borders. For British students, learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds cultivates empathy, adaptability, and a broader worldview. For international students, immersion in UK boarding schools offers not only academic rigour but also a deep engagement with British culture, language, and values. These exchanges lay the foundation for future diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between nations – the perfect antidote to the hatred and suspicion that fuels extreme nationalism and potentially armed conflict.
Key Obstacles Facing International Families
1. VAT on Private School Fees
One of the most significant changes in 2025 has been the introduction of VAT on private school fees, a move that has added up to 20% to the cost of education for international families. This policy shift has been described by the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) as a major deterrent, with 92% of international education agents reporting a decline in interest from families considering UK boarding schools.
2. Visa and Healthcare Costs
Rising visa fees and mandatory healthcare surcharges have further increased the financial burden on international families. A student visa now costs £524 on top of which students must pay an NHS surcharge of £776 per year. These costs, coupled with complex application procedures, are pushing families to consider alternative destinations with more streamlined systems.
3. Exchange Rate Volatility
Unfavourable exchange rates have made UK education significantly more expensive for families in countries like Nigeria, Thailand, and Russia. The weakening of local currencies against the British pound has led many to reconsider the feasibility of sending children abroad.
4. Perception of Political Instability
Post-Brexit uncertainty and shifting immigration policies have contributed to a growing perception that the UK is becoming less welcoming to international students. This sentiment is particularly strong among families who had hoped their children would continue into UK universities after boarding school.
What the Government Needs to Do
To preserve the international appeal of UK boarding schools, urgent action is needed. This includes:
• Reconsidering the VAT policy to avoid pricing out global families.
• Streamlining visa processes and reducing associated costs.
• Promoting the UK as a welcoming and stable destination for long-term education.
UK boarding schools have long been a symbol of excellence and opportunity. Ensuring their accessibility to international students is not just a matter of economics—it’s a commitment to global education and cultural exchange.
Perhaps a small proportion of the 5% of GDP the government plans to spend on defence could be redirected to this vital sector of the British economy, where it would contribute to greater global understanding and ultimately less sabre-rattling and aggression.