At Panoba, we connect students with educational environments where they can truly thrive – academically, socially, and personally. Over the past year, we had the pleasure of working with a group of students and families from a diverse blend of cultures and backgrounds. Each with unique dreams, interests, goals, challenges and story. Take a look at some of the incredible journeys our students took and at which boarding schools in the UK that they ultimately chose to shape their futures.

From Hong Kong to London: Securing a place at Wetherby Prep School for young maths whiz

Along with this wonderfully broad cultural mix, we’ve also been delighted to help students of all ages; starting from age 3. We were contacted by a European business executive based in Hong Kong who was relocating to London with his 3 year old son, who had already shown exceptional skills in maths. The family sought a prestigious academic prep school in Central London to give him the best start and prepare him for entry into the top secondary schools. Aware of the competitive waiting lists for London’s elite schools, we immediately set to work, coordinating visits, liaising with schools, and developing a strategy for securing a place. After months of preparation and cross-continental planning, their gifted son was offered a place at Wetherby Prep School in Notting Hill—an ideal choice for the family’s new chapter.

Sisters from Ghana: A shared boarding school adventure featuring Woldingham School

Several of our families needed our help for students in Years 7 – 9 (ages 11 – 14) this past year. Two sisters from Ghana wanted to embark on their educational journey together, though their interests were quite different. While the older sister was excited about boarding, her younger sibling had some understandable concerns about homesickness. Knowing how important it was for the sisters to be there for each other as their own support network, we focused on finding a school that would offer both a nurturing environment and a sense of adventure. Their family’s desire to be close to London led us to Woldingham School, a beautiful all-girls’ school in the Surrey countryside. Now in Years 7 and 9, the sisters are happily settled in their new environment.

Charting the Path from Prep School to St. Edward’s in Oxford for Nigerian family

One of our long-standing clients, a Nigerian family, first connected with us at Panoba when their son started boarding school in Year 7 at a top UK prep school. Over a couple of years, we’ve worked closely with the family, helping them navigate the academic landscape as their son approached Year 9. With his strong academic background and our ongoing support, he successfully secured a place at St. Edward’s School in Oxford – where he started this September.

A warm welcome for Shanghai student: As provided by Malvern St James School

A family from Shanghai approached us with a special request for their daughter who was entering Year 8. Not only did she need an excellent academic education, but the family also wanted a school that would provide strong pastoral care and, importantly, a smooth transition into UK boarding life. After reviewing several schools and overseeing her assessments via Zoom, we found the perfect place at Malvern St James School in Worcestershire. With its nurturing environment and academic excellence, this school is the ideal setting for their daughter to flourish. Click here to read more about the immersive pastoral care that’s provided at boarding schools, supporting the wellbeing of students.

Finding a Catholic education: The perfect Year 10 place found at Ratcliffe College

For one Nigerian family, finding a Catholic school with the right academic offerings for their daughter entering Year 10 was a top priority. They had specific subject requirements, so we carefully researched schools that aligned with both their religious and academic needs. After evaluating several options, the family chose Ratcliffe College, a co-educational Catholic day and boarding school near Leicester. She has now started her new journey in an environment that offers spiritual guidance as well as academic excellence.

Dreaming of football: Balancing academics and athletics at Buckwood School

Moving up a year now to Year 10 (ages 14 – 15) and also a request for a specialist school. Certainly, one of the more unique requests that we received this year from another Nigerian family. Their 14-year-old son was not only academically focused but also had a strong passion for football. The family wanted a UK school where football training could be integrated with a solid academic curriculum. After narrowing down schools with football academies, the family chose Buckwood School in East Sussex, where he can now hone his athletic skills while continuing his academic education. Btw, if this is a route that your child might also favour, read more about summer football camps here.

A Passion for STEM: A Nigerian student’s journey to National Mathematics and Science College

Another student that needed a school that would help him shine in his specialist area was a bright 16 year old student, also from Nigeria. He had a clear vision for his future: A Levels in Computer Science, Physics, Maths, and Further Maths. His love for numbers and problem-solving was evident, and we knew he would flourish in a STEM environment. Among the elite institutions we shortlisted was The National Mathematics and Science College in Coventry – one of the UK’s top sixth form colleges and one that specialises in STEM. With its rigorous academic program and outstanding results (70% of its A-Level students achieving A*/A grades in 2023), Year 12 at National Mathematics and Science College was the perfect fit for his scientific ambitions.

A Creative Journey: From the Caribbean to Suffolk University in Boston

The last example is the one that goes further afield than boarding schools in the UK and is about a 18 year old student. In 2021, we began working with a British family living in the Turks and Caicos Islands to place their daughter at Taunton School in Somerset. With her sights set on the future, she later expressed a desire to study interior design at a university in the United States. We guided the family through the uni selection process, focusing on institutions where she could pursue her creative passion and stay closer to home. After much consideration, she chose Suffolk University in Boston, where she is now excelling in her interior design studies.

Conclusion: Guiding families to the right fit

Every student and their family has a unique story. It’s our privilege to be entrusted and give a guiding hand in finding the students the best educational environment for their individual needs. From securing competitive school places to ensuring students thrive in their new surroundings, Panoba’s mission is to guide each student to success and we can’t wait to see the next chapter of their stories.