The uniqueness of the @school-in-UK service is its comprehensiveness and its delivery by experienced, well-respected practitioners from within the UK independent schools’ sector. It is a UK-based business involving individuals who have successfully recruited and placed overseas students in independent schools for many years, and who, crucially, have been directly involved in providing for them in the school environment.
UNITED KINGDOM
Neil Pockett, director, has long experience and was a Head in the UK private school sector for 23 years. Neil led the UK school sector in the recruitment of international students, and in developing working programmes and routines to cater for them in the school environment. He has actively recruited in overseas markets, travelling extensively, as well as having considerable experience in placing students into UK senior schools. Neil was an Independent Schools Inspector for many years and is currently Governor of two schools in the South West of England. In addition to advising parents about which schools or courses will best serve the needs of their children, Neil has also been active in helping overseas school develop good teaching practice and continues to supervise the running of an International School in St Petersburg.
RUSSIA
Julia Genkina lives in St Petersburg, where she opened her own English language school. The school rapidly expanded and now has six schools in various locations in St Petersburg and the organisation is run by her husband. Julia is an experienced teacher of English and continues to practice. She visits the UK regularly and has a sound understanding of the UK education system and in particular the values of UK boarding schools. Julia has considerable experience in the placement of Russian students in UK schools, language schools and colleges. Julia has been leading small groups of children to the UK for bespoke language courses for a number of years.
UNITED KINGDOM
Eileen Pockett, director, worked beside Neil her husband as Head of Boarding and developed many of the working practices in the boarding community which she led for many years. With over one hundred boarders to care for, many from overseas and often arriving with little English, Eileen understands the care and attention required to ensure that International students feel supported and nurtured. Eileen organised the guardianship of International students, arranged travel and health care and is familiar with the importance of safeguarding, maintaining contact with parents and maintaining a homely atmosphere for International boarders to enjoy.
RUSSIA
Anna Ilina lives in St Petersburg and is available to all parents who are uncertain about the UK visa application process. Anna has been working as a visa manager for nearly 10 years. She is meticulous in her approach to applications, checking all documents thoroughly prior to submitting them to the application centre. Anna will also translate documents required for visa applications as well as complete application forms. Her rigorous approach and sound advice to parents as well as UK schools who offer visa support has ensured that applications made inevitably result in approval. @school-in-UK has no hesitation in urging parents to seek her help whether it be for a short term study visa or a Tier 4 visa for long term study in the UK.
Hong Kong / China
Amanda Li has a Master of Arts in Professional Communications from the California State University Fullerton and has worked with an education publisher promoting a new e-learning system. Amanda was responsible for product promotion and organising trial sessions at local schools. She has also had experience in food production communication as well as tourism. Also a graduate in Integrated Business Administration at the CUHK, Amanda was the first overseas representative of @school-in-UK Ltd and initially assisted with exam invigilation, translation and managing follow up sessions.