A new online search platform for agents and parents looking for independent British boarding or day schools, Which British School (WBS), is building up momentum in a lucrative marketplace for international bookings.
Founder of the new site, Jennifer Britton, told The PIE News that the new digital venture makes it easy to navigate a range of independent school options available for a child or client.
She explained that the site – offering a directory of students that schools can browse – will be “the fastest way to find the best fit school for every child”.
“It is the only platform that removes the need for parents and agents to have to call round schools and check for available places, or waste time applying to schools that are not suitable for the child,” she explained.
“It is the fastest way to find the best fit school for every child”
Schools using the platform are able to set filters to match their institution with suitable students, enabling them to maintain a number of controls including academic standards and a balance of nationalities.
Britton related that five to 10 schools have joined per week since the site went live in December, and they are aiming for 500 students and users to be using the platform in year one.
Revenue is generated through the annual subscription fees charged to parents, agents and schools.
When a suitable match is made, schools can then deal directly with agents or parents. Agents already registered with a school can maintain commission arrangements as WBS does not involve itself in the consulting process.
Within the system, agents can register as many students as they wish and there is no cap on the number of students a school can approach. Parents pay per child they register and remain on the platform until they have accepted an offer for that child from a school.
“We want as many schools represented as possible,” said Britton. “WBS will inevitably assist with the diversification of both British and international students within these schools.”
WBS is currently working with agents in countries that have predominantly sent students to the UK for a Higher Education and through the UKTI, guardianship companies, visa companies, overseas English and British prep schools, is tapping into the Middle East, South America and emerging markets in Europe.
Schools listed on the site will include sixth form colleges, tutorial colleges, day and boarding schools, international study centres, state boarding and schools that specialise in SEN (special educational needs).
