The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
With a deep-rooted history in East Africa, Academic Families remains dedicated to guiding families through the complex landscape of global education, ensuring their children receive the best opportunities for academic success.
In this exclusive interview, Lorna Clayton MBE, Founder and Managing Director of Academic Families, shares her insights on the organization’s mission to empower Ugandan families in their pursuit of international education.
Here, the full interview.
QN: Can you share the inspiration behind the establishment of Academic Families and its mission in the education sector?
ANSWER: Academic Families was founded with a clear mission to support parents to educate their children internationally. Having lived in Kenya for 9 years, I always knew that parents needed professional help and then I quickly realised how much UK schools value E African students with their great personal and scholastic skills, contributing positively to school and boarding life from day one. However, all children are different and our skill is in matching their best schools to them and not trying to fit them into any particular school.
Our team empower families to find the best educational opportunities for their children by providing unparalleled support and guidance throughout their education journey. We recognise the challenges faced by international families when navigating unfamiliar educational systems and environments. Our highly experienced team alleviates these difficulties by offering our expert Boarding School Admissions service ensuring that each student finds the best-matched school for their individual needs. Additionally, our accredited Guardianship service takes care of their local support needs on behalf of their parents – including educational guidance, transfer organisation and matched families for times out of school.
QN: How do Academic Families support students transitioning into the education system in the UK?
We understand that transitioning from East Africa into the UK education system can be a significant adjustment for students and their families. To support this transition, we provide comprehensive guidance and assistance along every step of the way. We work closely with parents to help them understand the benefits of introducing their child to independent living, within the structured environment of a boarding school – effectively preparing them for university life. We guide parents to choose the best boarding school for their child taking account of cultural, extracurricular and academic fit. We help prepare children for their international experience. Our local team supports students 24/7 including settling them into boarding life, and matching them with a welcoming UK host family for visits during school breaks.
Moreover, Academic Families introduces students to the wide range of educational opportunities available in the UK – including various curriculums, subjects, teaching styles and assessments. Beyond academics, students can explore diverse extracurricular activities such as equestrian programmes, sports academies, orchestras or choirs. By experiencing this rich educational landscape, students gain valuable skills, perspectives, and experiences that prepare them for success not only in UK universities but also in global academic and professional arenas. Ultimately, our support aims to empower students both personally and academically.
QN: What constraints do parents and students face while seeking international education?
With 450+ boarding schools in the UK, there is a huge variety of specialisms and styles. The abundance of excellent schools can often be overwhelming for parents. The sheer variety of options can lead to confusion and make it challenging to identify the most suitable school for each child.
Many East African parents lead busy lives and have limited time available for in-depth school research. As a result, they may rely on word-of-mouth recommendations or prioritise well-known names rather than conducting thorough research to assess the compatibility between their child and the school. However, this advice is informal and not based on professional expertise. It may further complicate decision-making, as what works for one child may not suit another.
Each child is unique and has their own set of strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. It’s this individuality that should guide school selection.
QN: Could you elaborate on the role of Academic Families in fostering cultural integration and inclusivity among international students?
Many of our team have lived overseas and so we comfortably prioritise cultural integration and inclusivity to enrich our international children’s educational experiences and personal growth. Many of our wider support team, particularly our host families, have international connections, lived overseas and are very outward-looking. We understand from personal experience, the challenges international families face, and we support the whole family – not only the student – as they adapt to their new opportunity.
We create diverse and supportive communities where students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to embrace their cultural identities. We empower students to navigate cultural adjustment and contribute positively to their new communities, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among diverse cultures.
QN: What sets Academic Families apart from other organisations offering similar services in the education sector?
Unlike other organisations, we have a diverse team of professionals with personal experience of studying abroad ourselves or sending our children to UK boarding schools. Our extensive experience in education enables us to offer tailored guidance and guardianship support to meet the unique needs of each child. Additionally, with a network of 450+ schools across the UK, we understand how much the student experience can vary from school to school. Our highly personalised Admissions team adopts a child-centred approach, taking time to understand their interests, skills and aspirations – striving to provide students with a transformative educational experience.
QN: How do Academic Families ensure the safety and security of students while they are studying abroad?
The safety and security of our students is Academic Families’ top priority and we employ a comprehensive approach to address this, including 24/7 emergency support. We meticulously select host families, meeting rigorous safety standards and the highest levels of safeguarding through multiple screenings and house visits. Our team regularly communicates with both parents and students, liaising with school staff to ensure a safe environment for every child. By prioritising proactive safety measures and robust support systems, we create a secure setting for students to focus on their academic and personal growth with peace of mind.
QN: How do Academic Families stay updated with the latest developments and challenges in the education landscape to better serve their students?
We are unwavering in our commitment to staying informed and proactive in the education landscape. Through attending industry events, professional development, collaboration, feedback mechanisms, and technology, we ensure we remain ahead of the curve. By staying abreast of the latest developments and challenges, we are equipped to provide our families with the highest level of support, guidance and opportunities for success in their educational journey.
QN: What is the first step for parents who want to seek professional guidance from Academic Families and what should they expect?
The first step for families considering a UK boarding school education is to contact us and complete our online registration form. One of our Admissions specialists will then schedule a video call to explain the boarding school selection and application process and get to know you and your child – including their strengths, personality and academic needs. Our team will then compile a customised shortlist of schools that are the best match for your child. Our expertise in crafting your child’s application ensures schools understand the match is strong. Our matching success is very high and parents are happy that the culture of the school and pupils matches their aspirations for their child.
From a parent’s initial enquiry to their child’s last day at school, Academic Families prioritise each child’s safety, happiness and success.
