Brian Ong – EdTech entrepreneur, advocate for the IB and Sevenoaks School alumnus – considers if a British education still sets the benchmark
When I was growing up, British schools set the benchmark for the gold standard in education. Today, as a father of five and a mentor to families around the world, I’ve witnessed firsthand how British schools are grappling with unprecedented competition. With emerging education markets offering compelling alternatives, and the added pressures of VAT on school fees, British schools are working harder to stand out.
When selecting a school, families previously prioritised the quality of faculty, teaching standards, extracurricular resources, school culture, and the presence of notable alumni. However, priorities have shifted significantly in the post-pandemic era. I’ve seen how families now look for more than just a ‘good academic education’. Schools are expected to nurture entrepreneurial skills, personal growth, character development and global career opportunities. So, in a world where education is more competitive than ever, does British education still hold its value?
“Schools are expected to nurture entrepreneurial skills, personal growth, character development and global career opportunities”
My education in the UK didn’t just teach me how to write essays or solve equations, it taught me how to think globally. The UK’s position at the heart of Western culture also offered me exposure to a rich history of literature, music, and art. I’ve developed critical thinking that is essential for my career in EdTech, as I work with teams from all over the world and constantly face changes within the market.
I often share with my teams that a global mindset transcends exposure to different cultures or languages. It is the ability to comprehend and address issues from diverse cultural, positional and perspectival standpoints. This fosters collaboration across boundaries. When I was at Sevenoaks School, through discussions of topics such as global trade, history, and economics with my peers, I realised the value of seeing the world through multiple lenses. This was a lesson that shaped my approach to investment and innovation.
When providing seed funding and mentorship to startups founded by recent graduates of top universities, I shared the same message – cultivating a global mindset is fundamental. Regardless of career path, the ability to engage in cross-cultural collaboration, resolve conflicts and appreciate diverse viewpoints is crucial.
When I first arrived at Sevenoaks, it felt very different from the schools I had attended back home. I remember my teachers who took the time to discuss the intricacies of chemistry and physics. UK schools provide academic excellence with smaller class sizes and with a wealth of holistic development opportunities through extracurricular activities. And they are increasingly accessible, with more scholarships and bursaries available.
As UK schools adapt to evolving expectations and economic pressures, they are finding new ways to offer a high-quality, relevant education that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century. The traditional model – study hard, get into a top school, secure a good job – is less dependable in today’s environment. Families are not just asking about academic results or university placements. They want to know: ‘Will this school help my children think creatively – and will they learn to adapt to a fast-changing world?’
And honestly, those are the right questions to ask. In this regard, I strongly align with the philosophy of my alma mater, Sevenoaks, which views every experience – whether academic or extracurricular – as a learning opportunity.
Sevenoaks School sevenoaksschool.org
Further reading: Transforming education at Marymount London
You may also like...
