Go on high school exchange in the United Kingdom
Why study abroad in the UK?
Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.
✅ Make lifelong international friends
✅ Master English
✅ Experience real British culture
✅ Learn in a top-ranked school system
Are you eligible for the exchange?
To join a high school exchange in the United Kingdom, you need to be between 16 and 18 years old when you arrive and currently enrolled in school. While you don’t need top grades, basic English skills are recommended.
This experience is for students who are open-minded, independent, and ready to embrace a different way of life. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic British school experience or aiming to boost your academic profile, the UK offers the perfect mix of tradition, challenge, and culture.
Quick facts
Ages: 16–18 years
Accommodation: Local host family
Welcome Camp: Included for fall departures
Duration: 3 to 10 months or multiple years
Support: 24/7 availability
Language level: Basic English skills
Visa: Required (additional cost)
England or Scotland — where will you go?
Your high school exchange in the UK could place you in a charming English village, a bustling seaside town, or a historic Scottish community surrounded by stunning landscapes. Each location offers its own vibe – and that’s what makes it exciting.
Wherever you go, you’ll live with a welcoming host family and attend a local school, becoming part of everyday British life. From regional accents to local traditions, your surroundings will shape your experience in unique ways – and open your eyes to a whole new culture. Whether you’re grabbing fish and chips with friends after class or spotting castles on your weekend walks, your UK exchange will be packed with the kind of moments that stay with you long after the year ends.
UK + Ireland = true
Can’t choose between Ireland and the UK? Why not do both with our Celtic Crossing! This unique exchange year setup lets you experience the best of both worlds – two countries, two cultures, and two school systems in one incredible year. You’ll kick things off in Ireland, spending the fall term at a local high school while living with a welcoming host family. Then in January, you’ll head to England or Scotland for your spring semester, where a new school and host family await.
From Gaelic football to school uniforms, coastal cliffs to red double-deckers – this is your chance to live two different lives in one unforgettable adventure.
High school in the UK
The UK is known for its high academic standards and strong traditions. As an exchange student, you’ll typically attend Sixth Form in England or the Senior Phase in Scotland – the final years of secondary school.
In England, students focus on three to four subjects in depth to prepare for A-levels. In Scotland, the curriculum is broader, with five to six subjects for a more varied education.
The school year is divided into three terms, starting in September (England) or August (Scotland). Uniforms are common, especially in Scotland, and students often address teachers formally – part of a respectful and structured learning environment.
Your school week, schedule & subjects
A typical school week in the UK runs from Monday to Friday, usually starting around 9:00 AM and finishing around 4:00 PM. The day is divided into lessons with breaks in between – and yes, there’s usually time for lunch in a cafeteria or common area with friends. You’ll study core subjects like English and maths, plus additional courses that match your interests. The exact schedule and subjects can vary depending on your year group and school, but expect a mix of classroom learning, group work, and individual study time.
Some schools have assemblies in the mornings or tutor time to check in with your group. On certain days, you might also have time to set aside for sports, clubs, or creative activities – especially in the afternoon.
Upcoming webinars
Around The World
April 22
19:00Go on High School abroad – all destinations
New ZealandApril 2611:00Go on High School in New Zealand
Ireland, UKApril 2819:00Go on High School in England, Scotland or Ireland
USAMay 619:00Go on High School in the USA
Trusted since 1958 — why STS is a great choice
Since 1958 over 1.2 million students from across the world have studied abroad with us. With STS you get:
- 24/7 support — we’re always here for you
- Carefully selected host families
- Resilience training
- Free Welcome Camp in London
- Local staff or host family will greet you at the airport
Compare our UK exchange programs
We offer two main programs in the UK. The Classic program is perfect if you’re open to adventure and want an authentic British experience. You can’t choose your school. The Select program is ideal if you have specific goals – you choose your preferred school and location. We also offer Boarding schools – if you want the boarding school experience.
CLASSIC
Live like a local and dive into real high school life in either England or Scotland. You’ll be placed with a host family and attend a local school.
KEY FACTS
✅ You’ll be placed in a safe and friendly community
✅ A cost-effective way to study abroad
✅ Supportive host families
✅ Quality local high schools
ADD-ONS (EXAMPLES)
• Preparatory language course (English)
The course is digital, available in several different levels, includes 35 hours of study and starts several times during the year. Extra cost.
• Can’t choose between Ireland and the UK? Why not do both with our Celtic Crossing! No Visa is required.
SELECT
With Select, you’re in control. Choose the school and what you want to focus on – from academics to sports, arts, or science. Only available in England.
KEY FACTS
✅ Choose among 40+ schools
✅ Access to some of the finest schools in the country
✅ Ideal for university prep or competitive sports
✅ You’ll live with a host family close to your school
OPTIONS
• With our Family First Request, you get a list of host families from which you and your parents can choose exactly the family where you would like to spend your time in the UK.
• Opportunity to earn an IB diploma (International Baccalaureate) at numerous schools.
• Preparatory language course (English) .
💶 Program fee: Contact us
Explore life outside the classroom
There’s more to your UK exchange than school. Whether you end up in a small town or a big city, there’s always something to discover.
Spend your afternoons hanging out with friends, joining a school club, or trying something new like drama, dance, or photography. Music lover? The UK is home to legendary artists – you might catch a local gig, join a school band, or simply dive into new styles and scenes.
Into sports? Football is huge here – from casual kickabouts in the park to watching Premier League matches live or on TV. You could also give rugby, cricket, or netball a go – classic British favourites.
Living with a British host family
Your British host family is carefully selected to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming home during your exchange. They help you settle in and give you a personal glimpse into British life and traditions. Families come in all shapes and sizes – some live in small villages, others in lively towns or cities. Some have children, others don’t, but all are excited to share their home and culture with you.
At first, you might notice a few quirky differences (yes, sometimes there’s carpet in the bathroom!), but before long you’ll be picking up local habits.
Your exchange in the UK begins here
It’s easier than you might think! Begin your journey by talking to us – we’ll guide you every step of the way. What are you waiting for? Say yes to the adventure and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Welcome Camp in London
No matter which program you go for, your UK high school adventure kicks off in the amazing city of London. Get ready for the year ahead while exploring one of the most exciting cities in the world. Big Ben, red buses, cool vibes – it all starts here.
The cost of a high school exchange in the UK?
The cost of your exchange year in the UK depends on the program you choose, how long you’re away, and any extras you’d like to add. Below, you’ll find starting prices for our Classic program.
In addition to the program fee that you pay to STS, there are certain costs that you and your family need to cover, including costs for insurance, visas, personal items, local trips, leisure activities, school uniform and pocket money.
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Our destinations
Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.
USA
Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.
Argentina
A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.
Australia
Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.
Austria
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.
Canada
It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.
China
Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.
Denmark
Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!
Finland
Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).
France
Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?
Germany
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.
Great Britain
Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.
Ireland
A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.
Italy
Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…
Japan
Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.
Netherlands
Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.
New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.
Norway
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.
Spain
A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.
Sweden
Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!
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