✨ Student Spotlight: Lara’s Journey to UK Boarding School ✨
Discover how Kenyan student Lara Bailey found her perfect fit at Cranleigh School in the UK
with the support of The Overseas Placement Consultants. From navigating the application
process to balancing her passion for sport with academic ambitions, Lara shares how studying
abroad has boosted her independence, confidence, and friendships.
If you’re exploring UK boarding schools for Kenyan students, Lara’s story shows the value of
expert guidance and how the right school can become a true home away from home.
Why I Chose to Study Abroad
My name is Lara Bailey, and I’ve always been a very independent person. Studying abroad in
the UK, away from home, has allowed me to further develop that side of my character as well as
take on responsibilities that I knew would help me grow in confidence and self-belief.
I’ve always loved sports, and I felt that by being in the UK I could develop my sporting abilities
and passion to the next level. Sport has given me so many opportunities in life, and I knew that
boarding school could only make that better.
The Big Decision: Finding the Right Fit
Choosing the right school was such a big decision for me and my family. I wanted to be at a
school that could not only provide me with incredible sporting opportunities but also support my
academic ambitions, particularly as I was hoping to start in UV (Year 10).
It was also very important to be at a school where I could step out of my comfort zone, make
lots of friends, and ultimately call it a home away from home. I wanted to feel that the school
was genuinely interested in who I was as a person, while also giving me the space to grow and
develop.
Working with The Overseas Placement Consultants
We first heard about The Overseas Placement Consultants through a friend who was
passionate about sport and knew how much a UK boarding school had to offer.
Given the timing of when I wanted to move schools, scholarships weren’t possible, so the only
way we felt I could find a school that supported our needs was to put our trust in an Overseas
Placement Consultant who worked closely with schools to help Kenyan students find their
dream fit in the UK.
Freddie knew the ins and outs of the schools he worked with, which gave us real confidence
that the options he suggested would suit my personality and interests.
The Application Journey
Throughout the application process, Freddie held multiple meetings with me and my parents.
This was crucial in helping him understand who I was and which schools might be the best fit.
He prepared in-depth presentations on different schools—covering sports strengths, facilities,
boarding houses, class sizes (which was very important to me), and much more—while adding
his own personal insights and experiences.
He also kept us updated with positive feedback from schools interested in me joining and
organised numerous Zoom calls so I could get a real feel for each one. This made such a
difference in helping me make my decision.
Life at Cranleigh
I couldn’t have picked a better school! I have no regrets. The support, fun, and commitment
Cranleigh has shown me is incredible. I love boarding life, and the ethos of the school is so
welcoming and nurturing.
The most rewarding part of the boarding school experience is living with so many girls who
quickly become like sisters. I’ve made amazing friendships and feel part of a big family.
Reflections and Advice
I don’t think the process would have been possible without Freddie. Before working with him, we
had looked at schools, but none truly met the needs of our family. Without his guidance, we
might have made the wrong decision simply because we didn’t have enough information about
what made each school unique.
My advice? Take your time to think about which school is right for you. Going to boarding school
is incredibly exciting, but you need to trust that your Overseas Placement Consultant has your
best interests at heart and has visited these schools before. And don’t just pick a school
because your friends are going there—choose the one that will genuinely bring out the best in
you.
✅ If you’re a Kenyan family exploring UK boarding school opportunities, our team at The
Overseas Placement Consultants is here to guide you through every step.
From personalised advice to connecting you with the right schools, we make sure the choice you make is the one that helps your child thrive.
📩 Get in touch with us at fmills@theoverseasplacement.com to start your journey.
