Nigerian parents to engage directly with top UK boarding schools in March

2026-02-09 - 17:49

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja Nigerian families seeking British boarding school education will have the chance to meet school heads and senior administrators in Abuja and Lagos this March during the UK Boarding Schools Week 2026 exhibitions. Organised by Mark Brooks Education, the exhibitions aim to bring leading British boarding schools closer to Nigerian parents and students, providing first-hand information on admissions, academic pathways, and student life. Mr. Mark Brooks, founder of the organisation and a UK Department for Business and Trade Export Champion, said the initiative removes barriers that often limit families’ understanding of overseas boarding education. “The programme allows parents and students to have in-depth discussions with school leaders, learn about curriculum options, and understand the pastoral and co-curricular support systems available in British boarding schools,” Brooks explained. The Abuja session will hold on March 4 at the Transcorp Hilton, while the Lagos exhibition is scheduled for March 7 at The George Hotel, Ikoyi. Some schools will also offer pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with families and participate in a smaller follow-up exhibition on March 8. Brooks added that the exhibitions are part of a broader engagement programme, including school visits, student presentations, leadership workshops, and sessions specifically designed for parents in both cities. Participating schools include Bromsgrove School, Canford School, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Dean Close School, Downside School, Lancing College, Milton Abbey School, Stamford School, and Wellington School. Mr. Alex Battison, Head of Wellington School, said Nigerian families have consistently contributed to the diversity of the school’s international community. Mr. Michael Punt, Head of Bromsgrove School, noted that students from West Africa are drawn to the schools’ combination of academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities. Ms. Henrietta Lightwood, Global Director at Cardiff Sixth Form College, added that Nigerian parents place high value on strong academic outcomes and progression to leading universities.