Frequently Asked Questions

Why many families choose British education

1. What is British education?

British education is a clear, structured system that takes students step by step from the early years to A-Levels. It is subject-based: students study distinct subjects such as English, maths, science, history and modern languages, with well-defined learning objectives and age-appropriate expectations at each stage.

Compared with some other systems, this creates a very transparent pathway and makes it easier for families to understand what is expected at each age and what their child has achieved so far.

Did you know? The British curriculum is the most widely chosen international curriculum globally. Today, it is estimated that there are more than 14,000 international schools worldwide, and research suggests that roughly a third of them follow a British-style curriculum in well over 100 countries.

2. How does a child build strong foundations year by year?

From Primary onwards, your child builds knowledge and core skills step by step. Over time, this leads to broad and deep subject knowledge, strong academic habits, confidence in English and, in Upper Secondary, the opportunity to graduate with globally trusted A-Levels.

At Kings Tirana, this British pathway is built around Pearson Edexcel, one of the UK’s leading curriculum and examination providers. Pearson invests heavily in research, curriculum development, learning resources and assessment, so our teachers work with programmes that are regularly reviewed and updated.

Learning is supported by printed textbooks and structured materials in every subject, rather than relying solely on teacher-made resources.

3. How do you measure and track student progress?

We provide real data you can trust. Progress is measured every trimester using standardised assessments that benchmark students against global standards. Teachers combine these results with day-to-day classroom evidence to build a clear picture of each student’s strengths and next steps.

Unlike systems that rely on internal, school-specific tests, this reduces the risk of a child seeming to do well while actually falling behind international expectations.

We also look carefully at the kinds of quality frameworks used for British schools in England and overseas, including those of Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and international organisations such as COBIS (Council of British International Schools). These benchmarks help us shape our expectations in areas such as teaching and learning, safeguarding, leadership and student wellbeing, so that our standards reflect those associated with high-quality British schools.

4. How broad is the curriculum before students choose their A-Level subjects?

We believe in broad learning before big choices. Students explore maths, sciences, humanities, computing, arts and crafts, physical education and modern languages before they specialise in Upper Secondary. This helps them discover their strengths and interests before deciding what to focus on.

5. Why do A-Level students take only three subjects?

We encourage students to specialise in just three subjects. Unlike schools with many compulsory subjects, A-Level students focus on three subjects they enjoy and excel in. This allows them to go into real depth and build a strong profile for university.

6. Does this mean students have less overload than in other programmes?

Yes. There is less overload and more depth. Instead of many additional compulsory components beyond their subjects, students have more time for deep subject knowledge, exam technique and university preparation. Many families value this focus and clarity.

7. Why A-Levels? Are they recognised?

Pearson Edexcel A-Levels are globally trusted. They are clear, externally assessed qualifications that universities worldwide understand and respect. This makes our students’ results highly transparent and credible when they apply for competitive courses.

8. Can my child keep options open in Albania as well as abroad?

Yes. Our qualifications open doors in Albania and abroad. A-Levels sit alongside Provimet e Lirimit and Matura Shtetërore, keeping options open for both local and international universities. Students can choose what is right for them at the end of school.

9. How does a British education school typically support university applications?

Kings Tirana is a registered UCAS centre, which means we send applications directly to UK universities and support every stage of the process in school. Because British education and A-Levels are the standard route into UK degrees, we can give clear advice on subject choices, predicted grades and personal statements.

Through To University with Kings, we also support applications to universities in Europe, the US and other destinations worldwide. Students receive personal guidance on course selection, application documentation and understanding different university systems, so that families can make well-informed decisions about the next step after school.

10. What opportunities are there beyond lessons – houses and activities?

We place a strong emphasis on houses, activities and belonging. The House system is a long-standing feature of many traditional British schools, designed to create smaller communities within the wider school.

At Kings Tirana, our Houses and enrichment clubs help students feel part of something bigger than themselves, build friendships across year groups and develop interests beyond the classroom.

1. Admissions & Enrolment

1.1 How can I apply for my child to join Kings Tirana?

You can apply by completing our online application form and submitting the required documents. Our Admissions Team will guide you through the process, including assessments and interviews where applicable. For more details, please visit our Admissions Page.

1.2 What age groups do you accept?

Kings Tirana offers education for students aged 3 to 18 years old, covering:

  • Preschool
  • Primary School (Ages 5–11)
  • Lower Secondary (Ages 11–14)
  • Upper Secondary (Ages 14–18, including GCSEs and A-Levels)
1.3 Can international students enrol at Kings Tirana?

Yes. We welcome students from overseas, provided they meet our academic and language requirements.

Please note:

  • We do not offer boarding facilities. All students must live with a parent or legal guardian.
  • We do not provide visa sponsorship or legal tutor arrangements.
  • Parents are responsible for handling visas, residency permits and guardianship.
  • We do not arrange student accommodation, but we can provide general advice on relocation to Tirana.

If your family is moving to Albania and you are interested in enrolment, please contact our Admissions Team for guidance.

1.4 Can my child transfer to Kings Tirana from another school?

Yes, we accept transfer students based on availability. Mid-year admissions may require academic assessments and a review of previous school records.

2. Language of Instruction & Language Support

2.1 What is the language of instruction at Kings Tirana?

English is the sole language of instruction at Kings Tirana across all subjects, ensuring students are fully immersed in an international academic environment.

The only exceptions are subjects related to language learning, which include:

  • Second Modern Languages – French and German
  • Albanian Language, History and Geography – compulsory for Albanian students but optional for non-Albanian students

This structure ensures that all students receive a strong English-language education while also having opportunities to develop additional language skills.

2.2 How does Kings Tirana support students with little or no English proficiency?

Students who are not yet fluent in English receive specialist support through our English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme. This includes:

  • Intensive English support through small-group or individual lessons tailored to proficiency level
  • Immersion strategies with structured classroom language support
  • Targeted Learning Support through EAL classes led by expert teachers at the end of the school day (15:25–16:10)

The goal is to help students become confident English users as quickly as possible while keeping up with their academic progress.

2.3 How does Kings Tirana support Albanian students who sit the Provimet e Lirimit and Matura Shtetërore exams?

Albanian students at Kings Tirana follow an international curriculum taught in English, while also preparing for Provimet e Lirimit and Matura Shtetërore in order to obtain Albanian state qualifications.

We provide targeted support including:

  • Bilingual subject support, reinforcing key terminology and concepts in both English and Albanian
  • Exam preparation sessions for subjects studied in English but examined in Albanian
  • Guidance on exam registration and administrative requirements

This ensures that Albanian students benefit from a dual pathway, allowing them to pursue both international and local academic opportunities.

3. Cross-Curricular Comparisons & Transfers

3.1 Can my child transfer to Kings Tirana from another curriculum?

Yes. Kings Tirana welcomes students from all educational backgrounds, including IB, AP, the National Curriculum of England and Wales, the Albanian curriculum, and other international or national systems.

Our UK-based curriculum, supported by Pearson Edexcel assessments, allows students to integrate smoothly at different stages of their education.

3.2 How does Kings Tirana’s curriculum compare to others?

Kings Tirana follows a UK-based curriculum with structured academic stages:

  • Primary (Years 1–6): strong foundation in core subjects
  • Lower Secondary (Years 7–9): broad academic exposure with increasing specialisation
  • GCSE (Years 10–11): specialised subject choices leading to formal qualifications
  • A-Levels (Years 12–13): in-depth subject study for university preparation

Unlike some systems that follow a fixed model, our approach offers flexibility and makes transitions between systems more manageable.

3.3 What exams do students take at Kings Tirana?

Kings Tirana follows Pearson Edexcel’s standardised assessments at all levels, ensuring continuous academic tracking and internationally benchmarked progress.

These standardised assessments help ensure that students at every stage are meeting international standards, making transfers easier both into and out of Kings Tirana.

3.4 Can my child transfer from Kings Tirana to another school following a different curriculum?

Yes. Since Kings Tirana follows Pearson Edexcel qualifications, which are internationally recognised, students can transition to schools following IB, AP, other British or international systems, and Albanian schools including the Matura pathway.

We provide guidance on subject selection, academic records and exam documentation to support a smooth transfer.

3.5 Which curriculum is better for university applications?

All major universities accept IGCSEs and A-Levels, making them an excellent choice for students aiming to study in the UK, Europe, the US, Canada and Albania.

Kings Tirana offers dedicated university counselling through our To University with Kings programme, helping students choose the best qualifications for their future studies.

3.6 Does Kings Tirana help students adjust to a new curriculum?

Yes. Our Academic Team provides personalised academic support for new students, Pearson Edexcel standardised assessments to identify needs, English as an Additional Language support where required, and Targeted Learning Support for students transitioning from different educational systems.

3.7 Can Kings Tirana students continue their studies at Kings Education Colleges in the UK?

Yes. Kings Tirana students can transition to Kings Education Colleges in London, Brighton, Bournemouth and Oxford.

Because Kings Tirana follows a UK-based curriculum, students can continue from the same point they left off, ensuring strong academic continuity.

3.8 What year groups can transfer to Kings Education Colleges?

Students may transfer at different stages, including:

  • Year 10 or Year 11 – continue studying for IGCSEs
  • Year 12 or Year 13 – complete A-Levels in the UK
  • Post-Year 13 – enrol in a Kings Pathway Degree programme for accelerated UK university preparation

Each transfer is subject to academic suitability and availability at the selected college.

3.9 How does Kings Tirana support students who want to transfer to a Kings Education centre in the UK?

Kings Tirana provides:

  • Academic alignment through the same curriculum
  • Guidance on subject selection
  • Administrative support with transfer applications, documentation and accommodation arrangements

In addition, colleagues from Kings Education visit Kings Tirana regularly to hold academic competitions for scholarships, provide information sessions about studying in the UK and assess students interested in transferring.

3.10 Why should students consider continuing their studies at Kings Education Colleges in the UK?
  • Immersive UK learning experience
  • Direct university preparation
  • Consistent academic pathway with the same curriculum and exam board
  • Scholarship opportunities for exceptional students

For more details on transferring to a Kings Education College, please contact our Admissions Office.

4. Accreditation & Qualifications

4.1 Is Kings Tirana accredited?

Yes. Kings Tirana is fully accredited by the Albanian Government and has been granted recognition by Pearson to deliver the Edexcel curriculum, ensuring that our programmes meet international educational standards.

4.2 How do students obtain Albanian qualifications in addition to UK ones?

Kings Tirana provides a dual qualification pathway, allowing students to earn both UK and Albanian qualifications.

  • Students in Upper Secondary study for GCSEs and A-Levels
  • Albanian students study Albanian Language, History and Geography of Albania
  • They are therefore able to sit Provimet e Lirimit and Matura Shtetërore

This ensures that students meet the requirements for both UK and Albanian university applications.

4.3 Can non-Albanian speakers opt out of studying Albanian? What do they study instead?

Yes. Non-Albanian speakers are not required to take Albanian language classes. Instead, they may choose from alternative programmes such as Albanian for foreigners, Targeted Learning Support, or directed study set by subject teachers.

For students in Years 1–11, this takes place in the classroom. For older students, studying can be facilitated in a self-study area.

4.4 Can my child transfer from Kings Tirana to a school in the UK or another country?

Yes. Since we follow a UK-based curriculum, students can transfer to UK schools or other international schools that follow the IGCSE and A-Level system.

5. Curriculum & Academics

5.1 What curriculum does Kings Tirana follow?

We follow a UK-based curriculum leading to:

  • GCSEs (Ages 14–16)
  • A-Levels (Ages 16–18)
  • Albanian Matura Shtetërore for local qualifications

We also offer a Foundation Diploma for students transitioning to UK universities.

5.2 Can expat students schedule classes in their native language?

Yes. During Targeted Academic Support sessions, expat students may schedule native-language lessons to maintain fluency and literacy in their home language.

These lessons can be arranged as:

  • Private tutoring sessions
  • Group language lessons with students of the same background
  • Lessons with certified language teachers, where available
5.3 How does Kings Tirana support students with learning gaps?

We offer a Targeted Learning Support Programme for students who need extra help in core subjects. This includes:

  • Individualised learning plans
  • One-to-one or small-group tutoring
  • After-school and weekend support sessions

For students needing additional reinforcement, our Summer School Programme provides an excellent opportunity to catch up or get ahead academically.

5.4 How does Kings Tirana support students with little command of English?

Students who are not yet fluent in English receive specialist support through our English as an Additional Language Programme. This includes immersion lessons, in-class support from EAL specialists and tailored resources to help students transition smoothly.

6. School Life & Policies

6.1 What is the uniform policy?

Kings Tirana has a mandatory school uniform for Years 1–6 to promote equality and school identity.

The uniform consists of:

  • School-branded polo shirts or blouses
  • Formal trousers or skirts
  • Blazers or sweaters for colder months
  • PE uniform for sports activities

Uniforms must be worn daily, and students are expected to maintain a neat appearance. Full details are available in the Uniform Policy.

7. Transport & School Logistics

7.1 What are the school opening hours?
  • School Office Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
  • Student Timetable: 08:00 – 15:20
  • After-school: 15:20 – 16:10
  • Front Desk: checks calls and messages outside office hours
  • Admissions Team: available outside standard office days and hours
7.2 Does Kings Tirana offer school bus transportation?

Yes. We offer safe and reliable school transport to and from campus. Our door-to-door service covers key areas of Tirana. For details on routes and fees, please visit our School Transport Page.

8. Contact & Parent Support

8.1 How can parents communicate with teachers?

Parents can reach teachers through:

  • School Front Desk
  • Email
  • Google Classroom
  • Parent-Teacher Meetings
  • Special appointments
8.2 What is the Parent Portal?

The Parent Portal is an online platform where parents can:

  • View attendance records
  • Check academic progress
  • Receive school updates
Didn’t find your question?

Contact us for further assistance.

[insert-email]

APPLY
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
CONTACT