The Barnes Family Business
How it all began
Over thirty-five years ago we were asked to take a German boy
for a short stay into our own family in England. As a consequence
Peter Barnes - a School Director - and his wife, Gaynor, a teacher
of music, were asked to help many more youngsters and became
well-known by The British Council in Germany as an exchange
organisation.
Our students study full-time in schools where they can improve
their English and continue with their general academic studies.
Since our small beginning, our services as a caring exchange
organisation have become known world-wide. This care is reflected
in the guardianship we provide for all students which means we
undertake the responsibility of solving any problem that may arise
- either at school, or in the case of a day school arrangement,
with the host family. In this way, parents may be assured that
Peter, Gaynor and his daughter Rachel - also a teacher - supported
by her husband Ric, are always available in England for students
and their parents to turn to at any time of the day. We provide a
true 24 hour contact service with a person at the end of the line
who will help you.
Knowledge of the English school system
As qualified teachers with many years' experience in both
private and state schools we have a very thorough knowledge of the
British educational system and have close relationships with a
large number of state and private schools. As previously mentioned,
the Barnes organisation was founded in 1975 by Peter and Gaynor
Barnes but in more recent years, Rachel (their daughter) has
brought a wealth of experience to the business following her career
as a teacher in elementary and secondary schools (state and
private). Rachel also won several prestigious music competitions,
among them "the BBC TV Young Musician of the Year 1992" while
graduating at the Royal Academy of Music and then the University of
Goldsmiths.
What the Barnes family business can offer is usually of interest
to pupils who are around the age of 15 to 18 but we can however,
make arrangements for younger pupils and frequently do so. We do
not place high numbers of students, so we can provide a very
comprehensive and personal service. Our students really learn what
it is like to 'live' in England away from large numbers of other
international students.
Always willing to help
Being a small family business in England we personally hold
close relationships with everybody involved with organising and
caring for your child. This enables us to react quickly and be very
flexible when we receive an enquiry. We do not have closing dates
for applications and have been known to place a student within four
days of the start of term, although earlier applications allow us
to give you more choice. If you do not see what you are looking for
please contact us since we are a very flexible exchange
organisation and we will always try to offer a package to suit
you.
