Some of the oldest high schools in the UK to seek student recruitment from the Middle East at the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition 2004

Leading the list will be the more than 500 year old Loughborough Grammar School for boys and Sidcot School, a co-educational school established in North Somerset in 1699.

"The quality of education offered at school level is crucial to shaping the future destinies of students. To ensure success in the competitive professional world, as well as on the personal, social and civic fronts, education must go beyond academic examination success," said Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), organisers of GETX. "Keeping in mind the large expatriate population in the UAE, which seeks global educational opportunities for its children, the participation at GETX of high schools from the UK will open up a host of new choices for parents and students. At the same time, by providing a single platform for both high school and higher education, GETX will aid students and parents to plan a complete, clear and goal-oriented education graph."

Loughborough Grammar School, (which completed 500 years in 1995), admits boys between the age groups of 12 to 18. Loughborough's public examination results at 16+ and 18+ compare favourably with the best in the GCSE exams worldwide. After GCSE, students entering Sixth Form have a wide choice of subjects, and decisions regarding subject selection are reached after consultation between the student, parents and staff. The School has a near 100% success rate at 'A' Level, a percentage reflected in the number of entrants to Universities, including a significant number each year to Oxford and Cambridge.

Sidcot has been a pioneer in co-education and in the pastoral care of its community since the foundation of the school in 1699. With a strong post-GCSE sixth form section, the school admits students from age 9 onwards. Students are required to sit for an entrance test, and international students requiring English language support are aided at the Sidcot academic English School. Essentially what makes Sidcot different from other schools is the emphasis placed upon the quality of relationships throughout the school. Every individual - from the youngest pupil to the oldest member of staff - should treat others, and be treated by them, with dignity and respect.

Another exhibitor, the Loretto School from Edinburgh, is Scotland's oldest boarding school. Founded in 1827, the school's ethos is based on a strong conviction that the well-rounded development of the individual in mind, body and spirit is an essential part of education. The School also focuses on inculcating in its students the value of "a community living according to the dictates of reason", which is crucial to developing true global citizens and providing them with the tools for success in increasingly competitive global workplaces. In the Sixth Form, advice on the choice of subjects is based on strength of interest in the subject, GCSE results and possible subject requirements for University degree courses and careers. Pupils in the Fifth Form complete a careers interest Preview Questionnaire. This is designed to allow due consideration and time to be given to thoughts about possible Career and A Level subject choices.

The Park School was formed in 1851 and is located within an attractive parkland setting in Somerset, UK. Offering co-educational boarding facilities, the school provides for students up to age 19 years. Entry can be at any age and academic scholarships are awarded by examination at age 8+, 11+ and 13+ & Sixth Form annual scholarships for art, drama and music are also available. This is the first time that the school will be seeking students from the Middle East to join its vibrant community.

For parents preferring exclusive education in a girls' only school, GETX will welcome the Marymount International School. Established in 1955, this is an independent college-preparatory boarding and day school for girls in Grades 6 to 12. The school is accredited by the European Council of International Schools, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the Independent Schools Council and is a member of the Girls' Schools Association. It is authorised to participate in the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Middle Years programme. The Grades 6-10 programme supplements the curriculum by linking the various subject areas through a network of "Areas of Interaction" such as Approaches to Learning (study skills), Social Service, The Environment, Health and Social Education, and Creativity/Technology. The International Baccalaureate Diploma programme is offered in Grades 11 and 12. Marymount is also an official test centre for the ACT (American College Testing Program) and for College Board examinations (SAT I\II).

Another important all-girls school to welcome students from the Middle East will be the Westonbirt School. Founded in 1928, the school is situated in quiet country surroundings. Girls usually join the school at ages 11, 13 or 16 years - but the school accepts applications from all ages for 11-18 year olds with the ultimate aim of preparing for university entry. Each girl's education is carefully planned to give her a broad education and to keep her options open until wise choices may be made for A Levels and beyond. Pupils also have plenty of opportunities for extra-curricular activities within their house, within their year group, and across the school. Westonbirt is one of only eight schools in the UK to offer the prestigious cookery course aimed at receiving the Leith's Basic Certificate of Food.