A federation of British Boarding Schools has put up 7 Crore Rupees in scholarships to attract pupils from India to complete their secondary schooling here in Britain.

This is the first time a group of schools has made such a direct approach into the Indian market place and the first time such large amounts of scholarships have been on offer.

The federation has been brought together by Anglo Schools International Services (ASIS), which has teamed up with Pearson VUE test centres to provide initial computer based entrance exam testing across India.

ASIS Principal Partner, David Boddy, formerly Chairman of the UK Society of Headteachers, has just completed an eight-centre tour of India promoting the opportunity.

He said, "Indian children bring a special quality to the UK classrooms. They have great values and sharp brains.

" There has been a terrific response from parents and children on the tour. People are attracted for various reasons, not least of all because many of them have family in the UK".

ASIS is providing a 25% 'Friends and Family' Discount for the entrance exam, which costs GBP250.

" This single entrance fee opens access to all the schools and all the scholarships, which in some cases are 100% of the school fees. The message for Indian families in the UK is that it has never been easier, nor more financially attractive, for cousins, other relatives and friends in India to come to school in the UK, " said David Boddy.

Applicants register via the ASIS website ( www.angloschools.co.uk) and payment is by credit card or Paypal. Indian families in the UK can make the payment on behalf of their families in India, quoting the reference RA8536 to get the 25% discount on the entrance exams.

The two hour entrance exam can be taken anytime between now and the end of March. Registrations must be made by March 21 at the latest.