Boarding Schools: A Comprehensive Guide

What is a boarding school?

A boarding school is a school where students can live during the school (academic) term. There are three terms per year and students would be expected to go home or to a guardian during the school holidays. These schools provide accommodation, meals and lessons, offering a blend of learning, independence and social and emotional development. Boarding schools are all unique institutions and provide different facilities and standards of accommodation; this will also be reflected in their varying costs. This article focuses on independent schools which provide boarding – there are also some state boarding schools in the UK which are briefly referenced below and in our separate blog post too.

Boarding Schools in the UK

The UK is famous for its boarding schools, known for impressive facilities and excellent educational outcomes. Schools such as Eton, Harrow, Benenden and Winchester are amongst those with stellar reputations in the UK educational landscape. British boarding schools will more often than not also offer a broad academic curriculum, which may include A-levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), and GCSEs, preparing students for Higher Education both at home and overseas.

How much do boarding schools cost?

The cost of boarding school is usually substantial but does vary significantly depending on the school. On average, annual fees for UK boarding schools range from around £25,000 to around £65,000. This fee generally includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and extracurricular activities. However, there may be additional costs for uniforms, travel to and from an airport or station, and specialised programs such as LAMDA or music lessons. State boarding schools are cheaper as the tuition is paid by the UK government, so can cost around £15,000. Many schools do offer specific scholarships and bursaries to support families who have a financial need, but this is less likely to apply to a boarding than to a day option.

What kind of child is suited to boarding school?

Children are all different and have different needs but a child who is independent, sociable, and keen to embrace new challenges is a child who will thrive in a boarding school environment. Boarding schools require children to maintain structure in their day to day activities and to live away from their families for an extended period of time. Due to this, attributes like resilience, adaptability and open-mindedness will significantly contribute to a positive boarding school experience. Most children require a carefully-managed settling-in period to ensure they adjust.

What should you bring to boarding school?

When preparing to attend boarding school, your child will need a list of what to bring. All boarding schools should, as a minimum, provide a list of required items, including uniforms, bedding, and toiletries. They should also suggest what extras might be useful to bring. Children will need items to make them feel more at home such as photographs and bedding. Electronic equipment such as phones and laptops will also be allowed but may have to be surrendered overnight.

The benefits of boarding

Boarding schools offer life-changing benefits which assist with children’s personal and academic development. The structured environment can help with discipline and time management, while the range of extracurricular activities often helps to develop skills which will benefit children in later life. Boarding school students will often form close knit, important friendships due to living together for along periods of time. Additionally, a lack of external distractions often leads to a stronger academic performance. Staff to student ratios are normally small, leading to a comprehensive pastoral and safeguarding system.

The challenges of boarding

While boarding schools do certainly provide many advantages, they can also present specific challenges for children. The initial and immediate transition to living away from home and parents can sometimes cause homesickness. It’s very important to access support from the school if your child experiences these challenges – the school will know how to help as they will have seen it before.

Boarding school entrance examinations

Most boarding schools require children to undertake entrance examinations as part of the admission process. These tests typically assess academic abilities in key subjects such as Mathematics, English and Reasoning. There may also be group discussions and interviews. Successful preparation involves exam technique alongside knowledge and understanding. Admissions offices are your first port of call when finding out about the entrance examination requirements. Admissions policies are also a good place to look for extra information.

Resources for Further Reading:

Website

1. BSA
2. Good Schools Guide

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