Best boarding schools in England 2024

In addition to the traditional schools, offering primary education in England, international students are provided with the opportunity to enter British boarding schools. Each student, no matter resident or foreigner, can enroll in prestigious boarding schools in the United Kingdom. Usually, foreign students aged from 12 to 16 years old decide on studying in England. Upon graduation, they obtain high quality education, which comply with international academic standards.

Secondary UK boarding schools are different from other educational institutions by the organization of their educational process and accommodation conditions. Here there are various programs, including study for a year or several years, for summer (summer education), winter courses, seasonal courses, etc.

Some boarding schools in the UK practice a separate form of studying, which is considered an old tradition of British education. For many years separate schools and universities for boys and for girls have been operating in Great Britain. Nowadays, both separate and co-educational types of education have their supporters, distinguished by their own advantages and features. 

Don't hesitate to access samples of entrance tests for admission to private boarding schools in the UK, that can hep you practice without visiting the school itself.

The tuition fees at the best boarding schools in the UK can vary considerably based on a school's ranking, graduate exam results, prestige, and storied history. As a general overview, secondary education fees in Great Britain typically range between:

• 14,000 – 25,000 GBP per academic year for day students (tuition only, no accommodation).

• 30,000 – 47,000 GBP per academic year for full-board students (inclusive of accommodation in on-campus residences).

While top boarding schools in England come with their associated costs, there are more budget-friendly options available for those who know where to look. Some schools in the UK offer comprehensive packages, which include education, accommodation, and meals, in the ballpark of 17,500 – 19,000 GBP per year.

Our team of experts at SMAPSE is ready to guide you in selecting the best boarding school that aligns with your child's needs and your budget. Reach out to us, and we'll make the dream of a top-tier education in Britain more attainable for your child.

To facilitate your search of the educational institution, which complies with your goals, interests and ambitions, SMAPSE has prepared a user-friendly catalog. Simply enter your child's age into the search box and put the "find" button. This will refine your search, showing only those institutions that cater to your child's specific age group.  Additionally, relevant programs will be displayed prominently under the school's image. For an in-depth look at courses and subjects, just click the "more" button adjacent to the programme name.

While each boarding school in the UK has its unique admissions process, certain standard documents are universally expected:

• Annual academic reports from the past 2 or 3 years.

• A copy of the student's passport or ID card.

• Recommendation letters from math, English or other language teachers, and school administration figures.

• Proof of language proficiency, such as IELTS, Cambridge tests (KET, PET, FCE, CAE), TOEFL, or Pearson. For students above 17, only the IELTS certificate is typically accepted.

• Some schools in the UK require the Ukiset test before considering applications.

• School registration forms (SMAPSE experts are here to assist).

• A Skype interview.

• Occasionally, a motivation letter.

• Additional entrance tests, especially if the Ukiset test is successfully passed.

Furthermore, to assess the student's readiness for studying, internal tests in math and English are often conducted by the schools. Some best boarding schools in UK also require you to take the UKISET test before admission.

As official representatives for many boarding schools in the UK, SMAPSE experts can guide you through the admissions process at no cost.

To study at a boarding school in the UK, you need to obtain a Child Student visa. Requirements for Child Student visa include:

• Age of student from 4 to 17 years;

• Unconditional admission to school;

• Confirmation of financial viability;

• Consent of a parent or guardian to accompany a student for study in the UK.

It is recommended to apply in advance, namely 6 months prior to the beginning of studying. When the application is submitted, the answer will be sent within 3 weeks. The validity period of the visa is stipulated by the student’s age and the duration of studying.

Boarding schools are educational institutions that provide a full cycle of education and accommodation for pupils. Pupils live on the school's territory, which allows for an intensive educational and upbringing environment.

Boarding schools typically accept students between the ages of 7 and 18, covering the range from elementary school to secondary school.

Tuition fees can vary considerably depending on the prestige of the school and its location. In the UK, annual fees can range from £30,000 to £40,000 or more. The fee includes tuition, accommodation and meals.

Boarding schools teach a wide range of subjects, including compulsory subjects such as math, English, history, and a variety of additional subjects such as art, music, physical education, and others.

Living conditions include comfortable rooms, common recreation areas, dining rooms, libraries and other amenities. Students are provided with meals and live under the constant supervision of experienced teachers and tutors.

Boarding schools are known for their high level of education, individualized attention and small classes, which provides a deeper and better education. Boarding schools also offer more opportunities to participate in various extracurricular activities.

Yes, some boarding schools provide scholarships or financial aid based on academic achievement or financial need. Contact the school of your choice to learn about available options and terms.

Yes, many boarding schools in the UK welcome international students and provide opportunities for students from other countries. It is important to consider that many boarding schools in the UK require international students to have good English language skills. Some schools can provide language courses for international students before they start their studies.

The format of boarding schools in the UK can vary from school to school. However, boarding schools usually use a system consisting of trimesters, semesters or other similar periods to break up the school year into more manageable time slots.

Admission rates vary from school to school, depending on each individual school and the academic achievements of the students. Many boarding schools pride themselves on the high enrollment rates of their graduates.

Younger children are accommodated in large dormitories for 5-8 people. It is believed that young children find it easier to bear separation from their parents in the constant company of their peers.

The older the students get, the more personal space they are given. Students aged from 14 to 17 years old are guaranteed accommodation in comfortable double rooms. While studying in the final year of an educational course (usually the student’s age is 17 to 18 years old), students are provided with private apartments. In a wide array of educational institutions there are established procedures concerning accommodation of students on campuses.

In case of studying in a mixed school, boys and girls live in different dormitories. There are adults, who stay 24/7 with students, so students can ask them if there are any questions. As practice shows, campus territory include a dining room, bathrooms, a laundry room, and a medical office.

• Full boarding

British boarding schools have all the conditions for a comfortable life and studying: a separate room, three meals a day, a library, sports grounds, laundry and even personal mentors.

• Comprehensive development

The curriculum in boarding schools in the UK provides that each child receives the necessary knowledge from all major fields. In addition, schools have lessons on gender education, the basics of religion, as well as social responsibility. There are also special courses where they talk about investments, budget allocation and a healthy lifestyle.

• High quality of educational programs

British schoolchildren are ranked 15th, 23rd and 24th in the world in terms of knowledge of mathematics, English and natural sciences, respectively.

As for disadvantages of studying in UK boarding schools, we can mention the following ones:

• High tuition fee

A year of study in a boarding school on average costs 66,078 USD. Guardian services account for about 1,322 USD/year. Also medical insurance, visa, and pocket expenses should be taken into account.

• Enrollment process

Almost all schools conduct entrance exams, and elite ones — even in two stages. They also usually require an interview and a test day at school. In general, all stages of selection take place in person in the school, but some institutions make an exception for foreign students, allowing them to take exams at the offices of the British Council, and to be interviewed via Skype.

Below the list of top 5 boarding schools in the UK is provided:

• Cardiff Sixth Form College 

It has been one of the best schools in the UK with outstanding academic results for the past 11 years. In 2021, 98% of students completed their studies with A*-A grades. At the same time, 89% of students received offers from universities included in the top 100 universities in the world according to the QS ranking, 75% of students enrolled in British universities of the prestigious Russell Group, on average 12% of graduates per year go to Oxbridge. Such results are achieved due to a high level of teaching, an individual approach, and twice the number of study hours (compared to any other school).

• Eton College

Eton College, founded by King Henry VI in the 15th century, is one of the most prestigious schools in the world. Among the graduates of the college are 21 prime ministers, Nobel laureates, representatives of the world's ruling elite and members of aristocratic families. The school is under the patronage of the royal family. In addition, Eton College is the largest boarding school in England. Just like 580 years ago, only boys study here.

• Harrow School

Harrow School, located in London, is one of the most prestigious boarding schools for boys in the world. The school retains its centuries-old traditions, including the uniform, consisting of a suit, a cane and a straw hat. All students live permanently in the residence, which is divided into 12 houses. This gives them the opportunity to use every day productively, because the school prepares future leaders aimed at changing the world and society for the better.

• MPW Schools

MPW Schools are British boarding schools located in London, Cambridge and Birmingham. Their teaching approach is based on the learning methodology of the University of Cambridge. The school in London is located in a respectable and safe central area of the city – South Kensington, where children from the age of 14 study and live. Schools in Cambridge and Birmingham also have a central location. Children in all schools study in small classes of 5-6 people.

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