Boarding Schools
Find the perfect education for your children with our handpicked selection of the absolute best boarding schools in the United Kingdom. From academic excellence and international programmes to a supportive home-away-from-home environment, these schools cater to every family’s needs. Discover institutions that unite tradition, innovation, and exceptional pastoral care.
The King’s School
The King’s School, Canterbury, is the oldest school in England and a world-renowned coeducational day and boarding school for ages 13–18. Blending centuries of tradition with modern innovation, King’s offers outstanding academic programmes, exceptional music, drama, and sport, and a supportive boarding community in historic surroundings beside Canterbury Cathedral.
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Finborough School
Nestled in the beautiful Suffolk countryside and only 5 minutes from the A14, Finborough School takes pride in offering a distinctive educational experience that seamlessly integrates academic excellence with personal growth, creativity, and adventure.
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Marlborough College
Marlborough College is a renowned co-educational boarding and day school for students aged 13–18. Set in the Wiltshire countryside, it offers a rich academic tradition, outstanding pastoral care, and a vibrant campus life within 286 acres of historic grounds.
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UK Boarding Schools
Shiplake College
Shiplake College, overlooking the River Thames in Oxfordshire, is 40 minutes from London Heathrow. A thriving coeducational boarding and day school for 580 pupils aged 11-18. Flexi, weekly and full boarding available from Year 9. A community that focuses on kindness, personal bests and positive attitudes, the College’s ethos is underpinned by the Three Is – Inclusive, Individual and Inspirational.
📍 Oxfordshire
St Leonards
St Leonards, in the heart of St Andrews, is a leading coeducational day and boarding school for ages 4–18. Offering all four IB programmes, St Leonards combines academic rigour with vibrant community. With access to world-class golf, countless extra-curricular activities, newly redeveloped boarding houses, and a stunning seaside setting, St Leonards prepares pupils, Ad Vitam, for life.
📍 Scotland
Tonbridge School
Tonbridge School, set within 150 acres in Kent, is one of the UK’s leading boys’ boarding and day schools for ages 13–18. Consistently ranked among the top performers in national league tables, Tonbridge combines academic excellence with outstanding sport, music, and drama. Its award-winning commitment to sustainability, exceptional pastoral care, and vibrant community prepare pupils to thrive at university and in life beyond.
📍Tonbridge
St Mary’s Calne
St Mary’s Calne is a distinguished independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11–18, set in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside. It provides a rigorous academic environment—with top-tier A-Level results and a strong track record of Oxbridge and university success—alongside exceptional pastoral care within a caring, community-focused atmosphere.
📍 South West England
Sevenoaks School
Sevenoaks School, in the Kent countryside just 30 minutes from London, is a leading coeducational day and boarding school for ages 11–18. A pioneer of the International Baccalaureate, it achieves world-class results while fostering creativity and global perspective, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic boarding community.
📍 Kent
Brighton College
Brighton College, on the south coast in East Sussex, is a leading coeducational day and boarding school for ages 11–18. Named UK Boarding School of the Year 2025, it is acclaimed for outstanding academic results, innovative teaching, and a pioneering culture of kindness within a vibrant, modern boarding environment.
📍East Sussex
What Is
a Boarding School in the UK?
A boarding school in the UK is an educational institution where pupils live on campus during the academic term, enjoying a unique blend of academic excellence, structured independence, and pastoral care. These schools offer more than just a place to learn—they provide a home-away-from-home experience that encourages personal growth, responsibility, and lifelong friendships.
From elite boarding schools in the UK with centuries of tradition to modern full boarding schools that specialise in science, the arts, or sports, families can choose from an incredibly diverse range of options. Whether you're looking for a co-ed boarding school in England, a girls-only boarding school with top GCSE results, or a UK boarding school for international students with EAL and visa support, there is an ideal fit for every child.
Most UK boarding schools offer an enriching academic curriculum (including A-Levels, GCSEs, or the International Baccalaureate) alongside world-class facilities, weekend activities, and strong university pathways. Many of the top boarding schools in the UK are located in beautiful countryside settings with easy access to major cities like London, Oxford, and Edinburgh, combining academic focus with a safe and stimulating environment.
At the heart of every British boarding school is a commitment to nurturing the whole child—intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Families moving from overseas will find excellent pastoral care, dedicated international student coordinators, and robust guardianship systems, making UK boarding an attractive and reliable choice for global education.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Children can start boarding school in the UK as early as 7 or 8 at UK prep schools, but most join between ages 11–13 for senior school entry. Sixth form boarding (ages 16–18) is also a popular option for international families seeking university preparation.
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Full boarding schools in the UK provide 24/7 care during term time, including weekends. Weekly boarding schools allow children to go home on weekends, offering flexibility for families living nearby.
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Yes. Many of the top British boarding schools offer tailored support for overseas families, including English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes, airport transfers, and help with student visas and guardianship.
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Fees vary by region and prestige, but boarding school fees in the UK typically range from £25,000 to £45,000 per year. Many schools offer bursaries and scholarships based on academic, musical, or sporting merit.
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Most follow the UK national curriculum, offering GCSEs and A-Levels, though many also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB). Schools often combine academic subjects with arts, sports, and personal development programmes.
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Yes. While some prestigious British boarding schools are known for their high fees, many excellent independent schools in the UK offer lower-cost boarding, particularly in regions like the Midlands, North of England, and parts of Scotland.
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Absolutely. UK boarding schools accept applications from around the world, including the EU, USA, Asia, and the Middle East. Student visa guidance and help with the UK boarding school application process are usually part of the admissions package.
Where Should I Send My Child to Boarding School in Scotland? Parent’s Guide 2025
Scotland is home to some of Europe’s most distinctive boarding schools. This guide explores St Leonards, Fettes, Gordonstoun, Belhaven Hill and Glenalmond — helping parents decide where their child will thrive in 2025. Discover the traditions, character and global outlook that set these schools apart.
Life at a Scottish Boarding School: What Parents and Students Can Expect (2025 Guide)
Whether you’re considering boarding in Scotland or exploring options for your child, understanding daily life beyond the classroom is essential. This guide explains what to expect — from routines and pastoral care to weekends, traditions and international communities — so parents can make an informed choice with confidence.
The Best Boarding Schools in Suffolk – Tradition, Character and Excellence in 2025
Suffolk is home to some of the UK’s most distinguished boarding schools. From Ipswich and Finborough to RHS, Culford, and Woodbridge, each combines academic excellence with character and tradition in inspiring settings.