UK boarding schools are renowned for being among the best in the world. Offering everything from flexible boarding options, to new and innovative ways to keep parents up-to-date, as well as excellent teaching and extracurricular opportunities, we round up some of the top boarding schools in the country…
Cranleigh School | Surrey
Cranleigh is Surrey’s leading co-educational independent school, offering boarding and day education for pupils aged 13 to 18. With a wide range of opportunities, the School is small enough for everyone to know and support one another.
The School says: “Children need to live and work in safe and supportive environments, building healthy relationships and learning to discover their passions in life. Our boarding house structure, with four girls’ and four boys’ affiliated boarding houses, provides opportunity for everything on campus to take place in a co-educational setting, so that children learn to respect one another and prepare for the world beyond the school gates.”
cranleigh.org
Brambletye | Sussex
Brambletye is an award-winning, independent day and boarding preparatory school for boys and girls aged 2.5 -13 years, situated in beautiful grounds near East Grinstead, Sussex. The School includes a Nursery and Pre-Prep, outstanding facilities, extensive playing fields, and ancient woodlands.
The School says: “We nurture happy, confident, well-rounded children who work hard, play hard, and show kindness. We are a vibrant school combining traditional values with modern sensibilities. Our pupils are incredibly lucky to be supported by enthusiastic, dedicated and talented teachers, an outstanding pastoral team, and parents and guardians who we encourage to play an active role in school-life.”
brambletye.co.uk
Ryde School | Isle of Wight
Ryde is an island school with a global outlook situated on the Isle of Wight. Boarding is from age 11 in stunning boarding houses in the school grounds. Boarders are British and international and can stay during the half-term breaks with no exempt weekends.
The School says: “Pupils achieve places at top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and other leading institutions. We offer GCSE, A Level and the IB, a full extracurricular programme and superb sailing opportunities. Scholarships and bursaries are available for entry into Years 7, 9 and Sixth Form. We expect pupils to be true to our values of ambition, responsibility, courage and respect.”
Clifton College | Bristol
Established in 1862, Clifton College welcomes boarders from across the UK and the world who join with day pupils from the vibrant and diverse city of Bristol.
The School says: “We pride ourselves on providing an education where character is as important as capability. Through superb teaching, a range of co-curricular opportunities and a wealth of academic choices we make certain that every young person is supported, encouraged and driven to achieve their very best. We aim to develop open-minded young people with a real understanding of the world around them, fully prepared for their future in a rapidly changing modern world.”
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) | Yorkshire
Set in 220 acres of beautiful countryside near York, QE is an award-winning day and boarding school for girls and boys aged from 3 months to 19 years.
Known for achieving excellent academic results, QE places its emphasis on growing students into resilient, caring, compassionate and confident adults. With its ethos of “To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have” underpinning everything, QE strives to help every individual excel both academically and in their extra-curriculars.
The School says: “Mental and physical health is our priority. We offer over 100 clubs across outstanding facilities and our excellent pastoral team are available 24/7.”
St George’s Ascot | Berkshire
St George’s Ascot, is a vibrant Boarding and Day school for girls aged 11-18 providing an excellent academic education in a supportive and caring environment.
The School is set in 30 acres of stunning grounds, only 30 minutes from central London and located just off the High Street in Ascot. St George’s Ascot is in the top 5% in the country for added value, helping the girls achieve at least a grade higher at both GCSE and A-Level.
The School says: “Friendly atmosphere, small classes, strong pastoral care and opportunities for individual development make St George’s stand out from the crowd.”
Malvern College | Worcestershire
One of the UK’s leading independent schools, Malvern College is a coeducational boarding and day school in Malvern, Worcestershire.
The School says: “At Malvern College we create a safe space to take risks, where self-assured, grounded, and resilient young adults develop their skills to work with anyone, anywhere. We fuel our pupils’ curiosity, equipping them to explore and challenge the status quo, enabling them to set an example to current and future generations. Although our history reaches back to 1865, we are always looking forward. Tomorrow is unwritten but by instilling a passion for life-long learning and an openness to new ideas, our pupils leave the College ready to excel – embracing the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.”
Aldenham School | Hertfordshire
Aldenham offers a well-rounded education for girls and boys aged from 11 to 19 years that emphasises individual achievement, whether academic, artistic, or sporting. Just 13 miles from central London, the School provides excellent facilities within a stunning 110-acre Hertfordshire campus.
The School says: “With a strong focus on pastoral care, Aldenham supports each student to reach their full potential in a nurturing community. Celebrating over 425 years of heritage, it blends tradition with a forward-thinking approach.”
Flexible boarding options cater to the needs of modern families, allowing students to choose full, weekly, or flexi-boarding, with the option to stay as few as two nights per week.
aldenham.com
Bishop’s Stortford College | Hertfordshire
A co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 4 to 18, Bishop’s Stortford College offers the whole package: breadth of opportunity, depth of academic enquiry, and quality of human values and skills.
The School says: “In a busy and highly successful community, every child’s personal journey of discovery begins the moment they join the College. Excellent teaching, balanced with personal growth, strong values, and qualities of decency and kindness is what Bishop’s Stortford College strives to deliver. Bishop’s Stortford College does not look like most schools of its type – it is the modern face of independent education.”
Sandroyd School | Dorest/Wiltshire border
Sandroyd School is an independent co-educational preparatory school for day and boarding pupils aged 2 to 13 on the Dorset/Wiltshire border.
The School says: “Sandroyd is a magical place where childhood is cherished. Nestled in the Wiltshire countryside, it serves as a home away from home. With dedicated staff, exceptional facilities, and a picturesque setting, Sandroyd fosters kindness and aspiration. Small class sizes nurture academic success and individual growth, while a range of extracurricular activities, from music to sports, ensures each child’s character blossoms. Understanding the importance of finding the right school, Sandroyd invites families to experience its warm, vibrant community firsthand. Visitors are welcome to explore the enriching atmosphere and see why Sandroyd is special.”
Strathallan School | Perthshire
Nestled in 153 acres of immaculate Perthshire campus, Strathallan School has been doing education differently for over 100 years.
The School says: “With a vast range of activities and the broadest curriculum in Scotland there’s room for everyone to shine. Our award-winning education attracts families from around the world, and unique triple pathway of A-Levels, Highers and Advanced Highers means Strathallan pupils consistently achieve some of the top exam results in the country. Strathallians go on to study and pursue careers all around the world, and from Olympians to Emmy winners, you’ll find some truly impressive role models amongst our alumni.”
St. Francis’ College | Hertfordshire
St. Francis’ College is an independent day and boarding school for children aged 3–18 in Letchworth, Hertfordshire.
The School says: “Our Boarding House has a happy, family atmosphere in which our boarders, from Years 6 – 13, can enjoy life to the full. Our experienced boarding staff ensure that boarders are safe and well cared for, and make sure there is plenty to do in the evenings and at weekends. We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach is not ideal when it comes to considering boarding for your child. That’s why we have several boarding options, including full time, weekly and flexi boarding. We are immensely proud of our boarding family in which all our students are cherished and valued as part of the St. Francis’ community.”
Hanford School | Dorset
Hanford, a prep school for girls, aged 7 to 13 years old, is set in a large and idyllic estate in Dorset. Hanford works like a family, encouraging freedom of thought, individual development and mutual trust and respect.
The School says: “Hanford girls have fun, and lots of it, but they are also expected to work hard. The girls make dens, climb trees, make up their own games and, in the summer, ride ponies before breakfast. They make their own clothes and develop as free spirits. They learn resilience, confidence and a sense of adventure and they develop friendships which will last a lifetime.”
Berkhamsted School | Hertfordshire
Berkhamsted is a family of schools in Hertfordshire that offers a diverse and family-like boarding community of around 80 pupils. With a high staff-to-pupil ratio, and most pupils boarding full-time, pupils appreciate the lively atmosphere of the boarding houses, even on weekends.
The School says: “Our convenient location, just 30 minutes from London Euston and Heathrow Airport, ensures pupils can explore the British capital and easily travel home during holidays. Boarders at Berkhamsted have a track record of securing places at the UK’s top universities, including Oxbridge. They leave Berkhamsted feeling well-prepared for life in the UK after having a positive experience at our School.”
Marymount International School | London
Marymount International School London is a hidden gem located southwest of central London in a quiet neighbourhood surrounding Kingston-upon-Thames.
The School says: “Our inclusive school provides individualised learning for girls aged 11-18. As one of the first schools in the UK to adopt the IB curriculum, Marymount fosters global outlooks and offers state-of-the-art facilities. With a strong sense of community, students benefit from international-mindedness and outstanding support structures. Our exceptional graduates, representing over 50 nationalities, continue their journeys at a range of top universities worldwide. At Marymount, we are Proudly IB, Proudly Catholic, Proudly Boarding.”
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