There are a handful of state boarding schools in the UK. As the education is free, parents only pay for boarding, making these schools an accessible option. With top-notch Ofsted reports, excellent extracurricular opportunities, and outstanding pastoral care, we round up the top state boarding schools in the country…
Old Swinford Hospital
Old Swinford Hospital (OSH) is a happy, vibrant and distinctive state boarding school for students aged 11–18, where tradition and values sit comfortably alongside innovation and aspiration. Recently awarded ‘Outstanding’ for boarding by Ofsted for the third consecutive inspection, boarding is at the heart of the OSH experience. Students live together, learn together and thrive. With more than 45 co-curricular clubs, ten music ensembles, extensive sports facilities, excellent STEM and new design and technology labs, a kitchen classroom, two climbing walls, and new art, drama and dance studios, there is plenty to do. Boarders develop resilience, independence and confidence while forming lifelong friendships. As Maisie-Grace says: “You always have a place at OSH.”
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The Royal School Wolverhampton | West Midlands
Located in a leafy suburb of Wolverhampton, The Royal is conveniently situated between countryside and the UK’s second largest city, Birmingham, giving pupils ample opportunity to experience the rich contrasts of British life. Furthermore, as a State Boarding School, it is a very attractive option for students with British passports or leave to remain. Tuition is free and Boarding costs are £16,740 for the year.
The Royal is a small, cohesive community with a friendly atmosphere for both day pupils and boarders alike. The school’s strong academic tradition is based upon individual attention and encouragement, as well as excellent pastoral care founded on respect, tolerance and understanding of others. Students achieve their full academic potential, whilst a wide range of extra-curricular activities is available to develop character and leadership.
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School | Kent
Founded in 1803 for the children of British Army soldiers, the Duke of York’s Royal Military School (DOYRMS) in Kent is a state boarding school where exceptional education meets outstanding opportunity. Home to around 500 pupils, most are full boarders. Small class sizes – fewer than 20 at GCSE and often under 10 at A Level – allow for highly personalised teaching. As a result, 88% progress to university, with many securing Oxbridge and Russell Group places, while others take prestigious apprenticeships with companies such as Amazon Robotics and BAE Systems. Beyond the classroom, pupils enjoy over 60 weekly clubs, strong sport, creative opportunities, and leadership programmes including Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Combined Cadet Force and adventurous expeditions.
Hockerill Anglo-European College | Hertfordshire
Hockerill Anglo-European College is a leading co-educational state boarding school and one of the few in the UK to offer the International Baccalaureate. Ranked 16th in the Sunday Times Parent Power Tables for top comprehensive and partially selective schools, the College is recognised for outstanding results at GCSE and IB. Its distinctive international ethos, renowned language specialism and rich co-curricular programme create a dynamic learning environment. Boarding offers a welcoming home-from-home where students build confidence, independence and lasting friendships. Pupils leave Hockerill globally minded, resilient and exceptionally well prepared for future study and life beyond school.
Haberdashers’ Adams | Shropshire
Haberdashers’ Adams is a selective co-ed state grammar school with boarding for boys in Shropshire, just 75 minutes from London Euston to Stafford. The 370-year-old school has an enviable reputation for academic, musical and sporting excellence along with a strong pastoral house system and a huge variety of enrichment activities. Junior boarders live in Longford Hall, a Georgian mansion, set in one hundred acres. Senior boarders continue in Beaumaris Hall, a modern boarding house metres from the school campus. Pupils benefit from an active Old Novaportan alumni community and valuable links to the City of London provided by The Haberdashers’ Company.
Gordon’s School | Surrey
Judged ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED in the last six inspections, Gordon’s sits in the top 5% of all schools in England for progress at A Levels. Set in 50 acres of Surrey parkland and boasting a sports hub and theatre, it offers an excellent state-funded education and nurturing boarding community.
All day and boarding students benefit from extended school days providing opportunities for MUN, debating, LAMDA, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and competitive team sports. The school partners Harlequins Rugby and London Pulse Netball.
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