Wymondham College on state boarding benefits

Wymondham College Head of School Dale McMorran on why state boarding brings many benefits beyond price for young people and their families

State Boarding is a gem that is being discovered by a growing number of families. With costs significantly lower than the independent sector, strong academic results and excellent facilities, there are many incredible opportunities it offers to young people and their families.

The common question asked is how are fees so much lower than the independent sector? Put simply it is because education provided is free and only boarding fees are payable. Many families are surprised to hear the breadth of experiences children are offered. Highlights across a year could typically include trips to New York, Florida Disneyland, Iceland, skiing in Austria, safaris in Kenya as well as students learning to scuba dive in an onsite pool and achieving the PADI open water qualification overseas. Weekly activities may include the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), paddle boarding, kayaking, horse riding, water polo, debating, baking and coding.

Sports is also just as competitive and prestigious in the state sector. With a high calibre of sporty children, many state boarding schools compete against independent schools. For example, the UK’s No1 U17 3000m runner attends a state boarding school, as do the regional champions in U13 Football. State Boarding School students hold the Norfolk-hosted Twickenham Rugby Touch 2 Cup and are also recipients of 100 Ball Girls Cup and T20 tournaments in cricket. Sports is celebrated at a recreational as well as a competitive level, but with plenty of access to elite sporting opportunities.

State boarding prides itself on being a home from home, with specialist staff and a culture that is conducive to the family dynamic. There are two Prep boarding schools in the UK and a variety of Senior and Sixth Form state boarding options. Some are located in cities, others nestled in the English countryside. Wymondham College, for example, is located in the heart of Norfolk, with easy access to Norwich, London and the beautiful East Anglian coast.

Boarding houses range in size too, from those that are among the largest in Europe, to those that are more intimate. Whether it is ensuring children remain with their boarding family through to Year 13 or offering separate prep and senior houses with a Sixth Form akin to a small university campus, there’s an option to suit every child and their family.

State boarding schools also adhere to National Boarding Standards and are rigorously inspected every three years by Ofsted. Two state boarding schools were recently graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in all nine categories – no mean feat. This demonstrates the high academic standards and achievements, which are among the best in the country. And many state boarding school students go on to study at Oxford and Cambridge.

With so many families recognising that state boarding can offer experiences, opportunities, facilities and outcomes on par with the independent sector, and at a very different price point, the sector is one that will continue to shine.

Wymondham College wymondhamcollege.org

Further reading: Pangbourne College on the value of academic adventures