The United Kingdom is renowned for its extensive network of boarding schools, which are uncommon in many other countries. There are approximately 500 boarding schools across the UK, where students live and study during the school year. Of these, only around 35 are state boarding schools, where students pay only for boarding while their education is funded. The remaining schools are private boarding schools.
What are the types of boarding schools?
Boarding schools can be categorised based on several factors: the length of residency at the school, academic selectivity, whether the school is co-educational or single-sex, and the age range of the student boarders.
Full boarding / weekly boarding / flexi-boarding
Full boarding involves residing at the school seven days a week. This option is particularly popular among international students or British students who live too far away to commute daily. Schools offering full boarding typically provide a range of weekend activities, such as sports, clubs, trips to nearby towns or cities, and study sessions. Older students are often allowed to leave campus during the weekend, for instance, to visit friends or go into town, with parental permission.
Weekly boarding is popular among UK-based students who live too far from the school to commute daily but are close enough to return home for weekends. It is also a suitable solution for families who live nearby but have demanding work schedules or travel frequently. Weekly boarders typically leave school on Friday afternoon after lessons and return on Sunday evening or Monday morning before classes begin.
Flexi-boarding is an option provided by some schools, particularly prep schools for younger pupils (up to ages 11 or 13). This arrangement allows pupils to stay overnight occasionally, for example, if they have a late extracurricular activity or if their parents are away for a few days. Flexi-boarding is also used as a trial to determine if a child would like to transition to weekly or full boarding in the future. However, managing flexi-boarding can be logistically challenging for schools, so parents are usually required to inform the school of planned overnight stays at the start of each term.
Academic selectivity
Boarding schools can be either academically selective or non-selective. As with non-residential schools, applications to academically selective boarding schools begin early, typically the year before the intended year of entry. The application process for selective boarding schools typically involves internal entrance examinations, interviews with the academic team, and a review of the applicant's previous academic performance. For non-selective schools, particularly when it comes to international students, applications are often open year-round and do not require entrance exams.
Co-educational or single sex
As with non-boarding schools in the UK, boarding schools are divided into co-educational and single-sex institutions. Some schools offer a combination of both, with younger and older students learning in a co-educational environment, while students in middle years (typically Years 7–11) are educated in a single-sex setting.
In co-educational boarding schools, mixed-sex boarding houses are sometimes available for older students. In such houses, common areas like kitchens and living rooms are shared by both boys and girls, while sleeping areas remain separate.
Age range
Boarding schools also differ in the age ranges they accommodate. It is uncommon for schools to offer boarding for very young students. While some schools begin offering boarding as early as Year 3 (when a child is seven years old), it is more typical for students in younger years to be on a flexi-boarding scheme until Year 7 or Year 9.
Many schools provide boarding specifically for sixth form students, as older pupils often appreciate the social aspects of boarding life and find it easier to concentrate on preparing for their final exams in a boarding environment. Sixth formers are often given single rooms and access to well-equipped kitchens, whereas younger students are more likely to share bedrooms with their peers and have access to fewer kitchen appliances.
Benefits of boarding
Boarding is an excellent opportunity for children to develop independence, take responsibility for their actions, organise themselves, and manage their time effectively. It also teaches them how to interact with a diverse range of people and handle conflicts. Additionally, boarding often proves to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, as students spend significant time socialising with friends and participating in various school-organised activities. Many students find the boarding environment particularly beneficial for their studies, especially during exam periods, as they are surrounded by peers who are equally focused on their academic work.
Boarding also offers clear benefits for parents, especially those who travel frequently or work long hours. It alleviates stress and provides peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe, supportive environment where they are cared for, engaged, and motivated to study. For families living abroad, boarding presents an ideal opportunity for children to receive a high-quality British education without requiring the entire family to relocate.
Disadvantages of boarding
Boarding can be challenging for some students. Living in close proximity to many others inevitably creates conflicts, which can be difficult to navigate and may negatively impact a child’s mental health. The lack of personal space can also be a disadvantage for some. Younger students, in particular, may find it hard to be separated from their families and their familiar routines, especially in the early days. While most students overcome homesickness as they adjust to the new environment and form friendships, some may struggle to adapt throughout their entire time in boarding.
Applying to boarding schools
Applying to a UK boarding school requires careful planning, especially for academically selective institutions. We also highly advise scheduling an in-person visit to the boarding school before making a final decision. Since the child will be both studying and living at the school, it is important that the child and their family feel confident in their choice. The timeline and admissions process can vary depending on the student's age, the type of school, and whether the student is applying from within the UK or internationally.
Key Entry Points
The most common entry points for boarding schools in the UK are:
Year 7 (age 11) – the beginning of secondary education
Year 9 (age 13) – often used as the main entry point for students transitioning from prep schools
Year 12 (age 16) – the start of Sixth Form (A-levels, IB, or BTEC)
Some schools also accept applications for Year 10, but spaces may be limited. The few schools that offer boarding for younger students (between Years 3 and 6) typically accept applications at any time, depending on the availability of spaces.
Application Timeline
While exact dates may vary slightly by school, here is a general timeline:
12–18 months before entry: Begin researching schools and narrowing your list. Contact schools for prospectuses and details of open days or virtual tours.
Autumn term (one year before entry): Submit application forms. For selective schools, register for entrance exams and interviews.
Spring term (same academic year): Attend interviews and sit entrance assessments (where applicable).
Spring term: Offers of places are typically made. Families must respond promptly to secure places.
August–September: Students begin their studies.
For non-selective or international admissions, late applications may be accepted, especially if there are places available. However, applying early remains the best approach.
Supporting Documents & Assessments
Most applications require:
Recent school reports or transcripts
A reference from a teacher or school principal
Some might require a personal statement (from the student)
Entrance exam results (for selective schools)
English proficiency test results (for international students, if English is not their first language)
Some selective schools might also conduct interviews
Despite some disadvantages, boarding schools can provide a wonderful experience for a child, equipping them with valuable skills that prepare them for adult life. The key is to choose a boarding school that meets your specific requirements in every aspect, from academics and location to pastoral care and available facilities.
This process can feel overwhelming, given the many factors to consider. If you would like assistance from our experienced team to guide you through the journey of choosing, applying to, and enrolling in a boarding school, please contact us.