20 Best Boarding Schools in UK

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Discover the top boarding schools in the UK by reading our list of the best boarding schools in UK.

Introduction

The UK education system is renowned globally for its quality and breadth. Many of the country’s boarding schools are considered amongst the best in the world, boasting a long history of success. We’ve put together a list of 20 top boarding schools in the UK that you can consider for your child’s education (or your own).

 

King’s Ely 

King's Ely 

Welcome to Kings Ely; it is a beautiful school. Students have been taught here, in the shadow of Ely Cathedral, for nearly 1000 years, which means they’ve had lots of experience teaching kids. But they’re not about historical achievements or famous graduates – they’re about students and young people because they’re their future. They care for the academic and pastoral needsof around 1000 boys and girls aged 2-18 with boarders from 7years old. They were born to teach choristers, and now they have two cathedral choirs – junior boys and senior girl swith choral scholars of both sexes in the sixth form.

Contact: +44(0)1353 660707
Website:  https://www.kingsely.org/

 

Repton School

Repton School

The story of the founding of Repton School lies both in the generosity of one person, Sir John Port, and in every student who has ever attended the school. As a premier co-educational boarding school located in the heart of England and founded upon the principles of academic excellence, Repton offers an outstanding broad-based education, combining tradition with the pursuit of excellence within a 21st century context. The school boasts a thousand students across the Preparatory and Senior Schools, making it large enough for excellence in and outside the classroom, yet small and intimate enough for each individual to grow and thrive.

Contact: 01283 559200
Website:  https://www.repton.org.uk/

 

Sandroyd School

Sandroyd School

Their academic results are excellent, but alongside this, their pupils receive an equally important character education. The early years of childhood are at prep school. During this time, they teach all their pupils to develop vital character traits such as ambition, resilience, communication, independence, and teamwork. In addition, they encourage them to strive hard in everything they do – not just for their future at school but also throughout their lives.

Address: Rushmore Park, Salisbury SP5 5QD
Contact: 01725 530124
Website: https://www.sandroyd.org/

 

DLD College London

DLD College London

DLD College London was founded in 1871 as an independent day and boarding school in London. Located in the heart of Westminster, they offer a unique educational experience where students can explore new ideas and develop their own passions. Their campus is just minutes from Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern, the British Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and Hyde Park. They provide a stimulating academic curriculum and outstanding sports facilities, including tennis courts, squash courts, swimming pools, gymnasiums, running tracks, football pitches, and cricket nets. In addition, they also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities such as debating, drama, music, art, dance, languages, sport, volunteering and trips abroad.

Address: 199 Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7FX
Contact: +44 (0) 20 7935 8411
Website:  https://www.dldcollege.co.uk/

 

The Student Room

The Student Room

Students can find advice and guidance through their forums, blogs, videos, articles and live chat. Their team of experts work hard to make TSR the number one place to get help and support. So whether you’re struggling with exams, finding a new course or just getting into college, they’ve got everything you need.

Address: 61 Dublin Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6NL, Scotland, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 (0)131 556 2316
Website:  https://scotlandsboardingschools.org.uk/schools/https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6592526

 

Anderson Education

Anderson Education

Anderson Education, the leading independent education consultant, offers free impartial help & advice to find the right educational solution for your child. With over 20 years of experience, they know what works! They work closely with parents and children to find the best possible option for them. Their team of experts can also provide support throughout the application process, including helping you choose the right school for your family.

Address: Langton House, Meopham Green, Kent, DA13 OPY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 (0)1474 815450
Website:  https://www.andersoneducation.co.uk/

 

SCIS Scotland

SCIS Scotland

Scotland is a safe and secure place to live with a rich history and culture. With a robust education system, Scotland welcomes students from across the United Kingdom and from over 70 countries worldwide. So whether you study in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness, Scotland has something for everyone. Boarding schools offer an excellent curriculum and high-quality pastoral care, ensuring your children receive the best possible start in life. Scotland also boasts a wide variety of outdoor activities including golf courses, beaches, mountains and forests. Even if you must travel further afield, the countryside is much more attractive than a congested city center.

Address: 61 Dublin Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6NL, Scotland, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 (0)131 556 2316
Website:  https://scotlandsboardingschools.org.uk/schools/

 

Dallam School

Dallam School

All state boarding schools adhere to the National Curriculum. Students are taught by qualified teachers and take the same examinations as they would if they were attending a non-boarding state secondary school. However, whilst the exams may be the same, each year, state boarding schools consistently outperform other state schools, often topping academic league tables across the country. The combination of excellent state-funded education and a stable and nurturing boarding environment helps pupils to realize their full potential and achieve outstanding exam results. After graduating from one of their prestigious state schools, many of their graduates-study at some of the world’s leading universities.

Address: Main Street Milnthorpe Cumbria LA7 7DD
Contact: 015395 65165
Website:  https://dallamschool.co.uk/state-boarding/affordable-boarding-schools/

 

Kings InterHigh

Kings InterHigh

King’s Interactive High School is an independent British international school offering primary, secondary, and sixth-form education. They offer a unique approach to teaching and learning where their curriculum is based on the needs of today’s students. They aim to provide a challenging yet supportive environment where every child can achieve their full potential. Each individual should be allowed to develop into a confident, responsible adult.

Contact: +44 (0)1873 777 444
Website:  https://kingsinterhigh.co.uk/

 

Bangor University

Bangor University

Founded in 1885, Bangor University today offers excellent learning opportunities. Around 10,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students currently study with us, and they provide an exciting range of courses across various subjects. They’re proud of their reputation as one of Wales’ leading universities and aim to provide outstanding support services for their students. Their teaching and research are organized into nine schools, each led by a School Principal who works closely with senior academics and specialist subject leads. They also work closely with local communities through their extensive outreach programs.

Address: Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG, UK
Contact: +44 1248 351 151
Website:  https://www.bangor.ac.uk/

 

Wycombe Abbey

Wycombe Abbey

My career has been spent in educational institutions founded by remarkable, forward-thinking women. As a result, I am passionate about girls’ education and the critical role that girls’ schools play in enabling young ladies to reach their full potential. Wycombe Abbey is an exceptional institution; it operates as a contemporary entire boarding school for 655 students, and they are dedicated to developing every single one. Built upon the solid foundation of more than 125 years of educating young women, they envision providing a world-class education. They are thrilled about encouraging curiosity, bold thoughts, innovation, leadership, and joy in learning – inside and out of the classroom.

Contact: (+44) (0) 1494 520381
Website:  https://www.wycombeabbey.com/#intro

 

Westminster School

Westminster School

Situated directly next door to Westminster Abbey and the House of Commons, Westminster School has a long tradition dating back hundreds of years. They offer a broad curriculum based on the British education system, providing a stimulating educational experience for boys and girls aged 11–18.

Website: https://www.westminster.org.uk/

 

Eton College

Eton College

Eton College is an organization dedicated to helping children develop into successful adults. Founded in 1440, it provides a safe environment where pupils can learn about themselves and others. They also enjoy opportunities to participate in sports, music, drama, and art.

Address: Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6DW
Contact: (+44) 01753 370 100
Website:  https://www.etoncollege.com/

 

Sedbergh School 

Sedbergh School 

Sedberg is a diverse organization consisting of Sedberg Senior and Prep Schools; the Mulberry Bush Nursery, Rong Qiao Sedberg School – their partner school in Fuxin; a wide variety of summer and winter courses; the Old Sedbergian Club for alumni; the Sedberg Fund Raising Foundation; and the Sedberg Alumni Association. All share one ethos and the same ambition to offer an outstanding education for boys & girls between the ages of three to nineteen. They include pupils of varying abilities and talents and provide them with a broad selection of academic and extracurricular opportunities to suit. There is something for every child here.

Address: Station Road, Sedbergh LA10, 5HG
Contact: 015396 20535
Website:  https://www.sedberghschool.org/

 

Millfield Primary

Millfield Primary

They hope it gives a taste of their school and its philosophies. They’re a small friendly family school where the children are hard-working, lively, and happy, and they do all they can to ensure that they are enthusiastic about their learning. They aim to prepare every child who comes to them for their future, whatever those may be. Of course, they don’t know what the future holds for them, so they don’t know what jobs will be available or what knowledge and skills will help them to live the best lives possible. But they know that they’ll need to be resilient and adaptive and have to be able to work together effectively, communicate well, and have good interpersonal skills. And above all else, they’ll need to learn to think critically and independently.

Address: Catshill Road,Brownhills, West Midlands WS8 6BN
Contact: 01543 452513
Website:  https://www.millfield.walsall.sch.uk/

 

Bedales Schools

Bedales Schools

The vision of Bedale’s founder John Badley was not only to create a school that was radically different from those of his day but also to ensure every student had an opportunity to develop fully intellectually and emotionally. Since 1893, when Bedales opened, there has been a determination to shape the institution around what was thought to be best for each child’s education and happiness. Many of these early innovations are now commonplace:

  • Co-education
  • The emphasis placed on the arts, science and voluntary service
  • The significance of pastoral care
  • The importance of listening to children’s views

Address: Church Road Steep Petersfield, GU32 2DG
Contact: 01730 300100
Website:  https://www.bedales.org.uk/

 

The Pilgrims’ School 

The Pilgrims' School 

Welcome to The Pilgrim’s School, a boys-only day and boarding prep school that prepares boys for senior schools with confidence. At Pilgrim’s, a boys-only school, they don’t need to worry about gender stereotyping. There are plenty of opportunities: from Physics to Music, Drama, Rugby, Knitting Ecology Fives, Chess, And So Much More! In the awe inspiring setting of ancient listed buildings nestled between Winchester cathedral and Winchester college, you won’t find a “typical” Pilgrims’ boy. In small classes, with teachers who are subject specialist, Pilgims’ is a place of outstanding personalized learning and teaching. They maximize the progress of every boy through their broad curriculum, co curricula, and extracurricular activities.

Website: https://www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk/

 

ST MARY’S CALNE

ST MARY'S CALNE

St Mary’s Calne is a leading girls’ school in the UK. Its aims are clear, focused, and forward thinking; they include developing young women with the academic, moral, and physical strength to become firm, independent, well-rounded individuals who can lead and shape their modern society. Provide an outstanding education through various subjects, including science, technology, engineering, art, music, drama, languages, sport, and creative skills. Develop students into confident, articulate communicators who are able to work collaboratively within teams and across disciplines. Offer opportunities for personal development and enrichment through extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, societies, volunteering, trips and residential experiences.

Address: Calne Wiltshire SN11 0DF UK
Contact: 01249 857200
Website:  https://stmaryscalne.org/

 

Northumbria University

Northumbria University.

Northumbria University was initially called Rutherford College, named after Sir Ernest Rutherford, who discovered the atomic nucleus. In 1980, the name was changed to Northumbria University, reflecting the growing importance of science within the University. The University has two main campuses – one in Newcastle and another in London. The University offers degrees in business, law, medicine, dentistry, education, engineering, architecture, music, nursing, social work, psychology, theology, computing, sports studies, art, design, media and creative writing. The University is known for its excellent teaching and research facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries and computer suites. Students can choose from a wide range of courses, ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate level.

Website: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/

 

Tonbridge School Centre 

Tonbridge School Centre 

Tonbridge is the country’s leading boys’ boarding and day school and is highly respected for providing a world-class education. Their boys are encouraged to be creative and intellectually curious, to approach new opportunities with confidence, and to learn how to think for themselves while being mindful of the needs and views of others. A superb house system at the heart of the school ensures that everyone, whether a Boarder or a Day Boy, feels entirely at home and well supported. Their beautiful and historic college provide space in which to think, breathe and grow.

Address: Tonbridge School High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1JP
Contact: 01732 365555
Website:  https://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/

 

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the top 20 boarding schools in the UK. If you want to know more about any of these schools or one in particular, we have a complete profile on The Student Room for each school listed above so please check them out!