Welcome to Premier British Boarding Schools
Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential with Premier British Education
What is a British Boarding School?
A British boarding school is a residential school where pupils live and study during the school year. There are approximately 500 boarding schools in the UK, most of which are private or fee-paying, although some state boarding schools offer reduced fees for tuition. These schools blend grand historical buildings and spacious grounds with modern technology and excellent teaching. Boarding schools provide pupils with comfortable accommodation, high-quality extracurricular facilities, and strong pastoral care.
Students can start boarding as young as 7 or 8, but most begin at 11 or 13. Sixth Form boarding (ages 16-18) is particularly popular with international students.
How and When to Apply
Main Points of Entry:
- Year 3 (7+): For children starting at age seven, apply to a prep boarding school. Some are non-selective, but others require exams and interviews.
- Year 7 (11+) and Year 9 (13+): Entry is usually through the Common Entrance exam in Year 8, and many schools use the ISEB Pre-Test taken in Years 5 or 6. If your child is coming from abroad, they might need additional tuition to prepare for these exams.
- Sixth Form (16-18): Entry assessments may include school-specific exams, references, previous school grades, and computer-based assessments.
How to Choose the Right Boarding School for Your Child
- Single-Sex or Co-Ed: Decide if you prefer a single-gender or co-educational environment.
- Boarding Type: Choose between full boarding (students stay all week) or flexi/weekly boarding (local students may go home on weekends).
- Location: Consider if you want a town setting with social and cultural opportunities or a countryside setting with ample space for sports.
- International Mix: Ensure a good mix of nationalities, with no over-representation of any one nationality.
- Practical Factors: Look at class sizes, teacher numbers, sports, and music facilities, and proximity to transport hubs.
- Visits and Inspections: Visit the schools, observe the environment, and review their ISI or OFSTED reports.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN): If applicable, check for a dedicated SENCO and their policies.
- Pastoral Care: Ensure the school provides excellent pastoral care to support your child’s well-being.
Requirements for International Students
- Visa Requirements: Most international students need a Tier 4 (Child) visa unless they are from the European Economic Area.
- Guardianship: Students whose parents live abroad must have a guardian within easy reach of the school (no more than 1 hour’s drive) for emergencies and general care.
School Life
- Mix of Pupils: UK boarding schools teach a mix of international and local UK pupils, creating a diverse and inclusive social atmosphere.
- Term Breaks: Schools typically close for long summer and Christmas holidays, though some offer language courses during these periods.
- Extracurricular Activities: Strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, with sports often taking place on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
Assessment
- Prep School: Students prepare for the Common Entrance at 11+ or 13+.
- Senior School: In Years 10 and 11, pupils study for GCSEs or equivalents like Standard Grades and Intermediates in Scotland, or the IB Middle Years Programme.
- Sixth Form: Most students take A-Levels, with alternatives including Standard Grades and Highers in Scotland, or the IB Diploma Programme. Many schools also offer the Extended Project Qualification.
Fees
- Prep School Fees: Approximately £15,000 per annum.
- Senior School Fees: Up to £40,000 per annum for full boarding
UK School System Summary
Primary Education (Ages 4-11):
- Key Stages 1 and 2: Begins at age 5, split into Infant (ages 5-7) and Junior (ages 7-11).
- Year Groups:
- Reception: Age 4-5
- Year 1: Age 5-6
- Year 2: Age 6-7
- Year 3: Age 7-8
- Year 4: Age 8-9
- Year 5: Age 9-10
- Year 6: Age 10-11
Secondary Education (Ages 11-16):
- Years 7 and 8: First two years of secondary school.
- Years 9-11: Foundation for GCSE programme.
- GCSE Programme: Years 10 and 11, ages 14-16, studying 9-12 subjects, with exams at the end.
Post-16 Education (Ages 16-18):
- A-Levels: Students specialise in 3 or 4 subjects over two years, leading to university.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Study 6 subjects plus a core programme, with exams at the end.
Our Commitment to Your Child’s Future
At iaeGLOBAL, we are dedicated to providing an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Our mission is to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and character to succeed in an ever-changing world.