A comprehensive guide covering everything parents and students need to know — from understanding boarding types and fees to choosing the right school and navigating the application process.
Not all boarding is the same. Understanding the three main types helps you find an arrangement that suits your family's lifestyle.
Students live at school throughout the term, including weekends. They typically go home during half-term breaks and holidays. This is the most immersive experience, ideal for international families or those wanting full independence.
Students board Monday to Friday and return home at weekends. This offers the structured school-week experience while maintaining regular family time. Popular with UK-based families who live within a few hours of the school.
Students board on selected nights — perhaps 2–3 per week or during busy activity periods. A gentle introduction to boarding life, giving younger children a taste of independence while keeping home as the base.
A typical boarding school day is structured but varied. Here's what students can generally expect:
Weekends at full-boarding schools include organised activities, sports fixtures, trips, and downtime. Students are supervised by housemasters/housemistresses and pastoral staff who act as a home-away-from-home support system.
Boarding school fees in the UK vary significantly depending on the school type, location, and reputation. Here are typical annual ranges:
| Type | Annual Fees (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State boarding | £12,000 – £15,000 | Tuition is free; you pay boarding costs only |
| Independent (mid-range) | £25,000 – £35,000 | Includes tuition + boarding + most activities |
| Independent (top-tier) | £35,000 – £48,000+ | Schools like Eton, Harrow, Winchester |
| Flexi boarding | £30 – £60 per night | Pay-as-you-go on top of day fees |
Additional costs may include uniform, trips, music lessons, and exam fees. Always ask schools for a full breakdown of compulsory and optional extras.
There's no single "best" boarding school — it depends on your child's personality, academic strengths, interests, and your family's priorities. Consider these key factors:
Does the school specialise in sciences, arts, humanities? What exam results do they achieve? Look at A-level and GCSE results, and university destinations.
How is the house system structured? What's the ratio of staff to boarders? How do they handle homesickness, bullying, and mental health support?
Research shows different children thrive in different environments. Visit both types and see where your child feels most comfortable.
Applying to boarding schools is a process that typically starts 1–2 years before entry. Here's a general timeline for September entry:
Most independent boarding schools offer financial assistance. The two main types work differently:
Awarded based on merit — academic, music, sport, art, drama, or all-rounder. Typically cover 5–20% of fees, sometimes up to 50%. Awarded through competitive assessment, often at the same time as entrance exams.
Means-tested financial aid based on family income. Can cover up to 100% of fees for families who qualify. Many top schools have significant bursary funds — always ask, even if you think you won't qualify.
State boarding schools are an often-overlooked option: tuition is free (funded by the government), and you only pay for the boarding element — typically £12,000–£15,000 per year, roughly a third of independent school fees.
618 boarding schools across the UK.
Use our directory to filter by location, fees, boarding type, gender, and more — across 618 UK boarding schools.
Browse Boarding SchoolsSport, music, drama, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, clubs — a rich co-curricular programme is often what makes boarding life special.
How far is the school from home or the nearest airport? Easy transport links matter, especially for international families or weekend boarders.
A school of 300 feels very different from one of 1,200. Smaller schools offer closer relationships; larger ones offer more choice and facilities.
Always visit the school in person — ideally on a normal school day, not just an open day. Watch how students interact with staff, check the boarding houses, and ask to speak with current boarders. Your child's gut feeling matters enormously.