Boarding School

"Staff look after us really well; they are very kind and I think they do their best to protect us." - Pupil at Taunton School

Arguably, time spent at boarding school is like no other time spent in education. Boarding schools are rural and in the hearts of cities; boys’, girls’ & co-educational; preparatory, senior (or both), large and small. The most important things people look for in boarding schools are common to all, however.

As you would expect from an environment where children can spend long periods of time away from their families, pastoral care is of prime importance at boarding school. Unlike some other schools, the teachers do not finish their duties at the end of the school day, with many of them taking on a significantly greater role as a housemaster or mistress. Housemasters are responsible for looking after the boarders in their house, and yet more teachers will take advantage of the many clubs and facilities on offer, coaching and leading school teams locally, nationally and internationally.

Academically, independent schools give children the opportunity to learn subjects as wide-ranging as Japanese, History of Art and Astronomy, and they can unwind after lessons with wind-surfing, fencing or judo. While boarding schools achieve consistently high standards, one of their great strengths is catering for all students; you can be confident that there will be a boarding school to suit your child’s interests and abilities either in the classroom or on the playing field.  

At prep school, children can expect to share a room with half a dozen or so other children, though not without their own space, locker, desk &c. At senior school numbers will fall, and in the sixth-form pupils will be given slightly more independence, as is appropriate for children less reliant on home and parents, and for what is often seen as good preparation for university halls of residence. With any luck, living together at boarding school will help children foster strong friendships that will last a lifetime, and encourage them to play an active and responsible part in their communities while maintaining their personal environment and gaining independence.

If boarding on a full-time basis would not be suitable, there is also the option to choose weekly/flexible boarding.

To search for boarding schools you can use our school search.

View our blogs on boarding schools
ISCias information officer - helping parents find independent day and boarding school
You'll never be bored at boarding school