Question 1

What are the different types of boarding?

Accepted Answer

Full boarding means pupils live at school throughout the term, going home for exeats and holidays. Weekly boarding means pupils return home on Friday evenings and come back on Sunday. Flexi boarding allows pupils to board for selected nights each week, which suits families who live nearby but want some boarding experience.

Question 2

How much does boarding school cost?

Accepted Answer

Boarding fees vary significantly. Senior boarding school fees typically range from £25,000 to £50,000 per year for full boarding, with some elite schools charging more. Weekly boarding is usually around 10–20% cheaper than full boarding. Many boarding schools offer means-tested bursaries; some state boarding schools charge only for accommodation (not tuition).

Question 3

Are there state boarding schools?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there are around 40 state boarding schools in England. These are state-funded schools (so tuition is free) that charge boarding fees only, typically £12,000–£16,000 per year. Entry is usually by selection (academic ability or music). They provide an excellent and more affordable alternative to independent boarding.

Question 4

At what age do children start boarding school?

Accepted Answer

Many boarding schools accept pupils from age 7–8 (junior or prep boarding), though full boarding at this age is less common than flexi or weekly options. Senior boarding typically begins at 11 or 13. The most common entry points are Year 7 (age 11), Year 9 (age 13 via Common Entrance), and Year 12 (sixth form entry at 16).

Question 5

How are boarding schools inspected?

Accepted Answer

Most independent boarding schools are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which covers both educational quality and boarding welfare. The boarding welfare inspection looks at accommodation, pastoral care, health and wellbeing, and safeguarding. Ofsted inspects some boarding schools, particularly those in the maintained sector.

Question 6

What are the benefits of boarding school?

Accepted Answer

Boarding schools typically offer a richer co-curricular programme (sports, music, drama, clubs) made possible by pupils living on site. Many boarders develop independence, self-discipline, and lifelong friendships. Academic structure and evening prep sessions suit some pupils well. The right choice depends heavily on the individual child's temperament and family circumstances.

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