UK Boarding schools enjoy a good reputation across the globe, for both British and international students. All British boarding schools are subject to the usual compulsory inspections and regulations and are required to meet high standards with all teaching, pastoral care and facilities.

Many boarding schools in the UK are old, well-established institutions which have been run for generations. They are housed in beautiful buildings steeped in history but still provide modern classrooms and facilities.

For international students, British boarding schools allow an immersive environment which can help students to quickly improve their grasp of the English language.

What Are British Boarding Schools Like?

Whether you choose a boarding school in England, a boarding school in Scotland or one in Wales, the standard of education and care will always be high. Most British boarding schools will have a mixture of international and British students, and many will have a mix of boarders and “day” students (who do not board at the school). This creates a real mixture of people from different backgrounds and can help to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

The majority of British boarding schools will close for the summer break and Christmas holidays, with pupils returning home to their families. Some will stay open for shorter half-term holidays, but there are no lessons. Instead pupils are supervised by staff and different activities are usually available.

Aldwickbury School

Wheathampstead Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, England AL5 1AD
Private School (Fee Paying) Boys 4 - 13 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Full, Weekly)
Aldwickbury School is an independent Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys aged 4-13 located on the outskirts of Harpenden, Hertfordshire. From September 2025, Aldwickbury School will begin transitioning to a co-educational...
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Lockers Park School

Lockers Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England HP1 1TL
Private School (Fee Paying) Boys 4 - 13 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Full, Weekly)
Lockers Park is situated in 23 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire woodland, within easy reach of Berkhamsted, St Alban, Harpenden, Tring and the towns and villages of West Hertfordshire. We’re only a short walk away from Hemel...
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Merchiston Castle School

294 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, Scotland EH13 0PU
Private School (Fee Paying) Boys 7 - 18 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Full, Weekly)
Merchiston is a remarkable School where boys make lifelong friends and community connections, whilst gaining a world-class, global, outward-looking education.
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Breckenbrough School

Sandhutton, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, England YO7 4EN
Special School Boys 9 - 19 Years Day & Boarding (Weekly)
Breckenbrough is a Non-Maintained Special School approved by the Secretary of State. We offer day and residential placements for boys with a range of complex needs, including Autism (ASC), Pathological Demand Avoidance...
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