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.

 Here are some for you to take a look at

Woodhouse Grove

Apperley Bridge, Bradford, West Yorkshire, England BD10 0NR
Private School (Fee Paying) Co-Educational 11 - 18 Years Day & Boarding (Full)
Woodhouse Grove is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for children aged 11 to 18. Located near Leeds in a 70 acre rural campus, close to major airports, rail and motorway networks.
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Windermere School

Patterdale Road, Windermere, Cumbria, England LA23 1NW
Private School (Fee Paying) Co-Educational 3 - 18 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Full, Weekly)
Windermere School is in the heart of the English Lake District National Park. Established in 1863, we are a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 3 to 18 years. With access to a spectacular greater...
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Ashville Harrogate

Green Lane, Harrogate, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England HG2 9JP
Private School (Fee Paying) Co-Educational 2 - 18 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Full, Weekly)
At Ashville, pupils benefit from high quality teaching and facilities, as well as exciting activities delivered through our varied Co-Curricular Programme. As well as offering a wide range of subject options at GCSE and over...
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Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

Thorpe Underwood Estate, York, North Yorkshire, England YO26 9SS
Private School (Fee Paying) Co-Educational 0 - 19 Years Day & Boarding (Full, Weekly)
The Collegiate welcomes girls and boys from 3 months and supports them through four schools – Chapter House (3 months to Year 5), King’s Magna (Year 6 to 9), The College and The Faculty (both Year 10 to 13). This unique...
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Aysgarth School

Newton-le-Willows, Bedale, North Yorkshire, England DL8 1TF
Private School (Fee Paying) Co-Educational 3 - 13 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Weekly)
Statement of purpose: Aysgarth provides its pupils with the opportunity to develop into confident, ambitious and resilient children who will thrive here, at their next school and in the wider world. Values The statement of...
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Bootham School

51 Bootham, York, York, North Yorkshire, England YO30 7BU
Private School (Fee Paying) Co-Educational 3 - 18 Years Day & Boarding (Full, Weekly)
At Bootham, we have a clearer understanding of the ultimate purpose of the education that we offers. Our aim is to help students achieve lifelong success and the ability to flourish in a different way, not by emphasising...
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Chapter House Preparatory School

Thorpe Underwood Estate, York, North Yorkshire, England YO26 9SS
Private School (Fee Paying) Co-Educational 3 - 10 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Full, Weekly)
Safely nestled within the school estate, Chapter House provides a home from home for children to be “Explorers” as they begin their learning journey through imaginative play and inspiring lessons, cared for by an expert...
[Read More About Chapter House Preparatory School...]

Gordonstoun

Duffus, Elgin, Moray, Scotland IV30 5RF
Private School (Fee Paying) Co-Educational 4 - 18 Years Boarding (Full, Weekly)
Gordonstoun's remarkable location on a 200 acre woodland estate in the North of Scotland provides the background for its world beating outdoor education programme. The school's uniquely broad curriculum encourages every...
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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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Strathallan School

Forgandenny, Perth, Perthshire, Scotland PH2 9EG
Private School (Fee Paying) Co-Educational 5 - 18 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Full, Weekly)
We know young people learn in lots of different ways, so we offer the flexibility to adapt our curriculum accordingly. It's our aim to prepare you for the future. We'll encourage you to explore the subjects that interest...
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David Lewis School and David Lewis College

Mill Lane, Warford, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, England SK9 7UD
Special School Co-Educational 7 - 19 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Full, Weekly)
The David Lewis School is a specialised non-maintained residential school providing: educational, therapeutic, social and medical support services to young learners form 14 to 25 years old. These include day and residential...
[Read More About David Lewis School and David Lewis College...]

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...
[Read More About Breckenbrough School...]

Brantwood Specialist School

1 Kenwood Bank, Nether Edge, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England S7 1NU
Special School Co-Educational 7 - 19 Years Day & Boarding (Flexi, Full, Weekly)
Brantwood Specialist School is located on the outskirts of Sheffield. In addition to the main campus, we have a smallholding and a theatre/performing arts space. Pupils participate in the Practical Skills Therapeutic...
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