State boarding
Choosing a boarding school can be a daunting experience for any parent. A state boarding school is one where you pay for boarding and the education is free. The government pays for the education as it would at any other state school in England. This means you would be paying around £4,000 a term for full boarding, around £12-16,000 per annum.
Excellent results
Each year, state boarding schools regularly out-perform other state schools with many topping academic league tables around the country. The combination of the excellent state-funded education and a stable boarding community enables pupils to make the most of their talents and abilities.
The best of boarding care
State boarding school facilities, pastoral care and the quality of teaching is frequently judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Of the 39 state boarding schools in the UK most are 11-18 schools, though some offer boarding at primary level. Most schools are mixed, but there are a small number of girls’ schools or boys’ schools. Some schools are selective.
Admissions
Admission to state boarding schools in the UK is limited to children who are nationals of the UK and are eligible to hold a full UK passport or those who hold a BN(O). From January 2021 nationals of other European Economic Area (EEA) countries will no longer be able to join a state boarding school in the UK.
Why Choose a State Boarding School?
Excellent Education
All state boarding schools follow the National Curriculum and pupils take the same exams as they would in a state day school. Whilst the exams are the same, the performance exceeds that of many other schools with state boarding schools frequently featuring at the top of league tables. This applies to selective and non-selective schools.
Top quality boarding facilities
By selecting a state boarding school parents are choosing top quality boarding care. Many schools have new boarding houses with state-of-the-art facilities and staff that are totally committed to the well-being of the children. When you can get top quality education combined with state-of-the-art boarding facilities it is easy to see why so many parents choose state boarding education for their children.
Wide choice of schools
Parents will usually find a school that meets their requirements – however specific they are. There are selective schools and comprehensive schools: co-ed and single-sex schools: primary schools, secondary schools and sixth form colleges: specialists in many different subjects: all boarding or minority boarding. The schools are spread throughout England.
Weekly boarding
Many state boarding schools offer weekly as well as termly boarding allowing a great balance of study and family time;
- They have plenty of home comforts and offer a warm welcome
- They help children to develop confidence and independence
- Boarders have the best of both worlds – a ready-made circle of friends in their boarding house and the chance to mix with local children
- They provide continuity, for example for children whose parents’ work involves frequent changes of location or where parents work long hours
- They offer a range of worthwhile evening and weekend activities
What to expect?
Expect to see class sizes of around 25-30 compared to 10-18 from independent schools
Don’t expect the schools to have the extensive grounds and expensive facilities of many independent boarding schools – though some do!
Don’t assume single en suite rooms are essential: many younger children in particular like the sharing a room
Our partner state boarding schools in the UK
Royal Alexandra and Albert School
Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TD
Tel: +44 (0)1737 649000
E-mail: admissions@gatton-park.org.uk
Website: www.raa-school.co.uk
Type: Co-educational full and weekly boarding and day 7-18
St George’s School
Sun Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 4TD
Tel: +44 (0)1582 765477
E-mail: admin@stgeorges.herts.sch.uk
Website: www.stgeorges.herts.sch.uk
Type: Co-educational full and weekly boarding and day 11-18
The Royal School, Wolverhampton
Penn Road, Wolverhampton WV3 0EG
Email: info@theroyal.school
Website: www.theroyalschool.co.uk
Type: Co-educational boarding and day 4-19