- HONG KONG
The Best 10 Boarding Schools In The UK For International Students
Top 10 British Schools For Prestigious Education, Growth & Stability
Living in Asia and thinking about sending your child to a boarding school in the UK? Britain has one of the most prestigious education systems in the world, with boarding schools as an ideal pathway to a top UK university with numerous additional benefits for your kiddo’s well-being and potential.
Besides prestige and stellar preparation for higher education (and life!), there’s another key reason why many expat parents send or consider sending their kids to boarding schools: the experience fosters independence and growth coupled with stability that expat life often cannot provide. While Hong Kong has outstanding international schools as well as international branches of some of the British boarding schools on this list, the possibility of being uprooted constantly looms over expat parents and their families. Though the initial separation may be hard, UK’s boarding schools are experts at making kids feel at home – over 40% of their students are from overseas families!
WANT MORE? Here are 10 top Boarding Schools in Europe!
Before we proceed to our pick of the 10 best UK boarding schools, let’s cover some key info for parents in Asia:
Benefits:
- Stability and continuity (in studies, co-curricular activities, friendships, and habits), safe, stimulating, inspiring space for independence and development
- You can spend time together in person as often as you can fly the distance
Downsides:
- Considerable fees, especially when coupled with the costs of flights, relocation, administration…
Timing & Applications:
- Boarding in the UK usually starts at age 13, but there are also Junior Boarding Programs starting at age 8 and Prep Schools for ages 8 to 12
- Start the application process at the latest 18 months before the deadlines (assessments start at the beginning of the academic year)
- Registration deadlines are sometimes years before the entry
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BRIGHTON COLLEGE (Co-Ed School, Ages 3 to 18) - Boarding School Located In East Sussex, UK
UK Boarding School In Brighton, East Sussex - UKAwarded the title of School of the Decade, Brighton college is the leading co-educational and boarding school in the country. If your kiddo is into STEM, it’s worth knowing that the school has also been named Top School in Britain for STEM subjects. Students are deeply inspired by the teachers and a culture of kindness and inclusivity underpins everything done in Brighton. This includes Brighton’s unique boarding life, which you can learn more about here! For more info on admissions, go here.
Brighton College, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 0AL, +44 (0)1273 704200, seniorsch@brightoncollege.net, www.brightoncollege.org.uk
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ETON COLLEGE (Boys School, Ages 13 to 18) - Boarding School Located In Windsor, Berkshire
UK Boarding School In Windsor, BerkshireEton is almost a synonym for prestigious British boarding schools. With a tradition spanning almost 6 centuries combined with a progressive approach to education, Eton College provides transformative, innovative educational opportunities (including scholarships and financial aid programs) with a strong emphasis on both academic standards, strong pastoral support and personal growth. The admission process looks at a boy’s current and potential academic ability, as well as whether he will be happy in Eton’s boarding environment.
Eton College, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6DW, +44 01753 370 100, enquiries@etoncollege.org.uk, www.etoncollege.com
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WYCOMBE ABBEY SCHOOL (Girls School, Ages 11 to 18) - Boarding School Located In High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
UK Boarding School In High Wycombe, BuckinghamshireA world leader in girls’ boarding education, Wycombe Abbey has over 120 years of experience in educating young women within a stimulating culture that promotes academic excellence, empathy and integrity. The school is set on 170 acres of conservation-listed, wooded grounds and has state-of-the-art facilities for a variety of activities. A third of Wycombe Abbey students secure Oxbridge offers and progress to prestigious art, drama and music schools. Girls from all backgrounds are welcome – learn more about the admissions here!
Wycombe Abbey, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 1PE, +44 (0) 1494 897008, admissions@wycombeabbey.com, www.wycombeabbey.com
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HARROW SCHOOL (Boys School, Ages 13 to 18) - Boarding School Located In Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex
UK Boarding School In Harrow on the Hill, MiddlesexLike Eton, Harrow has incredibly high rates for entry into Oxbridge and other top universities and also ranks among the best in the world. This all-boys boarding school cherishes diversity and values courage, honor, humility and fellowship. It is situated on a 300-acre estate that encompasses conservation areas, a registered park, a golf course, an observatory and a working farm. Each year, the school admits about 160 boys into Year 9 and up to 20 boys into Year 12 – learn more here.
Harrow School, 5 High Street, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex HA1 3HP, +44 (0) 20 8872 8000, admissions@harrowschool.org.uk, www.harrowschool.org.uk
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GORDONSTOUN SCHOOL (Co-Ed School, Ages 4 to 18) - Boarding School Located In Elgin Moray
UK Boarding School In Elgin MorayGordonstoun’s curriculum of unparalleled breadth has made the school a world leader in character education in over 80 years of its existence. This school is highly international and multicultural, offering all-around education that broadens the mind. Its location in a woodland estate in the north of Scotland allows for Gordonstoun’s unmatched outdoor education program. Learn more about their admission process here!
Gordonstoun, Elgin Moray, IV30 5RF, + 44 (0)1343 837829, admissions@gordonstoun.org.uk, gordonstoun.org.uk
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MILLFIELD (Co-Ed School, Ages 2 to 18) - Boarding School Located In Somerset
UK Boarding School In SomersetMillfield is one of the leading independent schools and one of the largest co-educational boarding schools in the UK. Millfield strives to help the child to find their passion and then tailor their education program to fit the child. With a child-centered approach that doesn’t compromise on academic results, cutting-edge facilities, and superbly used resources, Millfield will discover the brilliance in your kid and encourage them to grow. It also has a strong emphasis on sports, with multiple alumni competing in the Tokyo Olympics in multiple disciplines! To find out more about admissions, go here!
Millfield, +44 1458 442291, www.millfieldschool.com; Senior School, Butleigh Road, Street, BA16 0YD; Pre-Prep/Prep, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8LD
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BENENDEN SCHOOL (Girls’ School, Ages 11 to 18) - Boarding School Located In Cranbrook, Kent
UK Boarding School In Cranbrook, KentBenenden is regarded as one of the leading boarding schools in Britain nestled in a parkland area in Kent, the Garden of England. The school has a modern approach to boarding that develops social and emotional skills, while their underpinning philosophy of “complete education” allows girls to grow in terms of creativity and culture, mind and spirit, global awareness, skills for life and physical health and wellbeing. Find out how to apply here!
Benenden School, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA, +44 01580 240592, registry@benenden.school, www.benenden.school
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THE KING'S SCHOOL (Co-Ed School, Ages 11 to 18) - Boarding School Located In Canterbury, Kent
UK Boarding School In Canterbury, KentThe King’s School is UK’s most historic, arguably oldest continuously operating school – that isn’t stuck in the past! It aims to anchor a 21st-century education within its illustrious history. It’s also one of the most beautiful, a World Heritage site. The King’s School used to be a boys’ boarding school but is now co-educational. The curriculum is well balanced, stretching but not stressing talented pupils; stimulating and enlightening them instead. Co-curricular activities are equally emphasized and celebrated, most notably during the traditional King’s Week festival! Learn about admissions here!
The King’s School, Lattergate Office, 25 The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2ES, +44 01227 595501, info@kings-school.co.uk, www.kings-school.co.uk
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CHARTERHOUSE SCHOOL (Co-Ed School, Ages 13 to 18) Boarding School Located In Godalming, Surrey
UK Boarding School In Godalming, SurreyCharterhouse is one of the few remaining schools that is almost 100% boarding, with the daily lives of all pupils revolving around their houses. The facilities are outstanding and inspiring, and there’s a strong emphasis on support and community, as well as equality, diversity and inclusion. Charterhouse is exceptionally vibrant and forward-looking: though previously a boys-only school, they welcomed their first girls into Year 9 and 10 in September 2021, which also marks half a century of girls in Sixth Form. Learn more about admissions here!
Charterhouse, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2DX, +44 (0)1483 291501, admissions@charterhouse.org.uk, www.charterhouse.org.uk
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WESTMINSTER SCHOOL (Co-Ed School, Ages 13 to 18) Boarding School Located In Westminster, London
UK Boarding School In Westminster, LondonOne of UK’s leading academic schools and the only ancient London school to occupy its original site – immediately next to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament – Westminster School is steeped in history and excellence. This long history encompasses boarding, which you can read more about here. Westminster offers over 40 societies for different areas of interest, all run by pupils and reflecting their diversity, as well as passion. Westminister pupils won countless prestigious awards in various disciplines! For more info on admissions for international applicants, go here!
Westminister, Little Dean’s Yard, Great Smith Street, Westminster, London, +44 (0)20 7963 1000, enquiries@westminster.org.uk, www.westminster.org.uk
Additional Info:
FULL LIST OF BOARDING SCHOOLS IN THE UK:
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