State boarding schools

Parents all have a choice as to which type of school to send their children. One of these types is a State boarding school. These schools have been described in the press and by one of the Headmasters of a State Boarding school as ‘education's best kept secrets'.

There are 33 State Boarding Schools in England and Wales, educating 3500 children of both sexes. These schools combine a good education, which is free, with only the boarding being paid for by parents.

Most schools are 11-18 schools, though there is one 13-18 school, two which offer Primary Boarding as well as Secondary Boarding and one 11-16 school with a nearby Sixth Form College. The rates of boarding fees vary from school to school but average about £2600 a term or £7800 per annum.

These schools have become so popular that the government has pledged to help State Boarding Schools.

Many parents now-a-days have gruelling work schedules so they find it difficult to spend any time with their children, even at weekends. Childcare, au pairs and nannies may lack the necessary professional qualifications so parents appreciate the benefits that boarding school can bring both to them and to their children.

The State Boarding schools along with Independent Boarding schools have tough new standards of care which has increased the security and ensured peace of mind for parents. They are inspected every three years with follow up inspections in between.

The number of pupils boarding each year is increasing due to the increased diversity of types of boarding giving parents the flexibility which is needed in the 21st century.

• 90% of boarders can find a school 90 minutes from home
• 20% of boarders travel only 30 minutes to school.

There are also educational benefits to parents in choosing boarding schools;

• there is usually a wide curriculum and pupils have the choice of either ‘A’ levels or the international baccalaureate
• Good pastoral care through a strong House system
• supervision of all academic work both in class and with homework as the class sizes are usually smaller
• strong emphasis on many sports and team games
• parental opinions valued and concerns allleviated
• extra tuition available when needed and provided in school
• pupils gain confidence, self assurance, independence and maturity

Parents choose State Boarding Schools because of their good academic reputation and because they provide the opportunities and the stability which they seek for their child

At these schools you will find a friendly atmosphere, plenty of home comforts and a wide programme of activities - horse riding, choral singing, Cadet Corps, sport and drama, games, music......and much, much more.

Many parents feel that the benefits above are all necessary for success in later life. There is further information on the State Boarding School site.