Considering a boarding school in the UK? You're spoilt for choice – there's around 500 boarding schools in the UK to choose from.
Keep reading to find out more about boarding in the UK and learn which schools top the league tables for 2026.
What are the benefits of boarding schools?
Boarding schools can be costly, but many families feel the experience offers far more than strong academics. Living on site can shape a child’s confidence, independence and day-to-day wellbeing.
Some key benefits include:
1. Growing independence
Living away from home helps children learn to manage their own routines. It’s a good step towards life at university and adult independence.
2. Access to great facilities
Boarders often have more time and freedom to use the school’s sports, arts and study spaces. This can make it easier to explore interests and try new activities.
3. Everything in one place
Fees are higher, but they usually include most of what a child needs to live and learn comfortably — meals, laundry, wellbeing support, and a full extracurricular programme.
4. A global community
Many UK boarding schools welcome students from all over the world. This gives children the chance to meet people from different cultures and build a broader outlook.
5. Clear structure and routine
Boarding life offers a steady rhythm with set times for study, meals and downtime. This structure can help children stay organised and feel more secure.
6. Building social confidence
Sharing daily life with other students helps children make friends quickly and develop strong social skills.
How to choose a UK boarding school for your child
Choosing a boarding school is a big step for both you and your child. It’s important to feel confident that the school you pick is a place where they’ll be happy, supported and able to thrive.
Here are some key things to think about as you explore your options:
1. Pupil mix
Is the school single-sex or mixed? Think about which environment your child is most likely to enjoy and feel comfortable in.
2. Location and feel
Is the school in a city or the countryside? Some children love the energy and opportunities of a city. Others prefer more space and a quieter pace of life.
3. Academic approach
What is the school’s academic ethos? Look at exam results and think about whether the pace and expectations will suit your child’s strengths and temperament.
4. School size
Bigger schools often offer more clubs and activities. Smaller schools may offer more personalised support. Consider which balance fits your child best.
5. Boarding options
Schools can offer flexi, weekly or full boarding:
Flexi boarding: a few nights per week.
Weekly boarding: children go home from Friday to Sunday.
Full boarding: children are on-site during term time, with trips home for holidays and long weekends.
Think about what will work best for your family routine.
6. Integration and community
How well do different types of boarders mix? It’s helpful to check if flexi, weekly and full boarders spend plenty of time together so your child feels fully part of school life.
7. Support for international families
If you’re applying from overseas, look for schools with experience in welcoming international students. Schools with dedicated staff and strong pastoral support can make the transition much easier.
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The list below ranks boarding schools based on their A level, GCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB) results in 2025. This information was published by The Times in December 2025.
1. St Paul’s School
Location: South West London
A level results: 98.2% A*–B
GCSE results: 97.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys
2. Brighton College
Location: East Sussex
A level results: 97.9% A*–B
GCSE results: 98% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
3. Westminster School
Location: Central London
A level results: 96.3% A*–B
GCSE results: 97.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
4. Eton College
Location: Berkshire
A level results: 95% A*–B
GCSE results: 94% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys
5. Sevenoaks School
Location: Kent
A level results: 97.4% A*–B
GCSE results: 88.7% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
6. Wycombe Abbey
Location: Buckinghamshire
A level results: 92.4% A*–B
GCSE results: 96.7% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
7. Queen Ethelburga’s College
Location: North Yorkshire
A level results: 94.5% A*–B
GCSE results: 90.3% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
8. Winchester College
Location: Hampshire
A level results: 92.4% A*–B
GCSE results: 93.5% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
9. Tonbridge School
Location: Kent
A level results: 92.5% A*–B
GCSE results: 92.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys
10. Concord College
Location: Shropshire
A level results: 95.3% A*–B
GCSE results: 86.2% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
11. Caterham School
Location: Surrey
A level results: 91.4% A*–B
GCSE results: 91.5% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
12. Cardiff Sixth Form College
Location: Cardiff
A level results: 99.6% A*–B
GCSE results: 74.8% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
13. Dulwich College
Location: South London
A level results: 89.1% A*–B
GCSE results: 93.5% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys
14. Wellington College
Location: Berkshire
A level results: 91.6% A*–B
GCSE results: 86.7% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
15. Epsom College
Location: Surrey
A level results: 90.6% A*–B
GCSE results: 87.1% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
16. Whitgift School
Location: South London
A level results: 90.1% A*–B
GCSE results: 87.2% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys
17. Westbourne School
Location: South Wales
A level results: 96.5% A*–B
GCSE results: 73.1% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
18. City of London Freemen’s School
Location: Surrey
A level results: 92.2% A*–B
GCSE results: 81.5% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
19. St Michael’s School, Llanelli
Location: South Wales
A level results: 93.5% A*–B
GCSE results: 78.7% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
20. Abingdon School
Location: Oxfordshire
A level results: 88.9% A*–B
GCSE results: 87.1% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
21. St Mary’s School Ascot
Location: Berkshire
A level results: 84.7% A*–B
GCSE results: 94.1% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
22. Cheltenham Ladies’ College
Location: Gloucestershire
A level results: 87.3% A*–B
GCSE results: 87.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
23. Harrow School
Location: North London
A level results: 88.6% A*–B
GCSE results: 84.3% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys
24. St Catherine’s, Bramley
Location: Surrey
A level results: 90.8% A*–B
GCSE results: 79.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
25. St Swithun’s School
Location: Hampshire
A level results: 91.8% A*–B
GCSE results: 77.4% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
26. Radley College
Location: Oxfordshire
A level results: 86.6% A*–B
GCSE results: 86.5% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys
27. The Leys
Location: Cambridgeshire
A level results: 85.7% A*–B
GCSE results: 86.1% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
28. Hurstpierpoint College
Location: West Sussex
A level results: 88% A*–B
GCSE results: 79% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
29. Benenden School
Location: Kent
A level results: 87.9% A*–B
GCSE results: 78.2% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
30. Haileybury
Location: Hertfordshire
A level results: 85.8% A*–B
GCSE results: 82.4% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
31. Oundle School
Location: Cambridgeshire
A level results: 87.5% A*–B
GCSE results: 77.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
32. Woldingham School
Location: Surrey
A level results: 88.8% A*–B
GCSE results: 70.4% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
33. Downe House
Location: Berkshire
A level results: 83% A*–B
GCSE results: 81% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
34. Bedford School
Location: Bedfordshire
A level results: 86.3% A*–B
GCSE results: 74.1% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys
35. Reed’s School
Location: Surrey
A level results: 85% A*–B
GCSE results: 75% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
36. Ardingly College
Location: West Sussex
A level results: 84.2% A*–B
GCSE results: 76.1% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
37. St John’s School, Leatherhead
Location: Surrey
A level results: 82.2% A*–B
GCSE results: 79.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
38. Bishop’s Stortford College (Bishop’s Stortford)
Location: Hertfordshire
A level results: 82.6% A*–B
GCSE results: 77.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
39=. The Yehudi Menuhin School
Location: Surrey
A level results: 85.7% A*–B
GCSE results: 71.2% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
39=. Charterhouse
Location: Surrey
A level results: 83.4% A*–B
GCSE results: 75.8% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
41=. Berkhamsted School
Location: Hertfordshire
A level results: 83.1% A*–B
GCSE results: 75.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
41=. Headington Rye Oxford
Location: Oxfordshire
A level results: 82.6% A*–B
GCSE results: 76.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
43=. Marlborough College
Location: Wiltshire
A level results: 87% A*–B
GCSE results: 67.6% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
43=. Canford School
Location: Dorset
A level results: 84.7% A*–B
GCSE results: 72.1% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
45. Warwick School
Location: Warwickshire
A level results: 81.3% A*–B
GCSE results: 76.7% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: boys
46=. Cranleigh
Location: Surrey
A level results: 83% A*–B
GCSE results: 72% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
46=. Roedean School
Location: East Sussex
A level results: 81% A*–B
GCSE results: 76% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
48. St Mary’s Calne
Location: Wiltshire
A level results: 82.9% A*–B
GCSE results: 71.4% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: girls
49. Stephen Perse Senior School
Location: Cambridgeshire
A level results: 81.9% A*–B
GCSE results: 73.1% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
50. Uppingham
Location: Rutland
A level results: 84.1% A*–B
GCSE results: 67.8% A*/A/9/8/7
Entry gender: mixed
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The 10 best boarding schools in the UK in 2026
The following 10 boarding schools had the highest exam results in 2025.
St Paul’s School is a selective independent school for boys aged 13–18 in South West London. Founded in 1509 by John Colet, the school focuses on strong academics and personal growth. Students are encouraged to live by five core values: respect, kindness, humility, integrity and resilience.
Most pupils attend as day students, but around 30 boys board. The boarding community is small, friendly and well supported. Boarders follow a daily prep routine and have plenty of time to enjoy the school’s activities. These range from go-karting and indoor skydiving to paintballing. Weekends often include group trips, such as cooking classes, meals out and tours around London.
St Paul’s is the highest-performing boys’ school in the UK based on exam grades. Each year, about a quarter of students go on to Oxford or Cambridge. Many others continue their studies at top universities overseas, including Berkeley, Harvard, MIT and Stanford.
The Times named St Paul's School Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence and Independent Secondary School of the Year in London for Academic Excellence in 2026.
Brighton College is a private day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 11–18, set close to the coast in the city of Brighton. The school has a strong academic record, but it’s equally known for its focus on kindness, wellbeing and a positive school culture.
Boarding has grown quickly here, with numbers tripling over the past decade. The boarding houses are award-winning and designed with comfort in mind. After prep, boarders can join a full programme of evening activities, including dance, sport, mindfulness sessions, film nights and board games.
The school has expanded recently, opening a new prep school in Kensington for children aged 2–13.
The Times named Brighton College Independent Secondary Boarding School of the Year, Independent Co-educational Secondary School of the Year, and Independent Secondary School of the Year in the Southeast for Academic Excellence for 2026.
Westminster School is a private day and boarding school for boys aged 13–18 with a mixed sixth form. Set in the heart of London, it sits beside Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. The school is over 600 years old and has many well-known former pupils, including Christopher Wren, AA Milne and several Nobel Prize winners.
Around 180 students board at Westminster across six boarding houses. Each house has a housemaster, a resident matron, and a team of tutors who support pupils day-to-day. There’s also a dedicated head of international students to help those joining from overseas. Boarders follow a structured prep routine each evening and have lots of time for activities and relaxation. Popular options include Sunday brunch, film and pizza nights, karaoke, team sports, and trips around the city.
Students at Westminster achieve excellent exam results. Many go on to top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, Columbia, UPenn, and Dartmouth.
Key information for Westminster School
Location: City of Westminster, London
Setting: city
Age range and gender: boys aged 13–18, girls aged 16–18
Number of pupils: 750+
Main entry points: 13+ and 16+
Scholarships: academic and music
Fees for day pupils (2025–2026): £15,451–£16,650 per term
Eton College is one of the UK’s most historic and well-known schools. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI and educates boys aged 13-18. The school is known for its strong academics, long-standing traditions and many notable former pupils, including 20 British Prime Ministers and leaders in business, politics and the arts.
The campus is large and impressive, with striking historic buildings, an iconic chapel and extensive sports facilities. Students, known as Etonians, wear traditional uniforms with a black tailcoat and white bow tie, which reflects the school’s heritage. Beyond lessons, boys can choose from a huge range of activities, from rowing and cricket to drama, music and societies.
Eton has a strong academic reputation and prepares students well for leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Classes are small, teaching is highly focused, and students are encouraged to develop confidence, leadership skills and a strong sense of community.
The Times named Eton College Joint Highly-Commended Independent Secondary School of the Year for 2026.
Key information for Eton College
Location: Windsor, Berkshire
Setting: town
Age range and gender: 13–18, boys only
Number of pupils: 1,300+
Main entry points: 13+ and 16+
Scholarships: King's Scholarships (academic), music scholarships, Rokos scholarships (means-tested)
Sevenoaks School is a private day and boarding school in Kent for boys and girls aged 11–18. Set on a 100-acre campus in the countryside, it’s only about 30 minutes by train from Gatwick Airport and Central London.
Around 350 pupils board at Sevenoaks across seven boarding houses. Younger students usually share rooms to help them settle in and build friendships, while older pupils tend to have single or double rooms for privacy and focused study. Boarding life is lively and well supported, with evening prep each day and a busy programme of sports, cultural activities and weekend events. International students are welcome, but each child needs a guardian living nearby.
The extracurricular offering at Sevenoaks is huge. The school fields over 200 sports teams, and most students take part, with 87% representing the school in at least one sport. Music is a major strength, with around 700 instrumental lessons each week and more than 50 performances a year. Students can also join overseas trips, with residential visits to 18 countries annually.
The Times named Sevenoaks School Joint Highly-Commended Independent Secondary School of the Year for 2026.
Key information for Sevenoaks School
Location: Sevenoaks, Kent
Setting: semi-rural
Age range and gender: 11–18, boys and girls
Number of pupils: 1,200+
Main entry points: 11+, 13+ and 16+
Scholarships: academic, art, drama, music and sport (no financial value)
Fees for day pupils (2025–2026): £11,975–£12,186 per term (includes lunch)
Fees for boarding (2025–2026): £19,590–£21,419 per term
Wycombe Abbey is a private boarding school in Buckinghamshire for girls aged 11–18. The school has a long tradition of academic excellence and encourages five key learning qualities: risk-taking, resourcefulness, determination, reflection, and development.
Girls joining Year 7 spend their first year in the junior house before moving into one of nine senior houses. From ages 12–16, they live in mixed-age bedrooms, which helps them make friends across different year groups. In their final year, students move to a separate house designed to help them gain independence before university. Boarding life is full and varied, with house outings, competitions, dorm feasts and plenty of leisure activities. Some socials are shared with boys from Eton, Winchester, Radley and Harrow. Families are also invited to events like bonfire nights, house dinners and summer BBQs.
Wycombe Abbey is regularly ranked among the top girls’ boarding schools in the UK. Around a third of students go on to Oxford or Cambridge each year, and many also receive offers from leading US universities such as Brown, Harvard, Stanford and Yale.
Key information for Wycombe Abbey
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Setting: rural
Age range and gender: 11–18, girls only
Number of pupils: approx. 650
Main entry points: 11+, 13+ and 16+
Scholarships: academic and music
Fees for day pupils (2025–2026): £15,600 per term (includes lunch)
Queen Ethelburga’s College is a private day and boarding school in York, offering education from nursery through to age 18. For older students in Years 10–13, the school has two senior pathways: the Faculty and the College. Both offer GCSEs and A levels, while the Faculty also provides a range of BTEC courses.
The school sits on a 220-acre campus in the Yorkshire countryside. Boarding facilities are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioned rooms and private en-suite bathrooms. Sixth formers have access to their own cooking and laundry areas to help build independence. QE is also known for its excellent food (the catering team has won awards) and there are plenty of cooking clubs for students who want to get involved.
Beyond lessons, students can join a wide enrichment programme, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, CCF, sports, music, drama, and a variety of arts activities.
The Times named Queen Ethelburga's College Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North for Academic Excellence for 2026.
Key information for Queen Ethelburga's College
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Setting: rural
Age range and gender: 0–18, boys and girls
Number of pupils: 800+
Main entry points: 4+ 10+, 14+ and 16+
Scholarships: academic, sports, music and drama
Fees for day pupils (2025–2026): £7,160–£7,595 per term (ages 14–18)
Fees for boarding (2025–2026): £12,930–£14,240 per term (ages 14–18)
Winchester College is a historic boarding school in Hampshire for boys aged 13–18, with girls and boys joining in the Sixth Form. Founded in 1382, it has a beautiful campus near Winchester Cathedral and is known for its strong academics and close community. Most pupils board and join one of the school’s houses, each with its own character. Housemasters and tutors help students settle in, making the houses feel like supportive home bases.
Boarding follows a steady routine with supervised prep, shared meals and plenty of time for friends and activities. Evenings and weekends are busy and sociable, and day pupils in the Sixth Form are fully part of house life too.
Students can get involved in a range of extra-curricular options. There are more than 50 clubs and societies, covering music, art, drama, academic enrichment, and more. Sport is a major part of school life, with excellent facilities and many teams. Pupils also take part in community service and outdoor activities, helping them develop confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of belonging.
The Times named Winchester College Joint Highly-Commended Independent Secondary School of the Year for 2026.
Key information for Winchester College
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Setting: small city
Age range and gender: 13–18 boys, 16–18 boys and girls
Tonbridge School is a day and boarding school in Kent for boys aged 13–18, about 40 minutes from London by train. The campus has impressive facilities, including an award-winning library, a £20 million science centre and an £11 million sports centre. Music is a major strength too – Tonbridge is an All-Steinway School – and it’s recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School for its innovative use of technology.
Most boys board, joining one of 12 houses with around 65 pupils in each. Every house is led by a housemaster, tutors and a matron, creating a strong sense of community and support. House life plays a huge role in day-to-day life, with boys taking part in inter-house competitions, music, art, debating, drama, and sport.
Social responsibility is central to Tonbridge’s values. The school partners with 10 local schools, and more than 120 boys volunteer in primary and special schools each week. Tonbridge also works with RefugEase and Kent County Council’s Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children, who join pupils for football sessions and other activities.
Key information for Tonbridge School
Location: Tonbridge, Kent
Setting: semi-rural
Age range and gender: boys 13–18
Number of pupils: 800+
Main entry points: 13+ and 16+
Scholarships: academic, art, drama, design, technology and engineering, music, and sport
Fees for day pupils (2025–2026): £15,526 per term (includes lunch)
Concord College is an international boarding school in Shropshire for students aged 13–18. It welcomes pupils from more than 40 countries and has a strong academic reputation, particularly in science, maths and the humanities. Many students go on to top universities around the world, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Founded in 1949, the school offers a warm and inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. The campus combines modern facilities with peaceful countryside surroundings. Students learn in state-of-the-art science labs, bright and spacious classrooms, and a purpose-built performing arts centre.
Life at Concord is busy and varied. Students can take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, sport, drama and creative clubs. There are also lots of leadership opportunities, from student councils to volunteering projects, which help pupils build confidence and teamwork skills.
Pastoral care is a strength of the school. Staff work closely with students to ensure they feel supported, safe and ready for life after school. Small class sizes mean teachers can focus on individual progress, helping every student reach their full potential.
Key information for Concord College
Location: Shropshire
Setting: rural
Age range and gender: boys and girls 13–18
Number of pupils: approx. 550
Main entry points: 13+, 14+, 16+
Scholarships: academic
Fees for day pupils (2025–2026): £7,500 per term
Fees for boarding (2025–2026): £21,000 per term
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