If you are struggling for day-time care or unable to care full time for your child, there may be several options open to you. These will include either a boarding school in England, Scotland or Wales. This page offers an example of each in the form of in-depth profiles on some of the best boarding schools.
One option for those who wish to put their children into day-time care for various reasons. These boarding schools in the UK offer a high level of education and extra-curricular activities as well as individual time and attention from highly qualified teachers and staff. They also provide a safe and caring environment where your child will receive respect, health, social and moral care.
Many of these schools are situated in picturesque surroundings, often in rural areas. The benefits of sending your child to a boarding school in the UK rather than an international school include:
- The quality of education is very high and standards are regularly inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
- You child will learn about the culture and traditions of the UK
- The teaching staff are highly qualified and experienced
- The schools offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities
- The schools are inspected by Ofsted and the ISI to ensure that they meet the required standards
- You child will learn to be independent and live away from home for periods of time
Benefits of Boarding Schools
There are many benefits of sending your child to a boarding school in the UK. Your child will have access to excellent facilities and care as well as gaining qualifications which can help them excel in both higher education and employment opportunities as an adult. Boarding schools aim to offer every possible support to students from their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development to their academic achievements.
The typical day at a boarding school in the UK will start with breakfast at 7:30am. Lessons will commence at 8:30am and finish at 3:30pm. There will then be a variety of activities available which can include clubs, sport, music and drama. Dinner is served at 6:00pm and the evening will usually consist of prep, homework, socialising or bedtime. On weekends, there is a wider range of activities available which can include trips into town, hiking or visiting tourist attractions.
What to look for in a boarding school
When deciding on the type of boarding school that is best suited to your child and family, you will need to consider several factors:
- The location: close enough to home so that parents can visit regularly or within commuting distance
- Age range: if younger children are being considered then certain schools may be more suitable than others
- School type: the nature of the curriculum and ethos will differ between day and boarding schools. It may be useful to find a school which meets your needs in both availabilities
- Quality of teaching staff: they should be highly qualified, experienced, motivated and enthusiastic about education
- Variety of extra curricular activities available: boarding schools in the UK should offer a well-rounded curriculum
- Good facilities: such as dedicated boarding houses, sports fields and playing courts, science laboratories and libraries