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What is the criteria for selecting a boarding school in the UK?
What is the criteria for selecting a boarding school in the UK?
There are many things to consider when choosing a boarding school for your child and your family, including the school curriculum, facilities, size, and location. The application timeline usually starts earlier than what you may be used to in Japan. We recommend choosing a school at least 2 years prior to the desired entry year. Some schools do require an application 2~3 years in advance, so the earlier to you get started with your school selection, the better!
Academic Program
Academic Program
Curriculum: Generally, British boarding schools follow a British curriculum in which students take GCSE and A-levels. Some boarding schools additionally offer an IB curriculum. Consider which curriculum is most suitable for your child's interests and future goals.
Specializations: Does the school offer any specializations, a specialized program or an academic area they excel in?
Advanced courses: Does the school offer advanced placement (AP) or honours courses if it suits your child's interests and future goals?
Academic support: What kind of academic support and resources are available for students, such as tutoring, learning centers, or counseling services?
Student-teacher ratio: What is the student-teacher ratio and how does it impact the learning environment?
Class sizes: What are the average class sizes? Do they accommodate different learning styles?
Special needs: Can special needs children attend? What support are they given?
EAL support: What support is available for students that have English as an Additional Language?
Co-educational Status
Co-educational Status
Is a co-ed school or boys only / girls only school a better fit for my child?
Benefits of a co-ed school:
Fostering a diverse and inclusive environment
Promoting healthy competition and collaboration
Excellent preparation for students to enter co-ed universities and the workforce
Benefits of a single-sex school:
Tailored teaching styles and methods for students
Reduced distractions and a greater focus on academics
Opportunities for students to pursue subjects that are often seen as "unconventional" for their gender, increasing their confidence and aspirations
Benefits specifically for girls:
Reduced gender stereotyping
Increased confidence
Benefits specifically for boys:
Encouragement of diverse interests
Competitive approach
School Size
School Size
Small number of students VS. large number of students
Small number of students VS. large number of students
Small sized schools have the advantage of building closer connection between the teachers and boarding staff and the students. There is also a stronger sense of community among, and teachers can offer a more personalized learning approach to meet individual student needs.
Bigger sized schools have the advantage of being able to offer a greater variety of courses, extracurriculars, and clubs. They may also have more access to resources and more diverse faculty members with a wider range of expertise and teaching styles.
Location
Location
Access to public transportation (train, bus): What is the access to public transportation? How far away is the next train station?
Access to nearest airport for international travel: What is the next international airport for travel arrangements? Does the school offer a pickup service when my child arrives for the first time?
City VS. countryside: Which region suits my child and their interests best?
Facilities
Facilities
Boarding facilities: quality of dormitories, communal areas, house parents/leaders interaction.
Safety & security: 24/7 supervision and security measures.
Academic resources: campus and classroom layout, library access, access to science and computer labs.
Wellbeing & healthcare: healthcare facilities and access to medical staff when needed. Also consider counselors and support services to address student's physical and emotional needs.
Extracurricular activities: sports facilities and performing arts resources. For students interested in music, dedicated activities and clubs would be suitable. For students pursuing athletic interests, consider the sports facilities and equipment.
Extracurriculars / Co-curriculars
Extracurriculars / Co-curriculars
Sports: What sports programs are offered? Are they competitive? What kind of coaches and trainers are available?
Arts: Does the school have a strong arts program, for example music, drama, theater, dance, or visual arts?
Clubs and organizations: Are there any clubs and organizations that meet your child's interests?
Community service: Does the school offer opportunities to engage with the local community and encourage leadership?
Outdoor activities: Are there dedicated outdoor activities to broaden your child's horizon and explore nature?
Trips: Does the school organize trips for students to travel and bond with each other?
Costs
Costs
Boarding and tuition fees: What is included in the fees, for example meal plan or laundry services for students?
Financial aid (scholarships and bursaries): What scholarships and bursaries are available? What is the eligibility criteria?
Cost of living: When students go off campus, how much money is needed for leisure activities, such as going to cafés and shopping?
Boarding Options
Boarding Options
Which boarding option is most suitable for my family and child's interests?
Full boarding
Flexi-boarding
Weekly boarding
Day students
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