Admissions and timing
When to apply for boarding school
Applying to boarding school in Great Britain isn't straightforward. To make it easier to understand, we recommend you consider the following three things.
Your child's year group
The main entry points for most British boarding schools are in Year 9 and Year 12. Apply about two years ahead for Year 9, and one year ahead for Year 12.
Year 10 places are often available, but Year 11 is rarely an option because of GCSE exams.
Your plans for the duration
The longer the stay, the more school options will be available. For one- or two-term stays, options will always be limited.
Pro tip: apply for the summer term – more schools offer places then.
Your aspirations
The more ambitious your boarding school plans, the more timing and preparation matter.
Top schools like Eton College, Harrow School, or Sevenoaks School often require applications two to three years ahead, with strict deadlines and selective assessments.
How working with von Bülow works
Here's a quick introduction to the steps we'll take together.
The British education system
What you need to know
The British education system
What you need to know
The British education system has some key features that determine how and when pupils are admitted to boarding schools. Below you find the most important:
- Compulsory schooling begins at the age of five. Therefore year groups might differ from those in your country by a year. For example, the German 11th grade corresponds to Year 12 in the British system.
- At age 14, pupils begin the two-year GCSE phase (Years 10–11), ending with national exams in core and optional subjects. Because the curriculum is intensive, many boarding schools do not admit new pupils for Y11.
- After GCSEs, pupils enter Sixth Form (ages 16–18), choosing either A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB), both rigorous and internationally recognised.
- Grades in the British system guide progress but do not determine promotion; pupils are not held back. Weak performance may lead to more support or, at worst, reduction of privileges. Entry to Sixth Form depends on GCSE results and is not automatic.
- A successful start in the British school system depends on timing: switching too early or late risks gaps or missed stages like GCSEs or Sixth Form. Since the system centres on final exams, early planning is essential.
We appreciate that this is a lot to digest. Please call us any time if you have questions.
School fees
What you need to know
School fees
What you need to know
No matter if it's Sevenoaks School of Wrekin College, most boarding schools currently charge between £17,000 and £21,000 per term. This adds up to between £51,000 to £63,000 per year. Fees typically increase by 2 to 3 % each year, so long-term financial planning is essential.
Tuition covers only part of the cost. Extras include uniforms, sports kit, music lessons, trips, activities, EFL support, plus travel, visa fees, and a mandatory UK-based guardian.
We strongly recommend that families calculate all costs early. Financial support is available at some schools, but is mostly limited to between 5% and 10% of fees.
Urgent!
Seeking immediate placement? Call us.
Urgent!
Seeking immediate placement? Call us.
Sometimes a quick change of school is needed. Whatever the reason, we know there's always good boarding schools with a place and the capacity to help.
Please reach out any time. We are experienced in supporting an immediate placement from A-Z.
Questions? Ready to start? Talk to us.
Do reach out any time. One of our consultants are looking forward to talking to you.