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Our Articles • 18th August 2025

Which British boarding school is right for me?


Are you thinking about spending some time at a boarding school in England, Wales, or Scotland? Very cool idea. And more than that – a real adventure. You’ll meet new people, try different food, speak another language, and maybe even discover completely new sides of yourself.

What can you do there? A lot! Most British boarding schools are true all-rounders: sports, music, theatre, art, debating, cooking, sailing, horse riding, robotics, jungle camp (well, almost) – the list is endless. From building real Formula 42 cars to organising your own charity event, just about anything is possible.

So the question is: Which boarding school is right for you? To find answers to this all-important question, read on for some tips from us. 

1. What are you really looking for?

Sure, at first you might think: “I want my own room!”, “The school has to look like Hogwarts!” or “I need a massive sports programme!” We get it. But what really matters is: what do you need to feel at home?

Do you prefer peace and quiet or lots of people around you? Do you like structure or freedom? Do you want to try out new things, or focus on your strengths? Asking yourself these questions will give you a clearer idea of what kind of school really suits you.

2. Do you know someone who’s been there?

Maybe someone from your circle of friends or family has already spent time at a British boarding school? Jackpot! Ask them questions. And not just about timetables – ask everything: How was the food? How easy was it to make friends? What was daily life in the boarding house like? What felt strange or difficult at first? How do you handle homesickness? And are uniforms really that uncomfortable?

These first-hand experiences are gold. But remember: they’re just one puzzle piece. You’ll need more.

3. Online info – wow and meh.

Every school has a glossy website, usually with drone footage of the campus and smiling students in perfectly fitted uniforms. Of course. That’s their job. But look closer: Which subjects are on offer? Which clubs? Is there horse riding? An orchestra? A chess club? Hockey? And what do the boarding houses look like?

And then – check our website. You’ll find honest assessments there. If we think something isn’t entirely convincing, we’ll say so. That way you get a much more realistic picture. Pro tip: try our School Finder! It shows you schools that fit your answers – including ones you might not have even considered.

4. Social Media: cool, but with caution.

As a digital native, of course you’ll check out schools on Insta, TikTok, or YouTube. But think: who made that video? The school itself? A bored student having a bad day? Either way, it can be a distorted picture. Use social media for inspiration – but please, please don’t base your decision on it alone.

5. Visit the schools – seriously!

If possible, go there. Nothing beats your own impression on the ground. Visit three schools, walk around the campus, talk to students, teachers, and the houseparents (the people who look after you in the boarding house). How do they come across? Friendly, open, curious?

Check out a dorm. The sports hall. The canteen. Is there a theatre? Could you see yourself on that stage one day? Ask questions. Listen. Pay attention to how it feels. Most students know pretty clearly after a visit which school feels right.

 

6. Talk with your parents.

Your parents see things differently than you do: safety, quality of teaching, university chances. That’s important too. But remember: this is about your daily life. So sit down together, compare your impressions, and figure out what really matters. And what can move a little further down the wish list.

7. And if you want: talk to us.

We know more than 100 schools personally, have already advised hundreds of students, and – honestly – most were very happy with their choice. We listen, we ask questions, we figure out together what fits you best. And if you’ve got a question TikTok can’t answer – we’re here. For some schools, we can even connect you with current students or recent returnees, so you can ask them directly what it was like (or you can read the “How was it in…?” blog posts on our website).

8. And finally: keep an open mind.

Your favourite school might not be the one you first imagined. Maybe a smaller school will impress you more than the big, prestigious one. Let yourself be surprised. Your adventure starts here and now. Let’s do it!