It is our job to advise families which schools would be suitable for their child having taken into account all considerations. We will help to ensure that your child is presented, openly and honestly, in the best possible light. We do not, however, guarantee admission to any school because this is at the discretion of the admissions staff of the school. We are not recruitment agents and we do not accept agency fees from any school.

We take the duty of confidentiality seriously and respect the privacy of all our clients’ affairs. Information obtained in the course of any consultancy is kept confidential and is not shared outside the scope of work.

A boarding school education offers several advantages over a day school. Here are some key benefits:

• Immersive 24/7 learning environment. Learning is not restricted to academics. Boarding school provides the opportunity for holistic development which includes character building, leadership skills, and personal growth.
• Diverse Community. Boarding schools attract students from different geographical locations, cultures, and backgrounds. This diversity fosters a rich and inclusive community, exposing students to different perspectives and encouraging cross-cultural understanding.
• Supportive Community and Relationships. The immersive 24/7 learning environment, coupled with a diverse and inclusive community help students build lifelong friendships, strong networks, and valuable connections with mentors and role models.

• Extensive Extracurricular Opportunities. Students have more time and opportunities to explore their interests, develop talents, and cultivate well-rounded skill sets
• University Preparation. Boarding schools often have a strong focus on university preparation and have dedicated resources to support students in their application process. Furthermore, many students find that the life skills and independence learned at boarding school result in a smooth transition to university.

We have partnered with the top schools, all of whom have a virtual booth on our website on our schools page. Furthermore, you are able to meet admissions officers in-person at our annual BESSA events. You can find more information about upcoming shows here. Visiting school websites can often be useful in finding materials such as videos detailing the day-to-day lives of their students. Do not hesitate to contact us for help curating and narrowing down your list If you are hoping to visit in-person, we can help you arrange your visits.

We have seen many student cohorts go through a wide range of schools in the UK.  Feel free to reach out to us with your request and we will very likely be able to connect you with a past or current student at the school of your interest, or otherwise provide you with a first-hand experience account.

Moving to boarding school is a big transition for many students, and schools are therefore familiar with and equipped to help with this change. The community of other students making the same transition, as well as older students with past experience, is a great support network. School pastoral care is also available to provide support: boarding houses have dedicated staff who support students not only during the transition period but throughout their boarding experience.

Boarding schools offer individualised academic support to every student. Each school differs slightly in their approach to academic support, however all boarding schools will consider your child’s interests and strengths. Schools will often make arrangements for additional classes or help if it is needed in a certain area.

Every child is unique and has individual needs. One of the great strengths of the British education system is the recognition that all children learn differently. Boarding schools have dedicated staff to oversee the requirements of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Personalised learning plans, small group intervention sessions, executive function training and specialised teaching are examples of how SEND departments provide support. If your child is neurodiverse, be sure to investigate your choice of school to ensure that their learning needs will be supported.

Boarding schools are very flexible for students, providing a myriad of offerings for their students. If a child’s interest is not supported by existing programs, schools will often make arrangements to ensure that your student is able to pursue their passion. Some schools will specialise in certain areas, for example sports, and this is something that you should take into consideration during your schools search. 

Yes. While each boarding school may have its own policies and guidelines, most schools recognize the importance of maintaining regular contact between parents and students. Include general overview of term dates, exeats, floaters, invitations on campus for parent involvement. 
Typical forms of communication include the following:

• Phone and Email: Most boarding schools allow students to have regular access to phone and email communication. Students can typically use designated phone times or have access to their phones during specific hours. Email communication is usually available at any time.
• Online Platforms: Many boarding schools have online portals or platforms where parents can access updates, grades, and communicate with teachers and staff. These platforms provide a convenient way for parents to stay informed about their child’s progress and engage in ongoing communication.
• Letters and Care Packages: Parents can also send letters, care packages, or other mail to their children at the boarding school. These gestures can provide emotional support and help students feel connected to their families.

Virtual Communication: With the advancement of technology, video calls and video conferencing have become common means of communication. Many boarding schools offer opportunities for parents and students to connect virtually, allowing for face-to-face interactions regardless of physical distance.

Financial aid varies from school to school, however more often than not some type of assistance is available. Scholarships are awards for excellence in academic study, the arts or sport which serve primarily as an acknowledgement of a student’s achievement. They are highly competitive and may carry a reduction on school fees, usually varying between 5% to 50%. 

Bursaries allow students to receive up to 100% fees support or a percentage award determined through a financial means-testing process. Students may also be supported with pro-rated financial assistance towards the additional costs of attending school, such as uniform and co-curricular activities. In some cases, bursary recipients are required to be UK residents or citizens. 

The UK government sets national minimum standards to safeguard and promote the welfare of students at all boarding schools. Regular inspections ensure that these standards are, and continue to be, met. Schools prioritise the safety and security of their students through a comprehensive approach that encompasses both physical measures and supportive policies. For example, secure access control systems monitor and restrict entry into the school, fire safety drills are held regularly and dedicated on-site medical facilities cater to the physical and mental well-being of students. Schools enforce rigorous child protection and anti-bullying policies, underpinned by staff undergoing detailed background checks and continuous training in safeguarding and first aid. Internet safety is emphasized through monitored usage and digital literacy education.