Abingdon School is situated just a few miles from Oxford, one of the world’s leading cultural and academic centres, and within easy reach of international airports, Abingdon is ideally placed to welcome overseas boarders. The School combines over 750 years of history and tradition with a modern outlook offering a world class education that sees former pupils at the top of just about every profession from academics, medics, lawyers, diplomats and industry leaders to musicians, authors and actors.

Each year our students go on to study at leading international universities. The most popular choices are Oxford, Cambridge and the London institutions – Imperial, LSE, King’s and UCL. In 2018 we have 22 boys holding offers for Oxford and Cambridge. In addition to UK destinations, some students opt to continue their studies overseas; in 2017 pupils won places at the universities of Toronto and Hong Kong and at six prestigious US campuses including Harvard and Yale. Popular subjects studied are Engineering in its many guises, Medicine (12 places in 2017), Economics, Sciences and the Humanities. Students benefit from our specialist team of career advisors who mentor the Sixth Form on university applications, including studying abroad.

Abingdon is an academically selective school which achieves consistently excellent examination results. In the Fifth Year boys study ten GCSEs, typically, and in the Sixth Form we follow A level and Pre-U syllabuses. In most years close to 40% of the year group gain A* or A grades in three or more subjects at A level. We offer 25 subjects at A level, all of which have met the School’s rigorous academic standards. The sixth form timetable is flexible, enabling boys to take many and varied subject combinations. The timetable also allows boys plenty of access to Abingdon’s extensive Other Half (extra-curricular) programme which is the envy of most schools even amongst the independent sector. There are over 120 activities to choose from and something to suit everybody’s taste from music, drama and a wide-range of sports to community service, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, a very successful film unit and numerous clubs and societies. We also believe strongly in broadening horizons through travel. Amongst the myriad of language exchanges, cultural and sports tours, our students have recently explored the harsh beauty of Finland’s Arctic wilderness, experienced the hospitality of remote communities in Vietnam, run holiday camps for children in Moldova and studied inequality and development in North West India.

Boarding is a big part of Abingdon’s character, attracting boys who live locally as well as international boarders. Our boarding facilities include three boarding houses which also have day boys as an integral part of them. The boarding houses comprise a housemaster and his family, a matron and a team of tutors. Tutors work closely with the boys getting to know them socially through evening and weekend duties as well as having an academic role.

Over the last three years, the School has undergone an extensive building development programme, adding to its already impressive range of facilities. The Yang Science Centre has transformed the science resources and made way for a much improved ‘home’ for Classics, Geography and History. We have also made extensive improvements to the sports facilities. Looking forward, there is much anticipation for our new Sixth Form Centre opening in autumn 2018. The new centre is part of a development which will also transform our Library and Art facilities and enable the Music and Drama departments to move to large, modern workspaces. It is a very exciting time to be part of Abingdon.

Facts & Figures

Headmaster: Mr Michael Windsor, BA, Durham; MA, London

Address: Abingdon School, Park Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE

Admissions telephone: +44 (0) 1235 849041

Website:  www.abingdon.org.uk

Religion:  Multi-denominational

Number of students : 1000 boys – 138 boarding, 862 day pupils

Age range:  11 t0 18 years (boarding from 13 years)

Fee range:  Full board pupil – £13,250 per term; Weekly board – £11,070 per term; Day pupil – £6,650 per term

Location

Bedales School is one of the UK’s top independent co education boarding schools. Bedales comprises three schools situated near Petersfield, Hampshire: Bedales Pre prep, Dunannie (ages 3-8); Bedales Prep, Dunhurst (ages 8-13); and Bedales itself (ages 13-18).

Established in 1893, Bedales was founded to be different. Where other independent boarding schools imposed conformity, we have always nurtured individuality, initiative and an enquiring mind. Our founder, John Badley, wanted to educate the whole person – ‘head, hand and heart’. Pursuing this ideal, Bedales has evolved constantly. Most recently, we have led the way in replacing some GCSEs with our own more demanding Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs).

The 2017 results show that our students can achieve their full potential across a diverse range of subjects. The vast majority of Bedales students secured places at their first choice university in, with 18 (2017 cohort) and 14 (2016 cohort) starting courses at QS 2018 World Top 50 universities – including Cambridge, Oxford, King’s College London, Edinburgh and more. In the BACs, GCSEs and IGCSEs, half of grades in 2017 were A* or A.

Facts & Figures

Name of Head:  Magnus Bashaarat
Address:  Church Road, Steep, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 2DG
Telephone of admissions: +44 (0)1730 711733
Website:  www.bedales.org.uk
Religion: none
Number of students: 204 boys; 258 girls; 314 Boarding; 148 day
Age range:  Pre-prep (ages 3-8); Prep (ages 8-13); Senior (ages 13-18).
Fee range: Senior – £28,515 to £36,285 per year; Prep – £16,920 to £24,930 per year

Location

Brighton College is one of the UK’s leading co-educational independent schools.  The College regularly achieves the best A-level and GCSE results of any co-educational school in England, whilst ensuring children enjoy a wealth of extracurricular opportunities.  Pupils are valued as unique individuals in an environment that is fun, stimulating and supportive.  The College is renowned for its focus on kindness, as well as its excellence in art, music, dance, drama and sporting achievements.

Described as ‘Britain’s most forward-thinking school’ by The Week, Brighton College was also named ‘UK Independent School of the Year 2013-14’ at The Independent Schools Awards.

Facts & Figures

Name of Head: Richard Cairns

Address: Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 0AL

Telephone of admissions: +44 (0)1273 704200

Website: www.brightoncollege.org.uk

Religion: Church of England, though the College welcomes children of all faiths and none

Number of students: Total 1,020. Day: 393 boys, 262 girls. Boarding: 183 boys, 182 girls

Residential info:  Weekly and full boarding, day

Age range: 11 to 18 years (boarding from 13)

Fee range: Day – £7,930. Weekly boarding – £11,070. Full boarding – £12,730

Location

Cheltenham Ladies’ College opened its doors in 1854, with the purpose of providing girls with a thorough academic education and, over 160 years later, we continue to be proud of our strong tradition of innovation, academic excellence and empowerment in the education of young women.

Educating 860 pupils from around the world, College is a large community of boarding and day girls, with expert teaching and pastoral care, and outstanding facilities. The girls also take part in a wide range of over 160 co-curricular activities, from sport and music to volunteering.

Our academic results are consistently excellent. Over the last three years, 67.6% of A Level results and 89.9% of GCSE results have been A*-A grades. Our IB results (39.8 points on average) have also seen us named the top girls’ boarding school in the UK for IB results for the past three years.

College is situated in Cheltenham, one of England’s most beautiful Regency towns, with graceful architecture, beautiful gardens and fantastic culture, including the annual Cheltenham Festivals (Jazz, Science, Music and Literature) which enrich the girls’ curriculum though our strategic sponsorship.

We are committed to developing intellectually curious, self-motivated, enthusiastic young women with an enduring love of learning. Our alumnae go on to study a wide range of subjects at top universities across the world and pursue fulfilling careers, often becoming leaders in their fields.

As we look to the future, we take inspiration from our history of pioneering girls’ education and our continued commitment to educational opportunities for young women.

View photos and videos

Facts & Figures

Name of Head: Ms Eve Jardine Young

Address: Bayshill Road, Cheltenham GL50 3EP UK

Telephone of admissions: +44 (0)1242 707333

Website: www.cheltladiescollege.org

Religion: Christian

Number of students: 690 full boarding pupils; 170 day pupils

Age range: 11 – 18 years

Fee range: £7,970 to £13,370 per term

Location

“We chose the Dragon because it combined excellent academic qualities in a co-educational environment with an extraordinary offering of extra-curricular activities” – Parent

The Dragon is a co-educational school which has offered a unique educational experience to generations of pupils.  Our distinctive approach encourages enquiry, confidence and enthusiasm in a quintessentially English boarding environment.   Our beautiful campus and dedicated Pre-Prep are located just north of central Oxford – the oldest University city in the land.

The breadth of intellectual and philosophical challenge underpins an expansive academic curriculum, a wonderful programme of sport and an extraordinarily creative programme of music, drama and art. A range of superb facilities, first-class teaching and plenty of space for both sport and play allows children to develop their unique gifts and talents.

The traditional view of boarding has changed immeasurably in the past few decades and we pride ourselves on providing a safe and happy environment in which to learn.  With an informality that builds trust and allows children to develop a sense of responsibility and respect for others, pupils are helped to become well-rounded, confident, independent and motivated – all the attributes they will need to become socially adept and emotionally intelligent adults.

Dragons go onto a vast range of senior schools, notably Eton, Winchester, Wycombe Abbey, Radley, Cheltenham Ladies College, St Edward’s Oxford, Rugby, Harrow, Marlborough, Wellington, Oundle and many more.   Preparatory years at the Dragon lay the firm foundations of a successful education at senior schools in the UK and beyond.

Profile

Name of School: Dragon School

School address: Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6SS

Head: Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn

Admissions:  Kate Heath

Website: www.dragonschool.org

Contact: admissions@dragonschool.org;  Telephone:  +44 1865 315405

School twitter handle: twitter.com/thedragonschool

Age Range:  4- 13

Gender: co-educational; 326 girls and 483 boys

Total No. pupils 809.  Prep-Prep: 217 Prep: 592 (boarders: 208, of whom 77 are international, including 34 UK families overseas)

Boarding Fees 2017/18: £9860

Programmes Offered: Common Entrance or individual senior school Scholarship

Location

Set in a stunning location between the sea and the South Downs, Eastbourne College offers a full education that is so much more than the excellent academic results the boys and girls achieve year after year.

Pupils are given every opportunity to achieve their very best – whether it be in the academic classroom, the creative arts departments, or on the sports field. They thrive in this welcoming and purposeful environment and develop into highly able individuals who leave prepared to live fulfilled, positive lives; able to work with others; self-confident, resilient individuals who show initiative and leadership.

Academically, pupils achieve superb results. The seven-year rolling average A*-B at A level is 78.2% and each year many leavers gain places at Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities. With 90 full-time specialist subject teachers and more than 20 part-time teachers, the school is able to deliver excellent teaching across a broad range of subjects. Departments are frequently open during the evenings and often provide additional support at weekends and in the holidays.

Project 150, a £33 million building development, is transforming the lives of pupils and staff.  Well over an acre of land has been developed to further strengthen the College’s excellent facilities.  The Nugee Building, phase one of the project, opened at the start of 2017 delivering 32 state-of-the-art classrooms, two specialist IT suites, a new cricket pavilion, a school shop and several stunning entertainment areas.  The second phase is now open and includes a sports hall, a six-lane swimming pool, squash courts, dance studio, fitness suites, a new dining hall and a pupil cafe.

Every individual is encouraged to participate fully in the College’s extensive sports programme. In addition to the major sports of cricket, hockey, netball and rugby, pupils have the opportunity to try other sports like fencing, sailing, rowing, golf and rugby fives.

The College considers the performing arts to be a vital element in the education of all pupils and performance opportunities are numerous. Co-curricular activity is vigorous and pastoral support renowned. The care and development of each pupil lies at the centre of everything that happens at the College where tried and tested systems are employed to encourage, guide and nurture every individual to achieve their very best.

Facts and Figures

Name of Head:  Tom Lawson

Address: Old Wish Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4JX

Admissions Telephone: +44 1323 452323

Website: www.eastbourne-college.co.uk

Religion:  Church of England, but all faiths are welcome

Number of Students:  370 boys and 243 girls; 387 boarders and 286 day pupils

Age range: 13 to 18 years old

Fee Range:  £22,260 to £34,320 per annum

Location

As well as preparing students for exams, Gordonstoun prepares them for life.  The school’s uniquely broad curriculum encourages every student to fulfil their potential academically, as well as guiding each individual to fulfil their potential as human beings.  Gordonstoun follows the English GCSE and A-Level curriculum and students go on to Universities and Colleges all over the world to study a diverse range of subjects.

The school’s location in the north of Scotland provides the background for Gordonstoun’s world beating outdoor education programme.  Through expeditions and sail training voyages, students gain experience in leadership and team building. Their outlook is broadened, their ability to consider the needs of others developed, and they gain resilience – life skills which complement the school’s commitment to academic excellence.

Active engagement in service to the local community comprises a core part of Gordonstoun’s curriculum for all year groups, but from Year 11 each student also commits to one of the school’s nine services.  The Gordonstoun community is both balanced and internationally dynamic.  With students aged from 6-18, the school is fully co-educational and students live and learn alongside fellow students from across the social, cultural and geographical board.

The Gordonstoun International Summer School (GISS) offers courses in July and August which capture the Gordonstoun philosophy of internationalism and learning through challenge.  Students choose an academic subject which is dovetailed into a full and lively programme of sports, creative arts, confidence building, drama, music making and recreation.  The course also includes a six day ‘adventure programme’ based on the beautiful West Coast of Scotland – where students spend three days walking, canoeing, coasteering, canyoning, climbing and abseiling and three days living and sailing on one of the Summer School’s fleet of ocean going yachts.

For over 40 years, GISS has been providing a safe and happy environment for students aged 8-16 from over 35 countries, to come together to learn, have fun and make friends. With an excellent staffing ratio of one staff to two children, parents and children can be completely confident that their expectations of an amazing international summer school experience will be met.

Facts & Figures

Name of Head: Lisa Kerr (Principal), Titus Edge (Headmaster)

Address:  Gordonstoun, Elgin, Moray, Scotland IV30 5RF

Telephone of admissions: +44 (0)1343 832829; Mrs Sabine Richards

Website: www.gordonstoun.org.uk

Religion: Non-denominational

Residential info (boarding/day/flexi)- boarding and day in Junior and Senior schools; flexi-boarding also available in Junior School only

Number of students: Boys 308, Girls 222; Boarding 388, Day 142

Age range: 6-18 years (day) 8-18 years (boarding)

Fee range per annum:  Full Boarding: £23,358 (Junior School) to £34,500/£38,295 (Senior School); Day: £13,361 (Junior School) to £25,788/£28,365 (Senior School)

Location

Keystone Tutors has established itself as a leading provider of one-to-one tutoring and guidance to students who are looking to join top UK schools, universities or following the UK curriculum. Keystone is based in both London and Singapore, advising on all aspects of school and university entrance and their tutors are able to provide bespoke one-to-one support to students around the world via an interactive learning platform. Keystone’s professional group of tutors have an outstanding track record of delivering rigorous academic support and work with pupils ahead of competitive entrance tests or UK curriculum exams (including iGCSE, A-Levels, IB and Pre-U).

Come and meet Keystone Tutors at BESSA Singapore 2018!

https://www.keystonetutors.com

Malvern College pupils are bright and enthusiastic all-rounders and we very much welcome pupils with spirit, energy and a sense of purpose.   We are a co-educational boarding school for pupils aged 13-18 and 76% of our 650 pupils full board.  This makes us extremely popular with expatriate and overseas families for whom a full programme of weekend activities is important.  The pupils eat in their houses and this fosters a welcoming family atmosphere.  The College is noted for its warmth and friendliness.

We seek to maintain the most important traditions, but are innovative and forward looking.  Pupils of all abilities flourish academically and our ‘value added’ makes us of one the leading independent schools in the country.  In the Sixth Form, pupils have the option to choose A Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB), with 50% of pupils choosing each course of study.  A comprehensive co-curricular timetable encourages the development of the all-rounder. This is a school that produces strong, well rounded pupils who exhibit confidence, integrity and consideration for others.

We benefit from beautiful rural and safe surroundings on the lower slopes of the Malvern Hills and yet we are only 1 hour South of Birmingham airport.  The small town of Great Malvern is a 10 minute walk so close enough for amenities (including a direct rail link to London), but far enough away not to be a distraction. We also provide a coach service to London Heathrow and London Paddington.

Facts and Figures

Location

Radley College is a full boarding school for 690 boys aged 13-18, set on a beautiful 800-acre estate, just three miles from Oxford. It was founded in 1847 by the Reverend William Sewell, fellow of Exeter College.

We believe strongly in the pursuit of excellence both inside the classroom and out, and on encouraging boys to develop their talents and discover new interests. As an unashamedly full boarding environment, Radley defines itself by its caring community where all, staff and boys alike, are passionate about what they do, and are dedicated to it.

A Radley education is about academic ambition, learning to live with others and preparation for the world beyond its gates. Above all, it is about the core values that will underpin success in all its forms throughout a Radleian’s life: as leaders, citizens and human beings.

Name of Head: John Moule (The Warden)

For more information, please see the website www.radley.org.uk

If you are interested in sending your son to Radley, please contact the Admissions department on admissions@radley.org.uk, telephone +44 (0)1235 543 174

Location

Rugby School

Rugby School pupils flourish in a supportive community, both spiritually and socially aware, that challenges learners, develops resilience and encourages intellectual risk-taking. We teach tolerance and respect with as much dedication as academic subjects, because at Rugby, the whole person is the whole point. Much copied but never bettered, Rugby initiated the ‘House’ system 200 years ago resulting in a genuine and uncompromised care plan which supports every single student. Girls and boys enjoy a proper ‘home from home’ experience here.

As one of the top academic schools in Britain, teaching and learning is at the core of what we do. Pupils at Rugby have the benefit of fantastic educational facilities and highly qualified staff. They learn what is needed to prepare fully for public examinations but, more than that, they develop a love of learning which stays with them long after they have left the School. We set high expectations of pupils not only in terms of their work ethic but also in terms of their intellectual ambition. Pupils aim high and our record of university success is proof of this.

Rugby boasts one of the most vibrant school alumni networks in the UK with the Rugbeian Society organising more than 50 events each year and actively supporting Rugbeians past and present through initiatives such as the Rugbeian Business Network which works with the School’s Careers Department to assist in identifying jobs and work placements.

Famous alumni are authors, poets, actors, playwrights including: Lewis Carroll, Rupert Brooke, Neville Chamberlain, Anthony Horowitz, Robert Hardy, Will Butler-Adams, Isabel Wolff and Polly Stenham. Not forgetting William Webb Ellis, inventor of the game of rugby football.

Facts & Figures

Name of Head: Peter Green (since 2014)

Admissions Office: 1 Barby Road, Rugby CV22 5DW

Email: admissions@rugbyschool.net

Telephone: (+44) 1788 556274

Website: www.rugbyschool.co.uk

Number of pupils:  640 boarders, 160 day students.  No flexi boarding.  430 boys and 370 girls (from Year 9 (13+) to Year 13)

Fees: https://www.rugbyschool.co.uk/admissions/fees/

Location

Sedbergh School and Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School

Sedbergh School, Station Road, Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HG

Tel: +44 (0) 15396 20535

Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School, Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria LA6 2SG

Tel: +44 (0) 15242 79200
Type of School: Co-educational, independent
Religion: Anglican. All faiths welcome.
Age range: 13-18 years (Prep: 4-13 years)
Number of pupils : 453 Boys, 320 Girls (Prep: 200)
Number of boarders: 620 (Prep: 70)
International pupils: 115 (Prep: 15)
Teacher:pupil ratio: 1:8
Annual boarding fees: £21,000 to £32,625 per annum

Sedbergh School

Established in 1525, Sedbergh is one of the few remaining full boarding schools in the UK and 98% of pupils board in one of our 9 Boarding Houses (3 girls’ 6 boys’). Pupils benefit from exceptional pastoral care and the opportunity for everyone to achieve their potential whether their talents are academic, sporting or artistic. Each pupil has a dedicated tutor who is responsible for their academic and pastoral development. Highly unusually these days, Sedbergh retains the traditional in-house dining providing a family-style atmosphere.

At weekends, because there are no flexi or weekly boarders and no fixed exeats, virtually all pupils are on campus. Pupils keep just as busy as during the week with Saturday morning lessons, sport, drama, music, debates, and everyone participates in one of the various social events on Saturday evenings.

Located in the stunning and very safe surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Sedbergh School provides plenty of opportunities for extra-curricular activities and adventure. Sedbergh is widely recognised as one of the leading sport schools in the UK  and offers 35 sports including sailing, rugby, tennis, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics, cross country, fives, football, squash, swimming, mountain biking, horse riding, fell walking and climbing. The Wilson Run is a much-anticipated annual event with an illustrious history that has been raced over almost the same route since its beginnings in 1881.

Music is also a very important part of life at Sedbergh and the School has three orchestras, five choirs, a swing band, brass band, and numerous ensembles. Many Sedbergh pupils are represented in national orchestras and choirs. Theatre productions are also held regularly throughout the year and every year each House performs an Entertainment programme for the School community.

In addition to providing an outstanding academic education, Sedbergh also prepares its pupils for life. Good manners and respect are enforced during the ‘family style’ meal times and throughout the School day, and the co-educational and multi-national mix of pupils contributes an important social dimension to all pupils’ education, providing the opportunity for pupils to learn and practise rules of etiquette, obtain social graces and develop a natural, pleasant confidence in a variety of social settings. Community service, charity work and fundraising are also recognised as important parts of the School’s extra-curricular activities.

Sedbergh offers A Levels, i-GCSEs and GCSEs in an extensive range of disciplines. With nearly 100% pass rates at A Level, i-GCSE and GCSE each year, Sedbergh pupils are expected to enter leading British and international Universities. Academic results over the last few years are available at http://www.sedberghschool.org/senior/Explore-Sedbergh/Academics/Academic-Results

Casterton Sedbergh Preparatory School:

There is no rush to grow up here. Foundations are laid for nurturing the resilience our children need as young adults and the tenacity essential for achieving high standards. Our around the clock personal care, breadth of opportunity and depth of involvement is what sets us apart. Above all, we nurture a sense of success in each and every one of our pupils.

We are excited by the curiosity and thirst for learning that each child, regardless of their academic ability, naturally displays. We work hard to allow each child the time to question and develop their thoughts independently, leading to fresh discoveries in an innovative learning environment.

Learning both inside and outside the classroom is essential to a child’s education. The setting of the Prep School offers an inspiring backdrop for budding young artists, and an extended classroom to give vivid life to subjects such as Geography, Geology and Natural History. All pupils are encouraged to express themselves musically and achieve a high standard of musicianship, whatever their ability. Music is accessible to all, yet there is also expert provision, tuition and extension work for those who are musically talented and exceptionally gifted

In addition to more than 20 sports, pupils have immediate access to numerous outdoor pursuits, including sailing, fell walking, climbing, horse riding and ghyll scrambling. They also help care for our school chickens, goats and rabbits in the School farm and our Secret Garden where boys and girls consult with the School Chef about growing vegetables and herbs.

We also host academic societies, poetry readings and debating competitions as well as English Speaking Board examinations to further expand pupils’ curiosity and confidence. The recently introduced ballet and jazz dance lessons are very popular, as are clubs for those interested in chess, archaeology and conservation.

Facilities include a new Design and Manufacturing Department, an Equestrian Centre, 7 Science specific laboratories, flood lit astro and tennis courts, a theatre, a heated pool, and an iMAC and iPad suite.

General Information
Applications: Applications are welcome all year round however application at least one year before the intended date of entry is strongly recommended to avoid any disappointment. Current School reports and a Personal Statement are invited in the first instance, followed by our own entry papers in Maths and English/EAL. Visits are most welcome at any stage of the process and can be arranged on most days during term time.

English as an Additional Language: available at additional charge. Usually held in small groups, the number of lessons is tailored to suit each individual.

Closest airport: Manchester (90 minute drive). The School arranges airport transfers for school holidays and half terms.

Guardian: required

Sedbergh International Summer School

Sedbergh School runs its very own international summer school throughout July and August.  This exclusive course is designed for boys and girls aged 8-12 (Juniors) and 13-16 (Seniors).  For English lessons, students are divided into Junior and Senior classes, which ensures that they receive the correct level of English tuition for their age and ability.  In keeping with the ‘boarding school taster’ experience and our wish to develop independence, teamwork and leadership skills in our students, all meals, lessons and activities are taken together.  Sports, excursions and evening entertainment are also combined, allowing students to spend time with new friends.

Students live in single-sex boarding houses under the care of an experienced Houseparent who acts in loco parentis and is responsible for the development and welfare of each student.  All International Summer School staff are employed directly by Sedbergh School which helps students to settle quickly and to help them achieve their full potential during their stay.

The course is small and friendly, and the village location offers a stunning and very safe location for an exciting summer.  Each day is structured to give a true taste of boarding school life.  With 22 hours of English lessons each week and student numbers restricted to 20% of any one language, opportunities are maximised to improve English language skills very quickly.  Class sizes are small and a variety of teaching styles is used, including group language activities to ensure that students are engaged and learning effectively.

All students experience history first-hand during excursions to some of Europe’s oldest cultural centres and enjoy thrilling outdoor activities in beautiful British countryside.  Through practical projects, educational trips and an exciting range of extra-curricular activities, students gain valuable skills, make lifelong friends and take away unforgettable memories.

Further information can be found at: http://iss.sedberghschool.org/

Location

Sevenoaks (founded in 1432) is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11 to 18. Just half an hour from Central London and Gatwick International Airport, our superb 100-acre campus is in the Kent countryside. Academic excellence is delivered by a broad, balanced programme of study and exciting teaching. Strengthened by wise pastoral care and the inclusive influences of the International Baccalaureate, Sevenoaks students work hard to satisfy their natural curiosity and extend themselves far above and beyond the core curriculum.

Sevenoaks is one of the best schools in the UK, providing an outstanding modern education. Known for curriculum innovation, it is one of the world’s leading IB schools, and has developed its own middle school curriculum, which is UCAS supported. Over half of students attend one of the UK’s top ten universities, with approximately 20% receiving offers from Oxford and Cambridge annually. Around 15% opt to study at leading international institutions in the US and Canada.

Sevenoaks students have access to world-class facilities for co-curricular pursuits, including sport, music, drama and art, a huge range of clubs and societies, and a well-established community service programme.

We offer a British education within a cosmopolitan melting pot of, with around 20% of the student body coming from outside the UK. Our boarding community is kind and welcoming, and with seven distinctive and comfortable boarding houses, life is fun, friendly and busy. Our students hugely enjoy their years of boarding at Sevenoaks.

Pastoral care is consistently excellent across the school, enabling friendships between all members of a peer group to flourish, which we believe contributes to the particularly happy atmosphere at Sevenoaks.

Facts & Figures

Name of Head: Dr Katy Ricks

Address:  High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HU

Telephone of admissions: +44 1732 467703

Website: www.sevenoaksschool.org

Number of students:   1077 in total 1077.  Boys 525; Girls 552. Boarding 348; Day 729

Age range:  11 to 18 years

Fee range: Day pupils – £7,485 to £8,499 per term. Boarding pupils – £11,955 to £12,969 per term.

Location

Shrewsbury School is a co-educational boarding school with approximately 800 pupils aged 13-18, founded in 1552 and set in the heart of England.  We are fortunate to have one of the best locations of any school in the country, a beautiful campus-style site on the edge of one of the most historic county towns in England.  We are committed to strong academic standards and the highest level of pastoral care, and we believe in a vision of holistic education, as demonstrated through a diverse range of activities, sports and societies.

Our 2016 leavers achieved another excellent year for A Level results with 80% of the exams awarded the top A*, A or B grades.  We celebrated one of our best ever set of GCSE results, with 43.8% of results achieving the top A* grade, and 71% of the exams awarded an A* or A grade.  As Charles Darwin’s former school, we are proud that mathematics and the sciences form our four largest sixth form subjects.  In the past two years the school has opened a new 19-classroom humanities teaching block and a new design and computing centre.  The coming year will see full refurbishment of the school library and theatre.

Nearly all leavers go on to university, with large numbers going to the top universities in the UK.  There is a highly qualified, dedicated team to advise pupils on universities and careers, and the school stages a regular series of conferences showcasing UK, US, and European universities.

For each pupil, the boarding house is their “centre of gravity”.  We have 13 houses, of which 7 are for boarding boys, 2 for dayboys, and 4 for girls.  Each house is overseen by a resident Housemaster or Housemistress who is a full member of the teaching staff.  Every pupil has a tutor who oversees their progress, and the houses provide pupils with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities and competitions, from sports and debating to the house music competition and house plays.

We want all our pupils, whatever their ability, to enjoy their life beyond the classroom, and Shrewsbury has a well-earned reputation for musical and sporting excellence.  Every year, musicians perform across the UK, with concerts this year in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Oxford and Cambridge.  Every two years for the past 20 years, the school has staged a musical at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is accustomed to gaining five-star reviews.

We compete internationally in cricket and rowing, and we are one of the strongest schools in the country for football, cross-country running and fives; facilities and coaching for these and a host of other sports including basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, fencing, lacrosse, hockey, rugby, and netball are excellent.

We also offer our pupils an extraordinary array of clubs, societies and other extra-curricular activities, many of which take place on a dedicated weekly activity afternoon.  Shrewsbury is surrounded by glorious unspoilt countryside and the School makes the most of its easy access to the Shropshire Hills, the Welsh Marches and Snowdonia.

Above all, in the words of the motto of our youth club, based in inner-city Liverpool, ‘People matter more than things’.  You will find at Shrewsbury a community which is aiming for the stars in every respect.

Facts & Figures

Head: Mark Turner

Address: Shrewsbury School, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, SY3 7BA

Telephone:  +44 (0)1743 280 552

Website:  www.shrewsbury.org.uk

Residential: 80% Full Boarding & 20% Day

Religion:  Church of England, though all faiths are welcome

Number of Students:  Total 785; 570 boys; 215 girls

Age Range:  13-18 years.  Entry at Year 9 (13+), Year 10 (14+) and Year 12 (16+)

Full Boarding fee (termly) – £11,250

Location

‘We chose St Edward’s because it is mixed, with a wonderful reputation for happiness.’ – Current parent

Founded in 1863, St Edward’s, Oxford is a thriving co-educational boarding school offering the unusual combination of a spacious 100-acre site at the heart of an academically and culturally stimulating city. Our long tradition and broad perspective keep our pupils inspired, motivated, and happy, whilst keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

St Edward’s, affectionately known as Teddies, has around 675 pupils who are expected to work with energy and purpose, taking full advantage of their opportunities. Pupils live in 12 houses, 7 boys and 5 girls, with a girl/boy split of 40%/60%, approximately 85% of whom board, and 16% are from overseas. Boarders and day live and work together in the same House, ensuring that all the pupils are fully integrated and equally involved with everything going on in school life.

In their houses, they are all supported by a caring and experienced Housemaster or Housemistress, an Assistant HM and a Day Matron. The School also has an excellent reputation for its pastoral care system for which the Deputy Head Pastoral is responsible. Tutors, our three Counsellors, and our Chaplain all have a part to play in pastoral support, whilst Sixth Formers are trained to offer a Peer Listening service, and a ‘speak up’ culture is also strongly encouraged.

St Edward’s is a committed broad entry school, valuing the freshness and vitality of a deliberately diverse academic community. Despite that, pupils do very well academically at St Edward’s, and results are on an upward trend; combined A Level A*-B and IB Higher Level 6 and 7 results in 2016 were 75%, up from 70% in 2012, whilst GCSE A*-B grades were 88% in 2016, up from 82% in 2012.

Teddies offers both the IB and A-Level in Sixth Form and is proud of the success it has made of running both programmes. Described by the IBSCA Development Manager, at the IBSCA AGM in March 2017, as ‘…the fastest growing IB school in the UK, bucking the national trend’, Teddies gives pupils a rare opportunity to tailor their education to that which best suits their requirements, whether that be A Level or the IB.

The brand new Ogston Music School, together with the North Wall Theatre and Arts Centre, complete a cultural quarter in north Oxford that are an enormous asset, not just for the School, but for the whole community. Teddies has an excellent reputation and tradition of success in the creative industries, stretching back to Lord Laurence Olivier and Kenneth Grahame, through to Emilia Clarke and Florence Pugh.

The exceptional Careers and Higher Education Departments at St Edward’s begin engaging pupils from their first year with the School. Their unique programme offers support and guidance on the next steps in education and employment, ensuring pupils have the right information and advice to fulfil their potential. 80% of pupils go on to Russell Group, or equally prestigious institutions, including Oxbridge and the Ivy League.

As the principal sponsor of a nationally acclaimed professional theatre situated on site, facilities that are second to none, strong results and a burgeoning reputation for academic achievement, a world leading university on its doorstep, and a Head who is determined to strive even higher, this School offers a rare opportunity.

• Headmaster: Stephen Jones (Appointed September 2011)
• Address: St Edward’s School, Woodstock Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 7NN
• Admissions Telephone: +44(0) 1865 319200
• Website: stedwardsoxford.org
• Residential information: Full Boarders (560); Day (115) – No Flexi boarders.
• Religion: Church of England
• Numbers: 60% boys, 40% girls; approximately 85% boarders
• Age range: 13-18
• Fees: Boarding £11,890; Day £9,515

Location

Ethos
St Swithun’s is an ‘appropriately academic’ school which means that we celebrate intellectual curiosity and the life of the mind, but not to the exclusion of all else. We expect our pupils to develop individual passions and through them to acquire a range of skills and characteristics. These characteristics will include a willingness to take risks, to question and to debate, and to persevere in the face of difficulty. In the words of Samuel Beckett: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” If a girl can immediately excel at everything we ask of her, we as educators must set the bar higher.

We want all girls to learn about life beyond the school gates, to appreciate the rich variety of our world, to develop an understanding of compassion and to value justice. We encourage all pupils to become involved in fundraising and community work. They should appreciate how their decisions and their actions can affect those around them.

St Swithun’s was founded by Anna Bramston, daughter of the Dean of Winchester, and Christian values underpin our approach to education. We provide a civilised and caring environment in which all girls and staff are valued for their individual gifts and encouraged to develop a sense of spirituality and of kindness. We believe that kindness and tolerance are at the heart of any fully functioning community.

Academic Success
In 2016, girls at St Swithun’s once again celebrated successful A level results this year with over half (54%) of girls achieved three A grades or above and in 10 subjects, including physics, further maths, history and Spanish, 100% of candidates achieved an A*-B grade. 23% of candidates were awarded an A* grade and 66% of entries awarded grades of A* or A. Leavers will now go on to study degree subjects including biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, economics, English, geography, law, mechanical engineering, medicine, music, neuroscience, physics and politics at universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, UCL, Exeter, York, Warwick, Edinburgh and Imperial College.

At GCSE, 57.5% of all entries were awarded an A*, the school’s highest since 2012. 85% of all entries were awarded an A* or A, an increase on last year. 1 in 6 girls achieved A* in all of their subjects, and 45% of St Swithun’s pupils were awarded all A* or A grades.

The school’s aims are as follows:
Academic
To prepare girls for public examinations and higher education in a stimulating and scholarly environment in which the girls develop intellectual curiosity, independence of mind and the ability to take responsibility for their own learning. They are encouraged to achieve their personal best.

School community
To provide a happy, safe and supportive community based on Christian values in which all girls are given the space to develop their spirituality and are encouraged to understand and celebrate difference, and to be kind to others.

Co-curricular
To provide a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom so that girls can discover individual passions and develop a range of characteristics such as resilience, initiative, creativity, perseverance, self-confidence, the ability to work in a team and to honour one’s commitments. To encourage habits to ensure good physical and mental health both at school and in the future such as exercise, healthy eating and the art of relaxation.

Beyond the school gates
To teach the girls compassion, an understanding of the wider world and their role in it, a sense of duty and a desire for justice.

Looking towards the future
To provide high-quality higher education and careers advice and a supportive old girls network.

Keeping in touch
To communicate in a timely and constructive fashion with parents and other members of the St Swithun’s family in order to develop relationships conducive to offering the best possible education.

By the time a girl leaves St Swithun’s she will be well-educated, courageous, compassionate, committed and self-confident with a love of learning, a moral compass and a sense of humour.

To find out more about St Swithuns School, please visit our website: www.stswithuns.com

Location

A world leader in girls’ boarding education and a place where academic excellence, empathy and integrity thrive.

Ranked as the top UK girls’ boarding school and second overall nationally by The Sunday Times in 2017, Wycombe Abbey is a world-class school which strives to provide high academic achievement with a holistic and rewarding educational experience.  Results are consistently impressive: 85.6% A*-A at A level and 97.1% A*-A at GCSE in 2017.  Year on year more than 30% of the cohort head to Oxbridge to read Medicine, Natural Sciences, Law, Engineering, History, English or other take other courses.  An increasing number of girls are gaining places at the best liberal arts colleges and Ivy League universities in the US.  In recent years, girls have moved onto Harvard, Yale, Brown, Stanford, Columbia, MIT and Swathmore and Claremont McKenna, amongst other institutions.

Our co-curricular achievements are equally impressive with outstanding art, music, drama, dance and sport facilities. The School has been ranked, for the second year in a row, in the top ten schools for sport in the UK.  There is a rich and varied programme of activities throughout the week, including music, drama, dance and outdoor education as well as an extensive range of other pursuits. These opportunities help girls to develop the confidence and skills they will require to be successful and happy in the demanding and ever expanding global workplace.

Two new boarding houses and a Courtyard Café opened in 2017 as part of a site-wide plan that will see the renewal of all the boarding accommodation, the refurbishment of the Abbey and a new STEM Centre, Sports Pavilion and China Centre.

Wycombe Abbey offers a modern approach to boarding in the wonderful surroundings of 170 acres of parkland. At the heart of the School’s success is a total commitment to the development of good, caring human beings through our proactive, personalised pastoral care.  Everyone at Wycombe Abbey is part of a happy and close-knit community with each girl known and cherished as an individual.

Facts & Figures

Address: Abbey Way, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 1PE

Head: Mrs Rhiannon Wilkinson MA (Oxon) MEd (since 2013)

Admissions: Mrs Sophie Langdale BA

Contact: +44 1494 897008; registrar@wycombeabbey.com

Website: www.wycombeabbey.com

Student Body: 633 girls aged 11-18. Boarding 573, Day 60

Entry points: 11+; 13+ and 16+

Fees: boarding £38,940 per annum; day £29,205 per annum

Location: 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport by car; 25 minutes by train from Marylebone, London

Location