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From January 1, 2025, the standard 20% VAT rate will be added to UK private school fees. Any fees paid from July 29, 2024, for the term starting next January and onwards will be subject to VAT. What’s being branded as a new “education tax” is reportedly causing a 20% drop in new pupils at independent schools.
In a perfect world, everyone would have access to all types of education, no matter what the roadmap to achieving their passions look like, or where their journey starts. In that utopia, children will grow to embrace their unique selves, the community will provide unconditional support, and everyone can afford to learn in high-quality, dynamic environments.
And while the world is certainly not perfect, there’s a place that provides an education reflecting that vision: Steyning Grammar School (SGS), a state boarding school where learning and a rich boarding experience are made for everyone. Tuition at SGS is funded by the government, while boarding fees are affordable, ranging from 12,000 to 18,000 pounds per year – a fraction of the cost of many independent boarding schools, which can exceed 40,000 pounds annually.
Founded in 1614, SGS is an over 400-year-old landmark in the historic town of Steyning, West Sussex, offering day and state boarding for pupils aged 11 to 18. Through the years, SGS has grown into an international community within a nurturing, inclusive setting where pupils build a home away from home and lifelong friends. Thanks to its fee model, many families from diverse backgrounds have provided their children with this experience, without feeling the financial strain typically associated with such education.
Most importantly, this affordability does not sacrifice excellence. “SGS is built on the firm foundations of high expectations for all with a creative and personalised curriculum that will extend learning both in the classroom and through a wide range of enriching experiences and environments,” says Headteacher Adam Whitehead.
Indeed, SGS pupils achieve outstanding results. In fact, despite taking the same set of exams, it was found that pupils from state boarding schools frequently outperform that of others.
As for SGS, 2024 marked another year of great GCSE and A Levels results. Several GCSE pupils had achieved between Grade 7s to Grade 9s straight, which is the equivalent to an A to A*. Pupils did well in subjects like Photography, Full Course Religious Studies, and Biology.
For A Levels and applied subjects, 27% of the grades were between A*/A, while 45% were A*-B. SGS pupils are taking these grades and going on to top universities to study medicine, law, and sports.
The Steyning Grammar School curriculum gives all students the attitudes and ethical and spiritual strengths they need to flourish. Source: Steyning Grammar School
A curriculum that lets every pupil flourish
The school offers a creative and personalised curriculum. Pupils can choose from a wide range of subjects for the GCSEs and A Levels to align with their interests and career goals.
What further enlivens classrooms here is the many forms of learning that take place here, from small group seminars and practical activities to group debates and many more. That way, pupils are able to spring their theoretical knowledge into action within a supportive yet rigorous learning environment.
“The boarding school has helped me hugely with my confidence because I have been able to socialise and depend on people in my surroundings,” says student Lateef Oduola. “I’ve learnt new skills and attributes to add to my locker. Boarding School has welcomed me with a lot of respect and has taken care of me.”
Within a flexible timetable, SGS students follow this broad and aspirational curriculum while growing into well-rounded young adults. A day at SGS often encompasses sports, arts, and co-curricular activities. Pupils always have room to discover new passions and hobbies, and develop an understanding of the bigger world beyond their campus. They do this alongside a diverse cohort – with no shortage of authentic opportunities to enhance their cultural literacy.
Boarding at Steyning Grammar School means living within the surrounds of the stunning South Downs National Park, with Brighton and London close by. Source: Steyning Grammar School
Boarding at SGS: International family, lifelong friendships
Boarders benefit most from SGS’s international community. In this home away from home, with the stunning South Downs National Park in the background, diversity is celebrated. No matter whether a boarder is from the Turks and Caicos Islands or Hong Kong, everyone has a safe and homely environment to develop independence and build life-long relationships. This is where pupils make friends for life and “significant, sometimes exceptional progress across education, social and psychological areas of their development”, as described by Ofsted in 2022. Ofsted refers to the UK’s Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills that inspects services providing education and skills for learners of all ages.
While boarding fees are one of the key expenses pupils will have to cover at a state boarding school, SGS ensures that the investment is well worth their time and money. Pupils are provided with a comprehensive support system that extends well past their faculty teachers. That includes an assigned form tutor, the Head of Year, and pastoral support from non-teaching staff. Another high praise from the Ofsted inspection report highlighted their “outstanding” protection of students, where pupils are well-cared for.
“For me, the benefits of boarding are that I am more likely to do things here than I was when I was with my parents,” says a boarder. “Living alone has taught me that I am capable of exploring different things by myself. The advice I would give someone coming to boarding is to personalise your room. It’s going to be the place you have for the whole school year so make it your own. And walk in with absolute confidence!”
So, if you’re looking for high-quality education in the UK that’s accessible, and designed for all to succeed in an inclusive environment, then apply to the Steyning Grammar School today.
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