3 leading boarding schools for all-round excellence

What do Michelle MacLaren, film and TV director for hit shows like “Breaking Bad” and “Game of Thrones” and record-breaking Stanford Women’s & US Olympic Women’s Basketball Coach Tara VanDerveer, have in common? Both are boarding school alumni who’ve leveraged their education to achieve greatness.

This isn’t by chance. Boarding schools provide an education that nurtures self-confidence, builds essential skills, and fosters a belief in one’s potential. According to a study by The Association of Boarding Schools, boarding school graduates are 50% more likely to learn one-on-one with their teachers. They are also over 15% more likely to say their school helped them develop conflict resolution skills, empathy, and open-mindedness and 28% more likely to feel they have a voice and choice in their education than their non-boarding peers.

If you’re seeking a well-rounded education that prepares you for success, here are three global boarding schools to consider:

Faculty members get to know students throughout their high school years to give tailored advice on their future paths. Source: The Hun School of Princeton

The Hun School of Princeton

The Hun School of Princeton was founded in 1914 by Princeton University math professor Dr. John Gale Hun. His founding principle was simple: If he got to know a student personally, he could teach them anything.

While the school’s curriculum and programming have grown substantially in the century since its founding, mentorship remains a large part of the school’s mission. Hun faculty believe that every student needs someone in their corner, which is why students are assigned an advisor on their very first day.

The school’s advisory programme places students in intimate groups that stay intact through their Upper School years. This system creates a strong network of support, with advisors coaching students through their adjustment to Hun, course selection, and future plans.

Advisors also help ensure each student’s academic path is as fulfilling as it is vigorous. At Hun, you’ll find classes that are creative (in both content and teaching method) and learning opportunities that are experiential and relevant.

Every student participates in NextTerm, a project-based, immersive semester that takes students wherever in the world their course is most relevant. They might study conservation in Yellowstone National Park or technology and filmmaking in Los Angeles. Hun teachers know that when students are interested in what they are learning, they delve deeper, retain more, and discover bigger ideas.

All of this is available in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. Students often venture downtown for an afternoon scoop of ice cream, a browse through local shops, a show at McCarter Theatre.

The nearby cities of Philadelphia and New York offer even more world-class learning and cultural opportunities.

Learn how The Hun School of Princeton offers unparalleled educational experiences tailored to the interests and ambitions of its students.

Kingswood helps students develop confidence and personal drive, allowing them to exceed their own expectations. Source: Kingswood School

Kingswood School

Set on a 120-acre campus in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage City, Kingswood School offers students a chance to learn in a stunning environment with plenty of outdoor space and views that inspire. But it’s not just the grounds that make Kingswood special — it’s the close-knit community that makes every student feel supported and valued.

At Kingswood, every student has someone to turn to. In both the Prep and Senior Schools, Learning Assistants, the Chaplain, or the School Counsellor provide day to day pastoral care and manage any worries a student may have. Every adult takes the time to get to know each student personally, so they can support them in the ways that matter most, helping them grow, make friends, and find their passions along the way. 

In Years 3 to 6, teachers use AS Tracking (Affective Social Tracking), a tool designed to help identify hidden mental health risks in students. This early intervention allows teachers to address potential challenges before they escalate, promoting healthier mental states for every pupil.

As students enter Year 6, they receive additional support through their own Wellbeing Mentor, who guides them through this important year. Alongside this, the Experience and Enrichment Programme offers plenty of activities designed to promote wellbeing, including mindfulness, yoga, and gardening. The goal is for pupils to leave Kingswood with a strong sense of self, lasting memories, and lifelong passions, to succeed in the next stage of their education.

ISS International School offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for high school students, with subjects like language, science, math, arts, and more. Source: ISS International School

ISS International School

ISS International School is deeply connected with Singapore’s vision and evolution as a regional and global leader. Established in 1981 by the late Singaporean politician Mr. Chan Chee Seng, the school reflects his dedication to education and vision for an inclusive international community.

The hilltop campus, located on Preston Road in the Alexandra neighbourhood, gives students a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The lush gardens and peaceful surroundings make it easy to focus, grow, and let creativity flourish. And while it feels like a retreat, it’s just 17 miles from the airport—perfect for international families seeking a balance of calm and convenience.

ISS International School’s Primary School, for children aged four to six years old, follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), integrating the latest research and best practices in early childhood education. It ensures every child has a strong, engaging start to their learning journey.

This holistic approach continues as students progress into high school, where they remain part of the same inclusive and multicultural community that shaped their early years. Complemented by small class sizes, ISS provides tailored support, ensuring every child develops academically while receiving the emotional and social guidance they need to flourish.  

Outside of academics, student well-being is another priority at ISS International School. It creates a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where students can explore their beliefs, values, and attitudes while maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International