4 UK boarding schools, 4 pathways to a lifetime of success

For an outstanding education, look no further than the UK. Here, schools do not just have decades, but often hundreds of years worth of experience in offering a first-class education to students from around the world. Their continued success is due to excellent standards of teaching and care that often result in high exam success rates. This is just part of the reason why the world loves and respects a British education.

Pair academic excellence with surroundings that inspire and you’ll have a recipe for success. Many of these institutions combine beautiful, centuries-old buildings with a mix of modern architecture. Those that choose to board enjoy these spaces 24/7. Many co-educational day and boarding schools in the UK boast excellent facilities and postcard-like views that make developing a sense of independence a great experience. 

Since we live in an age of global citizenry, international learners have a lot to gain from calling one of the UK’s many diverse boarding schools their second home. They get the chance to integrate with others inside and outside the classroom through a wide range of student clubs and organisations. In the process, they pinpoint their passions before gearing up to take university life by storm. 

Convinced? Here’s a closer look at four boarding schools in the UK with reputations that precede them:

Ashford School

For an education that inspires, choose Ashford School — a co-education day and boarding school located in the heart of Kent, a stone’s throw away from the bright lights of London. While its location adds to its lustre, its well-rounded education is what reels in students from all corners of the globe. Ashford’s educators are a diverse lineup of experts who champion students’ individual talents.

Ashford’s learning is underpinned by four key factors: Celebrating Individuality, Optimising Potential, Academic Rigour, and Adventurous Learning. Source: Ashford School

Ashford’s learning is underpinned by four key factors: Celebrating Individuality, Optimising Potential, Academic Rigour, and Adventurous Learning. This combination enables young learners to achieve their full potential, enabling them to take their next academic step with confidence.

Their inspiring learning environment has led to tangible and intangible student success. Sixth Form subjects include biology, business studies, computer science, drama and theatre, economics, music, religious studies, a range of languages, and more. GCSE topics cover combined science, global perspectives, English literature, and computer studies, to name a few.

Ashford stands out for instilling excellence, particularly in science and mathematics — both of which are highly topical to budding STEM majors. With wider learning opportunities extending beyond classrooms, students gain hands-on knowledge while getting a glimpse into their futures.

With its academic rigour and quality teaching, little wonder why 90% of graduates gain a place at their firm choice. Today, they can be found excelling at the University of Exeter, Aston University, King’s College London, University of Bath, University of Manchester, University College London, and various other esteemed institutions. To become one of them, click here to learn more about Ashford School.

Glenalmond College

Located in the heart of the Perthshire countryside is an expansive campus (300-acres, to be exact) where over 400 young men and women, between the ages of 12 to 18, are proud to call home. Founded in 1847, Glenalmond College offers the very best academic education, enriching sports and extracurricular activities, stunning surroundings free from distractions of the city, and the chance to make lifelong friends.

Founded in 1847, Glenalmond College offers the very best academic education. Source: Glenalmond College

In the classroom, they succeed. Around a third of pupils score all nines and eights in their GCSEs; the same portion achieve an A* or A in their A Levels; 98% of leavers go on to university or higher education; and every year, a good number of pupils win places at Oxbridge and the Russell Group universities.

A contributing factor to these achievements is the school’s unique range of subjects — 17 at  GCSE, 26 at A Levels, 13 at Scottish Higher level. English is also taught as an additional language, with Glenalmond’s current student body representing 16 different nationalities. 

Pursuits beyond the classroom are just as valuable and memorable. Taking place on its amazing grounds — complete with a new golf course, a swimming pool, and more — and set against the unique Highland backdrop, are many sport and outdoor activities, such as cricket, hockey, lacrosse, rugby and tennis, amongst many others. These activities promote skills for the classroom and for life.

Taunton School

A Taunton School education is innovative, forward-thinking, and global. Every pupil at this IB World School receives a meaningful and authentic educational experience, powered by a shared vision based on five pillars: Academic, Pastoral, Co-Curricular, Global Outlook and Community. As the review for Good Schools Guide — the number one trusted guide to schools in the UK — goes, Taunton School is “a terrific all-rounder.”

A Taunton education is innovative, forward-thinking, and global. Source: Taunton School

The school’s faculty members are experts in their disciplines and translate that expertise into rich learning experiences for their students. From nursery up to Senior School, they shape pupils into lifelong learners with inquiring minds and a thirst for knowledge. 

Whether it’s A Levels, the IB Diploma or BTEC qualifications, the Taunton School offers each pupil a personalised plan tailored to their individual abilities and ambitions. 

The Taunton experience is augmented by robust co-curricular opportunities through the many clubs, activities, teams and pursuits offered, encouraging students to explore life on campus to the fullest extent. 

Exceptional pastoral care, provided by professionals working in partnership with parents, enables each pupil to feel comfortable both in themselves and as part of a new and wider family. 

Westbourne School

Westbourne School’s enviable reputation as the #1 School in all UK League Tables since 2015, as well as being named IB School of the Year in 2019, means all students here get a first-class academic education in one of the most supportive learning environments in the whole of the UK.

Westbourne School’s boarding house is just a short walk to the beautiful Penarth Pier. Source: Westbourne School Facebook

Located in Penarth, Wales, a top 10 place to live in the UK, Westbourne School’s classes have an eight-to-one student-to-teacher ratio. Teachers’ doors are always open, allowing students to access unparallelled support such as one-to-one sessions and private follow-ups whenever they face difficulties. Those needing more English language support can attend ESL lessons during Autumn Term weekends.

Boarding at Westbourne School is very much a home away from home: the fully co-educational Boarding House has separate floors for boys and girls, and is a short two-minutes walk from the Senior School and Sixth Form. 

House parents, well-experienced in looking after international students, take care of boarders. Every day, boarders can take advantage of homework clubs and after-hours support. Home-cooked meals, after-homework games, mixed activities and excursions are also offered, contributing to a tight-knit family-like atmosphere that all students enjoy immensely.

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