For centuries, boarding schools in the UK have been the cradle of excellence, nurturing the minds of individuals who have gone on to leave indelible marks on the world stage — think of prime ministers and Nobel laureates. Yet, the impact of a UK boarding education goes far beyond producing leaders in politics and science; it also nurtures creativity and artistry, as seen in the success of actors and authors.
Track record aside, what truly sets these schools apart is their holistic approach to education. Most cater specifically to international students keen on joining diverse and inclusive communities where they can explore their passions, challenge their perspectives, and develop a global outlook. Others focus on providing rigorous academic programmes, while the rest dedicate their sprawling campuses to competitive sports or vibrant arts and cultural activities.
However, a select few boast emphasis on all the above and more. They believe that by giving students the best of all worlds, they will be empowered to discover who they are and what they stand for.
Strathallan School
Strathallan School has been setting the bar high since 1913, instilling in its day and boarding pupils a deep belief in their potential. Recognising that every student is unique, it offers a curriculum as diverse as pupils’ talents and aspirations. In fact, Strathallan is proud to be the first school in Scotland to provide pathways that include full GCSE and A Level offerings alongside comprehensive Highers and Advanced Highers programmes. With 24 subjects available, its curriculum is one of the broadest in Scotland. This breadth bore fruit in 2023 when A Level students achieved a record-matching 99% pass rate, with 70% earning A*-B grades.
But Strathallan is about more than just academics. It is equally committed to nurturing the physical and creative talents of its students. Its top sports teams — whether rugby, hockey, tennis, or swimming — regularly win district and national championships, and its elite athletes are frequently seen competing on the national stage, thanks in part to a 22 million pound investment in state-of-the-art sports facilities.
Creativity flourishes here too. Housed in a purpose-built facility, the Strathallan Art Department offers everything from graphic design and textiles to film photography and ceramics. Its newly built Dance and Drama Studio provides an inspiring space for budding performers, while 25 music groups cater to every taste.
Beyond the classroom, Strathallan’s extracurricular programme offers over 80 activities, ranging from the Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh Award to global outreach projects and academic excursions. Its exchange programme gives students a chance to experience life in partner schools in Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa, while study trips and academic expeditions take pupils to destinations like Iceland, Rome, and the First World War battlefields. Learn more about how Strathallan School brings learning to life in unforgettable ways.
Roedean School
Perched on the picturesque cliffs of Sussex, Roedean School offers a transformative education for girls aged 11 to 18. Here, education is a journey of discovery, particularly during Key Stage 3, where students are free to experiment with a wide array of subjects. Whether delving into the intricacies of Modern Languages, unlocking the mysteries of the sciences, or expressing creativity in the arts, every girl is encouraged to find her own path. Most importantly, they lay a solid foundation for the challenges of GCSEs in Key Stage Four.
This stage is crucial, marking a time of decision-making that will shape their future careers. At Roedean, the GCSE curriculum is carefully crafted to provide a broad and balanced education, ensuring that every girl can pursue subjects that resonate with her interests. Sixth Form is all about solidifying these interests. For those at this stage, Roedean offers a bespoke educational experience that combines intellectual rigour with a wealth of opportunities and experiences. It’s a time for girls to truly challenge themselves, take on leadership roles, and engage in a diverse range of lectures, electives, co-curricular activities, and community action programmes.
A typical day at Roedean is a blend of structured learning and enriching activities. With six lessons and two activity sessions woven into the school day, along with breaks for mid-morning tea and lunch in the Dining Rooms, the day is designed to keep minds sharp and spirits high. Roedean’s commitment to a holistic education is evident in the 160 activities that cross year groups each week.
The school’s vibrant extracurricular programme includes 131 clubs, 14 sports, and 264 lessons on 22 different instruments each week. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a highlight, with 167 girls participating this year.
Discover how else every girl at Roedean is empowered to find her voice, pursue her passions, and become the confident, capable young woman she was meant to be.
Marymount International School London
Marymount International School London’s serene garden campus is located just 12 miles from the heart of London. It is an independent Catholic day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18; but most importantly, it is a nurturing community where every student is encouraged to grow academically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
As the first all-girls school in the UK to adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum in 1979, it has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. Marymount views it as a framework that aligns with its student-centred approach. From the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the IB Diploma, the curriculum ensures deep conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and a global perspective. The MYP, which includes eight subject groups such as Language & Literature, Sciences, and Mathematics, provides a well-rounded and challenging framework for learning.
The IB Diploma Programme, offered to students in Grades 11 and 12, builds on the foundations laid by the MYP. It is a rigorous curriculum that prepares young women for university and life beyond the classroom. A 4,000-word Extended Essay, a Theory of Knowledge course, and the mandatory Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) programme hone their critical thinking skills and international mindset.
Beyond the classroom, girls embrace a fit and active lifestyle from an early age. From Middle School onwards, they can participate in Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball, Tennis, Varsity Badminton, and more. Drama, Music, and Dance are integral parts of the curriculum too, with all students studying these subjects from Grade 6 to 9. As they progress to Grade 10, students can specialise in two Arts subjects, including Visual Art, Theatre, and Music. Find out how else girls here are taught to thrive.
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) emphasises growing students into resilient, caring, compassionate and confident adults with an ethos of “To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have” underpinning everything.
The school is known globally for its consistently high-ranking academic performance with students benefiting from incredible study, boarding and leisure facilities as part of campus life. In 2024, students in The Collegiate (QE College and QE Faculty) achieved 78% A*/A at A Level with QE Faculty students also achieving 73% distinction* and Distinction grades in BTECs. In addition, Year 11s achieved 62% 7-9 (A*-A equivalent) at GCSE Level.
QE is a through school for students aged three months to 19 years (boarders from Year 3). Many students begin their QE journey in Chapter House Prep or King’s Magna Middle School. It feels more like a rural town than a school, largely due to its facilities, including a 312-seat theatre, activity centre, coffee shop, fast-food restaurant, 25-metre swimming pool, and 30 acres of elite sports pitches.
Nestled in 220 acres of beautiful countryside between the historic city of York and the pretty spa town of Harrogate, the Collegiate also benefits from a secure and central location, just 2.5 hours direct from London by train.
To safeguard students’ mental health, QE’s pastoral team runs a programme available to students 24/7, both in and out of the dedicated pastoral area. This explains why in 2023, QE was inspected by ISI, who said that “pupils feel that their opinions matter and that leaders are alert to their welfare needs, which promotes their self-esteem.”
Learn more about the multi-award winning day and boarding school or contact its Admissions team at admissions@qe.org.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International