4 UK boarding schools preparing students for university and beyond

Looking for a school that will equip children with the skills and knowledge for life beyond school? Look no further, British boarding schools are the answer. After all, when it comes to entrusting professionals to care for your child — experience matters. 

Many British boarding schools have been around for centuries and so have their teaching approaches. However, they stay renowned for their progressiveness and emphasis on nurturing 21st century competencies. They work tirelessly to ensure every learner on their campus develops core values that will serve them well in university life and beyond — an even mix of academic and extracurricular excellence guarantees this, which is why a UK education is accepted all over the world.

Beyond solid academic performance, UK boarding school students excel outside the classroom — be it through racking up sporting accolades or bettering lives through community service. Simply put, the experiences provided make up a notably complete package. 

For a well-rounded education that ensures university success, choose one of these schools:

Box Hill School nurtures students through education and guidance. Source: Box Hill School

Box Hill School

Box Hill School is holistic in every sense of the word. A founder member of ‘Round Square’, a worldwide association of schools on a mission to prepare students for life, this institution was built to do the same from London Road, Mickleham. Its mission is to promote international understanding, democracy, care for the world around us, a sense of adventure, and the qualities of leadership and service. 

The result? High achievers with stellar academic results to display on university applications. Box Hill School offers two routes that lead to these outcomes: The A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Both were selected to give students a fair chance to opt for a more specialised learning journey or alternatively, one that is more exploratory. The IB is a better choice for those who have yet to pinpoint a specific aspiration worth pursuing. However, both are academically rigorous and well-respected by prestigious universities within the UK and beyond — most of which welcome Box Hill School students with open arms. 

Preparing to excel in either route takes grit, which is usually developed when students in Years 10 and 11 take on nine (I)GCSEs — three of which cover the basics of English, Mathematics and Science. International students are required to undergo English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons and are provided additional support throughout.

Of course, there’s plenty of room for fun too. The School’s expansive lineup of co-curricular offerings is a testament to its commitment to producing well-rounded graduates. As members of the Box Hill School community, students are free to join clubs focused on reading, coding, playing chess, or producing podcasts. Creatives are welcome to advance their talents through lessons in art, fashion and textiles, jazz, production, or even zen colouring. Of course, athletic interests are catered to as well. Boarding life takes things up a notch with 24/7 access to enrichment — even on weekends. Learn more here. 

At Framlingham College, students know how to work hard, but they also know how to play hard. Source: Framlingham College

Framlingham College

Dubbed a “vibrant boarding and day school”, Framlingham College is home to high-achieving students like Veronica, who scored a whopping 100% in EPQ and four predicted A*s for A Levels. 

At Framlingham, she had the opportunity to dive deep into the subjects that she is most passionate about: Mathematics and Physics. The Slovakian native was also given the chance to excel in other ways from playing the piano to hiking, skiing, and completing the Rubik’s Cube. After graduating from Framlingham, the former Pembroke House boarder received several internship offers — no easy feat even for a fresh university graduate.

Life at Framlingham College has been described by its students as “varied, collaborative, interesting, busy, supportive, fun, inspiring, and challenging”. The college has a track record of producing stellar graduates because of its well thought out curriculum. For example, Sixth Formers are required to catch up on work in their respective boarding houses or the school’s Sixth Form Centre when they have “study periods”. Some use this chance to run through topics they need more clarification on with fellow teachers.

Pupils flourish at Framlingham College because of its holistic approach to how subjects are taught. Learn more about how the school develops each child with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive as global citizens in their adult world here.

FC is where pupils get to grow up in a community that treats each other like family. Source: Fettes College

Fettes College

Situated in Edinburgh, Scotland, Fettes College (FC) is located in a prime location with the best of city and rural life. Students here get to learn in what architectural experts agree is undeniably one of Scotland’s greatest buildings too. 

More than just a building with a grandiose design, FC is where pupils get to grow up in a community that treats each other like family. That does not mean diversity and individuality are not welcome — both are, and embraced with open arms.

New pupils can expect exceptional teaching, a quality of education that goes above and beyond accomplishing impressive academic results at GCSE, A Levels and IB. 

Head of FC Helen Harrison says, “We offer each of our students the opportunity to make the most of their talents and gain a wealth of new experiences in a happy, encouraging environment. We maximise their potential by affording them all the opportunities that a boarding education can offer whilst ensuring the highest levels of care.”

Like most boarding schools in the UK, Fettes has implemented a strict Health and Safety policy in response to the pandemic. Parents can be assured that the pastoral care and overall safeguarding of each and every student is taken very seriously here. FC is a signatory of the BSA Covid-Safe Charter, as well as another charter to adhere to guidance from the Scottish government. To enquire more on their admissions and set up a visit, contact them here.

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

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.”

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, a Business Foundation course for international students, 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. 

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