Achieving success through a well-rounded education in the UK

The UK is home to over 500 boarding schools that aim to prepare students for a successful life by providing them with a well-rounded education. From encouraging independence to inspiring creativity and building social skills, these boarding schools do it all.

Boarding schools in the UK are known for exintercellence not only academically, but also in extra-curricular activities such as sports, arts and music. The best boarding schools enable students to try everything. Along the way, they have the space and support to try to reach their full potential and become well-rounded, positive-minded and resilient individuals.

If this is the education you envision for your child, consider the boarding schools below:

Giggleswick School has a spacious campus and state of the art facilities in academic and sports departments. Source: Giggleswick School

Giggleswick School

Recognised as one of the leading day and boarding schools in the north of England, Giggleswick School has created a space where students can develop their talents and become the best versions of themselves in a supportive environment. The Microsoft Showcase School’s campus in Settle, North Yorkshire is home to excellent facilities, a West End quality theatre, and a superb arts department, all in an extremely safe location.

Giggleswick School is a premium, traditional UK boarding school that focuses on diversity and inclusivity. Around 65 international students from 13 different countries learn in classes populated largely by locals, with expert English as an Additional Language support available, whenever needed. 

“At Giggleswick we equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to embrace the world beyond school and lead happy, fulfilling lives. Our approach to education combines excellent academic achievement, ambition and strong self-belief, creating well-rounded individuals with a lifelong desire to learn,” shares headmaster, Sam Hart.

Built on 500 years of heritage and a strong British boarding ethos, Giggleswick School offers the traditional UK curriculum and with stays from a minimum of two terms. Student are immersed into lessons based upon the UK curriculum — to great results. Eighty-five percent of senior students received an offer from a Russell Group institution.

At Giggleswick School, flexi boarding is practised. Students can choose to be a day pupil, a full boarder, 3 or 5-night flexi boarder or board occasionally according to their needs, lifestyles and budgets. To learn more, click here to go on a virtual tour around the campus.

At Shebbear College education is provided both inside and outside the classroom. Source: Shebbear College

Shebbear College

Shebbear College is more than just a school; it’s a community surrounded by rural North Devon countryside, rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, dramatic moors and historic cities. At this vibrant day and boarding school for boys and girls aged three to 18, located in a picturesque area of Devon between Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, pupils have every opportunity to enjoy the healthy fresh air as they fulfil their academic potential.

Shebbear College pupils consistently achieve excellent A-Level, BTEC and GCSE results and each year pupils go on to study at Russell Group and  Oxbridge universities. However, education isn’t limited to the classroom — it’s woven into the fabric of the school community. Pupils have the freedom to challenge themselves, take risks, and develop a wide variety of skills fit for their future, wherever that may be.

Here, thanks to its smaller size and passionate teachers, every teacher knows every child. This is where a student’s authentic interests and deep curiosity meet uniquely supportive and engaged educators. Meaningful and individualised learning follows, providing more specific and structured support, especially for students with a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.

Life at Shebbear College is busy, filled with academic ambition, athletic activities and outdoor adventure. Bonds created between students in the boarding houses and common rooms, while practising for an athletics match or arts performance, and all the little moments in between, define the Shebbear experience. “At Shebbear College, we believe in a broad, all-round education where we cultivate and foster enthusiasm and optimism in every individual,” says Head Caroline Kirby. Click here to learn more about this safe, supportive environment where pupils develop self-worth and achieve their full potential.

At Framlingham College, students explore their talents and interests in academics and extracurriculars. Source: Framlingham College Facebook

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 internships 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.

Dollar Academy offers a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities. Source: Dollar Academy Facebook

Dollar Academy

Renowned as one of the top schools in the UK, Dollar Academy aims to produce students who excel in academics, arts and athletics.

Offering a curriculum that encompasses a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities, students of Dollar Academy are provided with many opportunities to explore themselves and discover their talents. 

To ensure that students are able to make the most of their potential, the school has created a caring and secure environment on their 70-acre campus. 

Alumna Jennifer shares how the guidance she received from Dollar Academy helped her to kickstart her medical career. “Without the help and guidance of all my teachers at Dollar, I am honestly not sure if I would be as fortunate as I am today to have received an offer to study medicine. The school has provided me with excellent advice through what is the most difficult process I have faced so far.”

Home to around 1,350 students, Dollar Academy has been creating a community where students aged five to 18 can receive high-quality education inside and outside the classroom. 

Having been established in 1818, Dollar Academy is the world’s oldest co-educational day and boarding school that boasts state-of-the-art facilities

Dollar Academy follows the Scottish Curriculum that is practised in most schools in Scotland. Administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) a range of subjects in Microbiology, Astronomy, Philosophy and Italian are offered along with extracurricular activities in coding, robotics, debating, cooking and more. 

Similar to the English A-level system, the SQA is recognised by many universities across the UK and Europe. Interested in being a part of Dollar Academy’s warm and welcoming community? click here to learn more about the school.