World-class boarding schools that prepare children for a successful future

For many students, boarding schools become more than just educational institutions; they become home — a second family where lifelong friendships are made and a sense of belonging flourishes. Dormitories are filled with the laughter and camaraderie of peers from various cultures and backgrounds. Here, they learn not only from textbooks but from each other, gaining invaluable insights and perspectives that shape their worldview.

With faculty and staff readily available around the clock, learning knows no bounds. Whether engaging in spirited debates in the common room, collaborating on group projects long into the night, or seeking guidance from mentors during impromptu office hours — students benefit from the fact that a boarding school experience is all about continuous learning. 

And 24/7 exposure leads to outstanding outcomes, according to a study conducted by the Arts & Science Group of Baltimore for The Association of Boarding Schools. It found that boarding school students are likelier than private and public school students to earn an advanced degree and achieve faster career advancement. These are precisely the kinds of graduates the institutions mentioned in this article are known for producing. Scattered across the globe, they have not only breathtaking campuses but also a commitment to holistic development:

On the south coast of England, you’ll find Brighton College, the most forward-thinking school in Britain (The Week Independent Schools Guide). Source: Brighton College

Brighton College

Brighton College is the “School of the Decade” in The Sunday Times’s Independent Schools Guide, the definitive survey of the top schools in the UK. It’s a big win — and one that’s deserving of “one of the hottest tickets in independent education.” It’s not every day that you find girls and boys happy, confident, at ease with themselves and each other. At the college’s award-winning campus on the south coast of England, that’s exactly what you get. Their excitement and enthusiasm about the future they see before them are obvious to all.

It’s not hard to see why. The most common grade at A-level is an A*, with 66 pupils receiving A* grades in at least three A-levels in 2023. Nearly all pupils go to the world’s most prestigious universities — as many as 26 at Oxbridge and 14 at universities in North America.

Central to this success is putting an emphasis on kindness at the heart of everything it does. Curiosity, confidence and compassion — faculty and staff devote their time to training pupils in these three critical Cs. They take pupils to visit the old, tutor the young, and join its socially responsible entrepreneurship scheme, which involves creating a business plan to raise money for causes close to their hearts.

Community is another “C” that’s important at the college. From signing on to a carbon reduction plan to driving climate action, pupils are always encouraged to remember that they’re a part of the world. The sea is within sight and the South Downs countryside is within walking distance — beautiful surroundings that are as ideal for studying as it is for reminding pupils of the importance of protecting our planet. Want your child to achieve their full potential whilst making their mark on the world? Apply to Brighton College today.

Located in Concord, New Hampshire, St. Paul’s School is home to over 500 students. Source: St. Paul’s School

St. Paul’s School

A St. Paul’s School’s education is transformative. SPS 360 — its heart — makes certain of this. SPS 360 is an approach to learning that integrates social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth into every aspect of each student’s life. “St. Paul’s develops student potential in its totality for the good of society and our world,” says Kathleen C. Giles, Fourteenth Rector.

Located in Concord, New Hampshire, SPS is home to over 500 students who come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, all looking to learn and grow together. Here, it’s not just about obtaining knowledge. The main focus is to allow students to develop the understanding and ability to apply knowledge in new and unfamiliar contexts, in and out of the classroom.

The SPS academic programme provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals along with the flexibility to pursue varied and enriching electives. Core curriculum includes mind-stimulating courses in the humanities, mathematics, sciences, languages, religion and the arts. These are intertwined with performing arts, an inclusive chapel programme, and community engagement. 

Graduate Elizabeth Esteves started the Self-love Club, aimed at promoting self-care among her fellow students. “I think it can get a little overwhelming sometimes and when students focus on their homework or their community responsibilities or their athletics, then they don’t devote any time to their own needs,” she explains. “It doesn’t have to be big things; we’re thinking goody bags with self-care products, emails with self-care tips, maybe small-group de-stressing events like meditation and yoga.”

At SPS, faculty members partner with families to ensure the right amount of independence is granted to students to achieve excellence. It’s this flexible approach, a multinational community, advanced topics and more that create independent self-starters who will one day transform the world.

The Ecole d’Humanité considers community to be of utmost importance. Source: The Ecole d’Humanité

The Ecole d’Humanité

The Ecole d’Humanité offers a uniquely progressive education in both English and German — the kind that nourishes a child’s intellectual, artistic, athletic, social and emotional development. The renowned Swiss boarding school is located in the Canton of Bern, with the breathtaking Bernese Alps as the backdrop to its pristine campus. Flower-strewn meadows and verdant woods as well as the necessary amenities — all are within arm’s reach. These are the settings for many enrichment opportunities, from hiking, biking and skiing to theatre, dance, and blacksmithing — which tie into the Ecole d’Humanité’s preparatory curriculum that boasts an extensive co-curricular programme. 

What sets the Ecole d’Humanité’s approach to learning apart is how it is not about education for education’s sake but rather about finding the meaning behind what children learn and how that can help your child pave their own way. Individual strengths shine, with your child set to succeed at the pace and area they want to focus on.

As a small, private boarding school, Ecole d’Humanité considers community to be of utmost importance. The rhythm of the school is organised to encourage this sense of belonging, with weekly family and school-wide activities and even meals together in the dining hall with family heads. This, along with the progressive education, has certainly helped many students find their stride and passion. 

Ambitious and motivated students may participate in the Advanced Placement Path Programme, which is unique amongst boarding schools in the country. It is a fully customised, goal-oriented educational plan which allows high school students to take on college-level work while still in secondary school. Adventurous students may opt for the Outdoor Programme, which will take your child through majestic vistas. As they explore stunning Swiss scenery, your child will develop a profound appreciation for the natural world and discover within themselves deep reserves of strength and grit.

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