A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST BOARDING SCHOOL

A Guide to Choosing the Best Boarding School in the UK 

Choosing a boarding school is one of the most significant educational, emotional, and financial decisions a family can make. The right school shapes a child’s academic journey, personal development, social confidence, and sense of belonging. With such a wide variety of options available, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to help families navigate that decision with clarity and confidence. 

What makes a Boarding School ‘the best’?

When thinking about what makes a boarding school “the best,” it’s important to consider the whole ethos and values of the school community. Of course, strong academic performance matters, but excellence in pastoral care, a breadth of co-curricular opportunities, and pupil wellbeing are equally vital. 

Pastoral support is the foundation of any exceptional boarding environment. The presence of dedicated Houseparents, accessible tutors, and structured daily routines ensures children feel safe, supported, and known as individuals. At Repton, pastoral care is underpinned by a vertical House structure, meaning that all ages are integrated, fostering a strong peer support system.  

Academic outcomes provide a measure of teaching quality and pupil motivation. Look at how a school supports both high-achievers and those who may need additional guidance, as well as the school’s ability to improve a pupil's performance beyond what would be expected based on their prior academic record. 

Extra-curricular breadth from sport and music to debating and drama. Extra-curricular opportunities help pupils to develop confidence, teamwork, and balance.  

Diversity and inclusion are key. Schools that welcome pupils from a wide range of backgrounds tend to foster open-mindedness, empathy, and a global outlook. 

Types of Boarding Options 
  • Full Boarding: is when pupils stay during the school week and at weekends, going home for exeats, half-term and holidays, this allows pupils the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the culture of our boarding environment. The only boarding option at Repton is full boarding.  
  • Weekly Boarding: available at Repton Prep, weekly boarding is a good stepping stone in preparation for the move to becoming a full boarder either at Repton Prep or their chosen senior school. Weekly boarders go home at the end of the school day on Saturday, returning back to school on Monday morning. 
  • Flexi Boarding: enables boarding on an ad-hoc basis. This particularly suits younger pupils who are excited by the idea of boarding and want to experience more. 
  • Day Options: Boarding schools, including Repton, also welcome day pupils, allowing children to access the same teaching and co-curricular experience with a home-based routine. 
What age is best to start boarding school? 

Children can start boarding at many different ages, typically at 7, 9, 11, 13, or 16. The right time depends on your child’s emotional readiness and your family’s circumstances. 

Why boarding remains a popular choice 

Boarding has evolved to meet the needs of today’s families. Many schools offer weekly or flexi boarding options, enabling younger children to benefit from the structure and opportunity of boarding without being away from home full-time. Modern boarding places a strong emphasis on mental health, inclusivity, and pupil wellbeing, making it a true home-from-home environment. Boarding is also beneficial for young athletes – giving them access to on-site sports facilities and coaches without compromising their academic attainment.  

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Boarding School 

Every child is different. Parents may have concerns about issues such as emotional disconnection, social integration, and maintaining close family bonds. You may want to research if your prospective school has won any awards. For example, Repton was named the ‘Happiest Boarding School’ by Muddy Stilettos in 2022. Here are some more key areas to consider: 

  • School size and atmosphere: Some children thrive in larger communities, others need smaller, more intimate settings. 
  • Age and emotional readiness: Does your child have the maturity to manage day-to-day routines independently? 
  • Location and travel: How far are you willing to travel for sports fixtures, concerts, visits or emergencies? 
  • Family values: Consider the school’s ethos. Is it academically competitive, creatively driven, traditionally structured, or holistically balanced? 
  • Support systems: Ask about EAL support, SEN provision, and how schools care for neurodiverse or international pupils. 
How Boarding Schools Support Student Wellbeing 

At Repton, as in many leading boarding schools, pastoral care is central. Each child is part of a boarding house where Houseparents, tutors, and senior pupils create a close-knit support network. 

Pupil wellbeing at Repton is underpinned by: 

  • Attentive pastoral monitoring and support  
  • Utilising systems such as Wellbeing Manager (iSAMS) and pupil-voice led, survey-driven wellbeing monitors including the use of STEER Tracking  
  • Individualised pastoral plans managed by resident Houseparents, Matrons and Tutors  
  • Onsite counselling and healthcare via the Health and Wellbeing Centre and our trained counsellors  
  • A carefully planned PSHE programme for all year groups 
Addressing Common Parental Concerns 
  • Will my child be homesick? 
    • Most new boarders experience a degree of homesickness, but keeping busy with structured days, family-like House environments, making new friends and discovering new hobbies help ease the transition. 
  • What if they struggle to make friends? 
    • Boarding schools often have diverse intakes and promote inclusivity through welcoming environments and an action-packed activity and sports programme. Induction programmes and pastoral support help new pupils make friends quickly, whilst the camaraderie fostered through the boarding houses means that each pupil is a member of their own family. 
  • Is the boarding school environment welcoming? 
    • Today’s modern boarding schools prioritise kindness, respect, and belonging. At Repton we are deeply aware of each child’s needs and our dedicated pastoral staff (most of whom live on-site) are available 24/7 to support your child. Tolerance and acceptance are promoted across all spheres to ensure that school is a safe, non-judgemental space for all pupils.  
Practical Steps for Choosing a School 
  • Visit schools in person to experience the atmosphere first-hand 
  • Ask pupils about their real experiences and speak to current families for their views 
  • Review independent inspection reports and guides  
  • Ask about food, rules, weekend activities, and boarding house life. 
  • Consider natural transition points like Year 7, Year 9, or Sixth Form where there will be other new starters.  
Finding the Right Fit 

The best boarding school is the one that aligns with your child’s personality, interests, and needs. Whether they are academic, sporty, artistic, or all three, your child should feel supported, encouraged, challenged, and cared for. 

If you’re starting your journey, we invite you to explore Repton, book a visit, and discover the opportunities that boarding can offer your family.

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