Sending children abroad for studies can understandably cause concern among parents. To ensure both the safety and a conducive study environment for their children, the best option might be enrolling them in a UK boarding school. But how should parents go about choosing a UK boarding school? And how important are the rankings of these boarding schools? Cyclopes is here to introduce information regarding the age requirements and fees associated with UK boarding schools.
Source: Freepik
What is a Boarding School?
Boarding schools, which provide lodging services, are not much different from regular schools in other aspects. They offer comprehensive living facilities, ensuring a good and safe living environment for students to study in the UK independently, making them a popular choice among international students.
Boarding schools are categorized into three types: Preparatory Schools for younger students (primary to middle school), Private Schools for older students (middle to high school), and International Study Centres. Most of these boarding schools are private, with over 2,000 private schools in the UK, around 500 of which offer boarding services. [1]
Age Requirements for UK Boarding Schools
To help children adapt to the UK's education system and living environment, some parents opt to send them to study in the UK from a young age. The minimum age for attending preparatory schools is 7 to 13 years old, while for private schools and international study centres, it is 11 to 18 years old. [2]
Source: Freepik
Costs of UK Boarding Schools
The cost of UK boarding schools varies for two types of students: Boarders, who live in the school dormitories long-term, and Day Boarders, who stay in the dormitories only a few days a week.
So, how much does it cost to attend a UK boarding school? For example, at Ardingly College, the termly fee varies depending on the student's grade level and boarding status. Here's a breakdown:
Non-boarding students' fees range from £6,885 to £9,625 per term. The boarding fees at Ardingly College per term range from £3,365 to £5,112.
Boarding School vs. Homestay: Which is Better?
Living expenses constitute a significant portion of the budget for overseas studies. Therefore, parents might compare the costs between boarding schools and homestays to avoid exceeding their budget.
The cost of UK homestays is generally around £900 per month. However, if parents find homestays through agencies, they will have to pay additional agency fees and possibly annual guardianship fees for their child's safety (about £2,500, depending on the agency), making the average cost at least £4,500 per term.
At first glance, boarding schools seem more expensive than homestays. However, boarding schools provide comprehensive facilities for students, such as swimming pools, courts, squares, and libraries, all within a short walking distance from dormitories, saving commute time. Boarding at school also encourages interaction with international students from other countries. Importantly, security within the school tends to be better, with curfew times and security systems in place to ensure students' safety.
Source: Freepik
Is the Ranking of UK Boarding Schools That Important?
Many parents consider school rankings as a reference point. However, the rankings of UK boarding schools are primarily based on academic performance, which does have its value. Yet, these rankings may not fully reflect the school's educational philosophy, quality of teaching, and other aspects, nor whether the school is the right fit for your child. Therefore, when choosing a boarding school, parents should consider various factors such as the school's educational philosophy and student welfare before making a decision.
Your Overseas Study Consultant
Beyond the rankings of UK boarding schools, parents should pay attention to the costs and ensure their children are enrolled at an appropriate age. For parents planning to send their children to study in the UK, feel free to contact Cyclopes for more information on UK studies. We can share insights and tips on UK studies, making your child's study plan more comprehensive.
Reference：
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies/ways-learning/boarding-schools
https://www.gettherightschool.co.uk/what-preparatory-school.htm