There are countless options when it comes to British boarding schools. Choosing the best fit for your child might seem overwhelming at first, and you might not have a clue where to start. The Veda Group specializes in school placement, with a 100% success rate at getting children and teens into their first choice nurseries, prep schools and senior schools across the globe, including Britain’s most prestigious and competitive boarding schools.

When selecting a boarding school, it is imperative to remember that the best school for your child is not necessarily the most academic. There are many other factors that contribute to finding the perfect fit and making sure it’s the best place for your child. You may not know what school is right for your child or how the admissions process works. These are some of the most important areas of consideration while picking a boarding school.

Single-Sex or Co-Educational?

The first decision to make is whether your child should attend a single-sex school or a co-educational school. Research shows that neither option is better than the other, and results differ from child to child. Some believe that single-sex schools minimize potential distractions from the opposite sex. On the other hand, co-educational schools are said to better socialize students and prepare them for university and beyond. Since neither option shows an increase in grades, this decision should be based on the needs of your specific child.

What Age Do I Want Them To Start Boarding?

Similar to choosing between single-sex or co-ed, the age you choose to board your child depends on their needs and your lifestyle. For instance, if you have a hectic schedule and cannot spend as much quality time with your child as desired, it may benefit their well-being to begin boarding at a preparatory school as early as 7 to 8 years old. In general, prep schools are traditionally family-oriented and include many games and activities for the evenings and weekends.

Year 7 (age 11+) or Year 9 (age 13+) are the average entry points for students to begin boarding school. From ages 11 through 13, students begin boarding at senior schools. Typically, senior schools are larger with an emphasis on self-discipline from the students.

How Many Pupils Are Full Boarders?

If you are considering schools that are a great distance from the child’s home, you should factor in the number of pupils who are full boards. Full boarders are students who stay at the school most weekends, which are often complete with studying, outings, and other activities. Other students might be weekly boarders, who stay at the school during the week and go home on the weekends. If your child is planning on full boarding, then they may be more comfortable at a school with many full boarders and a full activities program for them. If there are few full boarders, it could become quiet and lonely on the weekends.

Cost

As with any important decision, it is a good idea to have an understanding of your budget and the amount you’re willing to pay before school hunting. Fees for boarding schools can vary for each institution. Remember to factor in additional fees other than tuition, such as uniforms, trips and outings, course books, sports gear, and other miscellaneous costs.

Location and Environment

The location and environment of the school are also relevant considerations for selecting a boarding school. If the school is located further from home, it is important to consider transportation options for your child and the family. If there are train stations and airports nearby, then you won’t have to worry about the commute to drop off and collect your child each term.

Aside from transportation, the environment of the school can have a great impact on your child’s experience. You might want to consider a school near any family that lives in the UK so that they may have family nearby to rely on. A new environment that differs from the home environment could also affect your child’s time at school. For example, if you live in a more urban setting, then a rural setting could benefit your child by providing more space to play and explore. If your child wants to experience a different pace of life, this is something you could consider while searching for the right school.

Extracurriculars

Before choosing a school, think about the passions and talents your child might be interested in pursuing. Talents and strengths vary from school to school, so it is beneficial to know if the school has a strong program in your child’s area of interest. It is best to find a school that specializes in an area that aligns with your child’s interests, whether that be music, art, sports, or drama. Most schools will offer debating societies, musical productions, and sports teams.

Security and Standard of Living

When sending your child away, you will want to know that they are in the best hands possible. To keep your mind at ease, you should research each school’s security measures, standard or pastoral care, and standard of living quarters. To evaluate the schools’ standard of living, remember that most good boarding schools will belong to the Independent Schools Council and the Boarding Schools’ Association. ISC-member schools are subject to an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which evaluates several areas, including academic standards, the quality of learning, the behaviour of pupils, extracurricular activities, and other important resources.

School Traditions & Values

You will want to select a school that aligns with your family’s values and traditions. Boarding schools fall on a spectrum of tradition, with some conforming to extremely traditional values and others being more progressive. In a more traditional setting, students may wear uniforms, learn Latin, attend worship, and be called strictly by their surnames. In others, students might not be required to wear a uniform, may choose not to attend worship, and may call staff members by their first name. Of course, there are many schools that fall in between these two extremes. In the end, you want to make sure you agree with the school’s values before sending your child there.

Choosing between the plethora of options can be an overwhelming task. Due to the overwhelming amount of contributing factors and schooling options, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional to assist with your child’s school placement. Luckily, The Veda Group has trusted private education specialists who demand the very best for your children. With a 100% success rate at getting children and teens into their first choice school, we are here to help you find the best fit for your child. For more information, please visit https://www.thevedagroup.com/.