State boarding schools: ‘The best kept secret in British education’

If you believe your child could benefit from a boarding school education but are deterred by the hefty fees associated with traditional private boarding schools, a UK state boarding school might be the solution.

What exactly is a state boarding school?

State boarding schools are government-funded institutions that provide weekly or full-time boarding. They are often attractive to families working overseas, in the Forces, diplomatic service, or international companies and have seen a rise in popularity in recent years, partly due to an increase in dual-working parent households.

Some of these schools offer full boarding, others only weekly boarding, and some provide boarding for sixth formers only. In almost all state boarding schools, day students outnumber boarders.

One father shared with The Good Schools Guide: “We all work hard during the week, and get together at weekends. It’s much less stressful than trying to oversee homework and music practice after a long day at work and travelling, and she is happy to spend weeknights at school with her friends.”

Tom Leighton, Assistant Headteacher & Director of Boarding at Steyning Grammar School (SGS), told the Express: “For many years hailed as ‘the best kept secret in education’, many families are still unaware of the existence and diversity of State Boarding schools.

“The sector offers exceptional affordability without compromising on the quality of holistic education, at a time when choice of schools is more important than ever for families.”

Founded in 1614, SGS is an over 400-year-old landmark in the historic town of Steyning, West Sussex, offering day and state boarding for pupils aged 11 to 18.

Through the years, SGS has grown into an international community within a nurturing, inclusive setting where pupils build a home away from home and lifelong friends.

Thanks to its fee model, many families from diverse backgrounds have provided their children with this experience, without feeling the financial strain typically associated with such education.

“The boarding provision has a highly positive effect upon the ethos and character of the school,” writes an Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report by the Church of England.

“Students who board are exceptionally well cared for pastorally and spiritually. Within the boarding house, there is a truly inclusive and nurturing atmosphere.”

How many state boarding schools exist in the UK?

There are approximately 30 in England, including one in the Scilly Isles, a few in Scotland and another two in Northern Ireland offering around 4,000 boarding places in total. A . 

What are the fees for state boarding schools?

State boarding schools are relatively affordable, with fees typically ranging from £12,000-£18,000 per annum, a stark contrast to private secondary schools where full boarding starts at around £40,000 per year. Parents are only billed for board and meals as tuition is funded by the government, just like all state schools.

Most students attending state boarding schools are day pupils, but many participate in after-school activities alongside boarders a concept one school described as a “boarding experience minus the bed”. Some institutions, such as Gordon’s in Surrey, impose a mandatory “day boarding” fee of several thousand pounds on all-day pupils to cover after-school activities, although bursaries are available for families with low income.

Others, like Hockerill Anglo-European, offer free day places for regular school hours attendance but levy a day boarding fee for those who wish to arrive for breakfast and stay for activities, supper and homework.

Is your child eligible to attend a state boarding school?

State boarding schools in the UK are open to British citizens and anyone with a right of residence in the country. However, since January 2021, these institutions have closed their doors to nationals from other European Economic Area (EEA) countries.

Detailed admissions criteria for applicants from the UK and abroad can be found on individual school websites. Some state boarding schools, like Oban High, exclusively operate their boarding facilities for students who must commute from nearby islands lacking secondary or 16+ schools.

Certain state boarding schools are academically selective grammar schools. Some are single-sex institutions, and most conduct interviews to ensure pupils are suitable candidates for boarding.

When choosing a state boarding school, consider the following:

Distance: How far are you willing to travel for concerts, parents’ evenings, matches, and weekend pick-ups?

Many experienced boarding school parents advise against selecting a school more than roughly 90 minutes away.

Activities: What takes place after school and on weekends?

Do the activities align with your child’s interests and abilities, whether they lie in sport, music, art, or drama?

Keswick School has seen significant sporting achievements, with students representing the nation in a variety of sports such as rugby, fell running, skiing, martial arts and karting. The girls’ rugby teams are a particular source of pride for the students.

As one young woman aptly put it: ‘Girls throw people to the ground as well, you know!”

When considering boarding, it’s important to consider the number of boarders of your child’s age and how many regularly stay at weekends. If full boarding is being considered, it’s crucial that your child doesn’t spend weekends feeling isolated with few friends or activities.

If the school is academically selective, parents should assess whether their child is likely to meet the required standards.

The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, is highly sought after, with selection based on success in the new, more rigorous 11+ exam and Buckinghamshire criteria, including the ever-changing catchment area. Boarding at 11 may be worth considering if a day place seems unlikely and the candidate has a high 11+ score.

Priority is given to forces families and boys in care… Extract from the GSG review of the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe.

Planning your visit

Start by creating a shortlist and scheduling visits. Don’t anticipate the extensive grounds and costly facilities that many independent boarding schools offer although some state schools do have these.

A touch of shabbiness isn’t a deal-breaker, but if you detect neglect, be cautious. Some state boarding schools operate traditional boarding houses on the main school campus, while others accommodate students in off-campus lodgings.

Make sure you know which type you’re considering and whether it would suit your child’s personality.

Don’t take it for granted that single en suite rooms are a necessity: many younger children especially enjoy the companionship of dormitories. The most crucial factor is the atmosphere.

Can you envision your child living here?

Does it seem welcoming?

Are the students content and eager?

And most importantly is your child excited to join?