Best Boarding Schools in England

Lakeside School is an outstanding secondary boarding school for boys aged 10-16. Led by Mr Gareth Evans, the school provides a safe and nurturing environment for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, every student receives individualized attention to excel academically. The school's commitment to outstanding teaching, exceptional leadership, and effective safeguarding ensures that pupils make exceptional progress. Lakeside School offers a broad and balanced curriculum, and improvements in behavior and attendance showcase the school's dedication to student development.

Heathlands School is an outstanding all-through boarding school in St Albans. Led by Mrs Lesley Reeves Costi, the school offers exceptional teaching and a nurturing environment for students aged 3-18. With a student teacher ratio of 4:1, individual needs are prioritized. The school's commitment to excellence ensures that pupils make outstanding progress and leave with recognized qualifications. Safety and personal development are key priorities, with a culture of respect, tolerance, and inclusivity. Despite challenges in presenting progress data, Heathlands School is dedicated to providing a holistic education that prepares students for success in the future.

Limpsfield Grange School is a prestigious all-girls boarding school in Limpsfield, South East. With an outstanding reputation and an exceptional staff-to-student ratio of 7:1, the school offers a specialized education for girls aged 11-16 with communication and interaction difficulties, particularly those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The school's personalized approach to curriculum development, combined with its focus on well-being, achievement, communication, and independence, ensures each student receives a tailored education that promotes both academic and personal growth. With outstanding exam results and an overall grade of A+, Limpsfield Grange School provides an exceptional educational experience for girls with unique needs.

Hebden Green Community School is an outstanding all-through co-educational boarding school, located in Winsford, North West. With a student teacher ratio of 6:1, the school provides exceptional support and education for students aged 2-19 with a range of special educational needs. The school's exceptional leadership, outstanding academic achievements, and comprehensive support for social, emotional, and mental health make it an ideal choice for parents seeking a nurturing and inclusive environment for their children.

Valence School is an all-through co-ed boarding school located in Westerham, South East. With a student-teacher ratio of 2:1 and outstanding behaviour and attitudes, it provides a supportive learning environment for students aged 4-19. The school focuses on personal development, offering exceptional resources and facilities. Valence School has achieved a good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, with outstanding leadership and management. Although exam results are below average, the school excels in providing a safe and inclusive education for students with physical disabilities.

Bowden House School is a welcoming and secure boarding school for boys aged 9-18. With a student-teacher ratio of 2:1, our dedicated staff provide exceptional support to meet the individual, holistic needs of our pupils. We have maintained a good quality of education with a broad curriculum and strengths in art and expressive arts. Our well-behaved pupils make good progress in mathematics and writing. Our effective safeguarding arrangements ensure the safety of all students.

Holyport College is an outstanding co-ed secondary school in Bray, South East. With an impressive student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides a nurturing environment that encourages academic excellence and personal development. The exceptional leadership and management ensure the highest quality teaching and learning, resulting in outstanding outcomes for pupils. The school prioritizes the welfare of students, with an effective pastoral system and support for those with special educational needs. Holyport College prepares students well for life in modern Britain and boasts harmonious community where pupils are thoughtful and respectful. With positive feedback from parents and excellent subject knowledge displayed by teachers, the school ensures rapid progress for each student. While the resources could be improved, Holyport College effectively uses extra funds to support disadvantaged pupils. Overall, Holyport College is a top choice for parents seeking an outstanding education for their children.

Ash Field Academy is an outstanding all-through school located in Blaby District, East Midlands. Led by committed and exceptional leadership, the school prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students. With a student teacher ratio of 7:1, pupils receive high-quality education and care, making excellent progress across all key stages. The school offers a co-ed boarding option and has a dedicated sixth form. However, opportunities for external benchmarking and improving attendance for some medically affected students need to be addressed.

Gordon's School is an outstanding co-ed secondary boarding school located in West End, South East. With a strong academic focus and exceptional teaching standards, students at Gordon's achieve high results in their examinations. The school prides itself on its inclusive and caring environment, where students are encouraged to develop their personal skills and talents. With a rich history dating back to 1885, Gordon's is dedicated to providing a world-class education that prepares students for success in life.

Ripon Grammar School is an outstanding co-ed secondary boarding school in Ripon, Yorkshire. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, the school prides itself on its exceptional exam results, with 99% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs. The school offers a safe and supportive learning environment, with a student teacher ratio of 16:1 and outstanding behaviour and safety ratings. With a long-standing history dating back to the 7th century, Ripon Grammar School provides a unique educational experience for students to thrive and become excellent members of the community.

The Ashley School is a co-ed boarding school located in Lowestoft, East of England. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, it offers outstanding education with exceptional promotion of pupils' development. The school has consistently good and often outstanding teaching quality, ensuring outstanding progress for all students. While there are areas of improvement, such as providing suitable homework and rigorous website and safeguarding checks, the school maintains an overall outstanding grade.

Priory School is an outstanding all-through boarding school located in Bury St Edmunds, East of England. With a student teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides a safe and stimulating learning environment for students aged 5-19. The dedicated staff is committed to the wellbeing and progress of each student, offering tailored curriculum pathways for those with additional learning difficulties. The school has a proven track record of achieving outstanding results in inspections and provides extensive work experience programs to enhance communication and employability skills.

Keswick School is an outstanding secondary school located in Keswick, North West. With excellent leadership and management, highly knowledgeable teachers, and an outstanding sixth form, students at Keswick School make rapid progress and achieve exceptional exam results. The school prioritizes student safety and provides a nurturing environment where students feel safe and enjoy learning. Parents can trust Keswick School to deliver an outstanding education for their children.

Oak Lodge School is a secondary boarding school in Balham, London. With a student-teacher ratio of 3:1, our dedicated staff provides individualized support for students with hearing impairments and speech and language needs. Our child-centered approach combines British Sign Language, English, and Signed Supported English to cater to each student's unique learning style. Offering a range of accredited courses and enrichment programs, we focus on personal development and well-being, ensuring students receive a holistic education. Our Good Ofsted rating reflects our effective leadership and management, quality teaching, and positive outcomes for pupils.

St George's School is an outstanding secondary school located in Harpenden. With a Christian ethos and a focus on holistic education, the school provides exceptional academic opportunities for students of all abilities. Their impressive exam results, including a high proportion of students achieving good GCSE grades in English and maths, demonstrate the quality of teaching and the high expectations set by the dedicated staff. The school also boasts an outstanding sixth form, providing excellent preparation for further education. With an emphasis on student safety and behaviour, St George's School offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for students to thrive.

Archers Brook SEMH Residential School is a safe and caring learning environment located in Great Sutton, Cheshire West and Chester. With an outstanding emphasis on personal development, the school provides strong relationships between teachers, support staff, and pupils. The school offers a broad range of learning experiences and skilled support for positive behavior. However, some teaching needs improvement for challenging the most able pupils. Overall, Archers Brook SEMH Residential School provides an excellent education for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Marland School is an all-through boarding school located in Peters Marland, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, the school provides individualized attention to ensure the academic and personal progress of each student. The school focuses on understanding and responding to students' emotional and social needs, supporting them towards their employment choices. With clear leadership and good improvements since the last inspection, Marland School provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to thrive.

Chiltern Way Academy is an outstanding all-through school that provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 4-19. With skilled and dedicated staff, the school excels in meeting the needs of pupils with SEND. The school has a strong focus on personal development and offers excellent preparation for employment. Safety and safeguarding are top priorities, ensuring a secure learning environment. Chiltern Way Academy is committed to providing a consistent approach to learning and behaviour, while also promoting understanding and respect among students. With an outstanding Ofsted grade and impressive exam results, parents can trust in the quality education their children will receive at Chiltern Way Academy.

Oakfield is a secondary boarding school in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire and The Humber. With a commitment to tailored support for individual pupil needs and a strong focus on emotional well-being, Oakfield provides a safe and secure learning environment where students can thrive. The school has a clear passion for high expectations and success, offering a well-thought-out curriculum and effective teaching. With a positive and constructive relationship between teachers and pupils, Oakfield instills a sense of pride and prepares students for adulthood.

Elemore Hall School is a secondary school located in Pittington, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, it offers a nurturing and supportive environment for students aged 11-16. The school focuses on the social, emotional, and mental health needs of its students, providing effective individual support. Elemore Hall School has shown good overall effectiveness, academic progress, and personal development. However, there is room for improvement in areas such as spelling and grammar, mathematics problem-solving skills, and attendance. The school's extensive grounds offer numerous opportunities for outdoor learning and activities.