The school is often set within its own land, and is surrounded by sports grounds and playing fields. Children may move freely around the school and grounds but must have permission to leave.



Rossall School

Within the boundaries of the school are a number of quality academic facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, computing rooms, craft centres and always an excellent library.

The school will also own, or have access to, a wide range of sporting and activity-related amenities such as a swimming pool, theatre, riding stables, music rooms and all-weather sports pitches. Some schools have made a big investment in indoor sports arenas, and employ professional sports coaches.

What is boarding like?
Typically pupils live at the school in separate residential "houses" that contain a lounge and kitchen, plus bedrooms or dormitories. Older pupils often have single or double rooms while younger ones usually share a dormitory with several beds. Each house will have senior staff members (principally the "House Parents") whose main job is to be responsible for those children in their care.

There are separate Boarding houses for boys and girls.

How old do I have to be to go to Boarding School?
Children can start life at a Boarding School at various ages:

At age 7 or 8 they can enter a Prep (Preparatory) school.

At age 11 (Year 7) or 13 (Year 9) they can enter a Senior School, and they will usually then stay on until finishing school at 18.

At age 16 (year 12) they can enter Senior School for the last two years in the 6th form. This is when they complete an International Baccalaureate or British A level programme.

It is sometimes possible to enter at age 14 (Year 10).

What will I achieve if I go to Boarding School?
Many of these schools have a very long history and tradition of excellence. The days are filled with lessons, sports, arts, drama and music, and every pupil is encouraged to take part and develop their own interests to the very best of their abilities.

Great friendships result from being at a boarding school, and a wide international contact group is often a huge advantage for both personal and professional development later in life.

Class sizes are small - often less than 10 pupils - and teachers are highly qualified and very motivated. The attention given to each child means that the academic results from British Boarding schools are usually high. This has traditionally meant access to the best universities for these pupils, and this is still the case.

How many Boarding Schools are there in Britain?
There are over 2000 boarding schools in the UK. They are all different but what they have in common is a clear focus on each child in their care. They monitor each pupil's progress on a continuous basis, and take a personal interest in their happiness and achievements at the school.

What if I have learning difficulties?
A select group of schools offer specialist 'learning support'. This will include close care for pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia and other issues such as Attention Deficiency Syndrome.

How much will going to a Boarding School cost?
School fees are typically paid in advance of each term, and there are three terms
a year. The average fee per term ranges from 5,000 in the junior school to
over8,000 in the senior school. Parents should be aware that in addition to school fees, there will be costs for uniform, sports equipment and special activities.

How hard is it to get a place at a Boarding School?
Withhelp, you will be given a shortlist of schools that have been chosen to suit your child, and who have already expressed an interest in meeting with your son or daughter. You will be invited to visit these schools in the UK. Either before or during the visit, most schools will ask that your child take some short exams. These are designed to test both the academic level and English ability. Following the visit and tests, a school will then decide whether or not to offer your child a place.

Who will look after my child during exeat ("free") weekends or half-term breaks, or when they fall ill and I cannot be with them, or they cannot return home?
If you son or daughter is coming to a British school as an international student and as parents you reside outside the UK, you are required to appoint a responsible adult to act as a Guardian. It is possible that you already have someone in the UK who can undertake the responsibilities, but if you do not, then we can help you find an approved Guardian.

A Guardian's responsibilities include:
Be a 24 hour point of contact for parents, student, school and host family.
Act with delegated parental authority in the case of an emergency or crisis.
Provide both pastoral and educational support.
Liaise with the school and parents over holiday and exeat arrangements.