Introduction

A boarding education represents a very large investment. Not only will it cost a great deal – boarding fees at independent schools averaged around £6,700 per term in January 2007 (ISC Census) – but you are investing in a unique route to your child’s future.

It is vital, therefore, that you ensure that your child will thrive in the school you choose. Bear in mind what your child likes and how they work. Will they cope both academically and socially? Trust your own instincts but listen to any specific concerns your child has. When you visit, spend time talking to the staff: the atmosphere and ethos of a school will have an enormous impact on the quality of learning. Money can easily buy buildings and facilities, but the commitment, dedication and support which staff show your child cannot be bought.

Nevertheless, a comfortable environment will be a high priority. Schools have invested heavily in this area. The average spent by schools on new or refurbished boarding accommodation stood at £1,250 per boarding pupil in 2006, so the focus in boarding schools now is firmly on their intention to be a home from home, with all the associated creature comforts.

Your child will be exposed to a wealth of extracurricular and academic opportunities on offer, greatly enhancing his or her life experiences. But you are also likely to find that a boarding education will complement your family life. In the majority of cases, boarding represents excellent value for money, especially when both parents are professionals potentially spending a large amount of money on childcare.

Surveys have consistently shown that the majority of boarding students have in fact chosen the boarding option themselves. So the process of selecting a school is likely to be tackled with enthusiasm by parents and children alike. Despite this, the wealth of schools on offer can make the process daunting, especially for those new to the boarding experience.

This guide provides you with information on many of the excellent schools aiming to offer much more than academic excellence. The articles in the editorial front will provide you with information and viewpoints on various aspects of a boarding education; from fees and first impressions through to pastoral care and university preparation.

With the help of this guide, we hope that you will find a boarding school that will develop your child into a happy, independent, self-confident and fulfilled young adult. What more could any parent wish for?

Great Glemham, May 2007

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