Success Starts Here
Top three reasons Nigerian families choose top UK boarding and day schools
Investing in your child’s education is the greatest gift that you can give to them. And while the financial commitment is getting greater, the future workplace is becoming more competitive too.
For the past sixteen years I have been helping parents choose the right school for their daughters and sons. They remain popular, despite the challenges of the economic tailwinds because:
• Academic advancement – UK boarding schools offer a world-class curriculum, top-tier teachers, and cutting-edge facilities, ensuring students gain a competitive academic edge for future success.
• Cultural connections – Exposure to a diverse, international community fosters cultural awareness, broadens perspectives, and equips students with the social skills needed for global citizenship.
• Holistic health – The schools in this magazine emphasise not just academics, but also personal growth through co-curricular activities, elite sports, leadership programmes, and character-building experiences.
Sowing the seeds of an outstanding education at one of the schools taking part in UK Boarding Schools Week will reap a rich harvest in their lives and set them up for success.
Mark Brooks MBA Director
Mark Brooks Education
Mark & Tracey Brooks
Cardiff Sixth Form College
Trinity Court, 21-27 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0AA
Cardiff Sixth Form College has been the top academic school in the UK over the past 12 years. In 2024, 91% of all students gained A*-A grades and 97% A*-B. 83% to the QS top 100. Also Cardiff Sixth Form College has been the top academic school in the UK over the past thirteen years.
Key subject choices included medicine, engineering, law, natural sciences, computer science, architecture, business and economics. A full super-curricular programme of careers, work placement, skills development, online courses, critical thinking and research projects supplements the excellent academic programme.
A year-long, one-to-one university preparation programme helps students navigate the UCAS system, provides
interview and personal statement guidance and tutoring for top university admissions tests. There is also a full range of extra-curricular sport, music, art and drama and a wide range of clubs and activities.
The college has two campuses in Cardiff and Cambridge and offers GCSE and A Levels. All students have single, ensuite bedrooms and there is excellent pastoral support.
Cheltenham College
Bath Rd, Cheltenham, GL53 7LD
Located in the heart of Regency Cheltenham Spa with beautiful grounds, Cheltenham College is a leading coeducational independent school for boarding and day pupils aged 13–18. Independent Schools Inspectorate Inspection (ISI) 2023 found Cheltenham College excellent in all areas.
Pupils benefit from a dedicated Higher Education and Careers Department during their time at Cheltenham. In 2023, 69% of pupils secured a place at Russell Group universities and all six candidates for Oxford and Cambridge met their offers. The 11 Houses, nine Boarding and two Day, are at the heart of College life and House structure, school life and routines have been developed so that all pupils can play a full part in life at Cheltenham.
Combining a strong academic record with a considerable reputation for sport, drama, music and outward- bound activities, “The school wholeheartedly fulfils its aim to equip pupils to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives by providing an excellent all-round education” (ISI, 2023).
Cheltenham College was recently recognised as Independent Boarding School of the Year by Independent School Parent and published in ‘The Guide to Independent Schools’ Autumn 2022.
Culford School
Culford, Bury St Edmunds, IP28 6TX
Set in 480 acres of beautiful Suffolk parkland, Culford School is located near Bury St Edmunds, 30 minutes from Cambridge and 2 hours from London’s international airports.
Combining the warmth and individual attention of a small community with the wider educational opportunities of a larger school, Culford offers exceptional academic, sporting and extra-curricular facilities.
Individual performance programmes in Tennis, Golf and Football seamlessly integrate sport with academic study, and our vibrant Dance, Music and Visual Arts programmes encourage pupils to discover and develop their artistic creativity.
In addition, an exciting partnership with the premiership London football team Tottenham Hotspur will launch in September 2025.
Each year, sixth form pupils progress to top Russell Group, Oxbridge and American universities.
Downside School
Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, BA3 4RJ
Founded in 1606, Downside School is a leading, full boarding, forward-thinking co-educational school based 25 minutes from the City of Bath. Set in 500 acres of beautiful English countryside, Downside has extensive facilities including an indoor pool, a Performing Arts Centre, wideranging sports facilities and a 24/7 Health and Wellbeing Centre.
All pupils benefit from the boarding ethos of the School in terms of friendships, independence and developing life skills.
We are uncompromising in our pursuit of academic excellence, and the vast majority of our Sixth Formers gain a place at their first-choice university.
Our co-curricular and weekend programme is excellent and includes over
70 options including sailing, debating, caving, musical theatre, CCF, mountain biking, mixed media, shooting, bands, choirs and even knit & natter – truly something for everyone.
At the heart of School is our pastoral care – every pupil is an important and valued part of our supportive community.
At Downside we are doing things differently.
Kingswood School
Kingswood School, Lansdown Road, Bath, BA1 5RG
Kingswood School is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school set in 120 acres of beautiful grounds in Bath. Kingswood offers an ideal mix of a rural setting with one of the UK’s most beautiful cities on our doorstep, offering easy access to transport links for international and expatriate families.
Rated as “Excellent” in every aspect of our most recent ISI Inspection Report, Kingswood offers a broad and balanced curriculum supported by outstanding pastoral care, allowing every pupil to find and ignite their potential.
Boarding is at the heart of the School and includes bespoke and extensive facilities. Our days, both during the week and at weekends, are busy with over 100 co-curricular activities, and weekends
are filled with extensive sports, trips and activities.
Pupils leave us as confident, compassionate and enthusiastic young people, ready to lead meaningful lives in whatever field they choose to follow. Current pupils, families and our alumni speak of the warm, welcoming and inclusive community that Kingswood offers. We would be delighted to share this with you during a visit.
Lancing College
College, Lancing, BN15 0RW
Embark on an extraordinary educational journey at Lancing College. Located near the vibrant city of Brighton, sitting on 550 acres within the South Downs National Park, our prestigious institution is conveniently situated less than 2 hours from London’s international airports.
Immerse your child in a nurturing environment that cultivates leadership, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Our esteemed faculty, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse international student body, provides the ideal setting for intellectual, cultural, and social growth.
Beyond the classroom, our extensive range of co-curricular activities fosters character building, critical thinking, and a passion for knowledge. From sports
Lancing College
programs to the arts, music, and drama, we offer a well-rounded education that equips students for success on the global stage.
Join the Lancing College family and unlock a world of boundless opportunities. Empower your child to soar to new heights and forge lifelong connections in a nurturing and supportive environment.
LVS Ascot
LVS Ascot, a co-ed day and boarding school for pupils aged 4-19yrs is a home from home set in 26 acres of beautiful parkland, 20 minutes from London Heathrow.
LVS Ascot prides itself on academic excellence, outstanding wellbeing provision and a vibrant co-curricular programme to ensure all our international pupils experience a first -class British education before embarking on university undergraduate programmes. We also offer the NCUK qualification for international students.
In 2024, HRH The King was announced as the new patron of LVS Ascot, following on from the patronage of his late mother HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
Recently the school has been shortlisted for two Tes Schools Awards, one of which was the Best Use of Technology. It has also been awarded the status of a Microsoft Showcase School for two years running.
We inspire independence and exceed expectations making us #ProudToBeLVSAscot #LVSAscotAdvantage
London Road, Berkshire, Winkfield Row, Ascot, SL5 8DR
Mount Kelly
Parkwood Road, Tavistock, PL19 0HZ
Mount Kelly delivers a values-led, life-defining educational experience.
If you like the outdoors, have a sense of adventure and are keen to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way then Mount Kelly is the school for you.
Visit our website to find out about our performance swimming programme, girls’ football academy (in association with Chelsea FC) and our award winning chamber choir.
Our spectacular location means that we are well known for our strong commitment to co-curricular activities and we encourage all pupils to take part whether it be camping out on the moor, paddling a canoe or riding the waves on a surf board.
We call it the ‘Mount Kelly Spirit’ an attitude to life that develops here, one that allows pupils to really experience the life-defining educational experience that we promise.
With a high standard of academic schooling and a proven track record in public examination results, over 85% of our pupils gain places at their top choices of universities.
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Thorpe Underwood, York, YO26 9SS
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate comprises four schools, each with its own unique qualities, whilst sharing a common purpose of providing students with a first-class education.
Academic standards are exceptionally high across the Collegiate leading to outstanding results. The flexible curriculum, innovative and dynamic teaching, excellent facilities and professional staff ensure all students have the maximum chance of success in their studies. Offering an extensive co-curricular programme of over 100 clubs, students can get involved in a vast array of activities enabling them to widen their experience and gain both skills and confidence.
Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, Queen Ethelburga’s has provided students with a vibrant and supportive school community since 1912. The Collegiate is close to the attractive and historic city of York in the North of England and just 2 hours by train from London providing a safe and secure environment in which students can both live and study. The aim for our student community is that QE ‘feels like home’.
Roedean
Roedean Way, Brighton, BN2 5RQ
Roedean is a world-renowned girls’ senior school located on the South Coast of Brighton, UK.
Positioned in a breathtaking setting with sea views and a charming farm, Roedean offers day and boarding options for girls aged 11 to 18. Beyond traditional academics, Roedean is committed to holistic education, fostering talents, and sparking curiosity.
Our students not only excel academically but are also encouraged to explore their passions and embrace new challenges beyond the classroom.
Just 30 minutes from Gatwick and an hour from London, Roedean is easily accessible. We take pride in our exceptional pastoral care system, ensuring the well-being of every student.
Combined with outstanding academic results, a diverse sports offering, and vibrant visual and performing arts programmes, Roedean provides an environment where students thrive academically, culturally, and socially.
Our school offers a truly holistic education in a caring community, nurturing independent, resilient, happy, and creative young women.
TASIS England
Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, TW20 8TE
TASIS England is a leading international day and boarding school for students aged 3 to 18. Situated on a beautiful 46 acre campus just 15 minutes by car from London Heathrow Airport and only 30 minutes by train from central London, the School is in a perfect location.
Our student body is truly diverse with students from 80 different nationalities, and we offer the American curriculum, the IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, all of which are internationally recognised and highly respected.
We have small class sizes, personalised schedules and a first-class pastoral care and well-being provision.
Our facilities are state-of-the-art, and our students enjoy a wide variety of co and extracurricular activities.
We have a dedicated University and College Counselling team and each year our students achieve excellent academic results and enter top universities throughout the world, including Ivy League in the US and Russell Group in the UK.
Truro High School for Girls
Falmouth Rd, Truro, TR1 2HU
In terms of the words, please keep the first three paragraphs of our entry the same but replace the last two paragraphs (the right hand column) with:
In 2024, almost 25% of all A level students hold top offers to study medicine and dentistry as a result of following the school’s bespoke programme for aspiring medics.
Other students will be heading to universities from Oxford and Durham to Bath and Exeter to study subjects ranging from Economics to Law, Aeronautical Engineering to Acting, Liberal Arts to Civil Engineering.
Truro High School is graded “Excellent in all areas” by ISI and, in May 2024, was awarded “World Class School” status by High Performance Learning.
It is also one of Fortune Magazine’s Top Boarding Schools in the World.
Wellington School
Wellington School’s ethos is built on three core pillars; the Pursuit of Excellence, Love of Learning and Building Outstanding Relationships. Our fabulous co-educational day and boarding school has an outstanding co-curricular offering, with excellent music, sporting and drama opportunities as well as a sound academic record and excellent teaching,
We are a community of learners, who will become the leaders of the future. Shortlisted for the TES Independent School of the Year and Winner of BSA Community Award, there is a strong sense of community across the School and we hold dear values such as kindness, inclusivity, equality and empathy. From our relationships flow a strong sense of belonging, and we want children of all ages to feel known, valued and understood.
We believe that children who feel safe and secure at school will feel empowered to excel, to be the best they can be. Supportive staff encourage students to aim high and to work hard as they strive for their goals. Wellington School is situated in a small, safe town surrounded by glorious countryside, so we are able to encourage a strong sense of independence in our students and is proud to have 37 different nationalities and a long and illustrious tradition of students from West Africa.
South Street, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 8NT
Windlesham House School
Washington, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 4AY
Windlesham House is a distinctive school where tradition meets innovation, providing opportunities for children to be creative, courageous, successful and happy.
Focusing on the wellbeing of every child, each benefits from a first class and distinctive education full of exciting opportunities and experience in the glorious South Downs; the grounds are alive with children climbing trees, playing golf, building dens, playing golf and collecting chicken eggs.
Our outstanding programmes, including world languages and sports academies, have earned us recognition across all aspects of the education we offer and provide exciting opportunities for girls and boys aged 4 - 13. Recently a parent told us that “Windlesham House is world class. There is no place like your school, I have loved watching my child blossom.”
Windlesham House is a full boarding, weekly boarding, flexi boarding and day prep school for boys and girls.
Making the move “stress-free and seamless”
For families relocating to the UK, one of the biggest challenges they face is the packing and transport of their belongings and setting up their new home.
A specialist service developed by Charlotte Hepworth, founder of Bespoke Home Moves, manages the move from start to finish.
She is even asked to provide concierge and lifestyle services long after the move is complete.
“We offer a turnkey solution for our clients when they are looking to move or relocate,” she says. “So that they can continue to concentrate on the things that matter to them most in their personal and professional life.”
“Our service is tailored to each client’s needs so we can support them with as little or as much of the process as they wish,” Charlotte explains.
“This means that we can project manage the entire process. We can carry out decluttering and staging, engage a removal firm, install AV and security through to making the beds and putting food in the fridge.”
So the answer to a smooth move is to call in the experts –ch@bespokehomemoves.co.uk
WITH A SECOND RESIDENCE OR CITIZENSHIP
THE ULTIMATE PLAN B
• Diversification of assets
• Enhanced mobility and lifestyle
• Business expansion and trade benefits
• Generational planning and legacy protection
• Access to global investment opportunities
• Ability to live, work or retire in the European Union
• Gift your family access to world-class education and health
RIF
10+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
10+ GLOBAL OFFICES
6,500+ SUCCESSFUL CLIENTS
Fragomen “holds your hand”
Recently we interviewed Jonathan Hill, who manages the education practice for Fragomen, a global immigration law firm with a presence in the UK.
“Helping families and helping children come to the UK to receive education in the UK,” said Jonathan when I asked him what he most enjoys about his job.
He explains “it’s really about seeing the family throughout the process and being able to offer a level of comfort to the family whilst obtaining the visa.” It can be “quite a daunting process.”
Fragomen’s role is to offer a dedicated consultancy to families to help with the processing of the visa application.
This service, says Jonathan includes a document check “to ensure all documents meet the UKVI requirements but also to provide a hand holding service to the family to avoid any complexities and ensure a smooth process throughout.”
“Should there be any delay or complexities we are able to reach out to the UKVI, the UK authorities to help with the process.”
With this level of service on offer, no wonder schools and parents are now using Fragomen to “hold their hand” in the student visa process.
Photo: Harrogate Ladies College