UK Boarding Schools Week Magazine - Autumn 2023 - Issue 2

The boarding schools magazine you can read… or watch!

Photo: Bromsgrove School

What is a guardian?

All good boarding schools in the UK require their international students to have a guardian. A guardian represents a student’s parents by caring for the child independently of the school or college, doing everything that a parent would do if they were in the UK. Help with travel to and from the school, checking that the child is happy and settled, talking to teachers and house staff, going to the school parents’ meetings, sports matches or plays, offering a happy and safe home if the child has to leave school for any reason: the guardian is there to help that individual child just like a caring parent.

Friends or relatives living in the UK may not always be immediately available in emergency situations or they may not be able to fulfil the responsibility continually.

Regent Guardians understands how independent schools operate. We have good working relationships with school staff so we can ensure that your child is happy, progressing academically, and getting the best possible educational experience.

We are well placed to resolve any issues that may arise between your child and the school. We also understand and can help with any visa requirements. By spending time getting to know your child, meeting up with them regularly and maintaining contact with them, we respond quickly and effectively to their needs as well as to your requests and those of the school.

I have friends and relatives in the UK who could be the guardian – why do I need your service?

British boarding schools are GREAT

This week, thanks to the wonders of Zoom, I was able to present to 43 students gathered at their school in sunny Lagos, from our damp campsite in Normandy, about the many benefits of a UK boarding school education for Sixth Form.

Their principal thanked me for a “really informative and much appreciated” presentation which began with the assertion that an education in Great Britain provides “great tutors, great insights, and a great inspiration.”

Not only that, “co-curricular excellence with space and resources” provide “unrivalled opportunities” for sport, creativity and outdoor pursuits from sailing to surfing, rugby to rock climbing, from football to cadet force.

I concluded that whatever the choice of subject post 16+, from traditional to creative, or style of course such as exambased A Levels or IB, to the practical Btec or Foundation, a UK education offers a “stepping stone onto world class universities” and a “can-do attitude” for life.

I hope you enjoy reading our second issue of UK Boarding Schools Week magazine, and I am sure we can help you to discover the right school for you.

Also do contact our advertisers about guardianship, relocation, immigration, wealth management and health services.

Mark and Tracey at a Reception held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s Residence in May, co-sponsored by Mark Brooks Edication.

Mark Brooks

It was impressive to chat to some students at ACS Cobham from Nigeria recently about their experiences.

“I would say it is a place of variety,” said one girl.

She added: “If you are looking to develop yourself as an individual and really branch out in terms of community, internationalism and curricular opportunities, ACS is definitely a place where you can gain access to a really wide range of skills.”

Commenting on the academic side of the school, another student explained: “It’s really nice and diverse.  You not only have the IB diploma you have the AP courses and there is also an AP diploma.”

“So, it really gives you the opportunity to personalise your education in whichever direction you want to take it.”

Another student concludes that the school is a “close-knit family.”  The house parents “offer support in different areas. We are always surrounded by people we like and know.”

ACS Cobham “develops you as an individual.”

An interview with Ugo Arinzeh

Recently I interviewed Ugo Arinzeh, from Onyx Property Team, a London based, tailor-made property consultancy which has a speciality in helping families relocating from West Africa.

She explained: “We specialise in working with international buyers and people relocating into the London property market. We can help parents navigate the issue of where to live, what is important to them and what is representative of their needs.”

Ugo finds that often when clients are going it alone with estate agents, they have no one to represent them.

Ugo added: “Our clients are our primary focus.”

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.

Fragomen “holds your hand”

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN IMMIGRATION

At Fragomen, we understand the daunting prospect of applying for a UK Child Student visa and are here to help. Our dedicated Education Practice established 15 years ago has experts on hand every step of the way.

We provide premium support with UK Child Student visas to ensure the process is smooth and seamless.

We assist with the gathering of supporting documentation for UK Child Student visa applications to meet the UK Government requirements.

We can liaise directly with the relevant UK School (with family consent) so that your child secures the sponsorship required.

We prepare and submit the UK Child Student visa application and provide extensive representations from Fragomen to support it.

As part of our premium service, we can also liaise with the UK Government regarding UK Child Student visa applications (where necessary).

Contact: studentenquiries@fragomen.com

Boutique investment management services

A few weeks ago, I interviewed my good friend Mo Baluchi of Standard Bank/ Melville Douglas, who works on the sunny island of Jersey.

He explained that “Melville Douglas provide boutique investment management services for High Net Worth Individuals, charities, intermediaries such as trusts and corporate service providers for a wide range of clients.”

These clients are based within Africa, outside of Africa, and globally.

People make contact with Melville Douglas for a number of different reasons says Mo.

“We have a very highly experienced and qualified team who have been with the business for many years.”

He adds: “We also have very strong performance both short and long-term performance has been strong for quite a number of years.”

“We are also experts and dealing with multi-currency portfolios so not just sterling but also dollar portfolios and euro portfolios,” he concludes.

Mo works mainly building networks, enhancing existing relationships and managing relationships for the firm.  He can be contacted at Mo.Baluchi@standardbank.com

UK

A former Head of a leading boys’ school in Durban says that UK boarding schools provide “incredible connections” and are an “aspiration” for many parents in South Africa.

Elwyn van den Aardweg, explained this in a recent live virtual “chatshow” for parents in South Africa organised by Genius Premium Tuition and Mark Brooks Education.

Even though schools in South Africa follow the Southern Hemisphere academic year, Bronwyn Britz says that Genius Premium Tuition provide solutions to ensure that each student moving to the UK “is aligned with the UK curriculum”.

“We put together an individualised programme to determine the way forward and make the transition as smooth as possible,” she adds.

Lindi Smit, who leads the admissions department at LVS Ascot, says that parents from the country who join her school do so for the “educational balance – placing the same emphasis on the co-curricular as academia.”

Addressing the question of when to join she says: “We take in-year transfers all the way through. Children tend to fit in very easily. The sooner a child gets in and integrates the better”.

How do you differentiate one good school from another?  Dave Watkin, Assistant Head at Culford School makes the point that “values are critical because they make a school distinctive.  Many schools offer great facilities, teaching, pastoral care, and a wealth of opportunities.  But values really shine through”.

Eugene du Toit, originally from South Africa who leads Wellington School in

boarding education “is an aspiration for South African parents”

Somerset agrees. “Independent schools in the UK place the same emphasis on character development; on personal attributes – a values-based education that sits alongside academic endeavour.”

Sometimes families from South Africa are looking for a day school.

“We have as many families living close by as those who have a son or daughter boarding with us,” says Sarah Travis from TASIS England.

The international dimension in the UK is also a draw.  “We have an international society with social events which help with immersion into the new culture” says Vanessa Bowles from Mount Kelly.

Matt Turner from Rossall adds that “we have 67 nationalities” creating a “mix of friendships that can last a lifetime”.

Matt Hird from David Game College enthuses “a crucial part of what we do is preparing students for good destination universities.”

He says that college counsellors “go through a series of interviews with each student, take them to open days at universities, and help them to understand which university is the best fit for their chosen subject”.

The visa process is straightforward too.  “We offer advice on which type of visa, help with visa applications – ensuring requirements are met,” reassures Dirk van Niekerk, from Breytenbachs.

South Africa ties: Mark and Tracey Brooks, Christine Cunniffe (LVS Ascot) and Matt Turner (Rossall School) meeting the British High Commission in Johannesburg

Abbey College Cambridge

Abbey College Cambridge, Homerton Gardens, Cambridge, CB2 8EB

Abbey College Cambridge is a Boarding School located in the historic university city of Cambridge. It offers GCSE, A Level and International Foundation for students aged 13 to 21 years.

There is a strong focus on students’ academic achievement, personal development, and university progression. In recent years around 65% of A Level students have progressed to Russell Group universities, and around 30% joined top-5 ranked universities. Nearly half of the college’s Foundation students moved on to Russell Group institutions.

The college offers weekly university preparation sessions, and gives additional support for students applying to Oxbridge and G5 universities, and to Medicine. During term-time there

are also nightly academic lectures and workshops for students to attend as part of its ‘Abbey Inspires’ Programme.

Away from academics, the college offers more than 50 weekly extra-curricular clubs, as well as regular college-led activities and trips at weekends. Most students live in college boarding in single rooms with ensuite bathrooms and fullboard meals on offer.

Badminton School

Westbury Road, Bristol BS9 3BA

Badminton is a thriving independent day and boarding school for girls aged 4-18, which has remained at the forefront of girls’ education for well over 160 years.

The size of the campus and community gives a homely and vibrant feel to the School. This, coupled with our excellent pastoral care, leaves no scope for anonymity, but rather lends itself to strong mutually supportive relationships between girls as well as between girls and staff.

Whilst the school retains a nationally outstanding academic record, its focus continues to be on nurturing the girls’ natural curiosity and fuelling their passion for learning. Therefore, we select girls on their personal strengths and all-round ability, as well as their academic potential.

It is a characteristic of Badminton girls that they are thoughtful individuals, able to evaluate information and decide for themselves.

This approach extends beyond their studies and into the day-to-day life of the School, where girls are given a wide range of opportunities to grow, develop and express themselves in an enormous range of activities.

Bedford School

De Parys Avenue, Bedford, MK40 2TU

Proud recipients of five stars in Fortune’s World’s Leading Boarding Schools in 2023 and named UK Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2021.

At Bedford School we seek to raise good people first and foremost; and then to allow them to flourish as academics, as sportsmen, as artists and above all as themselves, in a supportive and ambitious atmosphere. On a foundation of outstanding academic results, the school is dedicated to nurturing a wide variety of individual interests and to developing these as far as boys can take them. We aim to raise balanced, outward-looking, forward-thinking, kind and sociable young men who are comfortable in their own skins. In this all-boys environment, boys can develop without inhibition and awkwardness, and feel able and keen to participate to the fullest.

All boys are able to take full advantage of the opportunities that this large and thriving boarding school offers.

From their earliest years, they are encouraged to become independent and lifelong learners, who understand the need to work hard, to take risks, to be resilient and constantly strive to be the best that they can be, leaving school having reached their full academic potential and above all, as well-rounded young men.

Bishop’s Stortford College

10 Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2PJ

As an integrated day and boarding school, Bishop Stortford College offers the whole package: breadth of opportunity, depth of academic enquiry, quality of human values and skills, all within a future-oriented, forward-looking climate of endeavour that recognises tomorrow more than yesterday.

Within this environment your child’s personal journey of discovery will begin the moment they join us.

Our boarders are at the heart of this community, and here there is a togetherness where none of us is as important as all of us.

Academic qualifications are a prime focus for us. Yet we are aware that human qualities of decency and kindness are also

a large part of the ticket to success, and they will be strengthened throughout their time at school with us.

Together, qualifications and qualities are what an education for today and tomorrow must deliver.

We are the modern face of Independent Education

Box Hill School

London Road, Mickleham, Dorking, RH5 6EA

Set in safe countryside, Box Hill School is an international school for boys and girls aged 11 – 18 in Surrey, England.

We have a long heritage of delivering first-class education in a warm, supportive, holistic and nurturing atmosphere.

One of our main goals is to develop a proactive and empowered generation of young adults that are ready to go out into the world and chase their dreams.

As well as strong academic results, we deliver fantastic pastoral support and a ‘home away from home’ for boarding students.

“As we see it, ‘school’ doesn’t only mean the learning process, but also the

boarding life in which everybody can feel accepted, comfortable and free, just like at home,” a current student adds.

We are a founding member of Round Square: a worldwide association of schools who work to prepare their pupils for their life beyond education, providing them with experiences that demand courage, generosity and imagination.

Bromsgrove School

Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, B61 7DU

Bromsgrove School is proud to be one of the finest boarding schools in the UK with pupils coming from over 55 nationalities to live and learn at the School; we have over 580 boarders aged 7 to 18.

At Bromsgrove, we offer an all-round education, combining academic excellence with a richness of opportunity. We pride ourselves on the outstanding opportunities that are available, both inside and outside the classroom.

Bromsgrove offers staggering breadth – first division academic performance at GCSE, A levels and the International Baccalaureate.

In addition to the extensive academic programme, every day has time dedicated for developing other vital life and social

skills. We care deeply about the wellbeing of young people in our care and pastoral support is excellent.

In sport we have consistently ranked in the top six of all UK independent schools in recent years.

There are wide ranging opportunities within music and drama and we offer over one hundred other optional activities for pupils to choose from each week.

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 2022 95% of students gained all A*-A grades and 99% A*-B.  83% of students went onto the QS top universities worldwide.

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 extracurricular 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.

Christ College Brecon

Christ College, Llanfaes, Brecon, LD3 8AF

Situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Christ College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school. Founded in 1541, the college is one of the oldest schools in Wales.

Consistently achieving excellent results, last year, 45% of A level grades were A* or A and 88% grade A to C. 62% of GCSE results were grades 9 to 7.

This strong track record, has enabled the majority of Christ College pupils to progress on to their first choice of course and university.

The school quickly becomes a secondhome and pupils and faculty become family. Its second curriculum, which complements academic study and promotes the pupils’ character

development, includes music, creative and performing arts and an excellent sport and outdoor pursuits provision.

“One of the best value schools in the UK, where the fees comprise almost everything and extras are limited.”

Good Schools Guide

Clifton College

32 College Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3JH

Clifton College leads the way as one of the best Public Boarding Schools in the country. We offer day places, flexi and full boarding places; co-educational throughout.

Welcoming boys and girls from 3 to 18, from all over the world, Clifton becomes the school every pupil needs it to be.

We are known for academic excellence, myriad opportunities, state of the art facilities, superb pastoral care and expert staff who deliver the very best learning and development.

We provide a richly diverse and connected school environment, representative of the real world.

Our pupils mature into individuals who are ambitious, open-minded and spirited. We are housed in some splendid grand buildings but everything about the education we offer is modern.

Clifton benefits from being in the vibrant city of Bristol and is surrounded by some spectacular countryside. It is an ideal place for young people to study.

Copperfield International School

Rue de la Berarde 10, Copperfield, 1936 Verbier, Switzerland.

Set at the foot of the Swiss Alps in Verbier, Copperfield International School is the world’s only ski-in, ski-out international school.

We offer a global gold-standard curriculum taught by staff who have graduated from and taught in the world’s greatest universities and music schools. We offer a co-curricular programme which nurtures creative passions and sporting talent.

Copperfield opened its doors with a clear vision and mission; to create an educational experience that was informed by a modern philosophy and the latest educational research, and that was very much for the students, as the most important stakeholders. We strive to educate students who are globally

minded, compassionate, confident and kind.  Keeping class sizes small is a key part of Copperfield’s commitment to individualised learning with an aim for no class to grow above 10 students.

What sets Copperfield apart from other IB schools is its unique location – a beautiful and inspiring landscape with snowy vistas and towering fir trees, making the classroom learning experience exceptional.

Culford School

Culford, Bury Saint 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.

Each year, sixth form pupils progress to top Russell Group, Oxbridge and American universities.

David Game College

31 Jewry Street, London EC3N 2ET

Established in 1974, David Game College is a boarding and day independent college located right in the heart of the City of London.

We teach A-level, GCSE and University Foundation Programmes, achieving excellent academic results and helping over 70% of our students progress to Russell Group and Top 30 universities. We are very student-centred, looking after all the specific needs of those in our care.

We have well-established and robust systems for ensuring that the academic and pastoral needs of all students are well monitored and no individual is left behind.

We have brand new boarding facilities located next door to the school with

house parents living on every floor to provide care, support and supervision for all of our students’ needs.

Our record is reflected in our rating by Ofsted as “Outstanding” in both 2017 and 2020 inspections and we are proud of our continuous development. We welcome you to the David Game College family.

Dollar Academy

Dollar, Clackmannanshire, FK14 7DU

As the world’s oldest coeducational day and boarding school, Dollar has served the educational needs of its pupils for over two centuries.

The Care Inspectorate has described the school as having a ‘sector-leading’ standard of care – this is a successful school filled with happy and very active children.

Dollar is recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent schools and has a very sound reputation amongst top universities.

The school offers the widest range of academic subjects in Scotland, complimented by over 120 co-curricular activities. It has an excellent reputation for sport, music and art in particular, and

has recently established an exceptional Golf Programme at Gleneagles.

Around 100 boys and girls live in three family-style boarding houses located on Dollar’s stunning 70-acre campus. Located between the university cities of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Dollar is less than an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow International Airports.

Downside School

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.

Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, BA3 4RJ

Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools

Girls: Hereford Road, Monmouth, NP25 5XT

Boys: Almshouse Street, Monmouth, NP25 3XP

At Haberdashers’ Schools, we provide an inspiring, nurturing and rounded education of the highest quality, for boys and girls, aged 3 to 18 years, in the beautiful Wye Valley.

Boarding is at the heart of our schools, offering national and international students the chance to be part of a diverse and vibrant community in Monmouth.

We support girls and boys to be the best versions of themselves and enhance their future opportunities to enable them to take their place in the world and make a valuable contribution to society.

We place a high value on the quality of our teaching and learning.

Our outstanding pastoral care, sport, music, co-and extra-curricular provision is central to Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools.

We have some very exciting and major news; from September 2024, our schools will be fully co-educational throughout.

King William’s College and The Buchan School

Castletown, Isle of Man IM9 1TB, Isle of Man

King William’s College is a relatively small school, with under 400 students. Approximately 25% of our students board, with half of boarders coming from the Island, and the rest from countries around the world.

The Isle of Man is a safe haven with a very low crime rate, giving students the freedom to explore the open countryside and beautiful beaches. The Island is easy to get to with air links from the major airports in the UK.

Our Sixth Form students study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma and we are one of the largest and most experienced IB schools in the British Isles.

Our students go to top universities in the UK, Europe and the USA.

Pupils follow a broad curriculum of sporting activities, alongside a wide variety of other extracurricular activities.

Drama and Music thrive, and pupils are given the opportunity to perform at many events and productions.

Kingswood School

Kingswood is a school which ignites the potential in children and transforms lives. Founded in 1748 by John Wesley, the School offers an inclusive boarding and day community that is free of pretension. Boarders are seen as the heartbeat of the community and a sense of service is encouraged.

The school welcomes pupils between the ages of 9 months and 18 years, with boarding provision from the age of 11. It is situated on a magnificent 120-acre site, with only ten minutes’ walk to the World Heritage City of Bath and great transport links to London.

Dedicated House Parents and tutors ensure that boarders receive the highest levels of Pastoral Care and security within a nurturing, home-away-from-home environment. In our 275th Anniversary

year and awarded a double “Excellent” in our Inspection Report in 2022, the curriculum is broad and balanced and academic results are consistently excellent.

With an extensive co-curricular programme offering over 100 activities a week and a belief that every individual has talents to be discovered and nurtured, pupils at Kingswood thrive and are ready for the challenges of life at university and beyond.

Kingswood School, Lansdown Road, Bath, BA1 5RG

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.

Loretto Schools

Linkfield Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 7RE

Founded in 1827, Loretto is Scotland’s first boarding school. Today, an independent boarding, flexi and day school, it welcomes girls and boys from 3 to 18 years.

Set in a safe, leafy 85-acre campus just six miles from Edinburgh, Loretto enjoys all the advantages of this rural setting while being globally connected.

Welcoming just over 500 pupils, the first thing you notice when you enter Loretto’s campus is the warmth and energy of both pupils and staff.

Relationships are marked by kindness, care and respect; a truly special environment for providing the confidence and know-how to thrive in life beyond Loretto.

With its superb location on Scotland’s Golf Coast, Loretto has a strong tradition of top-level golf.

The school’s surrounding area offers a choice of magnificent links courses and Loretto’s Golf Academy is regarded as one of Europe’s leading golf academies where pupils can develop their sporting talent in tandem with an exceptional education.

LVS Ascot

London Road, Berkshire, Winkfield Row, Ascot, SL5 8DR

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.

LVS Ascot won the ISA National School Sports Award (large school) in 2020 and has been shortlisted for other prestigious national awards for Wellbeing and Performing Arts.

In November 2022 the school was the only independent school nominated for the EdTech Innovator of the Year Award celebrating our success as a blended learning school with our entrepreneurial approach to technology and curriculum.

We inspire independence and exceed expectations making us #ProudToBeLVSAscot #LVSAscotAdvantage

Malvern St James Girls’ School is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3-18. Located at the foot of the picturesque Malvern Hills, our rural surroundings offer a safe homefrom-home environment full of traditional English charm.

At MSJ, everything is geared for girls; there is no gender stereotyping and no subject is off limits.

Pupils pursue their passions and interests in the field of their choice, and the diverse list of graduate courses at the most prestigious universities which follow are testament to MSJ’s culture of ambition and achievement.

We support girls to be all-rounded individuals with over 100 co-curricular clubs and societies to choose from.

Recently awarded a Gold Standard accreditation by the Carnegie Institute of Mental Health and Wellbeing, MSJ has an outstanding pastoral provision and the wellbeing of our pupils is at the forefront of everything that we do.

Malvern St James

15 Avenue Road, Great Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3BA

Mander Portman Woodward

90-92 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5AB

Founded in 1973, MPW is one of the UK’s leading names in fifth and sixthform education. Our colleges in London, Birmingham and Cambridge offer a distinctive alternative to traditional schools, with highly flexible course options and an outstanding level of individual support.

Students can choose from a wide range of A levels, GCSEs and university foundation programmes, all taught in small, Oxbridge-style classes. There is a strong focus on exam preparation and extensive support throughout the university application process, with personal tutors providing each student with tailored academic and pastoral support.

Our approach leads to consistently outstanding results and university

placements – in the last five years, over 1,100 students have progressed to Russell Group universities.

A diverse, friendly community, with a majority of British students, our colleges provide an ideal environment for students to establish the vital language and cultural skills needed to succeed at university and beyond.

Merchiston School

Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0PU

Merchiston is a remarkable school where boys gain a world-class, outwardlooking education. Wellbeing underpins everything we do and our smaller school community makes for meaningful and connected conversations; this means we get to know your son really well and ensures we can support and motivate him in just the right way.

When your son leaves Merchiston, he will have achieved the highest level of personal academic success, made lifelong friendships and developed a true sense of self. He will have learnt what it means to have true integrity and character, to think of how he can help others, to understand the great privilege it was to be educated at Merchiston and strive for happiness and success in all he does.

Merchiston is situated in a wooded 100-acre campus 4 miles southwest of Edinburgh’s city centre, providing unrivalled opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside.

Your son will thrive at Merchiston because he is known, understood, valued, and supported in everything he does.

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.

Mount Kelly

Parkwood Road, Tavistock, PL19 0HZ

Oxford International College Brighton

Greenways, Ovingdean, Brighton, BN2 7BA

Oxford International College (OIC)

Brighton is an independent day and boarding college welcoming students aged 13-18.

Building on the model of Oxford International College, one of the UK’s top A-Level colleges, our curriculum places a strong focus on Personal Development, Career Planning and Academic Excellence.

Our inspirational teachers will challenge our students to exceed expectations in all that they do, igniting passions and developing intellectual curiosity. Our unique, strategic approach to assessment and individualised tracking allows our students to achieve their future aspirations, gaining places on the most competitive courses at the world’s top universities.

Our 23-acre campus boasts beautiful grounds, modern facilities, a dedicated Wellness Centre and a wooded conservation area. Brand new, bespoke teaching spaces celebrate our innovative approach to STEAM teaching and project work, and our students are a short distance from the diversity and vibrancy of Brighton city centre.

We welcome our first students from August 2023.

Padworth College

Sopers Lane, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4NR

Padworth is one of the UK’s leading Sixth Form Colleges, set in stunning and spacious grounds within easy reach of Reading and Heathrow airport.

Padworth offers the most supportive setting for students allowing them to achieve their academic goals and ambitions.

The College was praised in a recent ISI report which stated “Pupils have positive attitudes and are eager to learn, with a willingness to participate actively.  In addition, pupils make good progress as a result of the regular assessment system and achieve well in lessons.”

Studying a foundation at Padworth College is very different to studying at larger foundation course providers or universities.

Students studying the NCUK foundation year with Padworth College have the opportunity to apply to a number of UK universities for their undergraduate degree.

Padworth College offers unlimited pathways to Russell Group universities which include Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Exeter, Durham and Queen Mary. Students can also gain access to medical degrees via the Foundation Programme.

Ratcliffe College

Ratcliffe College is a co-educational day and boarding school, for 3-18 year olds. Founded in 1847 and surrounded by 200 acres of beautiful grounds situated in Leicestershire. Ratcliffe is a Catholic school but welcomes all religions and is inclusive of all with a real sense of community, offering exceptional teaching and outstanding pastoral care with small class sizes.

Ratcliffe is very proud of the A-level results achieved in 2022 with 100% pass rate. 97% of students achieved A* – C   and 100% of students achieved A/A* in Mathematics.

This maintains our position in the top 1% nationally for ‘value-added’.

Ratcliffe offers a wide range of GCSE and A-level subjects. We passionately believe

in the importance of a well-rounded education, while developing new skills and having fun along the way! The CoCurricular Programme revolves around our Big Six – Chaplaincy, Sport, Music, Drama, Combined Cadet Force and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

We are 2 hours from Heathrow and have no Exeat Days. We have circa 100 Boarders and a long history of Boarders from Nigeria and Kenya.

Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SG

Rendcomb College

Rendcomb College, Cirencester, GL7 7HA

Rendcomb College is an independent boarding school for ages 3-18 located in the heart of the Cotswold’s.

Situated in Rendcomb village, the school spans 230 acres, including the Deer Park which is home to a herd of 75 fallow deer.

As well as providing an award-winning education, Rendcomb College supplies over 100 co-curricular activities to students across a range of subject types: sports, academics, music and performing arts, creative arts, and others.

Our mission is to develop thoughtful, adventurous and ambitious life-long learners with the confidence, character and skills to succeed in the ever-changing world after school.

The pupils have the freedom to experience, explore and enquire about the world around them.

The college aims to encourage independence and inclusivity in a safe, caring community and magnificent natural environment.

Rochester Independent College

254 St Margaret’s Banks, Rochester, ME1 1HY

A supportive, friendly UK day and boarding school.

Founded in 1984, Rochester Independent College is a unique day and boarding school, just 37 minutes from London. 70% of our students come from the UK with 30% coming from overseas. This provides our boarding community with both a British ethos and an international flavour in which our students live in comfortable on-site accommodation.

Our focus is on examination success in a lively, supportive and informal atmosphere in which students live and study as young adults and which prepares them well for university life. There is no uniform, no bells ring, staff and students are on first name terms and no class is above eight in number.

We encourage our students to voice their opinions and to think critically, creatively and independently. They leave us with excellent examination results, enthusiasm for the future and confidence in themselves and their education.

Rochester has been ranked in the top 2% in England for progress at A Level in government league tables and won the ISA award for excellence and innovation in Fine Arts in 2021.

Rossall School

Broadway, Fleetwood, FY7 8JW

Located on the beautiful Lancashire coastline around one hour from Manchester, Rossall is a traditional British boarding school that offers an outstanding all-round experience.

Whilst having a majority British school roll, Rossall also has a very diverse international community, with over 60 nationalities represented. This creates a vibrant and engaging atmosphere throughout.

The school is renowned for its Signature Programmes in the fields of Football, Golf, Performing Arts and the Piano.

Each Signature Programme competes or performs at the top of their respective areas.

The Golf Academy is consistently ranked #1 in the UK (ISGA). The Football Academy students regularly appear in ESFA and ISFA national semi-finals and finals, with the girls taking home the national trophy in 2022.

Rossall balances this superb extracurricular provision with academic rigour delivered through the IB and A Level programme. 2022 University destinations include Oxbridge, LSE, Imperial and many more.

Sherfield School

South Drive, Sherfield on Loddon, Hook, RG27 0HU

Are you ready for an adventure?

Sherfield offers limitless learning by combining excitement and curiosity and encouraging our pupils to be brave. Based in Hook, Hampshire, we offer full boarding, weekly and flexi boarding options for 9 to 18 year olds.

The new purpose-built boarding house has 60 en-suite rooms for boarders from Year 5 upwards.

The hotel style rooms include internet access, study area, a comfortable bed or bunks, bedside cabinet/chest of drawers, a wardrobe and a spacious en-suite bathroom.

Generously sized common rooms with living, dining and kitchen facilities are available on each floor with comfortable seating, video and digital TV, board games and books.

In the evenings and at weekends, there is a varied and fun schedule of trips and activities organised so boarders can make the most of school facilities and the location, which is set in beautiful countryside, close to London and the coast.

St Andrew’s College Cambridge

13 Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JB

St Andrew’s College Cambridge offers a warm, friendly international environment for students wanting to study Pre A-Levels, A-Levels or Foundation courses. Academic results are excellent with many students being offered places at Russell Group universities.

Located in the stunning city of Cambridge, the college’s academic buildings comprise classrooms, laboratories, offices and common rooms.

An astro turf, basketball court and picnic areas are located at the back of the buildings and a separate science centre at Glisson Road also houses the student canteen. There are seven college boarding houses with a choice of single or double rooms.

Top quality staff and small class sizes ensure students are given extensive individual support and guidance to enable them to achieve the grades they require.

Weekly personal tutor sessions keep students on track with their academic studies and provide one-to-one university preparation. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities including sport, music, art and clubs as well as a full social programme of events.

St George’s Ascot

Wells Lane, Ascot, SL5 7DZ

St George’s, only 30 minutes from London and eight miles from Heathrow, is one of the leading girls’ boarding and day schools in the UK.

Deliberately small, every girl at St George’s is known individually and supported by a close network of teaching and pastoral staff who focus on enabling every student to excel not only academically, but also to develop their creative, physical, spiritual and imaginative interests.

Examination results are excellent with St George’s aiming to help girls achieve 1-1.5 grades higher at GCSE and A level.

Boarding is homely and comfortable and an experienced team of House Staff organise an array of weekend trips and

excursions. Socially the girls regularly mix with the boys at Eton College, Harrow and Winchester.

The Arts are fabulous with facilities including a 350 seat theatre, new dance studio and the chapel choir perform at St Paul’s. Lacrosse, netball, tennis, swimming, athletics, and cricket are all played competitively.

St Mary’s Calne

63 Curzon Street, Calne, SN11 0DF

St Mary’s Calne is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, with a happy, purposeful and flourishing community of around 360 pupils (80% boarding, 20% day) and a fine tradition of academic excellence.

Located in the heart of countryside Wiltshire, the school prides itself on instilling in its pupils a love of learning and a desire to care for each other, their community and the wider world.

St Mary’s is dedicated to developing each pupil’s full potential by providing a nurturing and inspiring environment in which girls can develop, grow and express themselves.

The school is committed to providing girls with an innovative, exciting, dynamic, flexible, personalised curriculum that will challenge each girl as they grow and develop.

We are proud to provide a first-rate boarding experience and support girls to achieve their personal best, academically, socially and in the field of co-curricular activities.

St Mary’s Cambridge

Bateman Street, Cambridge, CB2 1LY

At St Mary’s School, Cambridge we empower students to aim high, to follow their dreams and to make a positive contribution to society.

Set in the heart of Cambridge, we warmly welcome girls aged 3 to 18 into our happy and diverse school community as day pupils or boarders.

Founded in 1898, we have a proud history of educating girls. Every student is valued, supported and inspired.

As a Mary Ward School, Christian values such as integrity, justice, hard work and freedom sit at the heart of our forwardlooking education.

From collaboration and risk-taking to independent thinking, concern for society and perseverance – a St Mary’s education develops key skills and attitudes proven to prepare young people for study and life beyond.

Our students leave us ready for the future; equipped with the skills, qualities and values they need to pursue a life of fulfilment.

St Peter’s School

St Peter’s School, Clifton, York, YO30 6AB

Unlock your Potential: Boarding at St Peter’s School, York

At St Peter’s, being engaged, happy and active is a way of life for our boarders.

Based on a 47-acre green campus and founded in 627AD – the fourth oldest school in the world – we are at the heart of historical York. Only ten minutes’ walk away from York Minster, we are their choir school, educating choristers and enjoying regular school services.

Academically strong, we inspire all pupils to gain the qualifications, skills, interests and values needed for life after school through our extensive co-curricular programme.

Boarding gives pupils the gift of time to finesse talents, lifelong friendships across the world, independence, and resilience. You only have to follow our social media to see how vibrant boarding life is every day, and on weekends.

St Peter’s is exceptionally happy and friendly. Pupils leave equipped with the keys for life and the confidence to turn them.

St Swithun’s School

Alresford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HA

St Swithun’s School is a renowned independent day, weekly and fullboarding school for girls set in 45 acres overlooking the Hampshire Downs in Winchester, yet only 55 minutes by train from central London.

As a High Performance Learning school St Swithun’s has a long-standing reputation for academic rigour and success alongside outstanding pastoral care.

Girls are prepared for public examinations and higher education in a stimulating environment in which they develop intellectual curiosity, independence of mind and the ability to take responsibility for their own learning.

They achieve almost one grade higher at GCSE than our already significant baseline ability would suggest, and

approximately half a grade higher at A level.

Whilst achieving academic excellence, girls also have the opportunity to do ‘something else’. There is an extensive cocurricular programme of 140 weekly and 20 weekend activities to choose from.

Their award-winning pastoral programme means that by the time a girl leaves she will be courageous, compassionate, a moral compass and a sense of humour.

Steyning Grammar School

Shooting Fld, Steyning, BN44 3RX

Founded in 1614, SGS is a State Boarding and Church of England School located in beautiful West Sussex, with excellent transport links to London.

We offer full and weekly boarding to students from years 9 to 13 with outstanding accommodation, unrivalled pastoral care and an international community comprising over 30 nationalities.

Our large Sixth Form College offers an extensive curriculum with over 40 subjects to suit all passions and interests.

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 over 65 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.

The National Mathematics and Science College

2 Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JB

NatMatSci is the leading specialist STEM college for 15–19-year-olds in the UK.

Our meticulously designed curriculum empowers students to excel not only in their A-level examinations but also in their future careers. Over the past three years, an impressive 87% of our students achieved A*/A grades, with one in five progressing to Oxbridge—a testament to our commitment to academic excellence.

However, our achievements extend far beyond academic accomplishments. NatMatSci students proudly represent the UK in International Olympiads and consistently outperform their peers in regional competitions.

We are fully dedicated to fostering your

child’s growth beyond the confines of the classroom. Our state-of-the-art teaching facilities serve as catalysts for curiosity and exploration, while our luxurious contemporary boarding facilities, featuring individual en-suite rooms, ensure an uninterrupted academic experience within a caring and inspiring environment.

When it comes to nurturing your child’s potential in STEM fields, there is no parallel to NatMatSci.

Truro High School for Girls

Falmouth Rd, Truro, TR1 2HU

Truro High School has been providing a first-class education for girls since 1880 and offers a bespoke pathway where they discover and grow talents alongside the habits of mind that will ensure they are ready for anything in the future.

The school has a family atmosphere but do not let the warm feeling fool you – our students are phenomenally driven to attain ambitious goals.

Our small classes sizes mean we will take the time to get to know your daughter and develop the personal pathway she needs to maximise her potential.

In 2022, 69% of all A level grades were at A*/A with girls heading off to study Medicine, Law, History, English Literature amongst others at universities including UCL, Durham, Exeter and Bristol.

Truro High School is a winner of Small Independent School of the Year and recently listed as one of Fortune’s Top Boarding Schools in the World.

Wellington School

South Street, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 8NT

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.

Wychwood School

74 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 6JR

Wychwood School is co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 1118, set in the heart of Oxford.

Wychwood aims for academic excellence through creativity of thought by providing education of the highest quality in a well-rounded and unique environment, enriching pupils’ education through creative approaches to learning and empowering them to face challenges head on with confidence.

From the moment a pupil arrives at Wychwood, staff are highly experienced in supporting pupils’ strengths and weaknesses, offering support and challenge accordingly. At GCSE and A Level, Wychwood attains significantly over the national average and alongside traditional study, pupils can complete

additional courses in a wide range of subjects from theatre production to robotics.

Wychwood has a palpable, shared spirit, where pupils are encouraged to uphold and value their community and to find their natural space and place in the world.

Visit Wychwood to discover how it helps pupils achieve academic excellence.

Wycliffe College

Bath Rd, Stonehouse, GL10 2JQ

“Wycliffe will promote a pioneering spirit and encourage individuals to flourish and embrace futures as global citizens”.

Established in 1882 and situated in The Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, Wycliffe College is a thriving day and boarding school set in spacious grounds.

The boarding houses, teaching spaces and extensive sports facilities are located on separate campuses for the Prep School and the Senior School – only 0.5 miles apart.

The Senior School has around 430 pupils, with 220 being full-time boarders, and there are 220 pupils in the Prep School, with 65 being full-time boarders.

We offer a diverse education and exceptional pastoral support tailored to

each individual. Pupils chose from over 20 GCSEs and 27 courses at Sixth Form, including three BTECs.

We combine academic learning with a wide range of extra-curricular activities, encouraging every child to try something new and reach their full potential.

We welcome pupils from over 30 nationalities and are a truly global community.

Photo: Lancing College