When the time comes to start choosing schools for your child, there are many things to consider. This can be especially true if you are looking at British boarding schools and deciding where your child should live and learn. Time spent at boarding school is significant and children will develop from young people into responsible adults with an exciting future ahead of them.
UK boarding schools offer children a full and rewarding experience. At Sidcot School we are completely holistic in our approach to education, boarding school life and student wellbeing, in order to create well-rounded individuals who are ready to step into the next stage of their life. So how do you go about selecting schools for your child, and what are the things to look out for in your search for the best boarding schools in England?
The Benefits of British Boarding Schools
British boarding schools have been around for centuries. Although they are now much more modern in their approach to learning and life experience, the benefits they offer are perhaps even more relevant. UK boarding schools like Sidcot School prepare children for their future by not only delivering a first-class education, but also by providing enriching opportunities outside of the classroom.
Although there is, of course, an end to the official school day, life at boarding school allows more time to spend engaging in a varied programme of activities. Children can indulge their curiosity, discover passions that help them live life to the full, and learn to be themselves. Children at British boarding schools spend time mixing and bonding with peers, learning the skills of teamwork, and absorbing knowledge and experience from those around them. They also learn to be independent and self-sufficient, mastering time management and self discipline. When choosing schools, these are the long-term values that a boarding school will instil, and that you should look for evidence of when you set out selecting schools to shape your child’s future.
Selecting Schools
Finding and choosing schools can take time because you want to get it just right. Having a checklist that covers some of the most important factors can help you to narrow down your choices. If you’re at the beginning of selecting schools and only just starting to look at the available UK boarding schools, these pointers should help you navigate the process and make an informed decision.
Your Child
It’s important to consider the wants and needs of your child when choosing schools. For instance, would they be happier in a co-educational environment or prefer a single sex school? Take into account their hobbies and interests to make sure they’ll be able to pursue them, and talk to them about whether they’d prefer full boarding or a more flexible option.
Location
There are many prestigious British boarding schools, and some of the best boarding schools in England may be a little further from home. Assess how far you are willing to travel and if your chosen school is accessible. Think about the outdoor space and the proximity to towns or cities so that children receive a full experience. Sidcot School is located in beautiful North Somerset with impressive green spaces, but it’s also close enough to Bristol and Bath to provide children with a mix of rural and urban activities.
Research and Visit
It goes without saying, but when choosing schools for your child’s future, thoroughly research each facility and always visit at least once. Request a prospectus in the first instance and find out if there are opportunities to attend open days or book a tour where you can see a typical day in action.
Academic Approach
All British boarding schools deliver a high standard of education. Their approach to this may differ though, as independent schools are able to set their own curriculum. At Sidcot School, for example, we want all of our students to get the results that matter to them and that will propel them forwards to the next level of education or achievement. However, we also recognise that every child has different strengths and interests. The Sidcot Learning Wheel illustrates our approach to learning so that parents and children choosing schools can see exactly how we combine academic pursuits with individuality and self expression.
Activities
Before selecting schools, consider the type of activities your child enjoys and make sure that the schools you are looking at can offer these. Whether you are a keen equestrian, a lover of the outdoors or a budding thespian, be sure that these interests will be fostered through curriculum-based activities or extracurricular programming.
Values
The values of British boarding schools will underpin everything else. Make sure these values align with your own, and look for schools that prioritise character development, inclusivity, and a supportive community, alongside educational attainment. Sidcot School values are rooted in Quakerism, guiding our principles and what matters most to us and to our students.
Support
The best boarding schools in England should have robust support systems in place to manage student wellbeing. Students at Sidcot have a dedicated team in their boarding houses to offer hands-on student support. We also offer learning support for those children who may need some extra help, and have thorough safeguarding measures in place for both students and staff.
Finances
Brass tacks shouldn’t be ignored when it comes to selecting schools. All British boarding schools are subject to fees, usually involving a deposit and then regular payments. Knowing what the school will cost upfront can help you decide if it’s right for you, not just for now, but for the future.
Recommendations
Getting some solid recommendations is always a good idea when choosing schools. If you haven’t been recommended any schools before you start your search, you can still find independent reviews or testimonies from past students and their parents.
International Opportunities
Most, if not all, UK boarding schools will give students a chance to visit other countries and soak in other cultures. Find out about past trips to gauge an idea of the types of places your children might visit. Choosing UK boarding schools that also have international students can provide a wonderful experience, as children get to interact with people from other cultures, often forming lifelong, enriching friendships.
Choosing Sidcot School
Sidcot School is an independent co-educational boarding school located in the stunning North Somerset countryside. We offer all of our students the chance to become who they are meant to be through the positive pursuit of academic excellence, and also through extracurricular activities and self exploration. Our Quaker values underline our approach to everything we do, and we strive to produce well-rounded, confident and happy young adults, who have the knowledge and motivation to go on and achieve anything they set their mind to.
Request a prospectus to find out more about Sidcot School, or join us for an open morning or private tour to take in the school and our ethos for yourself.