Choosing the right UK boarding school for your child to attend

If you’re like most fond and anxious parents, picking a UK boarding school for your child is an overwhelming process. There are so many things to consider: the coursework, the boarding arrangements, the campus, the atmosphere, the extracurricular activities—out of so many schools, how do you ever find the one best school for your child?

You should start by knowing your child and knowing what kind of school will meet his or her needs. Do you want one that’s strong on discipline, or more lenient? Do you prefer a liberal arts or science emphasis? How important are sports, drama, music, etc., to your child? Take your child’s talents and interests as a starting point. Next, consider how large of a school you would like, where you would prefer it was located, and what sort of living arrangements seem appropriate to you. Some children take to dorms, while others need a more homelike atmosphere. Above all, you want your child to be happy in his school, because happiness breeds success.

The Boarding Schools Association based in London provides copious information on UK boarding schools. There are also many websites designed to inform and direct you. Do a few searches online and you’ll discover no end of helpful resources—too many, perhaps. Most of us would be happier with fewer choices, but there’s no way around it: you just have to put in the time and do the research. Really, there’s no other way to be sure you’re picking the best available.

When you’ve managed to whittle your stack of options down to only a few, the final step is to go visit them. Only by seeing the campus, touring the classrooms and meeting the staff can you get a true feel for a school and know that it’ll be right for you and your child.