Boarding Schools in England and Scotland
There are 584 open boarding schools on School Signal - 353 other, 200 all-through, 26 secondary. 90.7% of those in England were rated Outstanding or Good at their last graded inspection, against 92.5% of all schools.
Browse boarding schools across England by area. Compare fees, full, weekly and flexi boarding, inspection ratings and facilities.
Ofsted grades: boarding schools and all schools
28% Outstanding against 14.4% across England.
- Outstanding42 (28%)
- Good94 (63%)
- Requires improvement13 (9%)
- Inadequate1 (1%)
- Outstanding2,939 (14%)
- Good15,991 (78%)
- Requires improvement1,432 (7%)
- Inadequate98 (0%)
- Outstanding
- 28%14.4%
- Outstanding or Good
- 90.7%92.5%
- Requires improvement or Inadequate
- 9.3%7.5%
Source: Ofsted, latest graded inspection per school (England)
Boarding Schools by stage
By nation: England 548, Scotland 34, Wales 2.
- Other353
- All-through200
- Secondary26
- Primary5
Where the most boarding schools are
Click an area to see every school there, with grades and results.
Choosing a boarding school in England
England has a rich tradition of boarding education, from large independent boarding schools with extensive co-curricular programmes to smaller weekly boarding schools that suit families who want their children home at weekends. The majority are independent, inspected by ISI or Ofsted, and charge fees covering tuition, accommodation and meals. A smaller number of state boarding schools provide free education with a separate boarding charge, making them a compelling option for families who want the boarding lifestyle without full independent school fees. Whether you are looking for full boarding, weekly boarding or a more flexible flexi-boarding arrangement, comparing schools on inspection outcomes, pastoral care and boarding provision is as important as academic results.
Since January 2025, independent boarding school fees include VAT, which has increased the cost of boarding for most families. Full boarding at an independent school typically ranges from around £10,000 to £15,000 per term before bursaries or scholarships, while state boarding schools charge only for the residential element - roughly £4,000 to £6,000 per term. Most schools offer means-tested bursaries and merit-based scholarships, so the headline fee is rarely the final figure. ISI inspection reports include specific judgements on boarding and welfare that are worth reading alongside academic data, and many schools hold open days that let you experience the boarding house and pastoral environment before applying.
Browse boarding schools by area
Questions parents ask about boarding schools
How do boarding schools compare on Ofsted grades?
Of the 150 boarding schools in England with a graded Ofsted inspection, 28% were last graded Outstanding and 90.7% Outstanding or Good, against 14.4% and 92.5% for all graded schools in England. Grades date from different years, and Ofsted stopped giving new single-word grades in September 2024, so read each school's latest report too.
How much do boarding school fees cost in England?
Full boarding at an independent school in England typically costs from around £10,000 to £15,000 per term, covering tuition, accommodation and meals. Since January 2025, independent school fees include VAT, so it is worth checking whether quoted fees are VAT-inclusive. State boarding schools charge only for the residential element - roughly £4,000 to £6,000 per term - as the education is funded.
What is the difference between full, weekly and flexi boarding?
Full boarding means a pupil lives at school throughout term, returning home only during holidays. Weekly boarding follows the same pattern but pupils go home at weekends, suiting families within reasonable travelling distance. Flexi boarding is more flexible - pupils board for a set number of nights per week - and is often offered alongside day places, making it a practical option for families with irregular schedules.
Are boarding schools inspected separately for boarding quality?
Yes. Independent boarding schools are inspected by ISI (the Independent Schools Inspectorate) or Ofsted, and both produce specific judgements on boarding provision, pastoral care and pupil welfare alongside academic quality. These reports are publicly available and cover areas such as boarding house management, medical care and safeguarding - all of which are worth reading closely when comparing schools.