Triple Award-Winning Agency (StudyTravel Awards 2023, 2024, 2025) – Experts in UK Boarding Schools. Every year, we help more than 200 pupils find their perfect school, offering personal support at every step.
Dear families, welcome to Akademis Boarding Schools Consulting – your specialist for boarding schools in England, Scotland and Wales. As a three-time winner of the StudyTravel Awards for Best Western European Agency, we are delighted that you are considering placing your trust in us. With years of experience, sensitivity and professionalism, we are here to find the ideal British boarding school for your child. From the very first consultation – which is free of charge – to the final choice of school, we are by your side every step of the way.
British boarding schools stand for time-honoured traditions, strong values and, above all, an excellent academic reputation. They remain highly popular worldwide – even among British families, where an increasing number from the upper classes prefer private boarding schools to state high schools.
As one of Europe’s leading consultancies, we place over 200 students each year at their dream school in the UK. More than 95% of our families from Germany, Switzerland and Austria rely on our virtual consultations via video calls. We work with families across all major regions – Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg, Berlin and Hesse – providing flexible and immediate support.
All You Need to Know about English Boarding Schools
Choosing from more than 2,000 boarding schools to find the one that truly nurtures your child’s personality and ambitions can be challenging. Yet, we know from experience that the right match can be transformative. Watching shy children grow into confident young adults is one of the most rewarding parts of our work.
We have close relationships with some of the UK’s finest schools, visiting them several times a year. These visits – including meetings with Heads – allow us to offer families an authentic and current understanding of the school’s character and ethos.
Our Expertise: British Schools and the IB Diploma
We are specialists in the International Baccalaureate (IB), which many of our students successfully complete in England. The IB is a rigorous and highly respected qualification, recognised by universities across the globe. With the right choice of subjects, it is fully accepted as an equivalent to the German Abitur.
What is life really like at a boarding school in England?
Join our student Jadine as she shares her firsthand experiences at Leighton Park School.
Our Partner Schools
Haileybury
Situated just outside London, Haileybury has earned an exceptional reputation – and with good reason. Renowned for its outstanding academic results, world-class IB diploma, and extensive co-curricular offering, the school provides opportunities that speak for themselves.
Malvern College
This school is considered one of the most beautiful and at the same time most demanding boarding schools in England. Here, both athletic and musical children pursue an IB diploma – taught in a highly professional and engaging manner by outstanding teachers.
Lancing College
This beautiful campus near Brighton is truly very British. The college excels in almost every field, especially in languages, natural sciences, technology, art, and above all, music. The excellent sports facilities are also impressive. The college even has its own riding stables and a farm.
What our clients say about us
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.

Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)


The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.

Was zeichnet Internate in England aus?
The Akademis Promise
Years of experience in student placement
Boarding school search tailored precisely to your child’s wishes and needs
Expertise in the British school system and admission requirements
Quality verified by independent institutions
Above-average acceptance rates at selective boarding schools
What Our Students Say
Meeting the Heads of British Boarding Schools
Why work with Akademis?
Trusted expertise
We’ve been placing students in top British schools for years and have strong, ongoing relationships with them
Only the best schools
Our partner schools are among the finest in United Kingdom. We work only with schools we know and trust.
Personalised guidance
We take time to get to know your child and your family’s wishes. A good match is key to long-term success.
Visit before you decide
Want to visit a school that interests you? We’ll gladly help organise a visit.
Entrance exam preparation
We support your child through the admissions process – we know what to expect and how to prepare.
Certified quality
Akademis is a certified ICEF agency. We are regularly audited and adhere to strict quality standards.
Overview of Boarding Schools in England
General Information – Boarding Schools in England
England is renowned worldwide as the home of elite boarding schools. But what truly sets these institutions apart from others?
In England, grades range from A to F, with A being the highest. Elite schools are often recognised by the outstanding results of their graduates — in many cases, over 70% of final grades are A.
Another key benchmark is “Oxbridge” admissions: the percentage of graduates who go on to study at Oxford or Cambridge. At top boarding schools, this figure often exceeds 10%, compared to only around 1% from public schools.
The history of a school is also a significant factor. In the UK, great importance is placed on notable alumni — for example, Prince Harry is among the most famous former students of Eton College.
As parents, you want to provide your child with the strongest possible foundation for a successful future. Mastery of English is naturally a priority, and at a British private school, your child will learn the language effortlessly — through engaging lessons and everyday interaction with classmates and friends.
But the right boarding school should offer far more than language skills. It should nurture your child’s individual talents, provide exceptional opportunities both in and beyond the classroom, and instil the values you hold dear.
This is where we come in. With around 2,000 boarding schools across the UK, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Akademis Boarding School Consulting, we act as your compass — guiding you to the perfect match for your child.
Our portfolio features only the very best boarding schools in England.
Ranking – Which Is the Best Boarding School in England?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The ideal school depends on your child’s personality, aspirations, and needs. However, we know which elite schools in England excel across the board and enjoy an outstanding international reputation.
Quality varies greatly among the UK’s 2,000 boarding schools, and it’s not always clear which schools truly deliver on their promises. We know these institutions inside out — we have visited them many times, spoken with their students, and assessed both academic performance and the overall environment.
Our evaluation looks beyond academic results to include sports, creative programmes, extracurricular opportunities, and core values such as community spirit. This holistic approach ensures we recommend only those schools that can offer your child the very best all-round education.
Boarding School Costs in England
Unlike the two-term system in Germany, British schools operate on a three-term academic year. Fees vary from school to school and are usually between £12,000 and £20,000 per term – with an average of around £16,000.
This means an academic year typically costs between £37,000 and £60,000. These fees usually cover tuition, accommodation, meals, laundry, classroom materials, and a rich programme of activities.
In 2025, the UK government radically changed the taxation system and Independent Schools now pay 20% Value Added Tax on school fees, so some costs have by necessity been passed on to parents.
Not all top schools are expensive. In fact, some outstanding schools in rural areas offer significantly lower fees – the difference between two schools can be up to £15,000 per year. With our support, you can find a school that offers excellent value and is the right fit for your child.
Included in the fees
- Tuition
- Classroom materials
- Meals
- Boarding accommodation
- Laundry services
- Extracurricular activities
Not included:
- Uniform
- Private music or academic tutoring
- Pocket money
- Exam fees or travel
When are fees paid?
Fees are typically paid in advance. You’ll receive an invoice several weeks before term begins.
Do fees increase each year?
A yearly increase of 2% to 4% is common. Schools will inform you in good time. Increases usually reflect higher costs for staffing, materials, or food.
What is the most expensive school in the UK?
Currently, the most expensive is Brighton College, with fees of £27.345 per term (including VAT) – or £82.035 per year including VAT (around €94,670). That said, cost alone does not define quality.
We work with a range of schools that offer outstanding academic provision, brilliant facilities, and excellent pastoral care – often for much lower fees.
Extracurricular Activities
Unlike most German schools, British boarding schools offer their students an exceptionally wide range of sports and leisure activities. This is a wonderful opportunity for every child — they can freely choose the sports they enjoy most.
These private schools ensure that no one is excluded based on their athletic ability. By offering different performance levels, they allow students to develop their skills without unnecessary pressure, creating an environment where enjoyment and personal growth come first.
Sports Activities
A selection of available sports includes:
Team Sports: Cricket, rugby, football, dance, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, baseball, volleyball, water polo, sailing, kayaking, rowing, and more.
Individual Sports: Tennis, horse riding, swimming, chess, golf, athletics, badminton, triathlon, fencing, cycling, mountain biking, table tennis, martial arts, and many others.
Equestrian Sports: Riding is an integral part of British boarding school life. Many schools boast top-class equestrian centres, such as the renowned Stonar School. You can find detailed information on this in our dedicated section on riding at our partner schools.
Arts and Creative Programmes
British boarding schools also provide their students with a rich and varied artistic education. Thanks to tuition-based funding, they are able to employ highly qualified specialists in the arts who work closely with students to develop their talents. Many schools even offer the possibility of learning up to three musical instruments as part of the regular curriculum.
Examples of creative courses offered include:
- Music tuition: Piano, cello, violin, harp, drums, and more
- Singing and vocal training
- Drama and acting
- Theatre production
- Painting and fine arts
- Design
- Film editing
- Architecture & 3D design
- Photography
Duration of Stay
Many boarding schools in England require a minimum stay of one academic year, or three terms, for international students. However, some private schools also offer shorter options of one or two terms. For students aiming to complete the English A-Level (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level) or the International Baccalaureate (IB), as well as the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education), a two-year stay is essential.
To make full use of all the opportunities a boarding school offers and to allow your child to truly reach their potential, a long-term stay is certainly recommended. Nevertheless, even a shorter stay can provide valuable benefits.
Is a Three- or Six-Month Stay Possible?
In the case of a so-called “short-term stay,” your child attends an English boarding school for just one or two terms instead of a full academic year. Not every school offers this option, but we are familiar with the institutions that do and would be happy to advise you.
Another way to experience boarding school life is through our Summer School England programme — an intensive language course held during the summer holidays and, in some cases, the Easter break. Summer School stays at British boarding schools are generally more affordable than full-term placements.
Overview
Every boarding school in England has its own admission criteria. At some schools, successfully passing an entrance test is a prerequisite for enrolment.
These tests typically assess mathematical and language skills. Naturally, we support both you and your child in preparing for them and discuss the exam content in detail.
Other schools do not require entrance tests but prefer to meet your child for an interview — often conducted via Skype.
We will, of course, help you prepare for this conversation as well. You can rely on our many years of experience and take advantage of our offer to conduct practice interviews.
Application Timeline
The lead time for applications varies greatly. At some boarding schools, applications must be submitted one to one-and-a-half years in advance.
However, many of our partner schools reserve places for students we recommend, making it possible to arrange a placement at short notice — even with an application submitted as little as two weeks before the start of term.
Free Trial Days
Thanks to our excellent relationships with partner schools, we can arrange not only free campus visits but also an exclusive two-day trial stay for your son or daughter in their potential future class.
During these “taster days,” your child can meet classmates, join lessons, and enjoy lunch in the school dining hall — all free of charge and with no obligation. This is a unique opportunity to experience both daily boarding life and the distinctive atmosphere of a British private school.
Throughout the trial stay, your child will be accompanied by teachers and selected student mentors who take their responsibilities seriously. This ensures a smooth integration into the class and an easy introduction to school routines. In the evenings, your child will share a room in one of the boarding houses, making it an exciting and authentic experience from the very start.
Overview
International and British students live together in so-called boarding houses — on-campus residences that accommodate up to around 20 students.
To ensure optimal care, each house is typically overseen by a dedicated Housemaster or Housemistress, who lives in the same building with their family. They serve as trusted points of contact for the children in their house, providing support with both major and minor concerns, organising movie or game nights, and acting as mentors.
Boarding houses are separated by gender, with boys’ houses usually supervised by a Housemaster and girls’ houses always by a Housemistress.
Room Types
Bedrooms, known as dorms, are usually shared. Younger students often live in rooms with more than three occupants, while older students are typically accommodated in double rooms. Some boarding schools also offer single rooms.
Weekend Activities
Weekends are full of opportunities for students. On Saturdays, they may attend additional lessons and take part in sports during the afternoon.
Sundays often feature organised excursions to theme parks, go-kart tracks, and paintball venues, as well as canoeing trips, cinema visits, or shopping outings.
Whether during lessons or leisure time, your child will never be left alone, will quickly make friends, and will feel fully integrated into boarding school life from day one.
Facts and Figures
Boarding schools in England maintain strong links with the country’s most prestigious universities. The vast majority of their graduates go on to study at one of the leading universities within the Russell Group — an association of the 24 most respected higher education institutions in the United Kingdom.
Five percent of all private school graduates in England progress to study at Oxford or Cambridge (Oxbridge), compared to only one percent of graduates from state schools. Similarly, at Russell Group universities, private boarding school alumni are heavily overrepresented: over 38% of them secure places there after completing their A Levels, compared to just 11% of state school graduates.
It is therefore no surprise that many middle-class British families are willing to invest several thousand pounds a year in their children’s education.
Only around 7% of students in England attend a private school. However, a disproportionately large share of top positions in British business and public life are held by former boarding school students — including over 76% of the country’s most senior judges.
This trend is also evident in other professions, with the percentage of private boarding school alumni as follows:
- 53% of diplomats
- 55% of permanent secretaries
- 48% of lawyers
- 45% of senior civil servants
- 43% of journalists
How Much Does a Boarding School in England Cost?
Tuition fees for a year abroad at an English boarding school range from approximately £37,000 to £60,000 (€44,000 to €71,000).
Since the difference between two schools can be as much as £15,000, it is worth comparing carefully. For example, schools in rural areas are often more affordable. With our guidance, you can be sure to find a school that is the right fit — both academically and financially.
For detailed information on fees, please visit the individual school pages.
How Much Does a Term at an English Boarding School Cost?
Depending on the school, fees for a term range between £12,000 and £22,000 (€14,000 to €26,000), with an average of around £16,000 per term.
Is a Three- or Six-Month Stay Possible?
A “short-term stay” allows your child to attend an English boarding school for just one or two terms instead of the full academic year. Not every school offers this option, but we know the ones that do and are happy to advise you.
Another way to experience boarding school life is through the Summer School England programme — an intensive language course held during the summer holidays and sometimes at Easter. Summer School stays are generally more affordable than full-term placements.
Is Last-Minute Admission Possible?
Many of our partner schools reserve places for students we recommend, making it possible to arrange a placement at short notice — even with an application submitted as little as two weeks before term starts.
Will Grades from an English Boarding School Be Recognised in Germany?
Provided your child’s stay is properly organised, grades earned in England will be recognised in Germany. It is advisable to confirm this in advance with your child’s school in Germany. We are happy to assist you with this process.
This ensures that your child can receive full credit for their year abroad and will not need to repeat a year upon returning.
Benefits of Attending a Boarding School in England
–Highly motivated, well-qualified teachers
–Small class sizes
–Improvement and deepening of English skills
–Nurturing of individual strengths
–Building valuable connections
–Emphasis on traditional values
–Encouragement of independence
–Development of intercultural competence
Are Extracurricular Activities Available? What About Riding?

Yes — British boarding schools offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities, and riding is often among them. Many schools boast first-class equestrian centres, such as Stonar School. We are happy to advise you on equestrian schools or those with other specialised activities.
Are There First-Hand Experiences with Boarding Schools in England?
We have compiled a range of insights and information on this page. If you would like more details, simply book a consultation with us.
When Are Boarding School Fees Paid?
Fees are generally paid in advance. A few weeks before term begins, you will receive an invoice directly from the school.
Do School Fees Increase Every Year?
A fee increase of two to four percent per year is common. The updated amount is communicated to parents as early as possible. Reasons for increases include rising costs for school facilities and food.
How Do You Choose the Right School from Hundreds of Options?
Contact Akademis Boarding Schools Consulting. We serve as the link between your family and leading British private schools. We know which schools best match your child’s personality and will guide you with expertise and care through the entire selection and application process.
We work only with the very best boarding schools, as these institutions — like you and us — are committed to ensuring that the right children find the right environment in which to thrive.
What Is the Impact of Brexit on Studying in the UK?
Despite Brexit, our students can still attend British private schools without difficulty. Depending on the length of stay, a visa may be required for entry as of 1 January 2021. We are happy to provide tailored advice on your specific case.
We also assist with the visa application process, which is usually a straightforward formality. The UK’s top boarding schools have decades of experience with visa applications, as their students traditionally come from all over the world — including Asia, the Americas, and beyond.

Haileybury

Malvern College

Lancing College

Rossall School

Culford School

Sutton Valence School

Milton Abbey School

Burgess Hill Girls

RGS Surrey Hills

Fettes College

Dollar Academy

Saint Felix School

Kensington Park School

LVS Ascot

Bishop’s Stortford College

Mayfield School

Kingham Hill School

Ryde School

King‘s Ely

Kingsley School Devon

Earlscliffe College

Queen’s College Taunton

Warminster School

King Edward’s Witley School

West Buckland School

Tettenhall College

King William‘s College

David Game College

Ellesmere College

Frensham Heights School

Abbey College Malvern

Gordonstoun School

Mount Kelly School

St Edmund’s School Canterbury

Stonar School

Glenalmond College

St. Peter’s School York

Bromsgrove School

Framlingham College

Royal Hospital School

Bournemouth Collegiate School

DLD College London

Loretto School

Worksop College

Brighton College

Roedean School

Kent College Canterbury

Gresham’s School

Windermere School

Repton School

Shrewsbury School

Leighton Park

Clifton College

Prior Park College

Cheltenham College

ACS International School Cobham

Clayesmore School

Ardingly College

Christ’s Hospital School

Eastbourne College

St Leonards School

Sidcot School

Pocklington School

Bryanston School

Sevenoaks School

Worth School

Abbotsholme School

Scarborough College

King’s Bruton

TASIS – The American International School in England

Wycliffe College

Millfield School

Bloxham School

The Leys School

Bede’s School

d’Overbroeck’s College Oxford

Taunton School

Mill Hill School

Whitgift School

Claremont School

Strathallan School

Stonyhurst College

Shiplake College

CATS College

Uppingham School

Queen Ethelburga’s College

Ackworth School

Barnard Castle School

Wells Cathedral School

Dean Close School

St Christopher School Letchworth

Dover College

St Lawrence College

Sedbergh School

Buckswood School

Oakham School

Ampleforth College

St Clare’s College Oxford

Giggleswick School

Cardiff Sixth Form College

Brentwood School

Oswestry School

Hurtwood House

Bedford School

Felsted School

Pangbourne College

Truro School

Royal Russell School

Lomond School

Monkton Combe School

Trinity School

Downside School

Plymouth College

Rendcomb College
