The Boarding Schools' Association (BSA) is the largest association of boarding schools in the world, representing hundreds of independent and state boarding schools across the UK and overseas. Its core mission is to promote and support excellence in boarding education. The BSA provides professional development and training for school staff, offers guidance on best practices in pastoral care and safeguarding, and serves as the collective voice for the boarding sector when liaising with government and inspection bodies. It champions the benefits of a boarding education and supports member schools in delivering the highest standards.
BSA Member Schools (81)
ACS Cobham International School is a co-educational day and boarding school situated on a 128-acre woodland campus in Cobham, Surrey. Located approximately 20 miles from Central London, the school enrols students aged 2 to 18 from over 60 nationalities. The curriculum includes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and an American curriculum, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses and leading to a US high school diploma. The school claims to focus on innovation, academic excellence, and global awareness. Facilities include extensive sports amenities and a performing arts centre.
Amesbury is a co-educational independent preparatory school situated in Hindhead, Surrey, on a 34-acre rural site. Founded in 1870, the school educates pupils from 9 months to 13 years old. The main school building, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1903, is a Grade II* listed structure. The school claims to focus on nurturing individual talents within a purposeful atmosphere, fostering a "have-a-go" spirit, and instilling strong values. It was awarded 'Excellent' by ISI in 2017.
Situated in the West Sussex countryside, near Haywards Heath, Ardingly College is a co-educational boarding and day school established in 1858. The college occupies a 240-acre campus with woodland and a lakeside environment. The school claims to focus on academic rigour, critical thinking, and preparing students to be "World Ready". Its ethos is guided by values such as engagement, compassion, resilience, and collaboration. Ardingly College offers A-levels, the IB Diploma, and BTECs.
Ashford School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school situated across two campuses in Ashford, Kent. It caters to students aged 3 months to 18 years. The school claims to focus on "Inspiring Minds" and an educational philosophy that prioritizes student well-being as a foundation for success. It is affiliated with the United Church Schools Trust and is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC). The school is located near Ashford International station, offering strong transport links.
Battle Abbey School is an independent coeducational day and boarding school for pupils aged three months to 18 years, situated in Battle and Bexhill, East Sussex. The Senior School occupies the historic site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, utilising the 13th-century Abbot’s House and surrounding grounds. The school claims to foster an ethos of kindness, compassion, and mutual respect, prioritising individual pastoral care. Facilities include a dedicated Sixth Form centre and a preparatory department in Bexhill featuring extensive gardens and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.
Bede’s Prep is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated on a coastal site in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Located at the foot of the South Downs National Park, the school overlooks the sea and educates children from three months to 13 years. Its ethos centres on a holistic approach to learning, aiming to nurture individual talents through academic, creative, and sporting programmes. The grounds include historic buildings and modern facilities, such as a swimming pool, sports hall, and dedicated outdoor learning spaces.
Situated in the Sussex countryside in Upper Dicker, near Hailsham, Bede’s Senior School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18. The school claims to offer a holistic education that prioritises individual interests, combining academic study with traditions in the performing arts and sport. Notable facilities include an on-site zoo housing over 70 species and the Legat School of Dance. Its ethos focuses on cultivating curiosity and ambition within an inclusive community that values personal growth and both creative and academic achievement.
Beechwood is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Situated on a 23-acre campus, the school educates pupils from Pre-School to Sixth Form. It was founded in 1915 by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart and now operates as a co-educational school for children of all faiths.
Benenden School, founded in 1923, is an all-girls boarding school situated in 250 acres of parkland in Kent, a rural setting. It accommodates approximately 550-560 girls aged 11-18, with a limited number of day places. The school claims to focus on a 'Complete Education', aiming to shape future generations of successful, visionary women, and fostering values such as confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy.
Bishop's Stortford College is a co-educational day and boarding school situated on a 130-acre campus in Hertfordshire, on the edge of the market town of Bishop's Stortford. Established in 1868, it caters for pupils aged 3 to 18. The school claims to focus on developing well-rounded individuals by promoting academic excellence, scholarship, strong character-forming values, and community. Its ethos is rooted in the Christian faith, welcoming individuals of all beliefs.
Brambletye School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for children aged 2.5 to 13. Situated in East Grinstead, West Sussex, the school is set within 140 acres of parkland, housed in a Victorian building overlooking Ashdown Forest. The school's ethos, "Work Hard, Play Hard & Be Kind," aims to cultivate curiosity, perseverance, and kindness. It provides extensive facilities for academic, sporting, and creative arts programs, supporting a broad education in a rural setting.
Situated in the Kemptown area of Brighton, East Sussex, Brighton College is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18. Its campus combines historic Gothic Revival buildings with contemporary architecture, including the award-winning School of Science and Sport. The school claims to focus on an ethos of kindness, guided by the Greek motto, 'Let right prevail'. Facilities include 18 university-standard laboratories, a 400-seat theatre, and a 25-metre swimming pool, all located within walking distance of the seafront and the South Downs.