Independent Boarding Schools

Ashford School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Kent for pupils aged three months to 18 years. Founded in 1898, the school operates across two campuses: the Senior School at East Hill and the Prep School in the village of Great Chart. Facilities include an All-Steinway music school, indoor swimming pools, and a modern sports centre. Part of the United Learning group, the school occupies a 25-acre main site and incorporates a Grade II listed building. The curriculum is designed to foster individual character and adventurous learning.

Prior's Field is an independent girls' day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in 42 acres of parkland near Godalming, Surrey. Founded in 1902 by Julia Huxley, the school is centred around a Grade II listed Arts and Crafts building designed by C.F.A. Voysey. The curriculum emphasises individuality and creative breadth, supported by specialist facilities including the Arnold Building for science and music. Pupils participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including a dedicated Tennis Academy and niche clubs such as silversmithing and electric car design.

Haileybury is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, set within a 500-acre campus in Hertford Heath. Established in 1862 on the site of the former East India College, the school is home to historic architecture, including a chapel by Arthur Blomfield and one of the largest academic quadrangles in the UK. Academically, the school offers both A-levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Facilities include a recently developed Science and Technology Centre, which supports an ethos focused on intellectual curiosity and global citizenship.

St Edmund's School Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18. Set within 62 acres on St Thomas' Hill, the school overlooks the historic city and its cathedral. Founded in 1749, it occupies a Grade II listed main building designed by Philip Charles Hardwick. The school is notably the place of education for the Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral. Its ethos emphasises individuality and creativity, supported by facilities including a dedicated performing arts centre, music school, and a 25-metre heated outdoor swimming pool.

Beechwood School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, located in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Set within 23 acres of landscaped grounds, the school is centred around a grand Victorian mansion constructed in 1855. Founded in 1915 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, it maintains a nurturing ethos based on its founding traditions while welcoming children of all faiths. Facilities include a dedicated auditorium, sports gym, and MUGA pitch, supporting a broad curriculum that offers a wide variety of academic and creative subjects at GCSE and A-level.

The New Beacon is an independent preparatory day and boarding school for boys aged 4 to 13, located in Sevenoaks, Kent. Founded in 1863 and operating on its current 22-acre semi-rural site since 1900, the school also includes a co-educational nursery. In 2021, it merged with Tonbridge School and is part of the Skinners’ Company group. Facilities include a sports centre, swimming pool, and a purpose-built nursery building. The curriculum provides a balance of academic, creative, and sporting activities. Notable former pupils include the poet Siegfried Sassoon.

Caterham School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated in the Harestone Valley in Surrey. Set within a 200-acre campus, the school was founded in 1811 and moved to its current location in 1884. It provides a broad curriculum with a strong emphasis on digital innovation, being recognised as an Apple Distinguished School. Facilities include a performing arts centre, a large sports complex, and extensive woodland used for outdoor education. The school fosters an environment focused on both academic achievement and personal development.

Aldro is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 7 to 13, located in Shackleford near Godalming. Founded in 1898 and relocated to its current Surrey site in 1940, the school operates with a Christian foundation. Set within extensive grounds, facilities include a rowing lake, an adventure island, and a swimming pool. The school focuses on the development of the whole child through a broad curriculum and co-curricular programme, preparing pupils for transition to leading senior schools via the Common Entrance pathway.

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.

Sutton Valence School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18, set within 100 acres of Kent countryside overlooking the Weald. Founded in 1576 by William Lambe, the school balances its rich history with modern facilities, including a 200-seat theatre and the Sydney Wooderson Sports Centre. Its ethos centres on a "Total Curriculum" designed to develop well-rounded individuals through academic, sporting, and artistic achievement. The school provides a supportive community environment, maintaining strong traditions while offering extensive extracurricular opportunities in rugby, hockey, and cricket.

City of London Freemen's School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 7 to 18, situated in 57 acres of parkland at Ashtead Park, Surrey. Founded in 1854 by the City of London Corporation, the school is centred around a Grade II listed mansion house. Facilities include a specialist music school with a 200-seat recital hall and a modern sports centre featuring a competition-standard swimming pool. Its ethos encourages students to learn, lead, and make a difference, balancing academic rigour with extensive extracurricular opportunities in a historic rural setting.

Royal Russell School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated on a 110-acre parkland estate in Croydon. Founded in 1853, the school maintains a long-standing royal patronage. The campus features notable architecture, including a chapel and Great Hall designed by Sir Aston Webb. The school provides a broad curriculum with a focus on developing well-rounded individuals through extensive extracurricular programmes in sport, music, and drama. Facilities include a performing arts centre, modern science laboratories, and comprehensive sports pitches.

Heath Mount School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 2 to 13, located within the 40-acre Woodhall Park Estate in Watton-at-Stone. Established in 1796, it is one of the UK’s oldest prep schools and has occupied its Grade I listed Georgian mansion since 1934. The school maintains a nurturing ethos, balancing academic rigour with a broad enrichment programme. Its extensive grounds include woodland for Forest School and a historic walled garden, providing a scenic setting for a curriculum that focuses on both individual wellbeing and outdoor learning.

Cumnor House Sussex is a co-educational independent day and boarding prep school for pupils aged 2 to 13, situated near Haywards Heath. Set within 60 acres of grounds on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, the school features facilities including a purpose-built theatre, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, and an outdoor forest school. Originally founded in 1931, the school promotes an ethos known as 'The Cumnor Way', which focuses on kindness and community contribution. The broad curriculum prepares children for transition into a range of senior schools across the country.

Westminster Cathedral Choir School is an academically selective, Roman Catholic preparatory school for boys aged four to 13, situated in central London. Founded in 1901 by Cardinal Herbert Vaughan, the school is dedicated to training the choristers of Westminster Cathedral, who reside as boarders from Year 4. The school offers a broad 'liberal arts' education alongside a strong tradition in music and competitive sport. As one of only two Catholic cathedral schools in the United Kingdom, it maintains a unique focus on liturgical music and academic excellence within a faith-centred environment.