Choosing a Boarding School
How can parents be sure that they are choosing a good boarding school? Parents will want to be sure that the school they are considering has achieved a satisfactory standard at inspection.
Inspection of boarding provision
The Independent Schools Inspectorate works in partnership with OFSTED for the inspection of national boarding standards. ISI inspections always include consideration of the impact of boarding on pupils’ educational development. However, detailed inspection of boarding provision is carried out by OFSTED inspectors and, wherever possible, ISI and OFSTED inspections are conducted together. Each inspection team produces its own report, which is sent to all parents of pupils at the school.
Single-sex or co-educational?
Do you want your child to be educated with the opposite sex? At the primary stage, you may think it does not matter much, although the independent sector - unlike the state sector - still has junior schools which cater for boys or girls only. At the secondary stage, however, you may feel that your son or daughter would make more progress without the distraction of the opposite sex. On the other hand, you may believe it is more natural if boys and girls are educated together throughout. In many areas of the country, the independent sector offers the only real single-sex choice for parents who want it. There are more girls' schools in the independent sector than in the entire state sector in England.
Other questions parents may wish to consider when choosing a boarding school might include:
* Would a town or country location be more appropriate to our needs?
* Does the school also accept day pupils? If it does, what proportion of the student body is made up of boarders?
* Will my child need to board full time, on a weekly basis, or only occasionally?
* What style of accommodation is offered to boarders of my child's age? Dormitory/twin/single room?
* What out of school activities are offered to boarders?
* What leisure facilities are available within the boarding house?
* What arrangements are made if a child becomes unwell?
Parents living overseas must also consider the requirement for appropriate guardians to be appointed whilst their child is at school. Gabbitas can offer comprehensive assistance to parents in need of guardianship services for their children.
Gabbitas has been providing advice and support to parents in all aspects of independent education, including selection of boarding schools, since 1873. Teams of consultants are available to answer any questions parents may have and will provide as much assistance as necessary. We always recommend parents to visit several schools before making their final choice.