THE APPEAL OF BRITISH BOARDING SCHOOLS
Struggling to narrow down your child’s boarding-school shortlist? Carfax Education can help your family find the seamless right fit
The appeal of a British Boarding education continues to hold a special allure for both parents and pupils alike. For parents, there’s the thought of their child safely protected in a beautiful location, while learning from the brightest of minds, in buildings that have educated generations of alumni. For pupils, there’s the magical appeal of independence, seizing opportunities to try new subjects and activities, and enjoying a Hogwarts-like experience. In such an established landscape, with so many schools to choose from, how do you go about finding the right one for your child?
Fiona McKenzie, Head of Education at Carfax Education explains that “finding the right school is a formidable task. While schools share some common characteristics, such as the quality of the teaching and the well-defined progression paths into higher education, the real differentiation is the ‘hidden curriculum’ embedded in the boarding environment: team working, taking responsibility, communicating with a broad social range, learning about resilience – skills that will prepare children for life way beyond their school days.”
Consider what’s most important to your child, and your family.
This may be academic standards, extracurricular activities, logistics, or pastoral support. Before applying, it’s important to establish if your child has the right academic profile for your shortlisted schools, so you can ensure a smooth transition and set your child up for success.
There are bound to be many other questions that you’ll face. Nevertheless, a good British boarding school will enable a child to learn academically and grow in a stimulating, diverse and actionpacked environment which will help them become more self-confident, independent and resilient young people.
Interested in building an Education Road Map for your family? Get in touch with Carfax Education today; email enquiries@carfaxeducation.com or call +44 (0)20 7927 6207.
Head Teacher: Senior school: Mr Peter Goodyer
Prep school: Mrs Leigh-Anne Morris (interim)
Admissions: admissions@bedes.org
Senior school: +44 (0)1323 356609 Prep school: +44 (0)1323 356939
GENDER/AGES: Boys and girls, 3 months–18 years
FEES: Prep– Reception, Year 1 & 2 (£3,660) per term, Years 3 & 4 (£5,130) per term, Years 5 & 6 (£6,160) per term, Years 7 & 8 (£6,390) per term, boarding supplement £2,990 per term, senior (day) from £8,300 per term, weekly boarding from £12,240, full boarding from £12,990 per term
TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 17, senior – 18, sixth form – 13 FAITH: Anglican. MOTTO: Where every child finds joy in their pursuit of brilliance.
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Application form, Bede’s Experience Day and interview.
School philosophy: Bede’s fosters a community of curiosity which encourages every individual to find and develop their passions, seek new horizons, develop lasting friendships and achieve their potential. The school champions choice at every turn. Each Bedian is nurtured to find joy in their pursuit of brilliance, to develop a genuine love of learning. Every teacher and pupil at Bede’s is united by the idea that if we support one another and work hard then we can all exceed every expectation. This philosophy is built on its belief in belonging, where pupils are able to be and in time become. This culture of compassion and conscientiousness enables Bede’s to nurture inquisitive minds and, in combination with the opportunities its campus provides, create unforgettable memories. Bede’s is a place where every pupil is truly treated as an individual and where they are enriched in a holistic way – enabling them to flourish in all aspects of life.
Academic record: In 2022, Bede’s A-level pupils achieved 88% A*-C grades and 47% A*-A grades, whilst 45% of GCSE pupils achieved the equivalent of an A* or A grade (grades 9-7).
Extracurricular: Bede’s has an outstanding extracurricular and activities programme; whether onsite utilising some of our unique amenities – including our zoo, the UK’s oldest residential modern and ballet school, our academy sports programmes in cricket, hockey, tennis and football; or indeed making the most of the beautiful countryside and coastline that surrounds Bede’s to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as sailing and orienteering.
Notable achievements and alumni: Stand-up comedian, actor and activist Eddie Izzard, actor Nicky Henson, Olivier Award-winning theatre director Jamie Lloyd, England rugby player Rob Buchanan, England hockey player Dilly Newton, Sussex cricketer Ali Orr, Lancashire cricketer Luke Wells and West Indies cricketer Shai Hope.