We not only have a trained eye but also a sympathetic ear for finding the most suitable boarding school for you. We offer extensive help to make sure we set the best academic parameters for your child. If you wish, we will visit you at home for a personal talk in the Vorarlberg region (within 100km).
This is often the best setting to discuss and resolve further questions such as ideal subject combinations or dietary needs. Some important facts and information on life at a boarding school are listed below.
It is advisable to make the transition to a boarding school right at the beginning of a school year – regardless of how long your child wants to stay abroad. After the summer holidays the pack is often reshuffled in the boarding houses which makes it easier to integrate and find friends.
Entering the 8th, 9th or 10th form of the English school system (LINK School System) are ideal moments for transition. A change of schools is more likely approved by the Austrian / German schools as well as the schools in the UK at this stage. Children should be about 12 years old and show enthusiasm towards spending time abroad.
Costs for boarding schools in England, Wales and Scotland are calculated per term. They range around 11,600 GBP. Additionally, there are expenditures for school uniform, visa, school material, guardian, and pocket money. A guardian is a reference person for the international pupil in the UK.
Overall, parents should calculate between 40,000 EUR and 50,000 EUR for a school year of three terms including additional expenses. Pupils who have a gift for sports or are musically or artistically talented have the opportunity to apply for a partial scholarship at the respective boarding school. We can look into this for you in advance and help you with the application.
There are fast and safe solutions to transfer school fees abroad. The following financial institutions have specialised in foreign remittances:
Standard Visitor Route: Pupils from the EU or the EEA, who do not study in the UK longer than six months, do not need a visa. They receive a Standard Visitor Route when entering GB. They simply need:
Child Student Visa: Students between 4 and 17 years of age who stay in GB longer than six months and are from the EU or EEA area need a Child Student Visa. Attention: What matters is the pupil’s age at the time of application, not at the start of the journey. Besides the application of the visa, you will also need to pay an insurance fee for the National Health Service. We are happy to inform you in detail, further information can also be found at https://www.gov.uk/child-study-visa. Student Visa: This type of visa is applicable for people over 18. You need it if you spend more than six months in the UK. Again, the age at the time of application is important, not at the start of your journey. You receive all the information around the Student Visa online. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. https://www.gov.uk/student-visa.
Early practice makes the master! In Great Britain children start school at the age of five. They attend school for 13 years. Don’t forget - due to the early school entrance age there is a time shift. Therefore, the English 9th form equals the 8th form in Germany and the 4th form of secondary school in Austria. The 10th form equals the 9th academic year and so on.
The international school leaving certificate: International Baccalaureate Diploma IB
Those who have an IB diploma in their pocket know all doors open to them. Due to its international comparability, this school leaving certificate is accepted at almost all universities around the world. It is regarded as the most demanding school-leaving qualification.
Like in Germany, during the last two years of senior school (12th and 13th year of the British school system) the choice of subjects is diversified. Pupils choose six major subjects from at least five different areas three of which are attended in the higher level. The remaining three subjects are completed at standard level. Main subjects are the pupil’s mother tongue, a foreign language, mathematics, sciences, social sciences, and art.
What is more, IB diploma candidates have to accomplish 150 hours of extra-curricular activities in areas such as sports, art and social service, participate in the course “Theory of Knowledge” and submit an extended essay (EE).
The Subject-Linked School Leaving Certificate: A-Levels
With the traditional British school leaving certificate known as A-Levels, graduates have access authority to all universities in the UK. To be granted access to universities in Switzerland, The Principality of Liechtenstein, Austria and Germany the right combination of subjects in senior school is vital. Different from the IB diploma, A-Level pupils choose three to four subjects out of 40 different subjects. This means, pupils concentrate on only a few subjects which are taught with a high number of lessons in Lower Sixth Form (A1, British Year 12) and Upper Sixth Form (A2, British Year 13). This is ideal for everyone who already knows their professional direction and field of study at university. With the right subject combination students can successfully study at universities in their home country, too.
General Certificate of Secondary Education GCSEs
GCSEs are the first important school leaving certificate in secondary school. It is equal to the secondary-school-leaving certificate in Germany and is taken in 8-15 subjects. The GCSE curriculum stretches over two years from Year 10-11 in the British school system. In Austria this period equals 5th and 6th Year of high school. Afterwards pupils continue with their A-Level or IB programme.
As a founder member of Round Square, the educational objectives of Box Hill School are based on the philosophy of the Round Square founder Kurt Hahn. In Box Hill the six pillars of “IDEALS” (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmental Concern, Adventure, Leadership, Service) are lived actively.
Pupils receive a holistic education, which is based in the premise that each person finds identity, meaning, and purpose in life through connections to the community, to the natural world, and to humanitarian values such as compassion and peace.
In turn, this is brought about through a wide experience of sport, creative arts, challenge, service, outward bound pursuits, and democratic participation as well as academic learning. Academic success is, therefore, an outcome of a broader character education.
Box Hill School aims to be the first-choice school for those who understand that education is about the holistic growth of a child. Whilst academic achievement is important, equal emphasis is put on art, dance, drama, technical work (CDT etc.), charity work, student representation, learning through play or culture, boarding, sport, adventurous pursuits, co-curricular activities, and other opportunities.
Founded in 1407, Oswestry is one of the oldest non-denominational independent schools in England. It stands on the edge of the attractive market town of Oswestry, on the border of England and Wales and boasts some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain on its doorstep.
Historical it may be, with many traditional virtues encouraged, but Oswestry is also a warm, caring and progressive school. They place a high emphasis on good manners and personal integrity. Their aim is for their pupils to enjoy their education and to learn in a happy environment. In this tight-knit community they celebrate the individual and aim to encourage all pupils to reach their potential.
The values of the Anglican Church, like integrity, tolerance and the service to others are integral parts of a successful school life at Warminster. It is a place, where pupils quickly integrate, where they may be themselves and flourish. And it is a school which is “rounded and grounded” and has a community that allows teenagers to build confidence, without arrogance.
The Design and Technology and Science labs are of a university standard!
Gordonstoun was founded in 1934 by educationalist Kurt Hahn and ever since has been known for its progressive thinking and pioneering spirit. Hahn was founder of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and co-founder of the Round Square Curriculum.
Gordonstoun has an approach to character education and stands for diversity and tolerance. The school is not only known for an all-round personal education but also top academic performance. Students are really encouraged to follow the school’s motto Plus Est En Vous – There Is More In You as ALL students take part in their world-leading outdoor education and sailing programme, explore the performing arts, and participate in one of the school’s nine services to the community. This gives young people the ability to adapt to new situations quickly and confidently. Skills which are essential in later life.
St Clare’s Oxford is in north Oxford. The school was founded after WW II and actively comes out against racism and discrimination. This very international school demonstrates living tolerance, diversity and open-mindedness. Pupils are encouraged to develop self-reliance and independence.
They do not wear school uniforms and enjoy more freedom than at other boarding schools. The boarding houses are not located on the school campus but close-by. Naturally, students support each other with their studies and quickly develop a sense of community in their boarding houses. IB and inspection results are equally excellent!
The traditional boarding school Christ College Brecon is located only one minute stroll from the centre of the historic market town of Brecon and within the Brecon Beacon National Park with some beautiful old buildings and a modern Science and Art department.
Due to its small size the headmaster knows each and every child personally and students live in a close-knit and nurturing community. Despite being moderate in size, Christ College Brecon offers an astonishingly wide range of co-and extra-curricular activities. Part of which is the drama club where pupils from various age groups stage a number of plays and musical productions every year with really astonishing results.
Harrogate Ladies’ College (HLC) is a small independent school in the historic and idyllic spa town of Harrogate. It is in an affluent area within a few minutes walking distance from the town centre. Due to its moderate size, at HLC everyone knows everyone, and the pupils appreciate caring, personal and esteeming contact within the whole school community.
Since its founding, HLC has been one of the leading and most innovative girls-only schools in England, where a high-quality education is guaranteed. Being a very musical school, HLC has to offer one of the best choirs in the UK. For those who care about sustainability, a balanced diet and their carbon footprint, this the right address. 90% of the products processed in the kitchen are regional. The eggs for breakfast are from free-range chickens and the bread is home-made.
Their engagement to raise pupils to intellectual independence and emotional strength was acknowledged with the Boarding School of the Year 2021 award by the prestigious Tes Independent School Award. In many ways Moreton Hall resembles a modern start-up company rather than a traditional boarding school.
They spot the signs of the times, are innovative and flexible and cater to the needs of every pupil. For example, they offer individual study support for students with study differences without any cost. Moreton Enterprises are run by the Senior School pupils. They acquire life and leadership skills and experience entrepreneurship.
Special features:
Offering outstanding all-round education within a warm and vibrant community, the school is situated in 72 acres of beautiful grounds in the heart of the Cotswolds. All pupils are stretched academically and go on to achieve their best in a positive and supportive learning environment. There is a huge array of extracurricular activities both during the week and at weekends, from outdoor pursuits and film-making to astronomy and dance. Many students learn an instrument and are part of the numerous groups and ensembles. Artistically minded children have every opportunity to develop their creative flair.
Community life and friendship are hugely important at Cheltenham College. Founded on Christian principles and with a strong house system at its heart, the school inspires loyalty, respect and integrity. Pastoral care is exceptional, with every pupil developing socially as
well as academically. From an extensive sports complex and acres of sports fields to the theatres, a 19 th -century art gallery and a breathtaking Chapel, the facilities at Cheltenham College are outstanding.
Special features:
Cardiff Sixth Form College has been ranked the top school in the UK over the past 12 years and the College’s results are outstanding. In 2022, 95% of students received A*-A grades with 98% of students achieving A*-B grades and 34 students gaining places to study medicine. Excellent teaching, one to one support, superb academic materials, nearly double the amount of teaching hours of any other school and developing academic students with programmes designed to enhance their careers makes the difference.
Special features:
Leighton Park is a leading co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11-18 based in Reading, Berkshire. Leighton Park was founded 130 years ago as a Quaker school. It is a prestigious HMC school 25 minutes from both vibrant London and Oxford, and a 30 minute taxi ride from London Heathrow. As well as offering English academic qualifications they are an IB World School, offering the IB Diploma Programme.
Malvern College is located in the beautiful Malvern Hills, only a few minutes walk from the town centre of Great Malvern. For over 150 years Malvern has revered as a school that defines a classical English education. The beautiful campus gives the students the space for big ideas, with room to grow, develop and flourish, preparing them for the modern world and helping them to find their place in it, with the confidence to transform it for the better. Pupils are encouraged to learn not just remember. Malvern strives for academic success but celebrates life-long curiosity, the ability to explore and discover more. The academic programme is broad and rightly challenging. Academic progress is underpinned by a robust support network, which includes Tutors, House Tutors, Heads of Years and Housems. Out of class, the College has much to offer in terms of co-curricular and super-curricular
activities. Sporty as well as musically or artistically gifted pupils are offered state-of the art facilities and a very supportive, excellent team of coaches and teachers.
Special features:
The wellbeing of the girls is unashamedly put on an equal footing with Cheltenham Ladies’ College’s academic achievements. Boarding life at College offers students an unparalleled experience in these important formative years. The house system is structured to allow new boarders to settle in quickly, with older girls in a position to nurture younger pupils. This ensures that all boarders have a home from home, where they feel included, appreciated and part of a close-knit community. The house is a sanctuary where girls eat, sleep, play, relax and study.
Situated on 128-acres of Surrey countryside, 20 miles south of Central London, ACS Cobham enrols over 1000 students aged between 2 and 18 offering both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and an American curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. At ACS, diversity, innovation, academic excellence and global awareness come together to create a dynamic learning community and exceptional school experience. They create opportunities and activities that inspire their students to think in fresh, exciting ways so they reach a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the world, its citizens and their place within it. Opening the students’ minds in this way enhances and energises their learning, ensuring they’re ready for whatever their future holds.
Special features:
Bede's Senior School is a co-educational day and boarding school for 13- to 18-year-olds in Sussex in the South East of England. Bede’s has a unique educational philosophy that focuses on educating the whole person. The school prides itself not only on its facilities, but also on providing a personalised education to its pupils, nurturing children with different interests and talents and shaping school life to suit the individual rather than the other way round. On the sporting front, the school offers year-round academies in cricket, football, hockey and tennis and has partnership arrangements with local sports clubs such as Sussex County Cricket Club and Brighton and Hove Football Club.
Dollar Academy is an HMC school recognised for its academic excellence and outstanding work in the areas of pastoral care, extra-curricular engagement and teaching. A dedicated teaching team ensures that every child can realise their full potential, while over 120 sporting, cultural and social activities provide a wide range of opportunities. The inspiring campus spans 70 acres in the picturesque market town of Dollar in central Scotland and is home to around 1300 pupils aged 5 to 18. Scotland is renowned for its hospitality and a warm welcome awaits all visitors to Dollar Academy.
Special features:
For international students, All Hallows offers the optimal introduction to a British education. Their immersive language environment ensures a seamless transition, preparing students not only to excel at senior schools but also to thrive at prestigious universities. As an independent prep school, they strike a balance—providing a pathway to local schools with strong connections or the option to pursue education at some of the most renowned institutions in the UK. All Hallows collaborate closely with parents and agents, tailoring educational paths to suit each child's unique needs. All Hallows’ vision is to nurture each pupil and foster the development of the 'whole child' through innovative education and diverse experiences. Their secure and joyful environment instils the inner confidence essential for flourishing in a rapidly changing world. While shielded and nurtured, children are simultaneously challenged and stretched, enhancing their ability to thrive as future adults.
Special features:
Ardingly College is a top UK, Independent Day, and Boarding School on the outskirts of Ardingly village, surrounded by 230 acres of outstanding natural beauty and is situated in an enviable location. It offers the best of all worlds; the surrounding beauty of the Sussex countryside, close proximity to the vibrancy of Brighton on the South Coast and the culture of London and, for international students, the convenience of being just 13 miles away from Gatwick Airport.
Ardingly College’s Senior School features in the Top 100 academic schools nationally in the UK. Parents and students of Ardingly College all work together to find the best academic pathway to suit students' strengths and abilities, with guided subject choices.
Special features:
Parents choose Ashford School for many reasons: they achieve high academic success; work very closely with our students giving attention to the needs of the individual; their class sizes; their challenging and supportive environment; the wide range of co-curricular activities; and the energetic, specialist teachers. Ashford School pride themselves in selecting highly capable adults who are experts from a variety of backgrounds.
Special features:
Brentwood School is one of the UK’s leading independent schools for boys and girls aged 3 – 18. The School develops and nurtures high achieving, enterprising and articulate individuals who have the academic and social skills, integrity and commitment to lead the next generation. Steeped in almost 500 years of history, the School enjoys high academic standards, exceptional facilities and a large selection of clubs and activities.
Special features:
Badminton School, its campus nestled in the leafy outskirts of the university city of Bristol, is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 4 - 18. They offer a holistic approach to education; to put it simply, Badminton School encourage their girls to get "hands on" with their subjects, ask questions and really get stuck in. Above all, learning is fun at Badminton and this, coupled with the School’s homely community and excellent pastoral care, leaves no scope for anonymity. Your daughter will be known and fully supported in whatever her talents or interests may be. The School often get asked what the characteristics of a Badminton girl are and the truth is, there is no one ‘type’! Badminton girls are treated like the individuals that they are; they inspire them to pursue their own interests and expand and explore their ambitions, both in their academic work and in co-curricular activities.
