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Boarding schools aren’t on most parents’ radar because of one seemingly obvious barrier: the fees are unaffordable. In 2023, the average boarding fee per term for pupils at ISC schools was £13,000– multiply that by three terms and you’ve almost made a £39,000 dent in your bank balance each year. But did you know that a boarding school education is not the preserve of the top one percent and their kids?
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State boarding schools: the affordable option
There’s a far cheaper option that allows your family to benefit from this unique education opportunity: state boarding schools. These institutions have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, for two compelling reasons: the fees are typically somewhere between £10,000-£18,000 a year, with parents only charged for accommodation costs because tuition is government-funded; and they help families to manage busy professional lives that are defined by long hours and international travel.
Please note that the fees we indicate above exclude VAT (Value Added Tax), currently at 20%. You should expect to pay an additional 20% VAT on all UK private school fees.
While there aren’t any state boarding schools in London itself, there’s a handful dotted around the home counties that surround the UK capital, including:
Colchester Royal Grammar School (Essex)
CRGS has a rich heritage that dates to the 16th century: originally founded in 1206, it was granted two Royal Charters: by Henry VIII in 1539 and by Elizabeth I in 1584. It became an academy in 2012, before being designated a National Teaching School and a National Support School in 2013. CRGS admits boys aged 11 to 19 and girls into a co-educational Sixth Form. Its family-style boarding house is designed for 30 Sixth Form students, which contributes to the school’s family feel.
Cranbrook School (Kent)
This co-educational boarding grammar school is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Founded in 1518 and given its royal charter by Elizabeth I in 1574, it has evolved into a wonderfully modern education institution. Today, students benefit from the breadth of the school’s curriculum and its emphasis on growing character as much as minds. Cranbrook strikes a perfect balance between the traditional academic curriculum and a busy co-curriculum of competitive sport, music, drama, CCF, DofE and student-led societies.
Gordon’s School (Surrey)
This non-selective state boarding school was established in 1885 at the behest of Queen Victoria. Situated in 50-acres of stunning grounds with first-class facilities, the school strives to offer a first-class education and produce well-rounded students that are prepared for life after school. Impressively, Gordon’s is officially listed as one of Britain’s outstanding schools by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector.
Hockerill Anglo-European College (Hertfordshire)
Hockerill Anglo-European College is a state co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11 to 18. The college prides itself on providing students with a dynamic, vibrant, and exciting learning environment. A broad curriculum is complemented by Hockerill’s status as one of the largest state schools offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma programmes – with a particular focus on languages and music.
How Simply London can help
Our schools experts can provide personalised guidance on the boarding school admissions process.
Using their knowledge and experience, they can help you select the best schools for your children, and help you secure a place.
Schedule a call now with one of our Experts here to discuss how we might be able to assist.
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Article published in October 2021, and upated in August 2025.
