Boarding school fees represent a significant financial investment for many families. On average, annual fees range from £35,000 to £50,000, though costs can vary depending on the school’s reputation, location, facilities, and age group (e.g. prep vs senior school).

These fees typically cover:

• Tuition

• Boarding (room and board)

• Meals

• Pastoral care

• Basic extracurricular activities and clubs

However, it's important to plan for additional costs, which may not be included in the core fee:

• Uniform and sports kit (often specific to each school)

• Textbooks, stationery, and equipment

• Exam registration fees (e.g. GCSEs, A-Levels, or IB)

• Educational trips, optional excursions, and enrichment activities

• Travel to and from school, including airport transfers if relevant

• Personal spending money and incidentals (often held in a student account)

Scholarships & Bursaries

Some independent schools offer merit-based scholarships (for academics, music, sport, or art) and means-tested bursaries to support talented students from a wide range of backgrounds. However, these awards are often highly competitive, and availability varies from school to school.

Planning Ahead

Families should also be aware that annual fee increases are common across the private education sector in the UK — usually to account for rising operational costs and inflation. When budgeting, it’s wise to factor in potential year-on-year adjustments.

For international families, additional considerations may include visa-related costs, guardianship services, and international health insurance where applicable.