'If you choose to study at a UK boarding school, you’ll be immersing yourself in a world of learning, creativity and UK culture. As well as a huge range of boarding options, there are many different study courses on offer.'
Courses at UK independent boarding schools
GCSEs: GCSEs are the standard school-leaver qualifications taken by virtually all UK students. If you come to a UK independent boarding school before you reach 16, you'll study towards GCSE examinations in up to 12 subjects (on average, students take eight). Some subjects are compulsory, including English and mathematics, and you can select others, such as single or combined sciences, foreign languages, music, drama, geography and history, from a series of options.
AS- and A-levels: AS- and A-levels are taken after GCSEs. They're the UK qualifications most widely accepted for entry to university. They are available in subjects such as the humanities, arts, sciences and social sciences, as well as in practical subjects such as engineering, and leisure and tourism.
AS-level examinations are taken at the end of your first year (called the lower-sixth or Year 12) and A-level qualifications at the end of your second year (called the upper-sixth or Year 13).
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma): International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes include the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for pupils aged three to 12, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16 and the Diploma Programme for students aged 16 to 19. The Diploma is the most popular. This is a two-year pre-university programme that is an alternative to A-levels and is recognised for entry into higher education in the UK.
You are required to study three subjects at higher level and three at standard, complete the Theory of Knowledge course and an extended essay, as well as participate in Creativity, Action and Service. English, a second language and maths are compulsory at either higher or standard levels.
There are more than 130 IB schools in the UK offering one or more of the three IB programmes.
You can search for International Baccalaureate courses on the International Baccalaureate Schools website.
The Cambridge Pre-U Diploma: The Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, developed by Cambridge International Assessment, is offered in some schools and colleges as preparation for university and as an alternative to A-levels and the IB Diploma. To gain the diploma, you will need to study three principal subjects, as well as complete an independent research report and a course on global perspectives. Individual Pre-U elements may also be studied alongside A-levels.
Music exams: At many UK boarding schools, you can take part in extra-curricular activities to develop your hobbies and learn new skills. Music is a popular pastime at many schools, and you may be encouraged to take graded music exams offered by awarding bodies such as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, or Trinity College. The exam grades gained from these are widely accepted toward university entry requirements. Similarly well-recognised examinations are available in ballet, dance and speech and drama.
You can search for UK boarding schools and study courses using the Search tool, to the top-right of this website.
