Industry News
Boarding 'becoming more popular'
Posted on 22nd January 2008
An increasing number of parents view boarding schools as the best place for their offspring to undertake sixth-form studies, it has been claimed.
Figures published by the Independent Schools Council show that its member schools now have more than 67,000 boarders, paying an average termly fee of £6,712.
However, the country's 34 state boarding schools are also enjoying a resurgence, reports the Times.
The State Boarding Schools' Association estimates that sixth-form places at its member schools are now five times oversubscribed.
Peter Jones, headmaster at Old Swinford Hospital school in Stourbridge, told the newspaper that this may be down to the rising number of parents who view boarding as ideal preparation for a place at a leading university.
"Parents think that giving their children a residential experience at the age of 16 will help to make them more independent before university," explained Mr Jones.
Although state boarding schools are typically cheaper than their independent competitors, sending a child to one still requires a substantial financial commitment as school fees are in the region of £9,000 a year.