Introduction

Some schools offer occasional or ad-hoc boarding which means children stay the occasional night (or nights) on a one-off basis; this could help parents who may be considering a move to boarding for their children or who are going to be away for a short time and would find it advantageous to know their son or daughter can be well cared for on the school site.

For more information on boarding you might also find the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) website useful.

Yes, it matters immensely. Do everything you can to make sure your child is there for the start, when everyone gets acquainted, and there for the end, because the last days of term can be the most fun and often have important occasions such as the Carol Service or Speech Day.

Don't let your child miss these vital experiences in a British boarding school. More important perhaps - you are paying a high fee for a good education. It will seriously disadvantage your child if they miss classes. It's not fair to them, and it's not fair to the staff who will have to put in extra time making sure your child catches up. Term dates are important and they are published at least a year in advance. Bite the bullet and book early - but don't start late and leave early.

Younger boarders are likely to share large bedrooms for up to 6 children, more usually 4, so that each child has their own area which they can personalise with photos and favourite things, but also has the company of other children. It's a sociable and happy environment in which strong friendships are forged. Older pupils will find smaller bedrooms for perhaps two students, more commonly now single study bedrooms.

Schools have spent on average £1250 per boarder in the last year on refurbishing and building boarding accommodation. In some, the single study rooms will also have en suite facilities.

Senior pupils' accommodation will be strongly reminiscent of university accommodation, and supervision is likely to be ‘lighter-touch', as is age-appropriate.

Whatever the age of boarders, their House is likely to have comfortable communal areas for relaxing and socialising and, as they get older, even cooking for themselves.

Education in independent boarding schools is inspected and reported upon by the Independent Schools' Inspectorate (ISI). In state boarding schools, education is inspected by Ofsted.

Boarding welfare in both independent schools and state boarding schools is inspected and reported upon by Ofsted, every 3 years. For several years, all boarding schools have been operating according to the 52 National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools, which are very specific about the standards expected of boarding schools in every element of their operation, from the distance between beds to the supervision of free time. Parents can expect that standards have never been higher.

Many boarding schools are happy to allow a prospective student to stay overnight in a boarding house before the final decision is made about entering a school, particularly if the student is new to boarding.

Others would say a one night stay among strangers - however friendly they are - is artificial and not enough to make an informed decision. If your child would like a ‘Taster Day', discuss with the Headteacher.

In the most academic schools, the tests may be very tough, and this is likely to be well known by applicants. But boarding schools in particular are many and various in type and there are schools which cater for the talents of most children, regardless of their academic ability.

Boarding schools are well aware that a student who does not shine in the classroom, or perhaps has a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, is quite likely to become a fine artist, or a leading actor, or an outstanding sportsman. In such schools, the entrance test is useful to the school to ensure that the provision they can make for a particular student is appropriate.

Early discussions with the Headteacher should help you be sure that you are applying to a school in which your child will thrive, and in such a case the entrance test should not be a problem.

Most schools expect applications for September admission to be made about a year in advance. Most will have closing dates for entry at 7, 11, 13 and 16 and these may be tied to the administration of entrance or scholarship tests.

Particularly in boarding schools, it is important to be able to plan accommodation and staffing well in advance. But students may enter a school at any time, if the school has space and an appropriate curriculum for the child. If you become suddenly interested in a boarding place for a child, for whatever reason, it is always worth asking.

Upon arrival, you will normally be met by an institution representative at the airport. The representative will be holding a school sign, and will also be wearing the appropriate uniform.

If you are under 12 years old and classed as an ‘unaccompanied minor', you will be introduced to the school representative by a member of airline staff. Once you have met the representative from the school, you will be assisted with your luggage and taken to the transport (usually a coach or minibus), which will take you to your chosen institution. Many schools have more than one representative on the coach, who will travel with you to your school and will serve refreshments and snacks.

Don't worry about your level of English. All teachers at your chosen school will be professionals in their field and are there to help you improve your English. Most teachers will be native English speakers with a lot of experience in dealing with international students.

You will make many friends of different nationalities who all have the same goal in mind - to improve and practise their English!

All residential spring and summer schools are required by law to employ a qualified first-aider. This person, who should be available at the school 24 hours a day, will be able to help students who feel unwell or have suffered a minor injury.

Many schools also have a registered nurse who is resident at the school. The nurse can help with more serious injuries and arrange hospital and doctor's appointments at short notice. The nurse is also a good person to speak to if you feel anxious about anything - for example, missing your family and friends, or any issues at the school during your stay.