What is state boarding?

SBSA (State Boarding Schools Association) schools provide high quality boarding at the lowest possible cost. You pay only the cost of boarding as the education at SBSA schools is free. This means that rather than paying £25,000+ a year for an independent boarding school, you would probably be paying less than £10,000 a year at a state boarding school.

Excellent results

Each year, state boarding schools regularly out-perform other state schools with many topping academic league tables around the country. The combination of the excellent state-funded education and a stable boarding community enables pupils to make the most of their talents and abilities.

The best of boarding care

Increasingly, parents are considering state boarding schools ahead of boarding in the independent sector as they see they can get the education and pastoral care they are seeking for a fraction of the cost. And when you visit these schools you can see why. The facilities are excellent and the quality of teaching is frequently judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. The demand for places at these school is so great that the Government is increasing the number of places available by introducing boarding to some schools and expanding the facilities at others.

Why should parents consider a state boarding education?

Students gain in self confidence and learn to cope for themselves in a supportive environment.

In couples where both partners work, the day to day running of the family becomes a chore leading to tensions. With the children being looked after in the week and getting all their work done, they can come home on Friday afternoon and look forward to quality family time through to Sunday night or Monday morning. Many of the boarders describe getting on much better with their parents.

Students living in small hamlets and villages are often isolated from their school friends when they go home or require a chauffeur to allow them to maintain their friends and attend swimming club, football club, youth club ……… Boarders have a ready made group of people their own age to make friends with and there is always a group that wants a kick around or a gossip.

Most boarders achieve good results and given the financial deal of state boarding, this represents great value for money.

We will keep you well informed about the progress of your children and encourage you to take an active role in the life of the school. You are buying into an institution that becomes a way of life.

Further information about the State Boarding Schools Association can be found here