If you’re thinking about boarding school for your children, academics, facilities and extracurricular activities are just a few of the considerations when deciding which one to choose. Here are 6 great schools in the Cotswolds to get you thinking...
Minchinhampton, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 9AF
01453 832072
Twitter: @beaudesertpark
There are 450 boys and girls aged 3-13 at this ever-popular country Prep, and all living within 20 miles. Parents speak of great teachers, knockout facilities and a happy, confidence-building school set in glorious grounds. We also hear that academic results are consistently impressive despite Beaudesert being non-selective.
Many of the children are ferried to and from home by a slick network of mini-buses, although most jump at the chance to flexi-board in the cosy boarding rooms for between one and three nights a week when they’re older and allowed (from Year 4, aged 7-8 upwards). And no wonder when you hear about the night-time nature walks, Scottish reeling, bake-off sessions, outdoor pool dips and hot chocolate-fuelled movie nights! Weekly boarding is also an option.
The next Open Morning is on Friday March 22, or parents can call 01453 832 072 to arrange a visit.
Bath Road, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 2JQ
01453 822432
Facebook: @WycliffeCollege
Twitter: @WycliffeCollege
At Wycliffe, each Boarding House is truly a home; each with its own very distinct personality. Whilst life within each House may vary – from charity fun runs and movie nights to Esports gaming sessions and quiz nights – there are elements that remain constant. Each House is managed by a qualified and experienced team of matrons and Houseparents, all fuelled by a drive to deliver the best possible care to each individual child. The facilities across all ten Houses are excellent, with “imaginatively designed common rooms”, and “welcoming bedrooms” (Good Schools Guide, 2016).
From the striking red brick Victorian and beautiful Cotswold stone Houses such as Haywardsfield and Haywardsend, to the award-winning, brand new Ward’s-Ivy Grove House, pupils quickly settle in to life at Wycliffe amongst the bustling green campus fields and attractive school buildings.
What may begin as simply a Boarding House for your child soon becomes a home from home, offering them a special experience amongst a family of friends, making their time at Wycliffe an experience they will hold close throughout their life.
3 Back Lane, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5QS
01295 781200
Facebook: @SibfordSchool
Twitter: @SibfordSchOxon
Sibford School in Oxfordshire is a family-orientated independent coeducational school located in 50 acres of glorious Cotswold countryside, between Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford. They welcome day pupils from the age of 3 to 18 and boarders (full, weekly and flexi) from age 11 upwards.
The outstanding facilities include a state-of-the-art climbing wall, 25m swimming pool, plus designated art, music and Sixth form centre.
Sibford values holistic education where the happiness and well-being of pupils is paramount; encouraging pupils to ‘live adventurously’, foster resilience and look for the unique talents in each individual.
Sibford cultivate a thirst for lifelong learning and their academic expectations are high. They encourage every child to have a voice without the small class sizes. As a mainstream, non-selective school, they attract parents and pupils who wish to focus upon values-driven education.
Cheltenham Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4PL
01993 823303
Facebook: @burfordschool
Twitter: @burfordboarding
Situated at the Gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford School has been home to generations of young people since its establishment in 1571. Today 100 boarders, from the UK and abroad, make up the boarding community. Burford is unusual in being a state boarding school – one of only 40 across England - and enables students to benefit from a first class education for fees of under £3,500 per term.
In 2018 Burford retained its place in the top 25% of schools nationally at A-level. Ofsted described the boarding provision as ‘a vibrant community of hardworking students and caring staff’ and there is an increasing demand for places each year. With high academic standards and a rich variety of extra-curricular activities the school continues to go from strength to strength.
Visitors are welcome, by appointment, on any normal school day. Visit Burford to see it for for yourself.
15 Avenue Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3BA
01684 892288
Facebook: @MalvernStJames
Twitter: @MalvernStJames
Malvern St James is a leading independent school for girls aged 4-18. What helps to make Malvern St James distinct and refreshing, is the recognition and active support for the individual talents, interests and passions of girls, and the liberating and inclusive ethos the school embraces.
MSJ doesn’t produce a ‘type’ of girl. They achieve excellent academic results but are not an exam factory. The ethos is one of inclusion and respect. Girls can pursue their passions and interests in the field of their choice – all routes are equal. It may be horse riding, engineering, politics, the environment or climbing. MSJ recognise the importance of allowing each individual to grow and flourish - finding ways to support girls to achieve their passions.
If you would like to arrange a tour of Malvern St James, please contact Admissions on 01684 892288 or by email admissions@malvernstjames.co.uk.
Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3EP
Facebook: @cheltladiescoll
Twitter: @cheltladiescoll
Cheltenham Ladies’ College has been at the forefront of girls’ education for over 160 years. The College’s heritage and global reputation was founded on their pioneering approach to girls’ education and their future aims are no less ambitious.
GCSE, A Level and IB results are consistently excellent, leading to Cheltenham Ladies’ College being named the top independent school in the South West by The Sunday Times Parent Power 2019. The College is just as passionate about their girls’ wellbeing as they are about their futures, and academic achievements go hand-in-hand with interesting and challenging co-curricular activities, a supportive community, and opportunities for girls to pursue their passions and learn from their failures.
By nurturing well-rounded and self-confident girls, Cheltenham Ladies’ College helps them to develop the skills they need to manage the choices and opportunities ahead of them, leaving the school as inspirational and empowered young women.
