References & Resources Hub

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Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. To help you navigate the world of UK independent and boarding education, we’ve gathered a selection of trusted reports, articles, and resources. These give you reliable context — and with School of Choice by your side, you’ll have the guidance to apply it to your child’s unique journey.

Core resources that explain the independent sector and its outcomes.

• Independent Schools Council – Annual Census 2025
  The definitive data on fees, boarding, pupil demographics, and international student enrolments.
  Link: https://www.isc.co.uk/research/annual-census/
   
• The Value of Independent Education (ISC)
  Why parents choose independent schools and how these schools prepare students for life beyond.
  Link: https://www.isc.co.uk/research/reports/value-of-independent-education/
   
• Good Schools Guide – Boarding Schools in the UK
  A practical overview for parents considering boarding options.
  Link: https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/boarding-schools

This is not an exhaustive list, but includes examples of schools with academic strength, culture, and international outlook. 

• Papplewick Prep – Nurturing boys with strong academics and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Awarded the Alice Rose Award for Innovation in Education (Talk Education Awards 2023).
  Link: https://www.papplewick.org.uk/
   
• Windlesham Prep – Fosters creativity, independence, and confidence in a scenic South Downs setting. Shortlisted for Boarding Prep School of the Year 2025; consistently rated Outstanding by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
  Link: https://www.windlesham.com/
   
• Marlborough House Prep (Tunbridge Wells) – Small class sizes and personalised attention; strong pathways to senior schools. Finalist in Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year 2023.
  Link: https://www.mhvschool.co.uk/
   

• Sevenoaks School – Globally recognised for IB excellence; prepares students for top universities. Shortlisted for Tes Boarding School of the Year 2025.
  Link: https://www.sevenoaksschool.org/
   
• Stowe School – Historic campus with broad curriculum and international outlook. British Council International School Award recipient.
  Link: https://www.stowe.co.uk/
   
• Marlborough College – Vibrant co-educational boarding school; sport scholarships available.
  Link: https://www.marlboroughcollege.org/
   
• Radley College – Boys’ boarding school nurturing intellect and character. Radley Keys Award scholarship for talented state school students.
  Link: https://www.radley.org.uk/
   
• Downe House – Prestigious girls’ school emphasising excellence and personal growth. Scholarship programme in academics, arts, music, drama, and sport.
  Link: https://www.downehouse.net/
   
• Bryanston School – Innovative teaching and creative approach; sport awards available.
  Link: https://www.bryanston.co.uk/
   
• Gresham's School – Balanced boarding environment; academic and all-rounder scholarships available.
  Link: https://www.greshams.com/
   
• Oundle School – Combines tradition with modern science, technology, and creative programmes. Independent Secondary School of the Year 2025 (East Midlands, The Times).
  Link: https://www.oundleschool.org.uk/
   
• Uppingham School – Vibrant boarding school with strong academics, creative and sporting opportunities; scholarships available.
  Link: https://www.uppingham.co.uk/
   
• Sherborne School (Boys) – Historic boys’ school emphasising character, leadership, and achievement; scholarships available.
  Link: https://www.sherborne.org/
   

• Caterham School – Co-educational day school with excellent academics and pastoral care; scholarships available.
  Link: https://www.caterhamschool.co.uk/
   
• Wimbledon High School (GDST) – Academic excellence, leadership development, and opportunities across arts, sport, STEM. Part of the Girls' Day School Trust.
  Link: https://www.gdst.net/why-choose-a-gdst-school/
   
• St Helen's School (Northwood) – Nurtures confidence, resilience, and academic achievement; scholarships available.
  Link: https://www.sthelens.london/
   
• St John's School (Leatherhead, Surrey) – Strong academics, personalised pastoral care; scholarships available.
  Link: https://www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk/
   
• Ardingly College – Flexible day and boarding experience, balancing academic excellence with leadership and creative opportunities; scholarships available.
  Link: https://www.ardingly.com/

Insights tailored for families relocating to the UK.

• British Council – Why Choose a UK Boarding School?
  An introduction to the prestige and benefits of boarding.
  Link: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-study/boarding-schools
   
• Independent Education for International Families (ISC Blog)
  A look at how UK independent schools serve overseas families.
  Link: https://www.isc.co.uk/news-insight/blog/independent-education-for-international-families/
   
• Boarding Schools’ Association – International Students
  Guidance on admissions, guardianship, and settling into life in the UK.
  Link: https://www.boarding.org.uk/parents/international/

Balanced perspectives on trends in independent education.

• The Telegraph – “Why More Families Overseas Are Choosing UK Boarding Schools”
  Link: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/ (search title for full article)
   
• Financial Times – “Independent Schools and the Global Parent Market”
  Link: https://www.ft.com/ (premium article, search title)
   
• TES – Features on boarding and independent education trends
  Link: https://www.tes.com/

Information is valuable, but it can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At School of Choice, we:

• Translate research and reports into practical next steps for your family.
   
• Match schools to your child’s strengths, personality, and aspirations.
   
• Support you through applications, entrance exams, and transitions.
   

👉 Ready to explore your options? Contact us to discuss how we can help your child secure a place at their school of choice.