If there is one thing many HNW families will agree on, it’s that you can’t put a price on education. That’s why the 10 elite boarding schools below remain eternally popular, despite being among the most expensive schools in Britain.
[See also: The most expensive private schools in the European Union]
Every year, the Spears School Index recognises the 100 best schools in the world, from Abu Dhabi to New York. But it is not a coincidence that Britain remains one of the predominant destinations for elite education, as its longstanding tradition of private boarding schools has shaped generations of world-class leaders.
While the quality of education is determined by more than just fees, they can often be an indicator of high-end private teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and exclusive activities. Each of these 10 schools can charge more than $60,000 a year.
The reality is that the most expensive boarding schools in Britain might become even pricier in the coming months. Sir Keir Starmer has indicated he would consider levying VAT on private school fees if Labour wins the next general election, meaning fees could be hiked by 20 per cent.
These are the 10 most expensive British boarding schools in the Spear’s Schools Index 2024, presented in partnership with Thuso:
The UK’s most expensive boarding schools
Concord College: $68,500 per year
With 40 nationalities represented among students, Concord College has a strong international community in the heart of the British countryside. As a majority of students come from outside the UK or have grown up in international settings, the boarding school has a particular emphasis on creating a home away from home.
The dedication to pupils’ personal and social development does not come at the expense of academic excellence. With an average class size of 12, students are encouraged to reach the school’s high standards and consistently rank among the top – in 2023, 90 per cent of GCSE grades were 7 or more.
Brighton College: up to $67,000 per year
Its commitment to turning out well-educated, intellectually curious and kind pupils explains why Brighton College is regularly placed top of UK academic tables. Inclusivity is key and the individual is celebrated – motivated self-starters do well here. The progressive philosophy of learning that is adopted also makes it a place where students can discover and reach excellence in artistic disciplines such as music, dance and drama.
Cheltenham Ladies’ College: up to $64,500 per year
Although highly academic, Cheltenham Ladies’ College passionately believes that education is about more than just grades – it is about shaping the person you will become and empowering a generation of young women. The extensive co-curricular programmes offer plenty of opportunities to develop the skills that pupils will need to be well-rounded, self-confident girls, and to believe that nothing is beyond their reach. The school is strong on sport and design, with alumni including British fashion designers Amanda Wakeley and Katharine Hamnett
Sevenoaks: up to $64,200 per year
One of the largest International Baccalaureate schools in the world, Sevenoaks was the first British institution to adopt the IB programme, with stunning results – 57% scored above 40 last year, compared to the world average of 30. Sevenoaks pioneers an international approach, mixing traditional values with innovative learning, all set within a leafy campus close to London. This school values an ethos of service and remains very committed to its local roots and history – even with its international community.
Harrow School: $63,800 per year
Steeped in tradition, Harrow is one of Britain’s best-known schools. Its guiding ethos – that ‘success should be measured not by grades but by one’s influence on the world’ – is delivered by encouraging within its students a love of learning, an ability to lead and the chance to serve, as befits the alma mater of alumnus Winston Churchill.
Harrow is also known to provide students with a like-minded community for life, with frequent alumni gatherings and continued traditions.
Eton College: $63,600 per year
Eton’s esteemed reputation precedes it, and it only seems right. While academic achievements are highly valued, Eton looks for that ‘little bit extra’ that makes a boy stand out. The school day is long and demanding but the opportunities on offer are outstanding. Leavers progress to the top UK universities and institutions, and there are growing numbers heading to the Ivy League. Eton’s cherished principles of camaraderie and excellence are embodied by the first-class sporting facilities that are available to students, including 40 football pitches, 19 cricket pitches and 50 tennis courts.
Westminster School: $62,500 per year
Nestled within the shadow of Westminster Abbey, the school inhabits some of London’s original medieval buildings. As an academically selective school, Westminster School demands intellectual risk-taking from its pupils, who are encouraged to learn for the sake of learning, not just to pass exams. Curiosity and open-mindedness are at the heart of the school’s spirit.
Results are outstanding at the institution, with a high percentage of pupils securing Oxbridge or Ivy League places.
Winchester College: $62,500 per year
Intellectual rigour is the hallmark of a Winchester education, the scholarly atmosphere offering ‘an adventure for curious minds’. Boys – and now sixth-form girls – develop a love of learning, exploring ideas and making connections. The school’s values of curiosity, foresight and leadership, along with its motto ‘‘Manners Makyth Man’, are at the heart of the educational approach since its foundation in 1382.
Winchester College places a strong emphasis on community outreach. It regularly encourages students to get involved in initiatives such as volunteering in medical wards for patient care, visiting local nursing homes and working for homelessness charities.
Gordonstoun: up to $62,300 per year
This full boarding school, located on the coast in the north-east of Scotland, is a pioneer in holistic education. Gordonstoun‘s founder, Kurt Hahn, believed in preparing pupils for life, not just exams, and learning comes as much from expeditions like sailing the school yacht around Skye and being involved in local services as it does from classroom teaching.
From adventure activities to a popular drama department, the school offers a curriculum that broadens minds as well as opportunities and focuses chiefly on raising resilient young adults.
Wellington College: $61,800 per year
This hugely popular school, set within 400 leafy acres in Berkshire, is proud of its history and heritage, but also of its modern perspective. One of the first schools to embrace mindfulness and establish a Mandarin centre, Wellington College has exported its ethos of respect, integrity and courage to six sister schools across the world.
Wellington is particularly committed to the physical and psychological well-being of its students, with notably a happiness course in its curriculum and healthy eating as one of its main priorities.
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