I know LeQueen, but perhaps the relationships formed with other adults at a boarding school are a little unique? Not completely unique, maybe that's the wrong word, but certainly different to the 'norm' of ballet, music, scout leaders, who although are very important influences, mostly see their children for set periods of designated time for specific activities.
Certainly, I believe the friendships between students are stronger than those typically made at a day school, although I know there are many exceptions either way.
Anyway, I know it's not right for a lot of children. No blanket sweeping statements the other way for me!! It won't be right for a lot of parents either. But as a parent, you have to make choices based on the evidence you have at that time. I was not particularly pro-boarding 10 years ago, but I've since experienced what top day-schools are like from the inside, and I honestly want a more balanced approach to a teen's life. Cramming everything in to a 9-4 day and then going home to study in the evening (if, say, at a top academic school) and squashing in a team sport at weekends, if mum and dad can drive you there.
Nope, it's not for everyone. But for me personally I want my DD to not waste any time commuting to school. To have a more spread out time-table, running from 8 to 6, with personal study done in the day time when eyes and minds are more awake, and a designated lunch time to chill out rather than squashing in a club or extra lesson and not eating properly. Where she can volunteer for the school play without worrying that Mummy would have to pick her up after rehearsals. When she can do a plethora of different activities and be good at any or all of them or none of them. Where she can swap clothes with her friends and learn to get along with almost anyone. Where projects like a charity event can literally take over and and involve the whole school community. Where the school cleaners are known by their first name and the chef dresses up as Father Christmas. And where a teacher will host mad spaghetti bolognaise parties where the students fight over who gets to cuddle and give the baby her bedtime bottle. And then I want her all to myself for the very long holidays so I can smell her hair again, tuck her into bed even though she'll be a lanky teen, hear her bicker with her sibling and every so often impart one of those 101 minor things in her life (...although I bet I'll still get more via texts and emails in the term). I know all this "it takes a village" can happen in a local community, but in a good modern boarding school, it's all on-tap. I live in a village at the moment, and honestly I don't have any real meaningful relationship with the whole village!
It's not easy for parents and I bet you anything I will sob like mad. I missed DD no end when she went on a three day school residential last year (with her day school) and they weren't allowed to take mobiles or contact us at all, unlike what it's like boarding. Honestly, I really missed her smell so much and the way she snorts when she laughs. But hey, I bet you'll miss your DDs when they go to University and you won't absolutely insist they go to their local Uni and live at home? - you'll base it on where suits them best. (I know this is a naff and slightly irrelevant analogy as officially they are adults at 18 and teenage years are different as they are children. But still, just to prove to yourself that you really are NOT selfish as you will send them off and not still be doing their washing at age 30 - seriously, you won't, will you??? Me LeQueen will not be sitting up for them to come in from a party when they are 35??). Anyway, bad analogy, sorry.
I really do rile up when people have outdated views on what boarding schools are like. But I also find this a balanced thread on the whole. After all, what's the market here?? Maybe 1%? It's therefore highly reasonable to expect a lot of opposition to the mere idea of it, especially quoting people who went to a boarding school 10, 20, 30 years ago when it was all quite different.
I've often mused that a boarding school for parents would be a fun idea. Leave the children at home and go and go and have fun 
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