English boarding school recommendations for American 6th former

[BeLemonSwan]

My daughter (currently in 10th grade in America) has had a determined interest in boarding school for the past 2 years. She wishes to attend university in the UK, which is fairly difficult to apply for from her school; she currently attends at "elite" private school in the Washington, D.C. area, though that probably matters little in the UK. Also, given the US's current political climate, perhaps it will be safer for her to finish her education overseas.

However, we're aware that basically all schools have already sent out decisions and filled their rosters for this year. Do you know of any high quality schools where my daughter could apply right now ands potentially be accepted to start 6th form in the fall?

If it helps in the slightest, she has two grandparents who matriculated out of Oxford uni.

Was also going to suggest Fettes, does it have to be an English school OP? If not I'd throw Gordonstoun, Glenalmond, Strathallan and Loretto into the mix.

St Edwards Oxford has a lovely sixth form - choice of IB or A levels, and she would be able to continue with her figure skating too in Oxford

In the midlands, there is Malvern College and Malvern St James (which is all girls). Both have good results and reputations.

St Catherine's Guildford and could figure skate here: Guildford Figure Skating
Also City of London Freemans, could still figure skate at above venue too.

Sherborne Girls

Bromsgrove school offers IB and A levels. Full boarding (year round, I think). Very sporty.

I wouldn't worry too much about the fact that you have missed the usual date for 16+ admissions. Those currently in Yr 11 (due to sit GCSEs this summer) who aren't intending to carry on into the Sixth Form don't have to give notice until the end of this term. Normally schools have a good feel for who might be leaving and many schools have very few who leave at this point but the impact of VAT might turn that on its head. Even if a school tells you now that they don't have any places, ask them to keep your details as, come Easter, they might find they have a space after all.

This is a good point . When I did moved from US to UK, it was a significant step up and in my case wasn't at a very crucial point so didn't matter that it took some time to get up to speed. A levels can be quite intense now, even for able students, and the adjustment may not be easy plus there is no time to mess about in a 2 year course.

If there are schools you are interested in and which have space you should explore with them how they would support her in making the switch. There are also some schools, which take a lot of international students, which offer a "pre-sixth" year but obviously that is an extra year, and I haven't seen it offered by the more academic schools.

Other point about Christs Hospital is that international students can stay on campus for exeats so you don't need UK based guardians. Each exeat a different boarding house stays open so the internationals stay in that house over the exeat weekend - unless they get invited to stay with a UK family which happens quite a bit in my experience (of hosting international friends of my DD)

OP: I think you should first define what you (or rather your daughter) want from the boarding experience.

A thread comparing Christ’s Hospital and Wycombe Abbey isn’t really going to help you decide. It’s a bit like debating whether to go on a Caribbean cruise or build an extension—the answer depends entirely on what you’re looking for.

Wycombe Abbey has a 97.7% 7–A success rate placing it in an entirely different academic league alongside SPGS, Westminster, and perhaps two or three other schools. On top of that, it boasts outstanding sports results, with numerous girls on national teams. It’s a school for highly driven girls who aim to excel in everything they do, and the workload and expectations they place on themselves are extremely high. This doesn’t leave much time to enjoy a Hogwarts-esque atmosphere—despite the presence of two “castles,” lakes, and forests.

Christ’s Hospital, by contrast, has good but more typical academic results, leaving more time to enjoy the experience of boarding in a foreign country. From what I’ve heard, its students have a reputation for being kind and caring, and the school offers a vast range of extracurricular activities. It’s also co-ed, which inevitably creates a very different atmosphere from an all-girls’ school.

Of course, these are just two options. There are probably 20 excellent boarding schools, and the real question is: What are you actually looking for? Mumsnet is the right place to ask, but I don’t think you’re asking the right question yet. No criticism intended—as threads like this can help you refine your priorities. Once you’ve done that, starting a new thread might be a good idea.

I'd agree with this. Once you've worked out the type of school this is a good list to start with. This is for international students and I'd say a decent list of the best schools. The fees are also in $

https://www.schools-index.com/top-schools/uk-senior-schools

Then just speak to the admissions department of the ones you like and go and look at them and see how convenient they are so you can visit regularly.

For a cheaper approach I would approach the admissions offices of the universities your DD thinks she will be interested in to see what they expect from US students. My DC were educated in Alabama at a not particularly prestigious public (state) school and were able to go straight into the first year at a UK Russell Group university based on their AP grades and college credits from classes they took at our local university campus (UAH). They have done very well academically and I think the college classes made all the difference.

Look at Wycliffe College - busy all through weekends with lots going on - can also stay through exeat weekends. Plenty of kids do.
such a wonderful school. Challenging and warm. Opportunities to do lots

If you are willing to pay full international boarding fees I’m sure you could find a place for your DD at most senior school. Have a look at Eastbourne College and Christhospital - they are both lovely coed schools - close to London and airports. Good luck.

Go North?
Ashville in Harrogate or Cundall Manor
Both have Americans from a nearby base so are used to accommodating them

She will not have a problem getting into a UK university. American international students are admission officers dream. Internal fees and English speaking - what’s not to love when most HE institutions are going bankrupt. She could aim very high if she’s reasonably academic.

I'd get my hands on The Times Parent Power (you might need to take out a month's subs) - https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/secondary/article/top-secondary-schools-revealed-6wgtfpnwk?id=1463632757&medium=cpc&gad_source=1

Look at the top 150 schools - anything lower than that risks not being academic enough. Then discard all the day schools, and the boarding schools that don't offer full boarding (at least one recommended above is weekly only).

Then get rid of anything that's not within 90 mins drive of a major international airport - ideally one that has flights direct to your city.

Then take what's left and start emailing/phoning admissions offices. You'll find somewhere, for sure. Good luck.

Cundall Manor only goes up to 16 as far as I know.

OP
Why do you want to send your child to another country, on her own without any one around to look out for her? Just because she likes the romantic idea of boarding school? Are you going to let her make such an important decision? If so, why?

‘She wishes to attend university in the UK, which is fairly difficult to apply for from her school’. Why? Is it that you’ve only looked at Oxford & Cambridge?

I don’t think the UK reality will be that good, at 16 for sixth form or indeed at 18 for university, in comparison with US options.

Have you watched the news recently? The US is a shitstorm. Parents with an ounce of foresight and money are trying to get their children out asap.

Don’t think that’s the case at all, re parents doing that. HE in the US is excellent, at least for those who can afford it which OP can.

You are correct, apologies OP

@Loopytiles The US system is broad but shallow by comparison with the UK. It's perfectly valid to prefer and to prize more highly the British system. There are some career pathways for which the American system is better (eg if wishing to go into medicine in America, or finance in NYC, etc), and it can also be good for an all rounder who genuinely hasn't made up their mind about a direction yet. But the depth of the British system, especially Oxford and Cambridge's teaching of their brightest, is second to none.

Yes, HE is excellent but the US is shit. 😊