Can anyone tell me how state run boarding schools work please? Do the kids board for free?

[DrNortherner]

Not considering it at all, just am very curious.

Thanks

argh - can never get my links to work on Mumsnet. I am sure if you copy and past it will work though!

Be aware, Lancaster Royal Grammar produces people like this and this

:o

There is a state boarding school near here - 10k a year for boarding, tuition is free.

The Ripon Grammar School boarding page indicates that you do pay for boarding but not for tuition. You also have to do a exam to get in!

You also have to do a exam to get in!

well, yes, that tends to be the case with grammar schools.

However, by boarding the child automatically becomes 'in catchment' regardless of where you live (at least this is the case at LRGS, I understand). So some people living out of area go that route if their child can pass the exam but not manage to get a residual place. I gather they had to stamp down on boys starting to board but then supposedly becoming homesick and not wanting to board once they were safely in.