We always advise our international students and their families that the best way to find the right UK boarding school is to not be afraid to ask questions. The school where they will spend a significant period of their lives has to align with the student’s strengths, interests and aspirations; along with the family’s values and culture. Amongst the top questions that international students ask us about UK Boarding Schools include these three. 1) When is the best time to apply? 2) What activities will there be at weekends? And, 3) What university and career guidance support will be available? All great questions, each in their own way! Let’s unpack these questions further.

A common concern is when is the best time to apply to UK Boarding School?

Easily, one of the most commonly asked questions about UK Boarding Schools is this one. Ideally, start 18 months before enrolment. Every school sets its own deadlines, so planning early is recommended; particularly where you are applying to a highly selective or top-ranking school that may close their applications 1 – 3 years in advance. For example, some senior schools require applications for entry into Year 9 at the end of Year 5. But for the majority of schools, you should start your application in September for the year ahead.

It is possible, of course, to apply at any time in the year. But be aware that mid-year applications, otherwise known as “in-year” applications, will mean even fewer available places as the main cohorts have already been selected.

The early bird will get the opportunity to undertake thorough research of the schools available and attend the school open days or tasters, at least online. Not to mention, be informed when it comes to which assessment needs to be taken and when it needs to be submitted by – as part of the schools initial applications. These include school entrance exams, the United Kingdom Independent Schools’ Entry Test (UKiset) assessment along with possible additional assessments like CAT4 or an IELTS. The type of assessment all depends on the school, the student’s ability and their English language proficiency. These assessments take place from September to October in the year before starting. Also, factoring in the time needed for acquiring the Child Student Visa. Typically, 6 months for international students. We suggest that you aim to apply for your Child Student Visa before or just after Easter; in March or April at the latest.

See our comprehensive guide on Selecting & preparation for UK Boarding School: Part  1 and in Selecting & preparation for UK Boarding School: Part 2.

What activities are there during weekends at UK Boarding Schools is another frequently asked question

The second in our top 3 questions about UK Boarding Schools is this one and we can say, without fail, that extra-curricular activities is where UK boarding schools excel! At weekends, students can relax and unwind or compete in their sport of choice with a multitude of leisure activities available for different age groups. Sports such as football, basketball, athletics, volleyball, table tennis, swimming and badminton – to social events such as shopping trips, movie and quiz nights, escape room challenges, board game evenings, cook-offs and BBQs.

The type of outdoor activities and excursions also depends on the location of the school, so choose what your child will enjoy the most. We’ve selected some examples for you here.

Canford with its proximity to the River Stour and beaches along the Bournemouth and Poole coast, offers a broad mix of outdoor activities such as countryside hikes and nature exploration weekends – along with rowing, canoeing and sailing.

DLD College, as a London-based boarding school, can provide access to city heritage and culture, events, and urban outings. Students can visit historic landmarks, museums, art galleries, and West End theatre shows, along with experiencing street food markets, music events and multicultural festivals.

Felsted School in Essex is also within an arm’s reach of London. So city excursions are organised along with a wide range of sports, including water polo and swimming. Felsted also encourages students to get involved with the renowned Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or to join the Combined Cadet Force for an introduction to military style training, leadership and teamwork.

Learn more about the amazing sporting activities offered by UK boarding schools here.

Will university and career guidance support will be available at UK Boarding School is also a key student query

The last of our top 3 questions that international students ask about UK Boarding Schools is key to every young person’s education – and we can assure you that support is given. Alongside the curriculum, UK boarding schools offer academic mentoring, exam support, networking, introductions to career options, work experience opportunities and much more throughout. Many schools have dedicated careers departments that provide personalised to support to each student as they progress through the school. See a couple of approaches here.

Year 8 upwards at St Mary’s School in Cambridge, connects academic subjects to real-world careers on visits to local businesses; along with developing students employability skills in areas such as communication, risk-taking and leadership via leading workshops, awards, adventure days and career fairs.

At Royal Alexandra & Albert School in Surrey, Years 7 – 9 students are guided on how to search for career interests, write letters of application and their CVs. Years 10 and 11 students develop the skills of analysis needed to explore their career choices and the qualifications associated with particular careers. They also attend job fairs and have Personal Development Programme software Unifrog as a constant resource. Unifrog is an online platform for schools that helps students explore and apply for post-school options like university, apprenticeships, and further education.

This preparation continues into the Sixth Form to help prepare students for Higher Education. In the Sixth Form at Wycliffe College in Gloucestershire, there’s a careers team in place to mentor each student with their education pathway and the emphasis is on gaining a comprehensive understanding of Higher Education. Among many other initiatives, there’s their Curriculum Enrichment Programme and Scholars’ Society Programme. The Curriculum Enrichment Programme includes lectures, presentations and workshops from external speakers; enabling students to master skills such as developing revision techniques and how to achieve personal goals. The Scholars’ Society Programme supports pupils with their applications to the most popular courses and/or the most competitive UK. It’s also worth mentioning that Wycliffe have a specialist USA and Overseas University Applications Co-ordinator.

All UK boarding schools provide the support and guidance a student needs in their preparation for university. From regular one-to-one support, career fairs, personal statement mentoring and pre-application advice to essential life skills like time management, and, importantly, cooking!

Many UK boarding schools also actively help students with UCAS and Oxbridge applications by providing specialised support, such as guidance on personal statements, interview preparation, and pre-application advice. The Worthgate School Canterbury focuses on Oxford and Cambridge progression with their Supporting Oxbridge Applications. The Principal, Dr Ian Gross, says “By aligning our students’ ambitions with our extensive experience in student progression to Oxford and Cambridge, our specialised programmes and dedicated staff ensure that our students are well-prepared to apply for these highly competitive courses.”

Interested in future-proofing your career? Take a look at our article on learning how you can fast-track into finance, engineering & leadership.

We’ve also written an article aimed solely at girls achieving their dream career with our top career tips along with summer courses recommendations.

Need assistance with these questions or any others about UK Boarding Schools?

If you need more information, Panoba is happy to help. WhatsApp us on +44 7956 963022 or contact us via our Contact page.

References

https://worthgateschool.com/university/oxford-and-cambridge-progression/#:~:text=FAQ’s-,Supporting%20Oxbridge%20Applications,for%20these%20highly%20competitive%20courses.%E2%80%9D
https://www.wycliffe.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Wycliffe-SeniorAndSixthFormYears9-13Guide.pdf
https://www.raa-school.co.uk/teaching-learning/careers-education/#:~:text=Personal%20guidance%20and%20individual%20student,The%20benchmarks%20are
https://www.frewencollege.co.uk/boarding-weekend-activities
https://www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk/sixth-form/life-beyond-school/careers-advice.htm#:~:text=Our%20dedicated%20Careers%20Department%20offers,School%2C%20through%20to%20Sixth%20Form.
https://www.brightworldguardianships.com/en/boarding-school-placement/
https://www.repton.org.uk/advice-for-international-parents-uk-boarding-schools#:~:text=It%20is%20important%20to%20distinguish,application%20process%20to%20avoid%20delays.
https://academicfamilies.com/admissions-boarding-schools/
https://www.jdconsultant.co.uk/post/uk-private-school-applications-guide-2025#:~:text=Early%20planning%20is%20crucial%20!,Year%207%2C%20or%20Year%209.
https://www.felsted.org/life-at-felsted/co-curricular#:~:text=Sport%20and%20the%20arts%20are,as%20skiing%20and%20horse%2Driding
https://www.canford.com/sixth-form/college-experiences/sport-and-outdoor-activities/sport