What is a UK state boarding school?
generally, we think of British primary and secondary education as being divided between private and state schools. But there are schools that sit somewhere in between: state boarding schools.
The reason that many people are not familiar with them is that they are incredibly rare – there are only around 20 of them in existence today and they are dotted around the UK.
But what are they like? How do they compare to the better-known private boarding schools?
An excellent example would be the Royal Alexandra and Albert School. It has the look and feel of a typical boarding school, but is a state-maintained, voluntary-aided school.
What this means is a good boarding school with very low fees, as parents pay for boarding costs but not for the education itself.
This might sound too good to be true. The school itself clearly understands this. On their website, under the section where they state their fees, you find the comment “This is not a mistake!,” followed by an explanation of how it is possible to charge so little for a boarding school education.
The school is right to reassure prospective parents that there is no mistake, because the rest of the package that is on offer looks just like what you would get with a private boarding school.
For instance, there is the location. The school is in Reigate, Surrey – one of the Home Counties and typical territory for private boarding schools.
Then there is the site itself. The Royal Alexandra and Albert School is situated in picturesque Gatton Park, which is 100 hectares and has three lakes.
If you look at the history, you’ll find that the school dates back to 1758, which actually makes it older than many private boarding schools. The story of its foundation is also typical: it involves gentlemen creating a school for orphan boys.
What about the facilities today? Well, they are also excellent. They even include an equestrian centre that offers show jumping and dressage.
And the school’s motto? It is in Latin, just like with a private boarding school: “Nisi Dominus Frustra,” which means “Unless the Lord keep the city the watchman waketh in vain.”
Its principles also sound very much like those you would find in a private boarding school: “The school is committed to fostering Christian principles within a caring community, where people of all faiths and beliefs are made welcome.” The school’s aims include inspiring leadership and character, as well as fostering a love of learning. This is all done over the student age range of seven to 18.
So what’s the catch? Entry is more restrictive than at a British private school because to be eligible, a student must hold a UK or an EU passport. This rule makes sense because it is, after all, a state school funded by the British government, no matter how private it might look.
For more information about Royal Alexandra and Albert School, or for enquiries about other state boarding school options in the UK, you can visit www.britannia-study.com.