British boarding schools welcome pupils from all over the world. This guide explains how international families choose a school and apply, what it costs, and what your child needs before they arrive. We have helped families from more than 80 countries through this process since 2014.
International pupils at UK independent schools
In January 2026, 22,941 pupils at Independent Schools Council (ISC) schools were non-British pupils whose parents live overseas, and about 93% of them board. The two largest groups, by far, are from mainland China and Hong Kong. Selected figures:
| Where parents live | Pupils, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Mainland China | 5,576 |
| Hong Kong | 3,620 |
| Germany | 1,959 |
| Japan | 690 |
| Middle East | 682 |
| Nigeria | 536 |
We have guides for families in China and Hong Kong, Nigeria and West Africa and the Gulf.
How to apply to a UK boarding school, step by step
- Decide on the entry point. The main entry points are 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9) and 16+ (sixth form). Your child’s year group depends on their age on 31 August; use our School Year Calculator.
- Shortlist schools. Consider academic level, pastoral care, size, location, single-sex or co-educational, sport, music and the international mix. League tables tell only part of the story.
- Register. Popular schools ask you to register two to three years ahead for 13+ entry, and about two years ahead for 11+. Registration fees are usually a few hundred pounds.
- Sit the assessments. Many schools use UKiset for international applicants, the ISEB Common Pre-Test in Year 6 or 7 for 13+ entry, or their own exams, followed by an interview.
- Accept an offer. You pay a deposit, often one term’s fees for overseas families, and the school issues a CAS number for the visa.
- Apply for the visa. Pupils aged 4 to 17 apply for a Child Student visa, up to six months before the course starts.
- Arrange a guardian. Almost all boarding schools require a UK guardian for pupils whose parents live overseas. See WBS Guardians.
Which entry point is best?
- 11+ (Year 7): suits younger pupils joining schools that start at 11, and gives the longest time to settle.
- 13+ (Year 9): the traditional entry point to many senior boarding schools. Pupils have two years to settle in before starting GCSEs.
- Year 10 or a one-year GCSE course: possible at many schools, especially for pupils with strong English.
- 16+ (sixth form): two years of A levels or the IB Diploma before applying to UK and international universities.
Read more in Ages and Courses and Qualifications and Courses.
English requirements
Pupils do not need to be fluent, but they need enough English to follow lessons. Expectations vary by school; many look for a CEFR level of around B1 to B2 for senior entry, measured through UKiset or their own tests, and offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) support. See What is my English Level?
Costs
The average full boarding fee at ISC schools was £14,980 a term in January 2026, before VAT, and 20% VAT now applies. Read our UK boarding school fees guide for a full breakdown, including deposits, guardianship and the visa.
How WBS helps international families
Our Education Consultancy helps you plan, School Placement manages the whole admissions process, tutoring prepares your child for UKiset and entrance exams, and WBS Guardians looks after them once they arrive. Email info@whichbritishschool.com to talk about your child.