UK boarding school fees vary widely between schools, but the national averages give a useful starting point. This guide sets out what boarding costs in 2026/27, how VAT affects the bill, and the other costs international families should plan for.
Average boarding fees in 2026
The Independent Schools Council (ISC) represents 1,455 UK independent schools and publishes average fees from its annual census each January. These are the average termly fees for January 2026, before VAT. Most schools have three terms a year.
| Stage | Full boarding, per term | Day schools, per term |
|---|---|---|
| Junior (prep) | £10,583 | £5,766 |
| Senior | £14,735 | £6,492 |
| Sixth form | £15,601 | £6,754 |
| All schools | £14,980 | £6,226 |
Day pupils at boarding schools usually pay more than the day-school averages shown (£8,611 a term on average). Overall, average fees rose by 4.4% between January 2025 and January 2026, excluding VAT. Leading senior boarding schools charge well above the average: for example, Uppingham’s full boarding fee for 2026/27 is £20,172 a term including VAT, or just over £60,000 a year.
VAT on school fees
Since 1 January 2025, fees for education and boarding at private schools in the UK have been subject to 20% VAT. HMRC’s guidance includes boarding services and registration fees, and makes no exemption for families who live overseas.
The Court of Appeal dismissed a challenge to the policy in February 2026. The Supreme Court has given permission for a further appeal, expected to be heard in December 2026, but VAT applies in the meantime. Many schools absorbed part of the increase when it was introduced, so the effect on each school’s fees differs.
A worked example
For a pupil at a school charging the 2026 average full boarding fee:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Boarding fees, three terms | £44,940 |
| VAT at 20% | £8,988 |
| Annual fees including VAT | about £53,900 |
| Child Student visa (one application) | £558 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 a year |
| Guardianship | varies by provider and service; one provider’s 2026/27 packages range from about £2,000 to £6,500 a year, plus host-family nights |
Flights, uniform, school trips, music lessons, extra English support and pocket money are on top. Fees and VAT treatment change, so always check each school’s current fee schedule.
One-off costs when you accept a place
- Registration fee: usually a few hundred pounds, payable when you register, for example £250 at Uppingham. Registration fees are subject to VAT.
- Acceptance deposit: paid when you accept the offer. Many schools ask overseas families for a larger deposit, often equal to one term’s fees. Check each school’s terms for when the deposit is returned or credited.
- Entrance assessments: UKiset costs about £300, with results sent to several schools included. Other tests, such as the ISEB Common Pre-Test, are often paid for by the school.
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships reward academic, music, art, drama or sporting talent. They bring prestige and opportunities, but usually reduce fees by only a modest percentage. Bursaries are means-tested and can cover a larger share of the fees, but funds are limited and are not always open to families living overseas. Apply early, and ask each school what it offers international pupils.
How WBS can help
We help you find schools that suit your child and your budget, explain each school’s fees, deposits and terms before you accept, and arrange guardianship. Read about our School Placement and Guardianship services, or email info@whichbritishschool.com.
Sources
- ISC Annual Census 2026 (fees as at January 2026, excluding VAT)
- HMRC: VAT on private school fees
- Uppingham School fees 2026/27
- GOV.UK: Child Student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge