Eton College
Windsor, Berkshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
Not provided
Boarding
£21,100
Compare Boarding School Fees
Boarding school fees can exceed £60,000 per year at some schools, making cost one of the most significant factors in the decision-making process for many families. While fees are often used as a starting point when building a shortlist, understanding what those fees include is equally important.
Boarding school fees can exceed £60,000 per year at some schools, making cost one of the most significant factors in the decision-making process for many families. While fees are often used as a starting point when building a shortlist, understanding what those fees include is equally important.
Featured Schools in this Comparison
Side-by-side key details for the schools featured on this page.
Harrow School
Harrow-on-the-Hill, Middlesex
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
Not provided
Boarding
£21,245
Wellington College
Berkshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£15,250
Boarding
£20,750
Marlborough College
Wiltshire, Wiltshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£16,483
Boarding
£20,603
Rugby School
Rugby, Warwickshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£12,450
Boarding
£19,640
Oundle School
Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£6,526 - £12,696
Boarding
£11,836 - £19,460
Cheltenham Ladies' College
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£12,660 - £14,340
Boarding
£20,100 - £22,290
Benenden School
Cranbrook, Kent
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£14,166
Boarding
£19,738
Why Families Choose Boarding School Fees
- Boarding fees vary significantly between schools.
- Costs may include different levels of accommodation and pastoral support.
- Facilities and co-curricular provision differ substantially.
- Scholarship and bursary opportunities vary.
- Comparing fees helps families assess overall value rather than cost alone.
About This Comparison
Boarding school fees can exceed £60,000 per year at some schools, making cost one of the most significant factors in the decision-making process for many families. While fees are often used as a starting point when building a shortlist, understanding what those fees include is equally important.
Schools differ considerably in their boarding provision, facilities, co-curricular offering and the support available to pupils beyond the classroom. Families should also consider additional costs, scholarship opportunities, bursaries and the overall value provided by each school rather than focusing solely on headline fee levels.
The comparison below highlights boarding fees across some of the UK's best-known independent schools, helping families understand how costs differ and what each school offers in return. Use the comparison table below to explore fees, admissions information and key school details side by side before building your shortlist.
School Summaries
Eton College
Eton College is one of the UK's most recognisable boarding schools and is frequently included in fee comparisons by families researching leading independent education. Boarding fees sit towards the upper end of the market, reflecting the school's extensive academic, sporting, cultural and leadership opportunities. Families often compare Eton with schools such as Harrow, Wellington College and Marlborough College when assessing boarding costs, school culture and overall educational experience.
View Profile
Harrow School
Known for its distinctive traditions and strong boarding ethos, Harrow School attracts families seeking a fully immersive boarding experience combined with academic ambition and extensive co-curricular opportunities. Its fees are often compared with those of Eton College, Rugby School and Wellington College by families evaluating both cost and the wider opportunities available to pupils. Harrow's long-established reputation continues to make it one of the UK's most sought-after boarding schools.
View Profile
Wellington College
Wellington College is widely recognised for combining academic achievement with a strong emphasis on pupil wellbeing, character development and co-educational boarding. Families frequently compare its fees with those of Marlborough College, Oundle School and Bradfield College when researching leading boarding schools. Its broad educational approach and extensive opportunities beyond the classroom appeal to families looking for a balanced boarding experience.
View Profile
Marlborough College
Marlborough College is one of the UK's best-known co-educational boarding schools, attracting families seeking a combination of academic excellence, strong pastoral care and a vibrant boarding community. Fees are often compared with those at Wellington College, Oundle School and Rugby School, particularly by families considering large co-educational boarding environments. The school's broad co-curricular offering contributes significantly to its appeal.
View Profile
Rugby School
As one of England's historic boarding schools, Rugby School offers a well-established boarding environment alongside strong academic and co-curricular provision. Families researching boarding school fees often compare Rugby with schools such as Harrow, Marlborough College and Oundle School when assessing educational value, boarding culture and pupil opportunities. Its combination of tradition and breadth continues to attract families from across the UK and overseas.
View Profile
Oundle School
Oundle School is known for its broad educational offering, strong STEM reputation and thriving boarding community. Families frequently compare its fees with those of Rugby School, Wellington College and Marlborough College when evaluating leading co-educational boarding schools. The school's emphasis on all-round development and extensive opportunities across academics, sport, music and the arts makes it a popular choice for families researching boarding education.
View Profile
Cheltenham Ladies' College
Cheltenham Ladies' College is one of the UK's most respected girls' boarding schools and is regularly included in boarding fee comparisons. Families often compare the school with Benenden, Downe House and Wycombe Abbey when assessing boarding costs, academic ambition and wider opportunities for girls. Its long-standing reputation for academic excellence and broad co-curricular provision attracts families from both the UK and internationally.
View Profile
Benenden School
Benenden School is a leading girls' boarding school known for its strong sense of community, extensive pastoral support and full boarding environment. Families comparing boarding school fees frequently consider Benenden alongside Cheltenham Ladies' College, Downe House and Wycombe Abbey when evaluating girls' boarding options. The school's emphasis on personal development, alongside academic and co-curricular achievement, makes it a popular choice for families seeking a traditional boarding experience.
View ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
How much do boarding schools cost in the UK?
Boarding school fees vary considerably depending on the school, age of entry and boarding arrangements. In most cases, boarding fees are significantly higher than day school fees because they include accommodation, meals, pastoral care and access to boarding facilities alongside tuition. Costs can also vary according to location, reputation, facilities and the range of opportunities available to pupils. Families should remember that published fees may not include every expense, so it is important to review what is included and budget for additional costs where necessary. Comparing boarding school fees side by side can help families understand the market and identify schools that align with both their educational priorities and financial circumstances.
Why are boarding schools more expensive than day schools?
Boarding schools provide far more than classroom teaching. In addition to academic provision, schools must maintain boarding houses, provide meals, employ residential staff and deliver extensive pastoral care throughout the week. Many boarding schools also offer facilities and opportunities that pupils can access outside the school day, including evening activities, weekend programmes, sport, music, drama and enrichment opportunities. These additional services contribute significantly to operating costs and are reflected in boarding fees. For many families, the value of boarding lies not only in education but also in the wider experience and personal development it can provide.
What do boarding school fees usually include?
Most boarding school fees include tuition, accommodation, meals, pastoral care and access to a wide range of school facilities. Pupils are also typically able to participate in many sports, clubs, societies and co-curricular activities as part of their school experience. However, what is included varies between schools. Some may charge separately for certain activities, music lessons, trips, examinations or specialist programmes. Families should review fee schedules carefully to understand exactly what is covered and identify any additional costs that may arise during the school year.
What additional costs should families budget for?
In addition to boarding fees, families may need to budget for registration fees, acceptance deposits, uniforms, travel, school trips, examination fees and optional extracurricular activities. International pupils may also incur additional travel expenses during holidays. Some schools charge separately for services such as individual music lessons or specialist sports coaching. Understanding the full cost of attendance can help families make more accurate comparisons and avoid unexpected expenses after enrolment.
Are expensive boarding schools always better?
Higher fees do not automatically mean a better educational experience. While some of the UK's most expensive boarding schools have exceptional facilities and long-established reputations, the best school for a child will depend on factors such as school culture, boarding environment, pastoral care, teaching quality and wider opportunities. A school that is a perfect fit for one pupil may not be the right environment for another. Families should assess value in terms of educational outcomes, wellbeing, opportunities and overall experience rather than focusing solely on price.
Do boarding schools offer scholarships?
Many boarding schools offer scholarships recognising achievement or potential in areas such as academics, sport, music, drama, art and other specialist disciplines. Scholarship awards vary significantly between schools. Some provide meaningful fee reductions, while others primarily recognise achievement and may carry only a modest financial benefit. Families interested in scholarships should review eligibility criteria carefully and understand any assessment processes involved.
Are bursaries available at boarding schools?
Many boarding schools offer means-tested bursaries to help make boarding education more accessible to families. Bursaries are awarded based on financial circumstances and can range from partial fee assistance to substantial support in exceptional cases. The availability and level of funding vary considerably between schools. Families considering bursary support should begin researching opportunities early, as demand can be high and application processes are often detailed.
How can families compare boarding school fees effectively?
Comparing boarding schools involves more than reviewing headline fees. Families should consider what is included within the fees, the quality of boarding provision, pastoral support, facilities, academic outcomes and the range of opportunities available to pupils. Some schools may appear more expensive initially but include a wider range of services and activities within their fees. Looking at overall value rather than cost alone can help families identify schools that offer the strongest combination of education, support and opportunity for their child.
Continue Your School Search
Related comparisons, browsing paths and parent guides.