Wellington College
Berkshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£15,250
Boarding
£20,750
Compare Co-Educational Boarding Schools
Many families view co-educational boarding as the closest reflection of life beyond school, combining academic ambition with the experience of learning and living within a diverse and balanced community. As co-education has become increasingly common across the independent sector, families now have a wider range of boarding options than ever before.
Many families view co-educational boarding as the closest reflection of life beyond school, combining academic ambition with the experience of learning and living within a diverse and balanced community. As co-education has become increasingly common across the independent sector, families now have a wider range of boarding options than ever before.
Featured Schools in this Comparison
Side-by-side key details for the schools featured on this page.
Marlborough College
Wiltshire, Wiltshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£16,483
Boarding
£20,603
Sevenoaks School
Sevenoaks, Kent
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£11,975 - £13,838
Boarding
£19,590 - £21,419
Oundle School
Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£6,526 - £12,696
Boarding
£11,836 - £19,460
Bradfield College
Bradfield, Berkshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£15,512
Boarding
£19,390
Cranleigh School
Cranleigh, Surrey
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£11,550 - £15,600
Boarding
£19,130
Charterhouse
Godalming, Surrey
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£15,592
Boarding
£20,016
Why Families Choose Co-Educational Boarding Schools
- Boys and girls learn and live within the same school community.
- Broad social and leadership opportunities.
- Balanced school environments reflecting wider society.
- Strong choice of academic and co-curricular programmes.
- Increasingly popular among modern families.
About This Comparison
Many families view co-educational boarding as the closest reflection of life beyond school, combining academic ambition with the experience of learning and living within a diverse and balanced community. As co-education has become increasingly common across the independent sector, families now have a wider range of boarding options than ever before.
While all co-educational boarding schools educate boys and girls together, they differ significantly in their culture, boarding traditions, academic expectations and wider educational philosophy. Some are highly selective and academically focused, while others place greater emphasis on wellbeing, outdoor education, character development or co-curricular breadth.
This guide compares some of the UK's leading co-educational boarding schools, helping families explore fees, boarding provision, admissions information and key school details side by side. The comparison below highlights how schools differ and which environments may best suit different types of pupils and families.
School Summaries
Wellington College
A modern outlook, strong pastoral care and a reputation for developing confident, well-rounded young people have helped establish Wellington College as one of the UK's most sought-after co-educational boarding schools. Families are often attracted by its balance of academic achievement, character development and pupil wellbeing, comparing it with schools such as Marlborough College, Bradfield College and Charterhouse when researching boarding options.
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Marlborough College
Few schools have played a more significant role in the growth of co-educational boarding than Marlborough College. Its large and diverse boarding community, broad educational offering and extensive co-curricular programme appeal to families seeking a traditional boarding experience within a modern co-educational environment. Comparisons are frequently made with Wellington College, Oundle School and St Edward's Oxford.
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Sevenoaks School
Internationally recognised for its academic reputation and distinctive educational approach, Sevenoaks School attracts families seeking a highly ambitious co-educational environment. Alongside strong academic outcomes, the school offers both day and boarding options, making it a popular choice for families comparing leading schools such as St Edward's Oxford, Wellington College and Cranleigh School.
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Oundle School
A thriving boarding community sits at the heart of life at Oundle School, helping create a vibrant environment where pupils are encouraged to pursue their interests across academics, sport, music, drama and the arts. Families often compare Oundle with Marlborough College, Wellington College and Bradfield College when assessing large co-educational boarding schools.
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Bradfield College
Surrounded by Berkshire countryside yet within easy reach of London, Bradfield College offers a distinctive blend of academic ambition, community spirit and co-educational boarding. Its flexible approach and broad educational offering appeal to families looking for a balance between achievement and personal development. Comparisons are often drawn with Wellington College, Cranleigh School and Marlborough College.
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Cranleigh School
For families seeking a boarding school that combines strong academic outcomes with a welcoming and supportive community, Cranleigh School is often a leading contender. Its mix of day and boarding pupils, extensive facilities and broad co-curricular programme make it a popular alternative to schools such as Charterhouse, Bradfield College and Wellington College.
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Charterhouse
Tradition and innovation sit comfortably alongside one another at Charterhouse, where a substantial boarding community benefits from a broad and modern educational experience. Families are frequently attracted by the school's emphasis on independent thinking, personal development and opportunity beyond the classroom, comparing it with Wellington College, Cranleigh School and Marlborough College.
View ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
What are co-educational boarding schools?
Co-educational boarding schools educate boys and girls together while providing a residential boarding environment. Today, co-educational schools represent the majority of the UK's boarding school sector and are popular with families seeking an educational experience that reflects the wider world. Pupils learn, socialise and participate in school life alongside peers of both genders, while benefiting from the independence, structure and community that boarding can provide. Co-educational boarding schools vary considerably in size, culture and educational approach, ranging from highly academic schools to those with a stronger focus on all-round personal development, sport, the arts or outdoor education.
What are the benefits of co-educational boarding schools?
Many families feel that co-educational boarding schools provide a balanced and natural environment in which pupils can develop academically, socially and emotionally. Living and learning alongside both boys and girls may help prepare pupils for university, careers and adult life, where collaboration and communication across different groups are important skills. Co-educational schools often appeal to families with both sons and daughters, allowing siblings to share a similar educational experience. Supporters also highlight the broad social opportunities, diverse perspectives and strong sense of community that many co-educational boarding schools foster.
What are the best co-educational boarding schools in the UK?
The UK is home to many highly regarded co-educational boarding schools, each offering its own distinctive character and strengths. Some are known for academic excellence and university destinations, while others are particularly recognised for sport, music, drama, creative arts, leadership opportunities or pastoral care. The best school for any child will depend on their interests, personality, ambitions and preferred learning environment. Families often compare school culture, boarding provision, facilities, academic outcomes and co-curricular opportunities when researching co-educational boarding schools.
Are co-educational boarding schools academically selective?
Admissions policies vary significantly between schools. Some co-educational boarding schools operate highly selective admissions processes and attract applicants from across the UK and internationally. Others take a broader approach and focus on identifying pupils who will thrive within their particular educational environment. Entrance examinations, interviews, references and school reports are commonly used during admissions. Families should consider both academic standards and overall fit when comparing schools, as the most selective option is not necessarily the right choice for every child.
How much do co-educational boarding schools cost?
Fees vary depending on the school, age of entry and boarding arrangements. Boarding fees generally include tuition, accommodation, meals and pastoral support, although additional costs may apply for uniforms, trips, examinations and some extracurricular activities. Many schools publish detailed fee schedules and information about additional charges. Scholarships and means-tested bursaries may also be available to eligible families. When comparing schools, it is often helpful to consider the overall educational experience and value offered rather than focusing solely on headline fees.
Do co-educational boarding schools offer scholarships and bursaries?
Most leading co-educational boarding schools offer scholarships in areas such as academics, sport, music, drama, art and other specialist disciplines. Scholarships may recognise achievement, talent or potential, although they do not always provide significant fee reductions. Many schools also offer means-tested bursaries designed to make independent education more accessible. Award criteria, funding levels and application processes vary considerably between schools, so families should research opportunities carefully and apply early where appropriate.
What should parents compare when researching co-educational boarding schools?
Families should look beyond academic results and consider the wider educational experience offered by each school. Important factors often include boarding culture, pastoral care, pupil wellbeing, co-curricular opportunities, facilities, class sizes, university destinations and school ethos. Visiting schools and speaking with current pupils can provide valuable insight into daily life and help families understand how different schools may suit different personalities and learning styles. The right school is usually one where a child is likely to feel supported, challenged and engaged.
How can families choose the right co-educational boarding school?
Choosing a boarding school is ultimately about finding the environment where a child is most likely to thrive. Families should consider academic aspirations, interests, personality, boarding preferences and long-term goals alongside practical factors such as location and fees. Attending open days, comparing schools side by side and speaking with staff and pupils can help build a clearer picture of each school's culture and community. The most successful choices are often those that balance academic ambition with wellbeing, opportunity and personal development.
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