Wycombe Abbey
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£15,600
Boarding
£20,500
Compare Girls' Boarding Schools
For families considering boarding, one of the first decisions is whether a girls-only environment would best suit their daughter. Many parents are attracted by the confidence, leadership opportunities and sense of community that girls' schools can foster, particularly during the senior school years.
For families considering boarding, one of the first decisions is whether a girls-only environment would best suit their daughter. Many parents are attracted by the confidence, leadership opportunities and sense of community that girls' schools can foster, particularly during the senior school years.
Featured Schools in this Comparison
Side-by-side key details for the schools featured on this page.
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
Downe House
Thatcham, Berkshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£11,196
Boarding
£15,108 - £20,304
St Mary's School, Ascot
Ascot, Berkshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£15,600
Boarding
£21,912
Roedean School
Brighton, East Sussex
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£8,586 - £11,220
Boarding
£12,576 - £20,316
St Swithun's School
Hampshire
Fees (per term, inc. VAT)
Day
£5,639 - £10,847
Boarding
£18,332
Why Families Choose Girls' Boarding Schools
- Environments designed specifically for girls' education.
- Strong academic outcomes and university destinations.
- Excellent opportunities for leadership and confidence building.
- Wide range of sport, arts and enrichment programmes.
- Supportive boarding communities and pastoral care.
About This Comparison
For families considering boarding, one of the first decisions is whether a girls-only environment would best suit their daughter. Many parents are attracted by the confidence, leadership opportunities and sense of community that girls' schools can foster, particularly during the senior school years.
Girls' boarding schools vary considerably in size, educational philosophy and boarding culture. Some are known for academic excellence and university preparation, while others place particular emphasis on sport, music, creative arts, personal development or pastoral care. Understanding these differences can help families compare key school characteristics.
The comparison below highlights some of the UK's leading girls' boarding schools, helping families explore fees, boarding provision, admissions information and key school details side by side. Comparing schools together can help families understand which environments best align with their daughter's interests, personality and future aspirations.
School Summaries
Wycombe Abbey
Widely regarded as one of the UK's leading girls' boarding schools, Wycombe Abbey attracts families seeking an academically ambitious environment alongside exceptional opportunities beyond the classroom. Its strong boarding tradition and international reputation make it a frequent point of comparison for families considering schools such as Cheltenham Ladies' College, Benenden and Downe House.
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Cheltenham Ladies' College
Combining academic excellence with a long-standing commitment to educating confident and independent young women, Cheltenham Ladies' College remains one of the most recognisable names in girls' boarding education. Families often compare the school with Wycombe Abbey, Benenden and Roedean when assessing boarding culture, educational approach and overall school experience.
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Benenden School
Set within an extensive Kent campus, Benenden offers a fully boarding environment that appeals to families seeking a strong sense of community alongside academic and personal development. Its distinctive boarding ethos often leads families to compare it with Downe House, Cheltenham Ladies' College and St Mary's School Ascot when researching leading girls' schools.
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Downe House
Known for its vibrant school community and emphasis on developing confident, well-rounded young women, Downe House combines academic ambition with extensive opportunities across sport, music, drama and leadership. Families frequently compare Downe House with Benenden, St Mary's Ascot and Wycombe Abbey when exploring girls' boarding options.
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St Mary's School, Ascot
With its Catholic foundation, strong academic reputation and close-knit boarding community, St Mary's School Ascot offers a distinctive educational experience for girls. Its Berkshire location and balance of tradition and modernity make it a popular alternative to schools such as Downe House, Benenden and Woldingham.
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Roedean School
Overlooking the Sussex coastline, Roedean is known for encouraging individuality, creativity and personal development alongside academic achievement. Families often consider Roedean alongside Cheltenham Ladies' College, St Swithun's and Benenden when seeking a girls' boarding school with a strong sense of identity and broad educational offering.
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St Swithun's School
A supportive and academically ambitious environment has helped establish St Swithun's as one of the South's most respected girls' schools. Offering both day and boarding options, it appeals to families looking for flexibility without compromising on educational quality. Comparisons are often made with Roedean, Downe House and Cheltenham Ladies' College.
View ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
Why do families choose girls' boarding schools?
Many families choose girls' boarding schools because they value an environment designed specifically around the educational and personal development of young women. Supporters of girls' schools often highlight the opportunities for leadership, confidence-building and participation across academic and co-curricular life. Boarding can further strengthen these benefits by creating a close-knit community where pupils live and learn together. While every school has its own culture and educational philosophy, families are often attracted by the combination of academic ambition, pastoral support and opportunities for personal growth that many girls' boarding schools provide.
What are the best girls' boarding schools in the UK?
The UK is home to a number of highly regarded girls' boarding schools, each with its own strengths and character. Some are known for exceptional academic outcomes, while others are particularly recognised for sport, music, drama, pastoral care or wider personal development. The best school for any pupil will depend on her interests, personality, ambitions and preferred learning environment. Families often compare factors such as school culture, boarding provision, facilities, university destinations and co-curricular opportunities when researching schools.
Are girls' boarding schools academically selective?
Admissions policies vary considerably. Some girls' boarding schools are highly selective and use competitive entrance assessments, while others take a broader approach to admissions. Academic ability is often important, but schools may also consider character, potential and wider interests. Families should review admissions requirements carefully and focus on schools that align with both their daughter's academic profile and personal strengths.
How much do girls' boarding schools cost?
Fees vary depending on the school and age of entry. Boarding fees generally cover tuition, accommodation, meals and a range of pastoral services, although additional costs may apply for trips, uniforms and certain extracurricular activities. Scholarships and bursaries are often available and can significantly reduce costs for eligible families.
What are the benefits of boarding for girls?
Boarding can help girls develop independence, resilience, organisation and confidence. Living within a supportive school community also provides opportunities to build strong friendships and engage more fully in school life. Many families feel that boarding encourages personal growth while providing access to extensive academic and co-curricular opportunities.
Do girls' boarding schools offer scholarships and bursaries?
Most leading girls' boarding schools offer scholarships in areas such as academics, music, sport, drama and art. Means-tested bursaries may also be available to support families who require financial assistance.
What should parents compare when researching girls' boarding schools?
Academic outcomes, boarding culture, pastoral care, co-curricular opportunities, facilities and school ethos are all important considerations. Visiting schools can help families understand how these factors come together in practice.
How can families choose the right girls' boarding school?
The right school will balance academic challenge with wellbeing, support and personal development. Families should consider not only reputation and results, but also where their daughter is most likely to feel happy, confident and able to thrive.
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