It’s a little-known fact that some UK state schools offer full boarding and this is increasingly popular among expat parents. So you can live overseas and your child can still have top quality state education for only £5,100 (Dh23,900) a term.
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School in Reigate, Surrey is a state boarding school for girls and boys of ages 7-18 and Ofsted has judged it to be an ‘outstanding’ boarding school.
The 2018 report says “The school provides a secure environment in which children and young people flourish, achieve academically, stretch their abilities and develop social skills.”
The assessment was welcomed by the Headmaster, Mark Dixon, who was not surprised with the ranking. “This school has 450 boarders, 550 flexi boarders and a strong boarding ethos. We have worked hard to ensure pupils get the best care, and every opportunity to flourish while they are here.
"Since I joined the school in September 2016, I have seen the staff work hard to improve the boarding experience and build on the previous assessment which was ‘Good’ in the last inspection in 2014.”
It’s not just adults that think this is a great school. Ofsted states, “Spending time with friends and taking part in a range of experiences not otherwise available to them is highly valued by boarders.”
The Headmaster adds, “It is fantastic that Ofsted has recognised the quality of our boarding provision. For me, however, the thing that really matters is that our pupils are happy, make excellent academic progress, and become impressive young people.”
