What’s life like at an international boarding school in England?

For children of international families and those who are relocating for work, boarding is an ideal way to give globally mobile children an international education in a diverse and inspiring environment. A good boarding school provides stability and continuity in a nurturing, welcoming and home-from-home environment where it’s easy to settle in and make friends for life. Boarding also builds independence and prepares students for living by themselves in the future.

What makes boarding at ACS Cobham different?

ACS Cobham offers weekly and full boarding to students aged 13-18, with a range of boarding options to suit the needs of different families. Students have the option to move from day to boarding, or vice versa, which can be useful if family circumstances change.

Some people still hold outdated views of what boarding school life is like, but boarding at ACS Cobham is quite the opposite of an overly regimented, old-fashioned and lonely stereotype of a boarding school. Instead, it’s a welcoming, inclusive and friendly place where students of all backgrounds feel at home in a supportive and diverse environment. With plenty of pastoral care built in, each student is supported to develop socially, emotionally and academically. It’s not long before boarding students start to feel like family to each other and forge deep bonds with one another, often becoming friends for life.

ACS Cobham is one of the most globally diverse boarding schools in England, providing world-class boarding facilities to a student community of over 40 nationalities, which is rare for the UK. We are committed to inspiring the world’s next thinkers and doers, and developing globally minded, caring, effective and confident individuals. Our flexible international curriculum at ACS Cobham offers the International Baccalaureate (IB), the Advanced Placement (AP) and the High School Diploma, and our approach to learning means students can follow their individual ambitions and interests.

What’s student support like at a UK boarding school like ACS Cobham?

Our boarding is designed to support each student in their academic journey, personal growth, and overall wellbeing. We work hard to ensure that boarding at ACS Cobham is structured, social and supportive, with students cared for 24/7, and every student is known by a dedicated and highly experienced team. Each house is run by ‘House Parents’, who are responsible for the pastoral and academic welfare of each student, and who work closely with academic staff. Each student is also assigned a Residential Tutor and has access to expert university counselling support and pastoral support when needed.

“Being a boarder is fantastic – it’s a home away from home with amazing people from all over the world!” Adele, Grade 10

What facilities does ACS Cobham offer?

With panoramic views of 128 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside, it’s hard to believe that ACS Cobham is only 40 minutes from central London, 30 minutes to Heathrow airport and 45 minutes to Gatwick airport. Local towns Esher and Cobham are bustling with restaurants, shops and other amenities, and are only a 20-minute walk away.

We place great importance on providing good-quality, nutritious food, which we know is directly linked to good health and wellbeing. We have a food standards certificate and cater to all dietary requirements. Our canteen offers an international menu, and both boarding houses also have their own kitchens.

Our Fields and Woodlands boarding houses are found right at the heart of Cobham’s vibrant campus, and feature contemporary bedrooms, communal common rooms, lounges and kitchen areas (where students can either make their own snacks or enjoy food provided by our kitchen staff). They’re fully kitted out with games, entertainment and everything your child needs to feel at home.

Our state-of-the-art, world-class boarding facilities are some of the best in the UK. Boarding students have access to our facilities at weekends and during the evening, to help promote a strong sense of community, enrichment and belonging. From our sports centre with dance studio and fitness suite, through to a 25-metre pool, floodlit astroturf pitch and golf course, there’s no shortage of exceptional sporting facilities on offer at ACS Cobham. There are also modern STEM labs, a state-of-the-art E-sports suite, naturally lit art studios and a fully equipped performing arts centre complete with a 509-seat theatre.

What does a typical boarding week look like?

The school week at ACS Cobham for boarders features a balanced routine that combines structured study, after-school activities and downtime.

A typical day as a boarding student at ACS Cobham looks something like this:

• 07.30- 08.20: Breakfast
• 08.30: School
• 15.30: Return to the Boarding Houses. Free Time
• 17.30- 18.20: Dinner Time
• 19.00- 20.30: Study Hall
• 20.30- 22.00: Free Time. Sporting Activities
• 22.00: Latest return to Woodlands
• 22.30/22.45: “Heads on Beds” (all students in bedrooms)

A healthy breakfast starts the day the right way, followed by a day of structured learning. After school, time can be spent relaxing or choosing from an extensive list of options like sports, hobbies and social trips. After dinner and study, there’s free time for students to relax and unwind, before they start preparing for bedtime (which is dependent on their age). At every stage of the school day, students feel supported and looked after, and always have someone to go to if they need anything.

What are weekends like for UK boarders?

ACS Cobham delivers an exciting programme of weekend options for seven-day boarders to get involved with, which include trips, sports, shopping and plenty of downtime (including use of the cinema room). Since London is on our doorstep, we are able to offer a wide range of exciting and thought-provoking cultural experiences such as visits to the theatre, museums and exhibitions.

Students can also be signed out to go and stay with friends or family if they’d prefer. Either way, we work hard to make sure that students are given lots of opportunities to try new things, make new friends and deepen their sense of belonging and readiness for their path ahead.

How do I find out more?

You can download our boarding brochure to find out more about boarding at ACS Cobham. We hold regular open days where you can come and have a look around and meet other families who are considering joining us. But you don’t have to wait for that; we’re equally happy to show you round at a time to suit you, so book a tour today or email [email protected].