Best UK Boarding Schools Near London: A Guide for International Families

The British Boarding School Tradition and Why International Families Value It

For many international families buying property in London, education extends beyond the capital. Britain's boarding schools are among the most sought-after in the world, and many of the best are within an hour or two of central London. Families from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa frequently purchase a London home as a family base while their children attend boarding school in the Home Counties, Oxfordshire, or Berkshire. Understanding which schools sit within practical reach of a London property — and which areas connect most easily — is an important part of the buying decision.

Top Boarding Schools Within Easy Reach of London

Eton College, Windsor — 30 minutes from central London

The most famous school in the world. Eton is an all-boys boarding school for ages 13-18, located in Windsor, just across the Thames from Windsor Castle. The school has educated 20 British Prime Ministers and countless leaders in business, the arts, and public life. Entry is highly competitive, with registration required years in advance and a rigorous admissions process. Annual fees are approximately £53,000. For families with sons at Eton, properties in Mayfair, Belgravia, and Chelsea offer the best balance of central London living with easy access to Windsor via the M4 or the Elizabeth Line to Slough.

Harrow School, Harrow on the Hill — 40 minutes from central London

Harrow is Eton's great rival: an all-boys boarding school for ages 13-18 perched on a hill in northwest London. Former pupils include Winston Churchill, Lord Byron, and King Hussein of Jordan. Unlike Eton's riverside setting, Harrow feels like a village campus within the M25, accessible by Metropolitan Line or a 40-minute drive from central London. The school has a strong international cohort, with around 20% of boys from overseas. Fees are approximately £51,000 per year. Properties in St John's Wood, Marylebone, and Maida Vale provide the most convenient London base for Harrow families.

Wellington College, Berkshire — 1 hour from central London

A co-educational boarding school set on a stunning 400-acre campus near Crowthorne in Berkshire. Wellington has modernised rapidly under recent leadership, combining academic excellence with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and character education. The school is genuinely international, with students from over 30 countries. It is particularly popular with Middle Eastern and Asian families. Fees are approximately £48,000 per year. Access from London is straightforward via the M3 or train from Waterloo to Crowthorne. Families often base themselves in Chelsea, Battersea, or Kensington for easy southwest London access.

Charterhouse, Godalming — 1 hour from central London

One of the original nine Clarendon schools, Charterhouse sits in beautiful Surrey countryside near Godalming. The school went fully co-educational in 2021 and has seen a surge in demand as a result. It offers a broad curriculum with particular strengths in music, art, and drama alongside strong academics. The campus is exceptional — 250 acres of grounds with facilities that rival small universities. Fees are approximately £47,000 per year. Easily accessible from London via the A3 or train from Waterloo to Godalming.

Wycombe Abbey, Buckinghamshire — 1 hour from central London

Consistently ranked as one of the top girls' boarding schools in the country, Wycombe Abbey delivers exceptional academic results alongside a rounded education. The school is located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, approximately one hour from central London by car or direct train from Marylebone to High Wycombe. Wycombe Abbey has a strong international contingent, particularly from Hong Kong, Singapore, and mainland China. Fees are approximately £48,000 per year. Families often buy in Marylebone or St John's Wood for the direct Chiltern Railway connection.

Choosing Between Day School and Boarding

The decision between a London day school and a boarding school comes down to family lifestyle. Boarding works well for families who travel frequently, have business in multiple countries, or want their children to develop independence in a structured environment. Day school suits families who are settled in London and want their children home every evening. Many families use a combination: London day school for primary years, then boarding for secondary. This is a well-established pattern among international families and explains why so many buy a London home when their eldest child reaches 11 or 13.

How Education Shapes Property Decisions

For international families, the property search should start with the school shortlist. If your children will attend the Lycée, South Kensington and Kensington are the obvious property choices. If they are at the American School, look at St John's Wood and Maida Vale. If boarding school is the plan, consider which London areas offer the best transport links to your chosen school — Chelsea and Battersea for schools accessed via the M3 and A3, Marylebone for Buckinghamshire schools, Mayfair for Windsor and Berkshire. Our area guides include schools information for each neighbourhood, and our team can advise on the best areas based on your family's specific school choices. Browse our property listings filtered by area to start your search.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best boarding schools near London?

The top boarding schools within easy reach of London include Eton College in Windsor (30 minutes), Harrow School on Harrow on the Hill (40 minutes), Wellington College in Berkshire (1 hour), Charterhouse in Godalming (1 hour), and Wycombe Abbey in High Wycombe (1 hour). All are accessible by car or direct train from central London.

How much do UK boarding schools cost?

Top UK boarding schools near London charge approximately £45,000 to £55,000 per year for full boarding. This typically covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and most activities. Additional costs for uniforms, trips, music lessons, and other extras can add £3,000-£5,000 per year. Some schools offer bursaries and scholarships that can reduce fees by 10-100%.

Can international students attend UK boarding schools?

Yes. Most top UK boarding schools actively welcome international students, with some schools having 15-30% international cohorts. Students typically need a student visa (Tier 4/Child Student Visa) sponsored by the school. Admissions processes usually include entrance exams, interviews, and school reports. Early registration is essential — some schools require registration several years in advance.