Top 10 Co-Ed Boarding Schools In The UK (Updated 2025)
You might be wondering— What is a Co-ed Boarding School? A co-educational boarding school in the UK is a school that offers a study programme with co-curricular activities and boarding homes for students to live in. A co-ed school offers a study environment where boys and girls are able to study together in mixed classes, enabling students to socialise together in and outside of the class environment.
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What are the differences of a co-ed boarding school compared to an all-boys or all-girls school?
A co-educational boarding school allows for students to freely mix and socialise. This is a huge benefit to students in preparing them for the real world working environment which allows them to learn and work together with members of the opposite sex.
Co-educational Boarding Schools Accommodation
One of the biggest difference in UK co-ed boarding schools are the accommodation offered. Accommodation at boarding schools usually come equipped with a comfortable study environment and is usually separated by Houses. Houses are almost always single-sex, so in the evening pupils are with those of their own gender. However, even when boys and girls are housed in the same House, the girls and boys will usually be placed on different floors, usually with all the girls being on a separate floor and the boys on a different floor. Accommodation may come with as singles, doubles or en-suite. Some schools offer a shared bathroom on the same floor. Co-ed schools come equipped with a common room, where students will spend most of their free time socialising and studying, as well as a dining room where students are also able to meet and have meals together.
Co-ed UK Boarding School Studying Environment
Co-ed UK boarding schools also better foster a healthy learning environment by allowing students to work together in situations where boys and girls are able to work together on school work as well as cocurricular activities. Students will be able to work on school projects together and learn the subtleties and benefits of working in mixed groups, be it homework or sports.
Co-curricular Activities
One of the benefits of co-ed boarding schools in the UK is that co-ed schools allow students to socialise and engage with each other in a shared setting. In a co-ed school, students will be able to learn from each other in such activities such as competitive sports, photography, and debating. Here, students will be able to learn skills and methods that can be applied in the real world, as well as flourish from the co-educational environment.
The Socialising Aspect
Students will be able to better learn and benefit from their peers in a co-educational environment which will teach them ways to work together with the opposite sex. This will help students learn and build respect for the opposite sex as well as understand the benefits of different approaches to problem solving by working together.
List Of Best Co-Ed Boarding Schools in the UK
When sending your child to the UK, it is imperative to consider which schools are on the top of the league tables. With the many options of co-educational schools for parents to choose from, a good gauge for a co-ed boarding school would be how they place annually in the UK league tables.
Our list below identifies the top 10 schools with the highest number of 9-7 grades achieved by students attending these co-ed boarding schools in a descending order.
The UK School League Tables are a good indication on how good a boarding school is; however, the league tables should not be the only indicator when it comes to deciding what is best for your child.
There are many factors that also play a role in deciding what school you should send your child to. At Britannia StudyLink, we specialise in catering to this need by helping parents identify a school that will be best suited for your child as each school is unique and may be able to fit your child in the most perfect manner, whether it be Top Girls Boarding Schools in the UK or Top Boys Boarding School in the UK.
The GCSE 9-7 Grades indicated below are the academic achievements for the year 2024, sourced from the UK GCSE league table or officially reported results from schools.
1) Brighton College, GCSE Rank: 12, GCSE Result 9-7: 94.2%
Brighton College is a leading independent school known for its exceptional academic standards and holistic approach to education. With 94.2% of students achieving grades 9-7 at GCSE, the school maintains a strong position at the forefront of UK education. Brighton College offers a well-rounded education, balancing academic excellence with a strong emphasis on arts, sports, and leadership development. The school’s commitment to nurturing students’ academic and personal growth ensures they are well-prepared for future success.
2) Latymer Upper School, GCSE Rank: 13, GCSE Result 9-7: 94.1%
Latymer Upper School, located in Hammersmith, London, is one of the most well-regarded independent schools in the city. With a remarkable 94.1% of students achieving grades 9-7 at GCSE, Latymer Upper continues to set a high standard for academic success. The school offers a stimulating learning environment, with a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities that encourage intellectual and personal growth. Latymer Upper has a strong reputation for preparing students for top universities and careers.
3) Highgate School, GCSE Rank: 14, GCSE Result 9-7: 94%
Highgate School, situated in North London, is a prestigious independent school known for its outstanding academic achievements. With 94% of students receiving grades 9-7 at GCSE, Highgate consistently delivers exceptional results. The school is renowned for its broad curriculum and strong extracurricular offerings, which foster both academic excellence and personal growth. Highgate students benefit from an excellent support network that ensures they achieve their full potential.
4) Bancroft's School, GCSE Rank: 21, GCSE Result 9-7: 91.4%
Bancroft’s School, located in Woodford Green, Essex, is one of the top independent schools in the region. With 91.4% of its students achieving grades 9-7 at GCSE, the school maintains a reputation for academic excellence. Bancroft’s is committed to providing a well-rounded education, with an emphasis on intellectual curiosity and the development of personal and leadership skills. The school’s success is reflected not only in its results but also in the achievements of its students in extracurricular activities.
5) Reigate Grammar School, GCSE Rank: 26=, GCSE Result 9-7: 90%
Reigate Grammar School, in Surrey, is renowned for its high academic standards and exceptional results. With 90% of students achieving top GCSE grades, the school continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence. It offers a wide range of subjects and a strong co-curricular programme that allows students to explore their interests outside of the classroom. The supportive atmosphere and strong academic focus make Reigate Grammar School a popular choice for many families.
6) Emanuel School, GCSE Rank: 28, GCSE Result 9-7: 89.7%
Emanuel School, located in Wandsworth, London, combines academic achievement with a focus on student well-being. With 89.7% of students achieving 9-7 grades at GCSE, the school has proven its strong academic foundations. Emanuel provides an array of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama, ensuring a well-rounded education for all students. The school’s commitment to both academic and personal success is a key feature of its ethos.
7) Concord College, GCSE Rank: 30, GCSE Result 9-7: 89.1%
Concord College, located in Shropshire, offers a world-class education with an emphasis on academic achievement and personal growth. The school has a strong record of GCSE results, with 89.1% of students achieving top grades. Concord is known for its international diversity, providing a global perspective in the classroom. It offers a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential, both academically and in extracurricular pursuits.
8) The Perse School, GCSE Rank: 31=, GCSE Result 9-7: 88%
The Perse School, based in Cambridge, is known for its academic excellence and holistic approach to education. With 88% of students achieving grades 9-7 at GCSE, the school continues to uphold its reputation for high academic standards. The Perse encourages independent thinking and offers a broad range of extracurricular activities that help students grow into well-rounded individuals. Its strong focus on preparation for top universities is reflected in the success of its graduates.
9) Alleyn's School, GCSE Rank: 33, GCSE Result 9-7: 87.7%
Located in Dulwich, South London, Alleyn’s School offers a dynamic educational experience. The school’s results are strong, with nearly 88% of students achieving top grades at GCSE. Alleyn’s provides a stimulating environment with a wide range of extracurricular activities that foster creativity, leadership, and intellectual curiosity. Its academic rigour and inclusive culture make it a top choice for families seeking a balanced educational experience.
10) Eltham College, GCSE Rank: 35=, GCSE Result 9-7: 87%
Eltham College, located in South East London, is a well-regarded independent school with a strong focus on academic excellence. While it doesn’t rank among the very top for GCSE results, the school offers a supportive and inclusive environment for students to thrive. With a solid 87% of students achieving grades 9-7 at GCSE, Eltham College is known for its well-rounded education, with a focus on both academic success and personal development.
Summary
There is a lot to think about when sending your child to a co-ed boarding school, and although grades are very important, a school’s overall offerings should always be in consideration. Parents deciding to send their children to these schools should ask questions such as the schools’ history of dealing with Malaysian students, if there a sizable Malaysian community in a specific school or city, what facilities the school offers, its academic offerings and extracurricular activities.
Here at Britannia Study Link, we have an impeccable history of advising Malaysian students with their choice of the best co-ed boarding schools that is perfect for them. Contact us today to speak to one of our specialist advisors, free of charge.