Top Girls Boarding Schools In The UK (Updated 2025)
All-girls’ boarding schools in the UK are renowned for their world-class facilities and academic achievements. An all-girls’ boarding school offers a selection of curriculum to help them advance in their education by focusing on subjects and activities based on their preferences. Besides offering a safe and comfortable environment for students to focus on their academics and personal development, they offer a plethora of activities to explore the fields of science and arts, helping students achieve their aspirations.
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Benefits Of Studying In A Girls Boarding School In The UK
An all-girls boarding school has the benefits of letting girls grow in a comfortable, cohesive, and healthy environment. In an all-girls school, students will be empowered to focus on their personal growth and achievements in a distraction-free setting. Students will also become more independent in a boarding school environment earlier in their education to prepare them for the real world. Throughout their course, there will also be opportunities to mingle with other co-ed schools to develop interpersonal and social skills.
All Girls Studying Environment
An all-girls boarding school provides a great learning environment where girls are able to enhance their skills in all facets of learning. Many all-girls boarding schools consistently place at the top of the league tables and is evidence that these all-girls boarding schools aid students in achieving their full potential. A wide curriculum is offered at these boarding schools, ranging from subjects like Languages, Math and Sciences, to Arts and History. The wide selection of subjects will enable your child to reach their highest potential within a safe and secure environment without social pressures and distractions.
Accommodation
A girls’ boarding school provides a comfortable environment for girls to board in single, double, or en-suite accommodation. High quality lodgings enable a safe and secure environment for girls to focus on their studies as well and enjoy their education. Each accommodation is usually divided into Houses, with each House fitted with a common room for a shared environment for studies and projects. There will also be a dining hall for students to share their meals, in which they will also have an opportunity to socialise with other students.
Co-curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities at an all-girls boarding school are abundant, giving students plenty of choices to choose from. At an all-girls’ school, they will be able to enjoy indoor activities such as the drama and music lessons, as well as extra-curricular activities involving sports such as netball and lacrosse. They will also be able to focus on activities such as the Combined Cadet Force as well as additional science and technology clubs.
The Socialising Aspect
One of the benefits of an all-girls’ school also include a learning environment that enables girls to socialise freely with their peers and learn from each other. These safe spaces also will teach them how to deal with other members of the same sex within the school. The distraction free environment ensures that students to focus on their academics while developing interpersonal skills with the guidance of teachers and counsellors. However, all-girls’ schools also do conduct inter school activities with other all-boys’ schools for events and tournaments, which also gives them an opportunity to socialise with the opposite sex, but in a selected environment.
An all-girls school is one of the best places for your daughters to learn about independence and responsibility which they will be able to carry on into their later life, be in university application, or the adult working environment. This way they are able to develop a good sense of self and not face self-esteem issues in the future. Under the right care and guidance, students will be able to choose what works best for them. Parents are encouraged to consult a qualified education consultant and find out what will be best for their child.
Best Girls Boarding Schools in the UK League Table for 2024/25
One of the best gauges when deciding where to send your child would be by their academic results. Here, we list the top girls boarding schools in the UK for the year 2024/25 based on the number of A* and A grades achieved for their A-Levels. The rankings are based on the 2024 A-Levels league table and official A-Levels results reported by the schools.
The UK School League Tables are a great way for parents to decide on the type of school to send their children to. All-girls independent schools are a good choice for parents who want to send their children so they can focus on academics and personal growth. For boys, you may refer to our Top Boys Boarding Schools in the UK article for further guidance on the best boarding schools for boys.
Top Girls Boarding Schools In The UK
10. St Mary’s School, Cambridge (52.1% A*/A)
St Mary’s School, Cambridge, is known for its supportive environment and strong emphasis on the individual development of each student. While its A-level results are more modest compared to others in the ranking, the school excels in providing a well-rounded education with a focus on nurturing leadership, creativity, and critical thinking. It encourages girls to pursue their passions and ambitions, preparing them well for university and beyond.
9. St. Francis’ College (53.2% A*/A)
St. Francis’ College offers a strong academic programme combined with a caring, all-girls learning environment. Though the percentage of students achieving A*/A at A-level is lower, the school’s emphasis on personal development, resilience, and success in a wide range of extracurricular activities makes it a solid choice. Students are encouraged to develop independent thinking and are well-supported in their journeys to higher education.
8. Roedean School (57.7% A*/A)
Roedean School, located by the sea in East Sussex, is one of the most prestigious all-girls schools in the UK. While its A-level results are not among the top in this list, the school’s reputation for academic excellence and holistic development ensures that its students are well-prepared for both academic and professional success. Roedean places a strong emphasis on nurturing leadership qualities and offering a wide range of extracurricular activities to complement academic learning.
7. Adcote School for Girls (58.5% A*/A)
Adcote School for Girls offers a supportive and nurturing environment, helping students develop academically and personally. Though its A-level results are slightly lower than other schools in this ranking, the school prides itself on providing a tailored education that ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive. Adcote places a high value on personal attention, leadership development, and extracurricular involvement.
6. St Catherine’s, Bramley (60.2% A*/A)
St Catherine’s School in Bramley combines academic rigour with a strong focus on pastoral care and extracurricular development. Its A-level results are solid, demonstrating the effectiveness of its teaching methods and student support systems. The school encourages independent learning and fosters a culture of ambition, preparing students for top universities and future careers across a range of disciplines.
5. Burgess Hill Girls (61% A*/A)
Burgess Hill Girls offers a well-rounded education, with an emphasis on academic achievement, character development, and community engagement. The school’s A-level results show strong performance, and students benefit from small class sizes and personalised attention. Burgess Hill Girls also promotes a range of extracurricular activities, from sports to arts, providing students with opportunities to develop well-rounded skill sets.
4. Badminton School (61.1% A*/A)
Badminton School in Bristol is known for its high standards in both academic and extracurricular domains. With impressive A-level results, the school provides an academically rigorous environment while fostering the development of leadership and personal responsibility. Badminton places a strong emphasis on a balanced education, preparing students for success at top universities and in their future careers.
3. Cheltenham Ladies’ College (69.5% A*/A)
Cheltenham Ladies’ College is one of the top independent girls’ schools in the UK, and its A-level results reflect the high expectations set by the school. With nearly 70% of students achieving A*/A, the school is known for its excellent teaching and support for students in both academics and extracurricular activities. It encourages students to pursue intellectual curiosity, leadership, and personal development, which ensures they are well-prepared for university life and beyond.
2. St Mary’s School Ascot (76.9% A*/A)
St Mary’s School Ascot is a leading independent girls’ school with outstanding A-level results. More than three-quarters of its students achieved A*/A in 2024, which speaks to the high academic standards and excellent teaching that the school offers. The school provides a nurturing environment that allows students to excel academically while developing in areas such as arts, sports, and leadership, ensuring they are ready for future success.
1. Wycombe Abbey (83.3% A*/A)
Wycombe Abbey is one of the most prestigious and academically successful girls’ schools in the UK. With over 80% of students achieving A*/A at A-level, Wycombe Abbey consistently delivers top-tier results. The school’s outstanding reputation is built on a rigorous academic programme, exceptional teaching, and a strong emphasis on personal growth. Students benefit from an extensive range of extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and academic challenges, making Wycombe Abbey an excellent choice for those aiming for top universities and future careers.
This ranking highlights the impressive academic achievements of these schools, with Wycombe Abbey at the top due to its outstanding A-level results and strong academic environment. The schools in this list demonstrate a commitment to not only academic success but also to nurturing students’ overall growth and development.
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