As parents themselves, the team at Metropolis Education understands what truly matters when choosing a school. This dual perspective gives them valuable insight — helping families navigate the journey with confidence and ensuring pupils are matched with schools where they can genuinely thrive.

Talk to Metropolis Education. Meet the Schools. Find Your Fit.

At today’s event, Metropolis Education is offering free, in-person consultations to help families identify the best-fit school for their child. After a short conversation to understand individual needs, they introduce families to suitable schools at the event, allowing meaningful discussions to begin straight away.

Supporting Families and Schools

Alongside working with families, Metropolis Education also collaborates closely with schools, supporting their admissions and marketing teams both online and at events like this. They are proud to work with such excellent schools and to help connect them with families.

Why choose the UK? 

A British boarding school offers world-class education, exceptional pastoral care, and a vibrant international community, providing students with a truly life-changing experience.

A UK education goes far beyond academics. Pupils develop independence, confidence, and global awareness - qualities highly valued by top universities in the UK, the US, and around the world. With personalised guidance and a strong focus on university preparation, students are supported to identify their passions and secure places at leading institutions, including the Ivy League and Oxbridge.

The UK is home to some of the most prestigious schools in the world and many of them are here with us today. This is your opportunity to meet their representatives, ask questions, and discover what makes each school unique.

From short-term immersion programmes and summer schools to GCSEs, A Levels, and the IB, our schools offer flexible pathways that prepare students for success at university and beyond.

Participating Schools:

Ashford School

Celebrating 125 years in 2023, Ashford School is an independent day and boarding school located in Ashford, Kent. The school spans two campuses, offering education from 3 months to 18 years. With outstanding transport links, including a 37-minute High-Speed Rail connection to London, the school is conveniently positioned near Heathrow, Gatwick, and City airports.

Why Families Choose Ashford

Families choose Ashford School for its well-established reputation in nurturing each child’s potential. Supported by passionate, specialist teachers, pupils benefit from a rich educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. The school’s philosophy is rooted in four key pillars: Celebrating Individuality, Optimising Potential, Academic Rigour, and Adventurous Learning. This approach ensures a dynamic and fulfilling learning environment.

Specialist Facilities

Ashford School offers state-of-the-art facilities, including two indoor swimming pools, all-weather pitches for various sports, and specialised studios for art and design technology. The music department is one of only 16 all-Steinway Schools in the UK, ensuring top-tier resources for aspiring musicians. Additional facilities include a fitness suite, auditorium, library, and several performance areas.

Boarding

Ashford School’s boarding community, comprising around 110students from over 30 countries, immerses students in a truly British educational experience. Situated within 25 acres, the boarding houses offer a mix of shared rooms and individual study-bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms for older pupils. With no lessons on Saturdays, boarders engage fully in sports fixtures and weekend activities, fostering deep friendships and a sense of independence.

Contact Details:
+44 (0)1233 625171
www.ashfordschool.co.uk
Nic Creasey - creaseyn@ashfordschool .co.uk

Summary

Type/Gender: Co-Ed | Prep - Senior
Boarding From: 10 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 1010
No. of Boarders: 100
Full Boarding Fee: £49,923 per year

Bryanston School

Bryanston is an award-winning co-educational boarding school for pupils aged 3–18, set within 430 acres of Dorset countryside. Recently shortlisted by TES for UK Boarding School of the Year, it is recognised for its thriving community.

The school blends tradition with innovation, reflected in its motto et nova et vetera – “both the new and the old.” Its non-uniform approach to education celebrates individuality, encouraging pupils to be themselves in a forward-thinking, open-minded environment.

Personalised learning is at the heart of Bryanston’s distinctive one-to-one tutorial system. Pupils focus not just on what they learn but how they learn. Independent assignment periods, group lessons and tailored Sixth Form sessions encourage deeper analysis and debate.

Creativity is embedded across four key pillars – Creative & Performing Arts, Sport, Entrepreneurship & Innovation and the Digital World – nurturing independence, realism and authenticity.

In the Sixth Form, pupils choose from A Levels, the IB or CTECs, leading to a wide range of post-school destinations, from top universities and music conservatoires to creative arts colleges, fashion schools and apprenticeships. A strong global alumnae network provides invaluable work experience, internships and career support.

Facilities include a theatre, music school and high-performance sports centre. With twelve boarding houses and outstanding pastoral care, Bryanston offers a nurturing environment that develops resilience, imagination and independence – preparing pupils for life beyond education.

Bryanston Prep, on the edge of the estate, benefits from access to senior facilities and specialist teaching. Following the same ethos and academic approach as the senior school, pupils in Years 7 and 8 spend at least 30% of their week at the senior school, while boarders join older pupils for a busy weekend programme.

Contact Details:
+44 (0) 1258 452411
www.bryanston.co.uk
Bonny Dales - bd@bryanston.co.uk

Summary

Type/Gender: Co-Ed | Prep - Senior
Boarding From: 7 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 800
No. of Boarders: 475
Full Boarding Fee: £27,360 - £56,523 per year

Cardiff Sixth Form College

History and location

Founded in 2004, Cardiff Sixth Form College has rapidly established itself as the UK’s top academic sixth form college. Originally a private tutorial college, it has grown into an internationally recognised centre of academic excellence, combining small class teaching with highly personalised university preparation programmes aimed at G5 destinations.

Located in the heart of Cardiff, students benefit from a vibrant capital city setting, surrounded by historic architecture, boutique shopping and a lively cultural and sporting scene. Purpose-built boarding houses are just five minutes’ walk from campus, offering contemporary single en-suite accommodation and full access to a premium gym.

Academic results and destinations

Cardiff Sixth Form College has topped The Times and Daily Telegraph league tables for 11 consecutive years. In 2024, 91% of grades were A–A*, and 97% were A–B. Fourteen students secured Oxbridge places, with the majority progressing to QS Top 100 universities, including UCL, LSE and Imperial College London.

Students go on to study highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Engineering and Economics at leading universities worldwide.

Super-curricular life

An extensive super-curricular programme includes EPQ, critical thinking, international work experience, academic competitions, leadership opportunities and a vibrant calendar of cultural, sporting and social events.

Contact Details:
+44 (0)29 2049 3121
www.ccoex.com
Natalia Vulchugova - natalia.vulchugova@dukeseducation.com

Summary

Type/Gender: Co-Ed | Senior
Boarding From: 14 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 490
No. of Boarders: 410
Full Boarding Fee: £71,280 - £78,360 per year

Downside School

A Tradition of Excellence

Founded in 1614, Downside is one of England’s oldest and most recognised Catholic schools, located just 25 minutes from the World Heritage City of Bath. Home to around 300 pupils, the school welcomes both boarders and day pupils across six Houses, fostering a warm, international community with 27 nationalities represented.

Our Ethos

Wholly committed to partnership with families, Downside nurtures young people to make a positive difference in the world. As a Benedictine school, it welcomes pupils of all faiths and none, upholding values of community, integrity and service to others while pursuing academic excellence without compromise.

Exceptional Setting and Facilities

Set in 500 acres of beautiful Somerset countryside, Downside offers outstanding facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, 24/7 Health Centre, Performing Arts Centre with a 430-seat theatre, Sports Centre, Recording Studio, and a new Sixth Form Centre.

Academic and Co-Curricular Life

Downside pupils achieve impressive academic results, with the vast majority progressing to their first-choice universities. Beyond the classroom, there are over 70 co-curricular activities, encouraging every pupil to develop confidence and curiosity.

Weekends and Community Life

Weekends are active and engaging, with options from caving and sailing to “Knit & Natter”, choir, fixtures and trips to Bath, Bristol and beyond - ensuring there’s something for everyone.

At Downside, education is about shaping kind, capable young people ready to make their mark in the world.

Contact Details:
+44 (0)1761 235100
www.downside.co.uk
Richard Rawlins - rrawlins@downside.co.uk

Summary

Type/Gender: Co-Ed | Senior
Boarding From: 11 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 300
No. of Boarders: 220
Full Boarding Fee: £38,985 - £52,155 per year

Embley School

Embley is a school purposefully suited to the opportunities of the modern world with an education that brings out the highest levels of achievement.

Academic excellence

In the top 5% nationally at A Level. Every Embley student last year secured their first-choice university, with over half progressing to Oxbridge or Russell Group institutions, and others earning degree apprenticeships with global firms such as IBM and J.P. Morgan.

Education without limits

Students gain real-world skills through exceptional opportunities:

• Trade global markets with Embley Asset Management

• Design and build electric racing cars

• Learn to fly through our aeronautical programme

• Volunteer at our partner school in Ghana

• Perform to audiences of 1,000+ in professional-standard theatre productions

• Train with elite sports coaches Sam Warburton (rugby) and Alex Danson-Bennett (hockey)

• Sail aboard Embley’s fleet of keelboats
   

An inspiring setting

A 130-acre Hampshire estate — Florence Nightingale’s ancestral home — combines coast and countryside study and living, just 90 minutes from central London.

Study options

Courses range from short-term immersive experiences to full Senior School, GCSE and A Level programmes.

Contact Details:
+44 (0)1794 527371
www.embley.org.uk
Charlotte Welland - charlotte.welland@embley.org.uk

Summary

Type/Gender: Co-Ed | Prep - Senior
Boarding From: 11 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 700
No. of Boarders: 70
Full Boarding Fee: £47,886 per year

RMS Rickmansworts School for Girls

RMS has proudly educated girls since 1788 but their focus is firmly on the future; they never stop questioning the skills and attributes young women need to thrive in the 21st century. This pursuit of excellence and innovation, combined with a commitment to educating the whole person, is what defines an RMS education today.

Ranked in the top 8% of all UK independent schools for added academic value, RMS provides an environment where students thrive academically and are supported and guided to achieve their personal goals.

Location

Nestled within 315 acres of picturesque parkland, RMS is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the Metropolitan Line at Rickmansworth, providing easy access to central London in under 30 minutes by train or underground, and a mere 25 minutes from Heathrow Airport.

Facilities

RMS takes pride in its modern facilities, including dedicated specialised facilities for music, drama and visual arts. As one of a few schools in the country with a planetarium and observatory, RMS offers unparalleled opportunities for scientific exploration.

The impressive sports centre features a fitness suite, large sports hall, gymnasium, squash courts, spin room and yoga studio. The school also offers multiple sports pitches including an all-weather pitch, an indoor swimming pool, a golf course, a careers centre and first-class Food and Nutrition teaching facilities. Essentially, students enjoy access to top-notch amenities for both academic and extracurricular pursuits.

GCSE/A Level/Leiths Academy Diploma. Short-term stays are possible subject to availability. No compulsory Exeats. Weekend programme of activities and excursions. Less than 30 minutes to Heathrow Airport and central London.

Contact Details:
+44(0) 1923 725354
www.rmsforgirls.com
Zsofia Sears - zsears@rmsforgirls.com

Summary

Type/Gender: Girls | Prep - Senior
Boarding From: 7 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 936
No. of Boarders: 91
Full Boarding Fee: £42,150 - £52,020 per year

Rossall School

Just one hour from Manchester International Airport, Rossall School stands proudly on the stunning Lancashire coastline. Recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent co-educational boarding and day schools, our 160-acre campus combines historic grandeur with world-class facilities, offering boys and girls aged 0 to 18 an outstanding education in a safe, inspiring and inclusive environment.

A Community of Excellence

Rossall is a place where ambition is nurtured and character is shaped. Our pupils become confident, intellectually curious, compassionate and courageous individuals, ready to lead and contribute on the world stage. Every day, they are immersed in a vibrant community that celebrates diversity, fosters creativity and inspires achievement.

Internationally Recognised Programmes

In the Sixth Form, students can choose from globally respected qualifications including the International Baccalaureate Diploma, A Levels or BTEC pathways, each preparing them for entry to leading universities and courses worldwide. Short-term Immersion courses, beginning in January and April, offer international students an exceptional introduction to British boarding school life.

World-Leading Academies and Opportunities

Our elite Academies in Football, Dance, Golf and Piano attract talented young people from across the globe. The Golf Academy is ranked number one in the UK by the ISGA, while the Football Academy, in partnership with Manchester City FC, has celebrated national championship victories in 2022 and 2023.

Our vibrant Summer School, held throughout July and August, offers academic enrichment, cultural experiences and personal growth.
 

• Elite football programme in partnership with Manchester City FC

• Short-term Immersion courses available

• Summer School that runs through July and August
   

Contact Details:
+44 (0)1253 774201
www.rossall.org.uk
Emily Hassall - e.hassall@rossall.org.uk

Summary
Type/Gender: Co-Ed | Prep - Senior
Boarding From: 7 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 799
No. of Boarders: 350
Full Boarding Fee: £57,078 per year

Woldingham School

Developing Courage, Confidence and Compassion

Woldingham is a leading boarding and day school for girls aged 11–18, set in beautiful Surrey countryside.

Location and Facilities

Woldingham station adjoins the school, putting London just 30 minutes away, with Gatwick and Heathrow airports close by. The historic mansion sits alongside purpose-built science labs, humanities and language hubs, art, drama and music studios, a 630-seat auditorium, and a modern Sixth Form Centre with lecture theatre, collaboration spaces, and café.

Academic Excellence and Enrichment

Girls achieve outstanding GCSE and A-level results, securing places at leading UK and international universities. Enrichment includes talks, leadership and coaching courses, and real-life business projects. Sport, performing arts, clubs, and societies help students develop a broad range of skills and interests.

Perfect for Boarding

Woldingham’s welcoming community, homely boarding houses, and experienced housemistresses make it ideal for boarders.

A School Designed for Girls

Specialising in single-sex education, Woldingham helps students grow into independent women. Outstanding pastoral care and wellbeing are central, with a dedicated wellbeing centre opened in 2025.

Faith and Values

A Sacred Heart Catholic school, Woldingham welcomes students of all faiths and none, founded on the goals of faith, intellect, social awareness, community, and personal growth.

Contact Details:
+44 (0)1883 654206
www.woldinghamschool.co.uk
Lucia Battain - battainl@woldingham.school.co.uk

Summary

Type/Gender: Girls | Senior
Boarding From: 11 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 550
No. of Boarders: 270
Full Boarding Fee: £52,674 - £59,514 per year

Royal Russell School

Academic excellence and community

Royal Russell is an exceptional London day and boarding school for boys and girls, combining high academic standards with a strong sense of community. Every student is supported to achieve their potential, guided by highly talented and dedicated staff.

The School offers a full range of GCSEs, 25 A-level courses, and three BTEC programmes in Sport, Business and Media, preparing pupils for entry to leading universities in the UK or US, including sports scholarship pathways. Extra English language tuition is provided where required, helping international students settle and succeed.

Prime location and inspiring facilities

Set on 110 acres of private parkland, Royal Russell is just 20 kilometres from central London and under an hour from Gatwick and Heathrow airports. The campus blends grand, historic buildings with modern, purpose-built facilities.

These include a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre, music suite, science laboratories, an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, a well-equipped sports hall and gymnasium, floodlit AstroTurf, tennis and netball courts, hockey pitches, and sports fields for football, cricket and athletics.

Co-curricular opportunities and boarding life

The School offers a rich programme of co-curricular activities, including Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh, Model United Nations, arts, music, drama, and London excursions. Boarding houses are welcoming, modern, and integrated into school life, with dedicated staff supporting students’ welfare.

Regular weekend activities provide cultural, sporting and social enrichment, helping pupils from all backgrounds quickly feel at home.

Royal Russell nurtures confidence, curiosity and ambition, combining academic excellence, outstanding facilities, and a vibrant boarding and day school community.

Contact Details:
+44 (0)1473 326136
www.royalhospitalschool.org
Victoria Deadman-Gatt - admissions@royalrussell.co.uk
Helen Eastham - h.eastham@stonyhurst.ac.uk

Summary

Type/Gender: Co-Ed | Prep - Senior
Boarding From: 11 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 1150
No. of Boarders: 190
Full Boarding Fee: £54,594 per year

Stonyhurst College

Stonyhurst is the leading Catholic co-educational boarding and day school in the Jesuit tradition for 3–18-year-olds.

Academic Excellence

Stonyhurst College is recognised for its strong academic record and commitment to developing independent, well-rounded individuals. In 2025, 81% of pupils achieved A*–B grades at A level, with 54% attaining A*–A. Pupils also exceeded the global IB average with an impressive average score of 33, and many went on to study at leading universities across the UK, Europe, and beyond.

Innovating for the Future

From September 2025, Stonyhurst launches its new STEAM curriculum, blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Alongside the brand-new purpose-built Art and Design Centre, pupils will explore creativity and innovation through hands-on projects and subjects such as Textile Design and Design Technology.

Breadth and Opportunity

Sport is central to life at Stonyhurst, where every pupil is encouraged to find their passion. The College excels in rugby, cricket, hockey, and netball, and is home to the Football School of Excellence and Tennis Academy, offering professional coaching and competitive pathways.

Beyond the sports field, a rich programme of drama, music, dance, and art nurtures creativity, confidence, and self-expression through performances, concerts, exhibitions, and workshops.
 

• 1-Year fast track GCSE course offered

• Three pathways available at Sixth Form: A level, IBDP and CTEC in Sport and Business

• International Language School available for one, two or three terms

• Two-Term Immersion Programme, following the life of the school

• Summer School and Scholars’ Programme available in July and August
   

Contact Details:
+44 (0)1254 827073
www.stonyhurst.ac.uk
Helen Eastham - h.eastham@stonyhurst.ac.uk

Summary
Type/Gender: Co-Ed | Prep - Senior
Boarding From: 7 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 688
No. of Boarders: 398
Full Boarding Fee: £53,235 per year (including VAT and 5% discount)

St Lawrence College

Academic excellence and ethos

Founded in 1879, St Lawrence College is a thriving co-educational day and boarding school, offering a first-class education. Pupils benefit from a broad, challenging curriculum, dedicated teachers, and a focus on core skills, creating an inspiring and purposeful learning environment.

High Performance Learning underpins the school’s ethos, recognising that intelligence is not fixed and that all pupils can achieve at the highest levels. Pastoral care is central, with round-the-clock support from house staff, tutors and the chaplain, making the school a true home-from-home.

Extra-curricular opportunities

St Lawrence provides extensive opportunities beyond the classroom. The Sports Excellence Programme, supported by national and international coaches, has guided teams to multiple national championship finals.

Creative Arts options include Drama, Music, Dance, LAMDA and Art, with excellent facilities to nurture talent. Senior pupils can also participate in the Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, alongside a broad activities programme designed to build confidence, resilience and leadership skills.

Boarding and community

Boarders join the school from age 7, making up around one third of the community, representing over 20 nationalities. Three welcoming boarding houses provide exceptional pastoral support, academic guidance, and access to co-curricular opportunities, ensuring pupils quickly feel at home.

Location and setting

Set on 80 acres in the Kent coastal town of Ramsgate, the campus blends historic buildings with modern facilities, within walking distance of the sea. Ramsgate is 75 minutes from London St Pancras by high-speed train and within two hours of London airports, with easy rail and ferry links to Europe via Dover.

Contact Details:
+44 (0)1843 808080
www.slcuk.com
Paulo Durán - pmd@slcuk.com

Summary
Type/Gender: Co-Ed | Prep - Senior
Boarding From: 7 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 536
No. of Boarders: 166
Full Boarding Fee: £30,927 per year

Truro School

Fresh Air, Fresh Thinking

Truro School offers a world-class day and boarding education for girls and boys in the heart of Cornwall. Set amid 300 miles of coastline and stunning natural landscapes, the School combines academic rigour with an environment that inspires independent thought, personal growth, and wellbeing.

Pastoral care is central, with experienced Houseparents supporting boarders in a family-style atmosphere, ensuring students feel safe, valued, and empowered.

Academic ambition

Small class sizes, exceptional teaching, and personalised support underpin academic excellence. Ranked in the top 10% nationally for value-added A-Level success, pupils progress to Oxbridge, Russell Group, and leading international universities.

Sixth Form students benefit from the bespoke Sixth Form Diploma, Oxbridge Programme, Medical, Dental and Veterinary pathways, as well as specialist options including CTEC Sport, the Football Programme, and Leiths Diploma in Food and Wine.

Co-curricular and boarding life

Truro School offers a rich, award-winning co-curricular programme, making the most of its Cornish setting. Pupils enjoy Drama, Music, Sport, and outdoor education including surfing, coasteering, golf, and trips to local landmarks such as the Eden Project. Boarders, who come from local and international communities, participate in weekend activities and enjoy a supportive, inclusive environment that nurtures confidence, creativity, and character.

Contact Details:
+44 (0)1872 246062
www.truroschool.com
Muffy Dawson - mda@truroschool.com

Summary
Type/Gender: Co-Ed | Senior
Boarding From: 11 - 18 years
Total No. of Students: 536
No. of Boarders: 166
Full Boarding Fee: £47,280 per year

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