Boarding girl schools are most typically aimed at girls in their final year of middle school who will move into the same high school for all three years. Many boarding schools used to cater primarily or exclusively for girls, but the distinction is no longer clear.
Boarding schools provide a focused environment for learning and socialising with other students, offering academic education in a supported loving atmosphere. Boys who attend boarding school usually only do so from Year 9/Second Form (13yrs old) onwards when they can stay in the boarding houses themselves.
Boarding schools come in all shapes and sizes, with entry requirements depending on the school, location, size of classes etc. There are many reasons why parents choose to send their child(ren) to a boarding school; be it academic results (typically people who want their child to attend an extremely prestigious university), extra curricular activities, sports, personal safety or even just because they’ve always wanted their child to attend a boarding school.
Boarding schools usually provide high quality food and accommodation as well as supportive teachers and staff. Students attending a boarding school may stay in traditional dormitory rooms which typically house two students per room, but others prefer the privacy of shared rooms with friends.
Advantages of Boarding Schools:
- Social and peer development. You meet so many new people and your peers will push you to be the best version of yourself.
- It provides a great balance between work and play, enabling students to put in place good study habits.
- Personal growth, learning independence and responsibility is just some of the great benefits students experience at boarding schools.
- Students will often gain confidence and often become more extroverted than they once were, or may have ever been before.
- Learning how to be away from home with little support can provide valuable life skills which can benefit you in the future when attending University.
- Increased academics. Schools have the ability to provide a more individualised studying experience as opposed to public schooling. In other words, your teacher can focus on you and ensure you fully grasp the content being taught as opposed to worrying about 30 other students in a class which may not be keeping up with the lesson.
- Many sports competitions are available for all different sporting ability levels.
- Various types of boarding schools exist, so there’s something for every personality and/or academic need. One of the most popular specialties is an international boarding school which will prepare students for presence in a multicultural world through learning multiple languages and taking on cultural experiences like visiting local orphanages or spending time with host families.
- Increased opportunities for learning outside the usual curriculum, including developing better work habits and organizational skills.
Disadvantages of Boarding Schools:
- Being around the same people every day can be draining for some (especially those with introvert tendencies).
- Boarding schools are often focused on high academic results, which can make it difficult for students to express themselves and ‘be themselves’.
- Due to boarding schools’ rigorous academic schedules, students often don’t have as much time as they would like to pursue their own interests.