Top Girls Boarding Schools in the UK: A-Levels, GCSE Results and Rankings

What makes a top girls' boarding school?

Leading girls' boarding schools combine consistently high exam results with strong pastoral care and outstanding enrichment. When comparing options, focus on:

• Exam performance: Recent A-level and GCSE/IGCSE averages, plus the proportion of grades at A*/A and 9-7.
• University destinations: Oxbridge, Russell Group, and medicine offers indicate strength across subjects.
• Boarding culture: House systems, weekend activities, and wellbeing support matter as much as academics.
• Co-curricular depth: Music, sport, STEM, and leadership programmes help applications stand out.
• International student support: EAL provision, guardianship guidance, and cultural orientation sessions ease the transition.

Best-performing girls' boarding schools for A-levels

The following schools consistently sit at the top of A-level league tables and publish clear data for parents:

1. Wycombe Abbey (Buckinghamshire)
   • ~90% of A-level grades at A*/A in recent cohorts; 75% 9-8 at GCSE.
   • Dedicated Oxford & Cambridge programme, STEM scholarships, and a distinctive boarding house community.
2. St Mary's School Ascot (Berkshire)
   • Around 85% A*/A at A-level; excellent modern languages and humanities.
   • Strong Catholic ethos with small tutor groups and tailored UCAS support.
3. Cheltenham Ladies' College (Gloucestershire)
   • Offers both A-levels and the IB Diploma; historically 80%+ A*/A equivalents.
   • Engineering and enterprise centre, extensive orchestral and choral options.
4. City of London School for Girls (London, day/boarding via partnerships)
   • Selective sixth-form entry with ~80% A*/A; partnerships for flexible boarding arrangements.
   • Exceptional maths and debating results; close links with City law and finance firms.
5. Headington School (Oxford)
   • 60–70% A*/A; standout art, design, and rowing programmes.
   • Purpose-built boarding houses and individual academic mentoring.

GCSE and IGCSE excellence

• Benenden School (Kent): Regularly records 80–85% 9-7 grades. Offers pre-A-level research projects and leadership awards.
• The Marist School (Berkshire): Smaller cohort with strong 9-7 performance in sciences and languages; supportive for first-time boarders.
• Badminton School (Bristol): High-value add for STEM subjects and recognised robotics club success in UK competitions.
• Roedean School (Brighton): 60–70% 9-7 with notable performing arts facilities and sea-side campus wellbeing benefits.

Entry requirements and admissions timelines

• Registration windows: Competitive schools often close registrations 18–24 months before entry (Year 9/Year 12).
• Pre-tests and assessments: ISEB pre-test or school-specific assessments plus interviews; sixth-form entry requires predicted 7–8 in chosen subjects.
• Scholarships and bursaries: Music, sport, art, and academic awards reduce fees; early application improves chances.
• Guardianship: International students usually need a UK-based guardian approved by the school.

Support for international boarders

• EAL provision: Weekly English support, IELTS preparation, and subject vocabulary clinics.
• Induction programmes: August/September settling-in weeks covering UK classroom norms, safeguarding, and weekend routines.
• University counselling: Dedicated advisers for US, UK, and EU applications, including medicine and law pathways.
• Wellbeing and safeguarding: On-site nurses, mental health leads, and 24/7 houseparent coverage.

How to shortlist

1. Align academic strengths: Check subject performance reports in the latest ISI or school exam summaries.
2. Visit early: Attend open mornings or virtual tours to understand boarding routines and tutor support.
3. Ask about value-added: Some schools lift grades significantly above baseline tests—helpful for ambitious students.
4. Confirm co-curricular fit: Music conservatoire ambitions, national-level sport, or Olympiad maths require specialist coaching.
5. Budget realistically: Fees range from £36,000–£48,000 per year; include uniform, exam charges, and trips.

Quick comparison: headline performance

School	Typical A*/A (A-level)	Typical 9–7 (GCSE)	Notable strengths
Wycombe Abbey	~90%	~85%	Oxbridge prep, STEM, music
St Mary's Ascot	~85%	~80%	Languages, humanities, pastoral care
Cheltenham Ladies'	~80%+ (incl. IB)	~80%	Dual pathways, engineering centre
Benenden	~70%	~80%+	Leadership programme, balanced co-curricular
Headington	60–70%	70%	Art/design, rowing, academic mentoring

Performance figures are indicative and vary yearly; check the latest published results and ISI reports.

Final tips

• Begin conversations with admissions teams one to two years ahead.
• Prepare for interviews with subject-specific reading and recent news awareness.
• For sixth-form entry, choose subjects that align with intended degrees (e.g., Maths, Further Maths, Physics for engineering).
• Use guardian and agent recommendations cautiously—always verify with official school data and inspection reports.

With a focused shortlist and early preparation, international students can secure places at the UK's leading girls' boarding schools and step confidently toward university study.