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

Why mixed boarding?

Co-educational boarding schools provide balanced social environments, mirror university settings, and often excel in collaborative learning. Strong options share the following traits:

• Balanced outcomes: High A-level and GCSE scores for both genders, plus value-added progress measures.
• Breadth of subjects: Access to STEM, arts, and languages with specialist teachers and modern labs.
• Inclusive boarding culture: Vertical houses, leadership roles for all students, and robust safeguarding.
• Careers focus: Early university guidance, work experience links, and preparation for UK/US admission tests.

Leading mixed boarding schools and highlights

1. Sevenoaks School (Kent)
   • IB Diploma only; average scores frequently above 39–40 points (A-level equivalent ~85–90% A*/A).
   • Exceptional languages provision, global citizenship curriculum, and modern STEM centre.
2. Wellington College (Berkshire)
   • Mix of A-level and IB; typically ~75% A*/A at A-level.
   • Strong sport and performing arts, with wellbeing coaching embedded in the timetable.
3. Tonbridge School (Kent, boys with co-ed sixth form boarding partnerships)
   • Around 75–80% A*/A; super-curricular maths and science societies.
   • Co-ed feel in the sixth form through shared activities and local boarding arrangements.
4. Caterham School (Surrey)
   • Roughly 65–70% A*/A; notable computer science and engineering clubs.
   • Mixed boarding houses, strong pastoral care, and international student mentoring.
5. Uppingham School (Rutland)
   • 60–65% A*/A; renowned for music, art, and design technology.
   • Modern science facilities and broad weekend programme.

GCSE performance leaders

• Cheltenham College (Gloucestershire): 60–65% 9-7; good support for combined science and triple science routes.
• Haileybury (Hertfordshire): 55–60% 9-7 with clear EAL pathways and IELTS coaching.
• Oakham School (Rutland): Balanced GCSE/IGCSE outcomes and excellent Duke of Edinburgh participation.
• Bedford School & Bedford Girls' School collaboration (Bedfordshire): Shared facilities and joint activities improve STEM and music opportunities.

Admissions and preparation tips

• Timelines: Register 12–24 months in advance; many schools offer Year 12-specific assessment days.
• Assessments: CAT4, ISEB, or school papers plus interviews; sixth-form applicants normally need 7–8 at GCSE/IGCSE in chosen A-levels.
• Boarding options: Full boarding, weekly boarding, and flexi-boarding exist—confirm availability for international students.
• Scholarships: Academic, sport, music, drama, and all-rounder awards can reduce fees; some bursaries are means-tested.

Support systems that stand out

• EAL and language labs: Weekly clinics, IELTS preparation, and academic writing workshops.
• Wellbeing hubs: On-site counsellors, medical centres, and trained house staff accessible 24/7.
• University guidance: US/UK dual-application support, BMAT/UCAT preparation, and Oxbridge-style mock interviews.
• Co-curricular breadth: CCF/Duke of Edinburgh, Model UN, robotics, orchestras, and elite sports academies.

Quick comparison table

School	Typical top-grade rate	Boarding style	Distinctive features
Sevenoaks	IB avg. 39–40 (~85–90% A*/A eq.)	International-style houses	Languages, STEM centre, global ethos
Wellington College	~75% A*/A	Full/weekly/flexi	Sport & performing arts, wellbeing programme
Tonbridge (co-ed sixth-form ecosystem)	75–80% A*/A	Boys' houses with co-ed sixth-form partnerships	Maths/science societies, Oxbridge prep
Caterham	65–70% A*/A	Mixed houses	Computer science, engineering clubs, pastoral strength
Uppingham	60–65% A*/A	Full/weekly	Music and arts heritage, design technology

Percentages vary annually; check current league tables and school reports for the latest data.

Checklist for parents and agents

• Visit or join virtual tours to assess boarding houses and weekend life.
• Confirm how schools integrate international pupils during the first term.
• Ask for recent university destination lists and value-added scores, not just raw grades.
• Review fees carefully (typically £35,000–£46,000 per year) and factor in trips, exam entries, and music lessons.
• Secure an accredited guardian and understand travel arrangements for exeats and holidays.

Co-educational boarding schools offer academic rigour plus a balanced community. With early applications and clear priorities, families can find a school that supports both grades and personal growth.