Boarding schools are an excellent option for parents who want their children to receive a quality education in a safe, secure, and disciplined environment. However, boarding schools can be expensive, which is why we have compiled a list of the 20 cheapest boarding schools in Europe.
This list will help parents make a better decision that is right for their child.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why Study in Europe?
Europe is a popular destination for international students due to its welcoming culture, stable political environment, and world-class education system. Europe has some of the best and oldest universities in the world, with 483 universities on the QS World Rankings list.
The quality of education in Europe is also considered top-notch, with many European countries such as Germany, France, and the UK being world leaders in offering quality education.
Studying in Europe provides an unbeatable opportunity to experience a new culture whilst learning. In addition, studying abroad is a way to practice a foreign language both inside and outside the classroom.
International experience has become more and more important in recent years, and by studying abroad in Europe, you set the course for your career success.
Why Choose a Boarding School?
Here are some reasons why you might want to consider a boarding school:
- Academics: Boarding schools have a rigorous academic program that allows for expanded or enhanced curriculums compared to public schools. According to Study International, studies reveal that 78% of boarding school students feel they were prepared for college versus only 28% of public school students.
- Wider World at Your Fingertips: At a boarding school, students have the wider world at their fingertips. According to Forbes, “boarding schools are twenty-four-hour, intentional communities created with the student’s growth and development at the center.” The atmosphere is invigorating and immersive, and students come to call a globally diverse community home.
- Meaningful Relationships: Students who attend boarding schools have just as many, if not more, opportunities to form meaningful relationships inside and outside of the classroom.
List of the Cheapest Boarding Schools in Europe
Below is a list of 20 Cheapest Boarding Schools in Europe:
- Caxton College
- The International Academy and Boarding School of Denmark.
- Colchester Royal Grammar School
- Dallam School
- St. Peter’s International School
- St. Edward College Malta
- World International School of Torino
- Sainte Victoria International School
- International School of Bremen
- Ractliffe College
- Berlin Brandenburg International School
- The Global College
- Sotogrande International School
- Erede International Boarding School
- ENNSR International School
- Coworth Park School
- American College of Sofia
- Nord-Anglia International School Prague
- GEMS Wellington International School, Dubai
- American School of Paris – ASP.
20 Cheapest Boarding Schools in Europe
1. Caxton College
- Founded: 1987
- Location: Valencian Community, Spain
Caxton College is a private boarding school that offers two homestay programs: full homestay and weekly homestay.
It is located in Valencia, Spain, and provides British National Curriculum subjects to students between 1 and 18 years of age in a multicultural environment with Spanish language and culture.
The school has been recognized by the British School Inspectorate as a “British School Overseas” for its excellence in all areas.
Caxton College is committed to providing comprehensive assistance to students in achieving academic and social success.
2. The International – Academy and Boarding School of Denmark
- Founded: 2016
- Location: Vedersø, Central Denmark Region, Denmark
The International – Academy and Boarding School of Denmark is a coeducational international residential school that offers Cambridge IGCSE education to students aged 14 to 17.
The school is located in Vedersø, Denmark, and is the only 100% English-speaking efterskole in Denmark. The school’s educational philosophy is based on the Danish efterskole educational principles, which emphasize personal growth and academic achievement.
The school’s unique curriculum is designed to provide students with an international education while also allowing them to experience the Danish efterskole/boarding school system.
The school offers a range of elective courses, including football, dance, esports, badminton, and tumbling.
3. Colchester Royal Grammar School
- Founded: 1128
- Location: Colchester, Essex, England
Colchester Royal Grammar School is a state-funded grammar school located in Colchester, Essex, England.
It was founded in 1128 and has been renovated several times since then, most recently in 1584. The school offers both boarding and day options for students.
The school’s ethos is to encourage individuals to enjoy challenges, aim high, and prepare accordingly. The school provides students with a system of instruction that enhances their performance and helps them build independence in response to life’s challenges.
The school has been recognized for its academic excellence and has been named the East Anglia State School of the Decade by The Sunday Times in 2021. The school offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities for students from Years 7 to 16.
4. Dallam School
- Founded: 1984
- Location: Haverflatts Lane, Milnthorpe, England
Dallam School is a coeducational public school located in Milnthorpe, Cumbria, England. It offers day and boarding options for students aged 11 to 19 years old.
The school’s mission is to foster a passion for high-quality learning and provide opportunities for students to inculcate quality skills. Dallam School supports a moral education that aims to develop children into global citizens who can deal with life’s possibilities and challenges and be inventive and creative.
The school’s full-time boarding fee is 4,000 EUR per term, which is significantly less than other boarding schools. Dallam School is situated on the edge of the Lake District National Park, offering students a beautiful countryside environment to learn and grow.
5. St. Peter’s International School
- Founded: 1993
- Location: Palmela, Portugal
St. Peter’s International School is a private day and boarding school for 14 to 18-year-olds, located in Setubal, Portugal.
The school offers a safe and secure learning environment for its students. St. Peter’s International School has a reputation for academic excellence, and it is known for its high level of academic proficiency.
The school trains students to develop independence and creativity, as well as necessary skills. The school offers a comprehensive education program that includes both national and international curricula, including the Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma.
The school also provides a unique educational offering that supports students in a balanced program of education. St. Peter’s International School has a large campus with modern facilities within expansive, picturesque grounds near central Lisbon.
6. St. Edward College Malta
- Founded: 1929
- Location: Cottonera, Malta
St. Edward College Malta is a private school for boys aged 5 to 18 in Malta.
The school has a reputation for maintaining a rigorous academic standard and has been modeled on the ideas and ideals of British public schools.
The school’s enrollment is just under 700 pupils of 5–18 years of age. The institution accepts students from all around the world, both domestic and international.
Girls aged 11 to 18 are permitted to apply for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. St. Edward College Malta seeks to cultivate the character and leadership skills of its students so that they may become global contributors.
The school’s boarding facilities are open to Middle and Senior School Boys from the age of 11 upwards (Years 7 – 11) and Sixth Form students (boys and girls aged 16 – 18).
7. World International School of Torino
- Founded: 2017
- Location: Torino, Italy
World International School of Torino (WINS) is a boarding school located in Turin, Italy. It offers primary, middle, and high school programs at an affordable price.
The school has over 200 pupils enrolled, and the average class size is fifteen. WINS provides students with access to high-quality boarding facilities and a well-structured instructional environment.
The school is equipped with the latest technology for better results and has certified Apple Teacher staff. WINS is a multicultural environment that fosters the growth of personality and skills development.
The school offers extensive Italian language and literature programs and preparation for the Cambridge English Examinations within the academic offer.
8. Sainte Victoria International School
- Founded: 2011
- Location: Provence, France
Sainte Victoria International School (SVIS) is a co-educational institution located in Provence, France.
The school offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and the Cambridge IGCSE examinations. SVIS provides education for students from primary school through to the end of high school.
Teaching is bilingual starting at the primary school level, allowing students to achieve their academic potential in both French and English. The school has a remarkable approach to academic and cultural progress through a well-structured learning environment.
9. International Schools of Bremen
- Founded: 1998
- Location: Bremen, Germany.
International School of Bremen is a private coeducational day and boarding school located in Bremen, Germany.
The school offers an English-language education from kindergarten to Grade 12, leading to examinations with the University of Cambridge International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).
The school has over 350 students enrolled from over 50 nationalities. The student-to-teacher ratio is 1:15.
10. Ractliffe College
- Founded: 1845
- Location: Leicestershire, UK
Ractliffe College is a Catholic institution that provides education to students aged between 3 and 11 years. It is a coeducational school that offers both day and boarding facilities.
The boarding age at Ractliffe College begins at 10 years. In addition to academic success, the school focuses on the growth and development of its students.
Ractliffe College offers a co-curricular program that complements its academic curriculum. The program revolves around the “Big Six” – Chaplaincy, Sport, Music, Drama, Combined Cadet Force, and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
11. Berlin Brandenburg International School
- Founded: 1990
- Location: Kleinmachnow, Germany
The Berlin Brandenburg International School (BBIS) is a coeducational institution with approximately 700 students from over 60 countries.
The school provides personalized assistance to each student to help them reach their full potential and develop their skills and worth.
BBIS is a leading international day and boarding school that offers a range of programs, including early childhood education, primary year program, middle school program, and diploma program.
The school is located in Kleinmachnow, a town situated between Berlin and Potsdam, and has a campus area of 7,668 square meters.
12. Global College
- Location: Madrid, Spain
Global College is a day and boarding school located in Madrid, Spain, that offers an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in English for students aged 15 to 18 years old.
The school is anchored in the history and values of IE University and prepares students from all over the world for access to leading universities.
The Global College provides an innovative and highly personalized curriculum that focuses on critical thinking and research skills, while also providing access to leading international universities.
13. Sotogrande International School
- Founded: 1934
- Location: Ommen, the Netherlands
Sotogrande International School (SIS) is a private coeducational day and boarding school located in San Roque, Cádiz, Spain.
The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for students aged 8 months to 18 years. With over 1000 students from more than 45 countries, SIS provides a challenging, nurturing, and academically rigorous international education.
SIS offers elementary, middle, and high school programs, and provides language and learning support to students. The school is known for its focus on technology and dedication to promoting international education.
SIS has a passionate learning community that inspires and encourages learning and intercultural understanding, promoting education as a force for good in the world.
14. Erede International Boarding School
- Founded: 1906
- Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Erede International Boarding School (EIBS) is a well-structured boarding school located in the Netherlands.
The school is renowned for its emphasis on academic excellence and the development of a positive mindset among its students. EIBS caters to both girls and boys between the ages of 4 and 18.
The school offers day school, flexible boarding, and full boarding facilities. EIBS is situated in a castle dating back to the 18th century on a tranquil country estate.
The school’s educational philosophy is international, intercultural, and individual, with a focus on educating children in the broadest sense and immersing them in a learning environment.
15. ENNSR International School
- Founded: 1962
- Location: Valley End, Chobham, Woking GU24 8TE, United Kingdom
ENNSR International School is a private boarding school that is coeducational and has over 500 students from more than 40 countries. The school has a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
ENNSR stands for École nouvelle de la Suisse romande. The school has a reputation for its innovative teaching and highly qualified teachers. It is a bilingual institution that offers a world-class bilingual education from kindergarten to high school.
ENNSR has been in operation for over a century and is a non-profit organization. The school is located in Lausanne, Switzerland.
16. Coworth Park School, England, UK
- Founded: 1860
- Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Coworth Park School is a co-educational boarding and day school located in Ascot, Berkshire, England, UK.
The school caters to students aged 13 to 18 years old and has been rated “excellent” by Ofsted since 2011. Coworth Park School has a diverse student body, with students from the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond.
The school’s uniform policy requires all students on campus during the school year to wear full-length pants or skirts, socks, and ties, except on days when it is warm enough to wear shorts.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and more, to help students develop their skills and interests.
The school also has a strong academic program, with a focus on preparing students for higher education and future careers.
17. American College of Sofia, Bulgaria
- Founded: 1860
- Location: Sofia, Bulgaria.
The American College of Sofia (ACS) is a private boarding school located in Sofia, Bulgaria. It was established in 1860 and is regarded as the oldest American educational institution outside the United States.
The school was founded by American missionaries who wanted to provide education to Bulgarian students.
Today, the school enrolls approximately 700 students in grades eight through twelve, with 97% of the students being Bulgarian and about 25 international students who also meet the entrance requirements of ACS.
The school offers a rigorous high school education in English. The average class size is 16 students per instructor.
The school has a 50-acre campus with classic college buildings, including a dormitory that can accommodate 28 students, a performance auditorium, a gym, sports fields, a tennis court, a library, computer labs, up-to-date classrooms, and many other spaces that enhance the learning environment.
18. Nord-Anglia International School Prague, Czech Republic
- Founded: 1995
- Location: Prague, Czech Republic.
Nord-Anglia International School Prague is a residential school located in the beautiful city of Prague, Czech Republic.
The school has been operational for over two decades and is accredited by the British Council and CIE (Council for International Education). The school offers an English-speaking curriculum, and students who wish to enroll must be proficient in either English or German, as these are the only languages in which classes are taught.
The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family of premium international schools, which is committed to providing students with outstanding teaching and learning experiences that set them up for success.
The school follows a structured blend of British and international curricula, including the Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).
19. GEMS Wellington International School, Dubai
- Founded: 2005
- Location: Al Sufouh, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
GEMS Wellington International School, Dubai is a private coeducational institution located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
It was founded in September 2014 and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum to students aged 3 to 18 years old.
The school has been approved by the Ministry of Education as an IB World School since 2016. In addition to the UK and Australian educational systems, the school is affiliated with many other countries across Europe including Spain and Germany.
The school is spread over an area of eight acres and offers a spectrum of facilities and resources that combine a world-class education with a distinctive, state-of-the-art infrastructure.
20. American School of Paris – ASP, France
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Paris, France
The American School of Paris (ASP) is an international school located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France.
ASP offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and has a diverse student body with over 70 nationalities represented among its approximately 1,100 pupils.
The school has its campus to ensure that students have access to both an intensive English-language curriculum and a French-language program taught by native speakers.
ASP is known for its wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, religious groups, painting classes taught by professional artists, music lessons taught by professional musicians, dancing classes taught by professionals from around the world, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply to these boarding schools?
Most of the boarding schools on the list accept international students. However, it's crucial to check the admission policies and requirements of each school, including visa regulations and language proficiency.
How can students apply to these affordable boarding schools?
The article includes a brief overview of the general admission process. However, for detailed and specific information, it's recommended to visit the official websites of the respective boarding schools or contact their admissions offices directly.
Can students get a quality education at these affordable boarding schools?
The article highlights that the focus is on schools that strike a balance between affordability and quality education.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a cheaper option for your child’s education, the list of the cheapest boarding schools in Europe discussed above can help you consider a cheaper option.
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