# US vs UK boarding schools

Compare actual courses, school reports, boarding routines and application routes instead of relying on national stereotypes.

Updated 2026-11-10. Also on the [web page](https://boardingschools.fyi/guides/us-vs-uk-boarding-schools).

Compare schools, not national labels. Your child needs a workable subject plan, a safe daily routine and a qualification path that fits what comes next.

## Start with the course plan

Andover describes diploma requirements across a broad range of disciplines. Its academic page lists departments and a course of study. Oundle describes a journey through its curriculum to A level, with separate information for earlier study and Sixth Form. These are school examples, not rules for every US or UK boarding school. Sources: [Andover, Academic Curriculum](https://www.andover.edu/academics) and [Oundle, Learning](https://www.oundleschool.org.uk/learning/), fetched 2026-11-10.

Ask each school to map a possible timetable for your child. Include required subjects, optional subjects, prerequisites and language support. Ask which subjects can be combined. A long course list does not prove that a particular combination fits the timetable.

If the child may move country again, ask the next school or university how it treats the proposed qualification. Do this before dropping a subject. Keep the answer with the course plan.

## Compare entry requirements

Andover's published application process for fall 2027 includes standardized testing, teacher recommendations and an interview process. Its admission and financial aid deadline is February 1, 2027. This date applies to Andover's stated cycle only. Source: [Andover, Applying](https://www.andover.edu/admission/apply), fetched 2026-11-10.

UKiset describes an assessment of academic potential and English proficiency for applicants to British independent schools and British curriculum international schools. That does not mean every UK school requires it. Source: [UKiset](https://www.ukiset.com/), fetched 2026-11-10.

Ask every school which test it accepts, which level to take and when the score must arrive. Do not book a test because another family used it.

## Compare boarding, not just lessons

Ask what an ordinary weekend looks like. Check who remains in the house, whether meals and activities continue, and how often parents are expected to collect the child. "Full boarding" still needs a written explanation of holidays and house closures.

Keep the child's support needs in the comparison. Ask who handles medicine, appointments, learning support and concerns raised at night. Do not assume a service described on a day-school page is available in the boarding house.

## Compare the full financial commitment

Request prices in the original currency and for the same academic year. Andover lists USD 79,800 boarding tuition for 2026–2027. Oundle quotes boarding by term and separates VAT and overseas categories. Sources: [Andover, Tuition and Financial Aid](https://www.andover.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid) and [Oundle, Fees and Bursaries](https://www.oundleschool.org.uk/admissions/fees/), fetched 2026-11-10.

Add travel, holiday care and family visits from actual quotes. Keep immigration planning on a separate track. An offer from a school does not by itself settle permission to enter or study.

## Questions

### Does every US boarding school offer the same diploma?

No. Ask the school for its own graduation requirements and course catalogue. Check recognition with likely destination universities.

### Can we transfer during secondary school?

Ask both schools how completed work maps to the new programme. Get a subject plan before accepting a place.