Based on the Independent Schools Council's 2026 census, average full boarding fees at a UK independent senior school were around GBP 14,700 a term before VAT in January 2026. Assuming VAT at the standard 20% rate applies, that is roughly GBP 17,700 a term, or about GBP 53,000 a year over three terms. Sixth form boarding costs a little more, and many schools charge well above the average.

Boarding remains popular with British families abroad because it can offer continuity if parents move between countries. For how boarding fits with university planning, see our guide to funding UK university for expat children.

Average boarding fees

The ISC Census 2026 reports average termly boarding fees, excluding VAT:

  • junior: GBP 10,583
  • senior: GBP 14,735
  • sixth form: GBP 15,601

There are usually three terms a year. Among schools that took part in both the 2025 and 2026 censuses, boarding fees rose by an average of 4.2%, excluding VAT. Fees vary a lot by region and by school, with London and the South East generally among the most expensive. These are averages from an industry survey, not prices for any particular school.

VAT on fees

HMRC's policy paper confirms that from 1 January 2025, education and vocational training provided by a private school in the UK for a charge is subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%, and this also applies to boarding services provided by private schools. Fees paid from 29 July 2024 relating to terms starting in January 2025 or later were also caught. The ISC figures above exclude VAT, so the amount parents actually pay is generally about a fifth higher.

Costs on top of fees

Termly fees are only part of the bill. Expat families also tend to pay for:

  • flights home for half terms and holidays, and sometimes escorted travel for younger children
  • a UK guardian, as many schools require one for pupils whose parents live overseas
  • uniform, sports kit and equipment
  • music lessons, trips and other extras
  • a registration fee and a deposit, often payable well before your child starts

These extras can add several thousand pounds a year. Ask each school for a full list of likely charges, and check how far ahead fees must be paid and how much notice is needed if your child leaves. Many schools require a full term's notice, or fees in lieu, so a sudden change of plan, such as a relocation, can be costly.

Fee assistance and planning ahead

Boarding schools do not apply the home or international fee split used by universities in England, but some offer bursaries or sibling discounts. Families working for certain employers or in the forces may receive help with fees, depending on their terms. These arrangements vary widely, so check what applies to you.

A full senior boarding education from age 11 to 18 is seven years of fees, which may rise each year. Many families start setting aside money early and decide which years will be funded from income and which from savings. If you earn in another currency, consider how exchange rates will affect the sterling cost. If your home currency falls 10% against sterling, each term costs about 11% more in your home currency, so some families build sterling savings gradually rather than converting everything as each invoice arrives.

Illustrative example only, not a real client. A family in Dubai plans for their son to board from age 13 to 18: three years at senior level and two in sixth form. Using the ISC averages plus 20% VAT and three terms a year, senior boarding is about GBP 53,000 a year and sixth form about GBP 56,000. Five years of fees comes to around GBP 271,000, assuming no fee rises. With flights, a guardian and extras at an assumed GBP 8,000 a year, the total is close to GBP 311,000, and higher if fees continue to rise. This is a nominal illustration, not a forecast, and ignores exchange rate movements.

Common mistakes

  • Using pre-VAT fee figures in the budget.
  • Forgetting flights, guardianship and extras.
  • Planning with today's fees for a start date several years away.
  • Ignoring exchange rate movements between your earnings and sterling.

Boarding school is a major commitment, often followed by university costs. A regulated financial adviser can help you plan for both. Get in touch for a free introduction.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026. Tax year: 2026/27. Jurisdictions covered: UK, UAE. Rates, legislation and guidance change, so recheck before relying on this. Rules can differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; tax residence is fact-specific; treaty outcomes depend on residence, domicile or nationality provisions; examples are simplified and omit reliefs, costs, exchange rates and anti-avoidance rules. This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Take advice in the relevant country before acting.