What Spanish Families Search for When Planning a Term or a Full Year in a UK Boarding School

More and more Spanish families are considering giving their children an academic experience in the United Kingdom — whether it’s for one term, a full academic year, or even short 3- or 6-week immersion programmes in a boarding school. These stays offer a unique opportunity to improve English, gain independence, discover a new culture, and study in a safe and structured environment.

But before choosing a school, parents usually search for a lot of information to make sure they are making the right decision. Below we explain the main topics Spanish families research when they are considering sending their children to a British boarding school.

1. What duration to choose: 3 weeks, 6 weeks, one term or a full year?

This is one of the most common doubts. Families usually compare:

• Short immersion programmes (3 or 6 weeks)

Ideal for trying the boarding school experience without committing to a full term. Perfect for younger students who want to gain confidence and improve their English quickly.

• One academic term

The most common choice. It allows students to integrate into school life and follow the British curriculum without interrupting the school year in Spain.

• A full academic year

The recommended option for a solid improvement in English, maturity, friends and academic integration.

At Boarding UK we work with schools that offer all these options, including very short stays — something not all boarding schools provide.

2. Type of school: co-educational, girls-only/boys-only, academic, sports-focused, religious…

Because Spain has little tradition of boarding schools, many families are unaware of the wide variety available in the UK. The most common searches are for:

• Co-educational or single-sex schools

• Schools with a strong academic focus

• Schools specialising in sports: hockey, rugby, football, rowing, tennis, cricket, equestrian…

• Schools with Christian values or religious tradition

• Smaller, more family-style schools

  
  

Each boarding school has a very defined identity, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits the student’s personality.

3. English level required and EAL support (English as an Additional Language)

One of the most frequent questions is whether students need a high level of English.In reality, many boarding schools accept students with an intermediate level and offer:

• EAL classes during the week

• Support in key subjects

• Academic tutoring

• Language integration programmes

  
  

Each school has its own requirements, so we guide families based on the student’s real level of English.

4. What’s included: fees, accommodation, uniforms and extras

Spanish families want clarity about:

• What exactly is included in the boarding fees

• The cost of uniforms

• What “extras” are (trips, equestrian activities, music lessons, transport…)

• Whether there are additional charges for tutoring, exams or special activities

  
  

In our comparative reports we detail all of this clearly to avoid surprises.

5. Sports and activities: a key part of boarding life

Unlike in Spain, sports are compulsory in most British boarding schools.Families are especially interested in:

• Hockey

• Rugby

• Tennis

• Swimming

• Football

• Cricket

• Athletics

• Rowing

• Equestrian

  
  

Many schools compete at regional or national level and have professional coaches.

For students with a strong sporting passion, choosing the right school is essential.

At Boarding UK we help families select the one that best suits their child’s sport.

6. Entry points: Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10?

Another common question is which the best year to send the kids boarding:

• We recommend between 6o Primaria (year 7) and 4o ESO (year 11)

• They can go to study the IBs in the UK (like the international Bachillerato for 2 years)

• If the family is going to the UK for one term then all year groups are ok

  
  

Each school has different policies and limited places, so it’s important to plan ahead.

7. Visa requirements for Spanish students

Families usually look for information about:

• Whether a visa is required for short or long stays

• The documents needed

• Rules for under-18 students

• Guardian requirements and UKVI conditions

  
  

We advise parents based on the type and duration of the stay.

8. Which school is best for my child?

This is always the final — and most important — question.There is no such thing as “the best school”, but there is a school that is the best fit for each student.

That’s why we evaluate:

• Personality

• Motivation

• English level

• Academic needs

• Sporting or artistic interests

• Future goals

And we propose a selection of schools that genuinely match the student.

Conclusion

Choosing a British boarding school is an important decision, and it’s natural for Spanish families to have many questions. At BoardingUK.net, we support parents through the entire process: from finding the right school to organising a 3-week, 6-week, one-term or full-year stay.

If you need personalised recommendations, we’ll be delighted to help.

📩 Contáctanos para más información.

School for 3 weeks in the UK