Choosing the right school for your child

Choosing the right school for your child can be a daunting decision. Whether you’re considering a day school or a boarding school, each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to carefully consider your family's needs and preferences before deciding.

To help, we’ve broken down the benefits and drawbacks of both options so you can make a more informed decision.

The Benefits of a Day School

Family Time - Your child will return home every evening, allowing for consistent family interactions and support. This can be good for building strong emotional relationships for more reserved children.
Community Connections - Remaining within the local area allows your child to stay connected with friends and activities outside of school.
Lower Costs - Day school is often more cost-effective than boarding school as it does not include accommodation and meals.
Flexibility - Pupils can maintain their home routines while benefiting from an outstanding education at the same time.

The Drawbacks of Day School

Commuting time - Daily travel can be time-consuming and tiring, especially if the school isn’t close to home. It’s important to consider this if picking a day school, avoiding making the days too long for your child which may result in reluctance to attend school.
Limited access to school facilities after-hours - Pupils may miss out on co-curricular activities or academic resources that boarding pupils can access more easily.
Less Independence - Day pupils rely more on parental support for daily responsibilities, potentially delaying the development of your child’s independence.

The Benefits of Boarding School

Immersive Learning Environment - Boarders benefit from a comprehensive support system encompassing academic guidance, co-curricular activities, and structured routines. This environment nurtures robust study habits and self-discipline, essential for their educational journey.
Greater Independence and Access to London - Living on campus fosters self-sufficiency among pupils, crucial for their university life and future careers. Additionally, with central London just 15-20 minutes away, our boarders enjoy the unique advantage of exploring the city during weekends. This freedom enriches their boarding experience and is a pivotal aspect of what we offer.
Strong Friendships and Community - Boarding school creates a close-knit environment where lifelong friendships are formed.
Broader Co-curricular Opportunities and Excursions - Pupils have full access to an array of school facilities, including sports complexes, music centres, and enrichment programmes. Additionally, our boarding offer is enriched by regular excursions and trips, allowing students to experience cultural, educational, and recreational activities beyond the school grounds. These outings are an integral part of our holistic approach to education and personal development.

The Drawbacks of Boarding School

Higher costs - Boarding fees include accommodation, meals, and co-curricular activities, making it seem a more expensive option.
Homesickness - Being away from family and familiar surroundings may be difficult for your child, especially at the start of term.
Less parental involvement in daily life - Parents may feel less connected to their child's day-to-day experiences and academic progress.
Adjustment period for new pupils - It can take time for children to adapt to a new environment, establish routines, and form friendships.

Your Child’s Personality

Some children thrive in a structured boarding environment, while others prefer returning home at the end of the school day.

Family Circumstances

Your location, work commitments, and home life may influence your decision.

Academic and Co-curricular Goals

If your child has a strong interest in activities that boarding schools offer more regularly, this may be a deciding factor.

Future Aspirations

Boarding schools can be an excellent stepping stone for children considering studying abroad or living independently in the future.

Opportunities at Day and Boarding School with Mill Hill Education Group

Whether you choose a day or boarding school, Mill Hill Education Group is committed to providing a nurturing and academically enriching environment that supports your child’s growth and success. Our dedicated staff, excellent facilities, and wide-ranging opportunities ensure that all pupils, day or boarding, can thrive and reach their full potential.

Available Boarding Options

If you are considering the boarding options available for your child at Mill Hill, we offer both weekly boarding, where pupils go home on weekends, and full-term boarding, where pupils stay at the school during the term and return home for school holidays.

MHS and MHI	Cobham	Heathfield
Full or weekly (weekly return home on Friday evening or Saturday morning if they have activities and return to school Sunday evening or Monday morning)	Full, weekly, flexi-boarding - occasional stays / regular stay for up to 2 nights/week	Part-time, weekly and full boarding.

Find out more information from the pages linked below.

Mill Hill School Boarding
Mill Hill International Boarding
Cobham Hall Boarding
Heathfield Boarding

We encourage you to visit us, speak with our team, and explore both options to make the best choice for your child's future. We also hold open days throughout the year, providing the perfect opportunity for you to experience our community first-hand.

Once you’ve made your decision, make sure to read our blog all about supporting your child’s transition to boarding school here.