At Bridgeway, we are always looking for the best opportunities for students seeking a top-tier education. Our recent visit to the UK allowed us to explore outstanding boarding schools and to deepen the strong relationships that we have across the country to benefit the families we support.
Schools We Visited
Bedford School
Bedford School is a prestigious independent boarding and day school for boys aged 7 to 18, ranked among the Top 6 boys' schools worldwide (Fortune’s World’s Leading Boarding Schools 2023). Known for its outstanding academic success, over 80% of students progress to Russell Group and/or Times Top 30 universities, reflecting the school’s commitment to excellence.
Beyond academics, Bedford has a long-established reputation in music, drama, and art, fostering creativity and self-expression at the highest levels. Its sporting tradition is exceptional, regularly producing international athletes, including Sir Alastair Cook (Cricket), George Furbank and Fraser Dingwall (Rugby), and Ethan Vernon (Cycling). The school nurtures a lifelong love of sport for boys of all abilities, ensuring every student benefits from its dynamic athletic program.
Recognized for its holistic approach to education, Bedford was named Independent Boys’ School of the Year in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2021. With a thriving boarding community and an enriching campus environment, Bedford provides the ideal foundation for boys to excel and reach their full potential.
Ipswich High School
Ranked Suffolk’s top independent school for eight consecutive years in the Sunday Times Schools Guide, Ipswich High School is a co-educational institution for pupils aged 3-18 that offers a broad and challenging curriculum, consistently delivering academic excellence. With small class sizes and dynamic, interactive lessons, students receive a highly personalized education designed to inspire critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
Beyond the classroom, Ipswich School provides exceptional pastoral care, ensuring students feel supported throughout their journey. This dedication to student wellbeing has earned the school national recognition, with one teacher named a finalist in the ‘Unsung Hero’ category of the Independent School of the Year Awards 2024.
Life at Ipswich is busy and full, with all students encouraged to participate in an extensive co-curricular program, spanning music, drama, sports, and leadership opportunities. Boarding at Ipswich offers a true home-from-home experience, with Westwood Boys’ Boarding House, a Victorian mansion set in wooded grounds, and Anglesea Heights Girls’ Boarding House, a modern space with en-suite facilities resembling a university residence.
Recognized as the runner-up for Co-Ed Independent School of the Year 2022, Ipswich School provides an enriching, welcoming environment where students leave with academic success, a strong sense of self-worth, and the skills to thrive in the future.
Culford School
Culford School, set in 480 acres of stunning Suffolk parkland with an 18th-century mansion at its heart, offers a co-educational experience for students aged 1-18. Recognized as one of the World’s Leading Boarding Schools in the Fortune Magazine Education Guide 2023, Culford excels in areas including Career, Community, Music & Arts, Sports, and Value for Money. The school’s ethos combines high-quality education with personalized support, creating a dynamic environment where each child can reach their full potential.
The school boasts a strong reputation for academic and sporting excellence. With over 420 pupils in the senior school, 260 in the Prep School, and 110 in Pre-Prep & Nursery, Culford’s resources and world-class facilities cater to every child’s needs. The curriculum is enriched with a focus on developing both academic skills and sporting talent. Culford is a national powerhouse for tennis, golf and swimming as well as offering competitive programmes in rugby, hockey, netball, football, and cricket are underpinned by expert coaching, technical analysis, and specialist strength and conditioning. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from basketball and horse riding to scuba diving, ensuring every student discovers their passion.
Facilities include a championship standard indoor tennis centre which is one of only 12 LTA accredited regional player development performance centres , a golf course next to the school, a heated 25m swimming pool, a drama studio, a newly developed art centre, and much more. Culford’s focus on both academic and personal growth prepares students for success in every area of life.
Bedes
Located within 140 acres of the picturesque Sussex Downs, Bede’s is a vibrant co-educational independent school offering full boarding from Year 5 through to Sixth Form. With a broad and flexible academic curriculum, students can follow GCSE, IGCSE, BTEC, and A Level pathways, while international students can also benefit from a dedicated Pre-Sixth Form Programme designed to prepare them for further study within the UK system.
Bede’s is recognised for its excellence in education, winning the Boarding Schools' Association Award for Supporting International Boarders and being named a finalist in the Independent Schools of the Year 2023. The school has a strong track record of supporting student ambitions, including professional footballer Leilanni Nesbeth, who was assisted by Bridgeway’s founder Neil Speight in securing her place at the school at 13 years old to develop her sporting talents.
Beyond academics, Bede’s provides a rich co-curricular experience. Core Pathway sports—Cricket, Football, Tennis, Hockey, Swimming, and Netball—are supported by expert coaching, while the renowned Legat Dance Academy offers world-class training in Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz. The school’s on-campus zoo, home to over 70 animals, has earned recognition as an Education Associate of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
With a focus on developing well-rounded, future-ready students, Bede’s offers an inspiring and supportive environment where every individual can thrive.
Ardingly College
Set within 240 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside, Ardingly College is a co-educational independent school that provides a vibrant and dynamic learning environment where every student is known and valued. Offering a balanced curriculum that includes A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and BTEC qualifications, the school ensures that each child discovers their strengths and thrives academically. With a strong emphasis on enrichment, students are encouraged to explore a wide range of co-curricular activities, fostering personal growth and leadership.
Ardingly College is recognised as one of the top 10 schools in the UK for IB and ranks among the top 75 for A Levels. Around 25% of senior school students come from over 30 different countries, creating a diverse and global community that enriches the learning experience. The school has been awarded The Independent Schools of the Year accolade for ‘Best for Student Careers’ in recognition of its innovative Enterprise & Employability programme. In 2024, The Week named Ardingly as the ‘Best of the Best’ for ‘Best Preparation for Life,’ highlighting its dedication to equipping students with the skills and confidence needed for the future.
Pastoral care is central to Ardingly’s ethos, with small tutor groups ensuring personalised support. The World Ready Programme helps students develop critical thinking, adaptability, and independence. With over 150 enrichment activities spanning sports, music, drama, and more, Ardingly nurtures well-rounded individuals who are prepared to excel in an ever-changing world.
How Bridgeway Can Help
Finding the right boarding school can be a daunting process, but Bridgeway is here to simplify every step. Not only do we guide families through the application process, but we can also communicate directly with schools on their behalf, ensuring that all questions are answered and requirements are met. Our expertise allows us to match students with institutions where they will thrive academically, socially, and personally. With our deep understanding of the UK boarding school landscape, we help families make informed decisions with confidence.
Next Steps for Families
Every family has unique needs, and we take the time to sit down and understand each child’s academic strengths, extracurricular interests, and long-term aspirations. Our tailored approach ensures that students are placed in an environment that will help them reach their fullest potential while aligning with their future goals. From the initial consultation to school visits and final applications, we provide a structured and personalized plan to make the transition to boarding school seamless.
Get in Touch
If you’re considering a UK boarding school for your child, Bridgeway is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start the journey toward finding the perfect school. Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter for the latest insights and updates on the best boarding school options available.
