Top 3 boarding schools nurturing character development

When choosing a school for your child, it is important to consider how the school can nurture character development and inspire moral values. You want to invest in an education that goes beyond academics, nurturing the whole person and laying a strong foundation for future success.

Good boarding schools do this well. As students live, study, and participate in activities together, they form deep and lasting bonds. This close-knit environment promotes teamwork, empathy, and collaboration. For example, research has shown that students who attend boarding schools often report higher levels of self-confidence and leadership skills. 

Living away from home gets children learning life skills fast too. It requires students to manage their time, responsibilities, and relationships more effectively. This independence pushes them to become more self-reliant and mature. Many alumni attribute their success in university and beyond to the self-discipline and organisational skills they developed during their time at boarding school. 

If you are looking for a boarding school that will nurture your child beyond academics, here are three schools to check out:

Source: Cobham Hall

Cobham Hall

“There is more in you than you think” — this is the motto of Cobham Hall. And that’s precisely what girls and boys aged 11 to 18 are set to discover at its beautiful 16th-century mansion, surrounded by 150 acres of glorious Kent countryside and just 30 minutes from central London. Originally an all-girls day and boarding school, Cobham Hall made its sixth form co-ed two years ago and, following its success, has now decided to welcome boys into every year group. From September, boys and girls together will receive the very best in preparation for life beyond the school walls and get that Cobham Hall “difference” that will infuse and enhance the rest of their lives.

The institution, shortlisted for the Small Independent School of the Year Award 2024, achieves this through a combination of skills-based education, comprehensive co-curricular programmes, and a focus on character development. In every year group, students develop essential life skills, such as creativity, curiosity, and communication. Cobham’s unique Perspectives course teaches the personal attributes, skills, and attitudes young people need to successfully navigate and engage with a changing world and an unknown future. It starts with Personal Perspectives in Lower School lessons, followed by a Global Perspectives GCSE course and culminates in Sixth Form with Future Perspectives: an empowering mix of leadership and personal development with practical life skills.

“Future Perspectives sessions have helped me learn how to budget, carry out basic car maintenance and cook nutritious and budget-friendly meals — all useful skills preparing me for university,” shares Poppy, a Year 13 student.

Students also have the opportunity to take part in a huge array of sports, music, drama, outdoor pursuits, and more. These activities develop teamwork, leadership, and time management skills. By encouraging students to pursue their passions and try new things, Cobham helps them thrive academically, socially, and personally. Read more on Cobham Hall here.

Loretto School aims to nurture every child in order to develop their confidence and character. Source: Loretto School Facebook

Loretto School

Established in 1827, Loretto School is Scotland’s oldest boarding school, offering a unique blend of traditional values and modern educational practices. The 85-acre picturesque campus is an independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged three to 18.

Emphasising the development of the whole person, mind, body and spirit the school’s curriculum is designed to challenge students academically while encouraging personal growth. 

The school has a number of programmes that promote ethical behaviour, leadership, and social responsibility. The “Loretto Character Education,” which includes weekly sessions on topics such as resilience, empathy, and integrity. These sessions provide students with the tools to contribute to society. 

Loretto School runs many co-curricular activities for students to further explore their interests and develop new skills. Whether your child is interested in sports, music or drama, the school has a CCA for it. In fact, Loretto is globally recognised as one of the finest golfing schools due to its Gold Academy. Many players have won multiple World Amateur Golf Ranked events and regularly represent their countries.

The school has introduced the Loretto Enterprise Lab, which provides events, workshops, and activities covering all aspects of idea development, business creation, and venture growth. This initiative helps students realise their entrepreneurial potential.

Enrol your child at Loretto School to ensure they are equipped with the essential skills for success.

Wesley College Dublin provides students with a foundation to develop as young people – in confidence, independence, responsibility and community spirit. Source: Wesley College Dublin Facebook

Wesley College Dublin

Established in 1845, Wesley College combines past traditions with modern educational practices. It is a co-educational day and boarding school with over 900 students.

Here, there is a strong emphasis on character development. The school’s curriculum is designed to challenge students academically and to ensure they have essential life skills such as resilience, empathy, and integrity.

What truly sets it apart is its extensive co-curricular activities. No matter your interest you will definitely find something at Wesley College. From sports like rugby and hockey to extracurriculars like choir, debate, and orchestra, here students are encouraged to pursue their passions and develop new interests.

Aside from that, the school aims to create a sense of social responsibility and community involvement in each student. Through the 175 Make a Difference Initiative students are encouraged to participate in various community service projects and charitable initiatives. “You might end up driving pick-up trucks around the southern provinces of Thailand with trees and locals in the back, or you might spend a few weeks hanging out with an elephant called Kamee; whatever you end up doing, you won’t regret a moment of it,” shares Ben Sheeran-Purcell, class of 2020.

By choosing Wesley College, your child will develop the skills, values, and confidence needed to succeed in university and beyond. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International