Box Hill School, United Kingdom

The Box Hill School is a an independent boarding school of international character that caters to students ages 11–18. Box Hill School pupils enjoy a premium location only 40 minutes outside of London and thrive in an environment that puts personal development on the same level of importance as academic achievement.

As a Round Square school, Box Hill School upholds the principles of internationalism, democracy, environment, leadership, adventure and service. These are the ideals the faculty and staff strive to impart to students in order to prepare them for lives of global service and success.

A recent Independent Schools Inspectorate Report found that Box Hill School students possessed an outstanding moral awareness and cultural development. The report described Box Hill School students as “compassionate young people” who are “committed to serving those less fortunate than themselves.” It also cited a high rate of parental satisfaction with the school, and a strong school-parent relationship as being among their strongest points.

At all levels of a Box Hill School education, students participate in a curriculum that is carefully balanced to maximize their exposure to a range of subjects in a meaningful way. Class sizes are small so students get the most from their lessons, and have access to additional help and support if they need it.

During their 12th and 13th years at Box Hill School, qualifying senior students may begin studying for the International Baccalaureate diploma. Successful completion of this program will poise students to enter well-respected universities after their Box Hill School graduation. The International Baccalaureate program attends to all aspects of students’ development and is well-regarded by universities around the world.

In keeping with the theme of small group learning experiences, the boarding house communities at Box Hill School are kept small as well, though all students have opportunities to meet and mix with one another.

The boarding experience helps students become more than classmates, and they develop long-lasting friendships that extend beyond their time at Box Hill School.

Each semester, Box Hill School offers a plethora of extracurricular activities that will appeal to all tastes. In athletics, there are yoga, rugby, archery and tae kwan do, self-defense, hockey and climbing. Skills courses cover everything from cooking, street dance, board games, astronomy and a magic club. Service opportunities include gardening, sign language and first aid courses. And that is but a sampling from which students may choose.

On-campus activities are supported by special events and trips, such as paintball and skydiving excursions and a visit to nearby Brighton. This spring, students were treated to a cooking lesson at celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s Recipease cooking school and shop.

Box Hill School runs a yearly service trip to South Africa, where students help out at the Philippolis Project, in which they work with local peoples and learn about South African culture and society.

Part of the Box Hill School experience is the expedition program, through which students learn important life skills, develop character and forge a greater bond with nature. Among these is a trek to Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, an adventure undertaken by Year 8s.

The Snowdonia expedition includes canoeing, environmental service, mine exploration and skill-building exercises such as learning to effectively use a map. This special event is designed to help qualify students for the Duke of Edinburgh expedition, which they complete in Year 9.

Box Hill School’s International Study Centre provides full support to students coming from abroad. They assist them in integrating into classroom and social life, and help them acclimate as full members of the Box Hill School community.

The Box Hill School’s administration’s efforts to welcome international students goes far beyond that, however. New pupils are paired with a house buddy to help them adjust to boarding life. The kitchen staff prepares a range of multicultural meals, and offer a menu of rice and noodle dishes, and Asian soups to appeal to students’ varying dining customs. 

Those joining the Box Hill School community from abroad will also have a chance to showcase their unique cultures through the school’s many multicultural events, such as Language Week and international evenings. Through food, song, art and music, all Box Hill School pupils have an opportunity to share and learn from one another.

Box Hill School encourages prospective students to visit the campus before deciding to apply. The school holds Open Mornings and School at Work events, when would-be pupils can get a sense of the way things work and what life is like at Box Hill School. Families are also welcome to schedule visits at other times if they cannot make these events.

The application process includes tests in Maths and English, submission of a registration form and copies of the student’s two most recent school reports, and an interview with a Box Hill School representative. Successful applicants are chosen based on all-around achievement and potential.

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