A recent survey by the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) has found that the number of children who are attending boarding schools has increased by 5.8% in the last year.  But, not only that, the IAPS also claim that opting for a boarding place for their child might very well be serving as an alternative to finding good quality wrap-around childcare.

The number of boys and girls attending a prep boarding school has increased from 13,178 pupils to 13,945 in the past year, with the figures for girls rising from 4,868 to 5,762 in the same period.

David Hanson, Chief Executive of IAPS, said, “The numbers are rising primarily because the children enjoy it – this is driven by the children attending the boarding school, rather than only the parents."

"However," Mr Hanson goes on, "busy professionals are realising the benefits of sending their children to these schools, which offer excellent facilities, healthcare, education and social environments, that can give them complete peace of mind, rather than paying for a nanny of uncertain quality."

Mr Hanson also commented on the increase in numbers of parents opting to send girls to boarding school. "The sharp increase in the number of girls attending boarding school in the past year is not all that surprising as, typically, girls are more mature in the prep school years and enlightened parents understand that the value of the boarding experience brings greater independence, develops social and organisational skills and that their children will flourish in the environment.”