If you’re considering a UK boarding school for your child, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: when should we start? The truth is, starting early gives you more options, but it’s never too late to find the right fit. This guide explains the ideal timelines, what to do if you’re late, and how to structure the process for success.

18–24 months before entry: ideal for research and planning

The best time to begin is around 18 to 24 months before your preferred start date. This gives your family time to explore different types of schools, visit campuses, and understand what curriculum or boarding style might suit your child.

At this stage, we recommend:

• Creating a list of priorities (curriculum, boarding style, sports, location)

• Exploring differences between A Levels, IB, and BTEC

• Reading recent ISI reports and performance tables

• Attending virtual or in-person open days

You don’t need to have all the answers now—this phase is about building confidence and narrowing the field. If you’re not sure where to start, book a consultation with our team.

12–18 months before entry: shortlist and register

This is the window when most families make key decisions. By now, you’ll want to create a shortlist of 4–6 schools that suit your child. Each school has its own admissions process and timeline, so it’s important to keep track of deadlines.

During this time, you should:

• Register with schools (some have early registration cut-offs)

• Attend taster days or in-depth visits

• Begin preparing for assessments or UKiset if required

• Request a school reference

Our boarding school visit checklist will help you know what to ask and how to compare options. If you're considering scholarship applications, this is the time to start preparing.

6–12 months before entry: assessments and offers

Most assessments, interviews, and admissions decisions happen within this timeframe. Some schools have set entrance exams (especially at Year 9 and Sixth Form), while others offer rolling assessments.

Typical tasks during this stage include:

• Preparing for entrance tests or UKiset

• Practising interview skills

• Comparing offers and reviewing bursary or scholarship terms

• Finalising logistics like visas (if needed) and deposits

Our admissions test guide and interview prep page are useful resources during this phase.

Less than 6 months before entry: fast-track planning

If you’re applying close to your intended start date, don’t panic. Many schools still accept late applications if they have places available, and we regularly help families find excellent schools with short notice.

You’ll need to:

• Move quickly with references, registration, and documentation

• Focus on schools with known availability and flexibility

• Be realistic about timelines and travel (especially for international students)

We offer a fast-track consultation to help you navigate urgent placements with ease.

Summary: Start early, but don’t be discouraged if you’re late

The ideal time to begin the process is 12 to 24 months in advance, but there’s no such thing as “too late.” With the right support, even last-minute applications can be successful. What matters most is making sure the school suits your child and that you feel confident in your decision.

We’re here to support families at every stage of the journey, from early research to urgent placements.

Need help planning your timeline?

Whether you’re starting two years ahead or looking for help now, we can guide you. Book your free consultation and we’ll help you build a clear roadmap based on your family’s goals.