10 best UK boarding schools for swimming
Best of..., School Admissions
For students passionate about swimming, finding a school that actively nurtures their talent is key. UK boarding schools are renowned for their holistic approach to
Academic Families works with more than 450 schools throughout the UK, and we have become experts at matching children to the right boarding school for them in order to ensure each student thrives.
We're delighted to present one of our partner schools:
Malvern St James Girls' School in Worcestershire, England.
“The school aims to inspire pupils to discover their talents, achieve success, acquire self-esteem and develop respect for others by providing an all-round education in a caring, supportive boarding community that fosters personal fulfilment and a lifelong love of learning.”
MSJ prides itself on encouraging its students to achieve academic excellence and offers a diverse choice of GCSE, A-Level and BTEC subjects to ensure students can pursue their individual passions and interests. The school offers a personalised approach to education, breaking down gender stereotypes to empower each girl to reach her full potential and achieve results that exceed expectations. As a result, more than half of students choose to study STEM subjects at university. In 2022, 75% of A-level students achieved A*, and many progressed on to study at some of the UK's top universities.
The school emphasises the importance of a strong co-curricular programme for students to develop into well rounded and confident young women. The school offers over 100 societies and clubs, including book club, computer science coding, debating and a feminist society, among many others.
MSJ offers a wealth of arts activities, which encourage students to develop their creativity. The schools music building houses more than 20 practice rooms, a percussion room and large rehearsal space with a grand piano. Girls are encouraged to join the numerous choirs, ensembles and orchestras that the school offers. There is also an art studio that inspires students to get involved in creating visual art outside of the classroom and is available for use most days after school hours . The school’s programme of visiting artists and weekend workshops ensures students benefit from expert teaching. The school puts on up to 10 theatre productions annually which includes a yearly whole school play or musical. The extensive arts programme provides numerous learning opportunities for the students and helps them to develop their confidence and sense of self.
Through its dedicated team of teachers and professional coaches, MSJ also ensures that there is a sport to suit every student. The school’s sports facilities include a sports hall with two netball courts, a climbing wall, a swimming pool, a multi-purpose activity studio, two squash courts and a fitness suite. There are also outside netball and tennis courts, three lacrosse pitches, and fields for cricket, rounders and athletics. There are high-level competitive teams for hockey, lacrosse, netball, football and cricket. The school also offers a comprehensive riding programme that caters to riders of all levels. The girls can start riding from the age of four years onwards and are supported recreationally and competitively by first class trainers in eventing, show jumping and dressage.
MSJ welcomes overseas students into their boarding community. The school promotes diversity and tolerance so that everyone feels accepted. For those who are not fluent in English, one-to-one tuition is provided with a specialist EAL teacher. IELTS preparation is available for students in Years 12 and 13. This support benefits international students by enabling them to better integrate into the school community and make the most of their educational experience.
Boarding is at the heart of school life at MSJ, and the school welcomes boarders from the ages of 7-18. There are five boarding houses, which cater for specific age groups, and are located just a short distance from the main school building. The boarding and pastoral staff are dedicated to looking after the wellbeing and health of the students and work hard to make the boarding houses a warm and welcoming community for all. On the weekends there is a full programme that allows the girls to go on trips and take part in activities like caving, skiing, kayaking, mountain biking and sailing, to name a few. The schools locality to the Malvern Hills, means students often go for walks and picnics in the traditional English countryside.
You'll probably have many questions about the exciting times that lie ahead. We are here to reassure you and support your decision to educate your child in the UK.
Message us via Live Chat or request a callback and one of our team members will contact you whenever you prefer.
© 2025 Academic Families | Academic Families is a Safer Recruiter