A Guide to Boarding Schools for Cayman Students

Entry to Boarding Schools

In the US, schools typically accept boarders from Grade 8 (aged 13-14 or Year 9 in the British system) but there are some that accept boarders from Grade 6.

In Canada, most schools accept students for boarding in Grade 9 (one year later than the US system).

In the UK, students can board from age 8 (Year 4) but the majority of students from Cayman usually start boarding at the end of primary school (i.e. they finish Year 6 in Cayman and then leave). Some may wait and go straight to a senior school in the UK or Ireland when they are 13 (for the start of Year 9).

Preparation

Boarding schools can be very competitive and many leading schools fill their places several years in advance. Therefore, it's important to give yourself enough time to choose the right school. Similarly, allow time for your child to prepare for entrance exams and the transition to boarding school.

One or two years before is the best time to begin the process, but don’t worry if you are a little behind, solutions can always be found, with a little patience and guidance.

The most important thing to remember is to involve your child in the process from the very beginning, making them comfortable and confident with the idea of moving away to a boarding school.

Many Cayman families organise tutoring for their child at least 12 months in advance to help prepare for entrance exams and improve academic performance. Education standards in the Cayman Islands are very much on par with overseas schools but some subjects are taught differently or are not covered in Cayman's schools. For example, French, geography, Latin and history are all taught in UK schools and Cayman students are not exposed to the same material.

UK Boarding School Applications

Prep Schools (Years 4-8)

Since it is the job of preparatory schools to prepare pupils for the Common Entrance Exam (CE) at the end of Year 8, they prefer to have pupils for two or three years beforehand.

• There are no fixed deadlines for entry to prep schools, although the most popular ones will fill their places several years in advance.
• Testing is ‘light touch’ and is generally conducted during a child’s visit to the school. Many schools invite pupils to spend a 'taster' day and night at the school.

Girls Senior Schools (Years 7-13) For Entry in Year 7 (age 11+)

Although senior school traditionally begins in Year 9, many girls’ schools offer Year 7 entry, allowing girls to move directly into senior school without attending a prep school first.

• Girls who are going for 11+ entry to a girls’ senior school will be tested in Year 6.
• Most schools use the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) 11+ Common Entrance, taken in January.
• Subjects tested include English, maths and science. Some schools have their own entrance papers but they are similar to CE.

Senior Schools (Years 9-13) For Entry in Year 9 (age 13+)

This is the most traditional entry point for UK boarding schools.

Step 1: Register by the end of Year 6 (Year 5 for the more competitive schools). Highly competitive schools (such as Eton College, Harrow School and Radley College) expect families to visit when a child is in Years 4, 5 or 6.

Step 2: In October or January of Year 6 or 7, students take the ISEB Common Pre-Test. This is a timed computer-based test covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths.

Step 3: Enrolled children will be invited for an interview and assessment day. This takes place in December or January of Year 7. Shortly after, schools may offer a place conditional upon achieving the required average mark of Common Entrance.

Step 4: The Common Entrance exam is taken in May of Year 8.

If Your Child is Not at a UK Prep School

Typically, students coming directly from Cayman schools (i.e. they are not at a UK prep school), sit entrance tests at each school they apply to. They may be able to sit the tests in Cayman (subject to arrangement), and may also have an interview via video call.

However, visiting schools in person is strongly recommended. It’s the best way to judge whether your child will genuinely thrive there.

Alternative Admissions Routes

Not all senior schools use the ISEB Pre-Test route. Some have a more flexible process, although early application is still strongly advised.

The process generally involves a visit to the school, an interview, and a test (in English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning). It is also worth asking about 'occasional places' which sometimes become available outside the usual timeline.

16+ Entry (Years 12-13)

Many boarding schools accept a significant number of pupils into Sixth Form.

• Testing and interviews are in September (the year before entry).
• Offers are made in early December.

British State Boarding School Applications

For Caymanian families whose children hold a British passport, UK state boarding schools can be an excellent and affordable option. State boarding schools typically offer strong academic results, full A Level programmes, extensive sports programmes, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and evening and weekend trips and activities. It's the full boarding experience at a significantly lower cost than private alternatives.

The UK has 30+ state boarding schools, with boarding numbers ranging from 50 to over 600 pupils. The UK government pays for the education (tuition), while the student's family pays for the boarding. This equates to £12,000–£18,000 per year compared to around £57,000 at independent/private boarding schools.

Since January 2025, private school fees have risen significantly due to new VAT charges, while state boarding schools have remained VAT-exempt. As a result, they offer good value for money.

Scholarship Support for Cayman Students

The Cayman Islands Ministry of Education offers scholarship funding for Caymanian students accepted onto an A Level programme, and, in many cases, this funding can cover the cost of attending a UK state boarding school.

British Passport Requirements

To qualify for entry to a UK state boarding school, your child must hold a British passport. If your child does not yet have one, start the process early as applications can take time. Find out how Caymanians can apply for a British passport.

Irish Boarding School Applications

Education in Ireland is compulsory for children aged 6-16, or until they have completed three years of secondary education.

In Ireland, students typically begin secondary school at age 12, and the secondary system is divided into three stages:

1. Junior Cycle (age 13-16): Students study up to 10 subjects, finishing with junior cycle assessments.
2. Transition Year (optional or compulsory depending on the school): Students take a one-year programme designed to develop personal and social skills, build confidence and independence and explore interests without exam pressure. The year typically includes work experience placements, life skills programmes, community involvement, and more. It's viewed as valuable breathing space before the intensity of senior-level exams.
3. Senior Cycle (final 2 years): Students study 6-8 subjects that culminate in the Leaving Certificate Examination (Ireland's national school-leaving qualification) that determines entry into university.

US Senior Boarding School Applications

Applying to US boarding schools takes planning, especially for competitive schools. Begin your research 2-3 years in advance, especially if you are considering highly selective schools.

Admissions Testing Requirements

Application processes vary depending on the school and grade level you're applying for, but many US boarding schools require standardised testing for academic placement.

• Common entrance tests for middle and early high school entry include the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE).
• For students applying to Grade 11 or 12, it is highly recommended they have an SAT, PSAT or ACT test score to share with the school.

The SSAT and SAT can be taken at Cayman International School. Be sure to confirm each school’s testing code so your results are sent directly to the correct admissions office.

Some US boarding schools now recommend, or require, the Character Skills Snapshot which measures traits such as resilience, open-mindedness, team work, initiative, and more. It gives the school a broader picture of a students beyond academic results.

Canadian Senior Schools Applications

Ideally, you should begin researching schools at least two years before entry, but many schools will consider applications later, depending on availability.

Standardised Testing

Testing requirements vary by school, but some, particularly those in Toronto, require the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), which assesses overall aptitude rather than subject-specific knowledge, and the Character Skills Snapshot assessment that evaluates the student's character traits and personal qualities.

Distinct School Systems

Many Canadian boarding schools do not require standardised testing, instead using their own entrance exams, interviews and academic transcripts. This is because education is provincial in Canada, meaning there is no federal department of education, and responsibility for funding, curriculum and policies rest with each province rather than the national government. Hence, students work towards a high school diploma based on where they study (e.g. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)).

Some schools also offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses or the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. This gives flexibility to students planning to attend university in Canada, the US, the UK or elsewhere.

Where to Get Advice & Support

Educational Consultants

Education consultants in the Cayman Islands are very knowledgeable about different boarding schools and will explain things that you cannot read about on a school's website or school prospectus. For example, does it run a house system? If so, what are the benefits? How many students are weekly boarders and is the school moving towards that? Does it cater well to children who need learning support? Will your child flourish academically there or drift to the bottom third of the academic group? Also, make a point of visiting the school fairs as it's a great way to chat to staff at your selected schools.

Two school consultants who work specifically with Cayman families include:

Dorm & Day
Owned and run by Amanda Roberts, Dorm & Day is based in Grand Cayman and offers advisory services for education at home and overseas, with a diverse portfolio of boarding schools in the US, Canada, Europe and the UK, including for children with learning differences.

Amanda tours a wide range of independent schools and uses that first-hand knowledge to find the right fit for your child, ensuring you make an informed choice. During in-person and virtual meetings you will be guided and advised throughout the admissions process. Services include reviewing transcripts, preparing a shortlist of well-matched schools, helping with applications and financial aid forms, seeking out scholarships for talented athletes and high academic achievers, invigilating tests, preparing students for interviews, arranging boarding school visits and communicating with schools from application to arrival.

Dorm & Day can also help with the college application process. Tel: (345) 936 3676 or (345) 925 4610. Email: admin@dormandday.ky or visit www.dormandday.ky.

Beach Education
Based in Bermuda and owned and run by Fiona Beach, Beach Education is an educational consultancy led by an experienced team that offers personalised guidance tailored to your child's unique needs and aspirations. They help you navigate the selection, application, and enrolment processes with tailored advice that aligns with your child’s academic and personal growth goals. They also offer university support, insights and assistance to secure placements at esteemed universities, and they organise school and university events which connect families directly with leading educational institutions.

Beach Education holds an annual school fair in Grand Cayman where you can meet staff from many of the schools. For more information, or to organise a free 30 minute initial consultation, email: fiona@beacheducation.com, Tel: +44 (0)7715 286144 or www.beacheducation.com.

Recommended Boarding Schools

Here we list a few overseas boarding schools that are popular with Cayman families: