FAQs

Hockerill Anglo-European College is a co-educational state boarding and day school for students aged 11–18. The College offers a rigorous academic curriculum, including the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, alongside a strong international outlook. Students benefit from extensive co-curricular opportunities, a vibrant boarding community, and a highly supportive pastoral environment.

Hockerill combines the benefits of a state-funded education with high-quality boarding provision and a distinctive international ethos. Students follow GCSEs and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, take part in exchanges and trips abroad, and develop leadership skills through sport, service, and enrichment opportunities.

A state boarding school is funded by the government, so the education itself is free, while families may choose to pay for boarding. Boarding fees cover accommodation, meals, pastoral care, and supervised activities outside the school day. 

Hockerill offers day places alongside flexible boarding options, including Flexi, Weekly, and Full boarding, giving families the choice that best suits their needs. Learn more about Boarding Life.

Hockerill provides a broad and academically ambitious curriculum. Students study the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in the lower years, progress to GCSE courses, and complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form. Learn more about the IB Diploma Programme.

Hockerill offers flexible boarding options to suit different family needs and routines:

Flexi Boarding – Extended school days with occasional overnight stays. Students typically stay 7–10 nights per academic year, with additional nights available by arrangement.

Weekly Boarding – Students stay a minimum of three nights per week, up to the full College week from Sunday evening to Saturday lunchtime.

Full Boarding – Students live at the College throughout the term, including exeat weekends, and return home for half-term breaks and holidays.

All boarding options include excellent pastoral care and opportunities for personal and academic development. More details about the different types of boarding options. 

Boarding at Hockerill gives students a structured and supportive environment where they can grow academically, socially, and personally. Students develop independence, time management, and self-confidence while forming lasting friendships within a vibrant boarding community.

Boarders enjoy modern Houses with comfortable rooms, common areas, and study spaces, alongside nutritious meals, supervised prep, and a wide range of evening and weekend activities. This combination of academic support, co-curricular opportunities, and social experiences helps students build skills and resilience that prepare them for life at university and beyond.

Boarding houses at Hockerill are safe, welcoming, and supportive. Students enjoy comfortable accommodation, clear routines, and a varied programme of social activities that encourage independence, confidence, and strong friendships.

Houses are more than places to live—they are vibrant communities where boarders develop a sense of pride, loyalty and identity. Explore our five boarding Houses. 

Student wellbeing is at the heart of boarding life. Each boarder is supported by a House Tutor who monitors academic progress and personal development through regular tutorials. Boarding staff provide daily supervision and guidance, and students have access to the on-site Health Centre and a comprehensive support network. Parents receive regular communication, including two formal boarding reports each year. 

Our Boarding Guide for Students and Parents 2025–26 provides a comprehensive overview of life at Hockerill College for full, weekly and flexi boarders. It includes key information such as term dates, boarding aims and principles, pastoral care, daily routines, and guidance on communication, wellbeing, and safety. The guide also outlines important procedures around exeats, holidays, and guardianship, as well as useful appendices covering topics from meal pricing and health guidance to FAQs for new boarders.

Hockerill welcomes students from across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Support includes English language development, strong pastoral care, and structured integration programmes to help international students settle quickly and thrive both academically and socially. 

Yes. Day students and boarders mix naturally throughout the school day and through clubs, societies, trips, and whole-school events. Boarding students also enjoy additional evening and weekend activities within their houses, creating a close-knit and inclusive community.

This depends on the boarding option chosen.

An explanation of the different types of places we offer:

An exeat weekend at Hockerill is a designated weekend during the school term when there are no Saturday lessons. Boarders usually spend this time at home or with guardians, while day students enjoy a short break from their usual school routines. For full details, see our term dates page.

Boarding fees cover accommodation, meals, pastoral care, and supervised activities outside the school day. 

Academic Year 2026/27

Boarding fees can be paid annually, termly or on a month by month basis *

No. Boarding fees at Hockerill are not subject to VAT, in line with UK state boarding schools.

You must apply to your Local Authority for both day and boarding places.  Families applying for boarding should select “Hockerill (Boarding)” on the Common Application Form and submit a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to the College. As part of the boarding admissions process, applicants are invited to attend a Boarding Suitability Interview during the Michaelmas term. More details on Admissions

Optional Language and Music aptitude tests are available for day applicants. These tests assess aptitude rather than prior experience and are not required for boarding applicants or siblings. Learn more in our Admissions section. 

Hockerill offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for students aged 16–18, with both day and boarding places available. Applications are made via the College website, followed by an Academic Meeting to discuss subject choices. Boarding applicants also attend a Boarding Suitability Interview. More on Sixth Form Admissions

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a globally recognised qualification for students aged 16–18. It promotes academic breadth, critical thinking, independent learning, and international-mindedness. Learn more about the IBDP

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is designed to prepare students for success both at university and beyond. Unlike other post-16 qualifications that focus on a smaller set of subjects, the IB allows students to study a broad range of disciplines, helping them develop a well-rounded, global perspective.

This wider academic foundation gives students flexibility when applying to universities, allowing them to explore and specialise in subjects they are most passionate about without being restricted by a narrow curriculum. The interdisciplinary approach also encourages critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to make connections across different fields of study.

The IB also equips students with valuable skills that transfer directly to higher education. For example, the Extended Essay develops independent research, structured writing, and oral presentation skills, providing excellent preparation for university essays and dissertations. Activities like these also build confidence in public speaking and academic discussion—skills that are essential for applications to Oxbridge, Ivy League universities, or other leading institutions worldwide.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and rewarding post-16 courses. Universities around the world value the IB Diploma as a prestigious qualification, and it is often seen as a strong indicator of academic ability on applications.

This rigorous programme gives students the chance to stretch themselves academically while developing skills that are highly regarded internationally. In addition, many universities recognise the IB Diploma by offering credit or advanced standing, giving students a potential head start in higher education.

Yes. The IB Diploma is highly regarded by universities in the UK and internationally and is recognised by leading institutions worldwide.

The Sixth Form team provides tailored guidance on university selection, personal statements, interviews, and scholarship applications, supporting students to achieve ambitious and well-matched outcomes. More on Sixth Form Support

Hockerill leavers progress to a wide range of destinations, including Oxford and Cambridge, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry, leading UK universities, overseas institutions, and competitive apprenticeships.

Hockerill offers a wide-ranging co-curricular programme including sport, music, drama, debating, Model United Nations, Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and community service projects. These opportunities support leadership, teamwork, and personal development. Expolore our co-cirricular programme. 

Yes. Hockerill runs a varied programme of international trips and exchanges, including language immersion, cultural visits, service projects, and sporting tours. More on Trips and Exchanges

Students can participate in a broad range of sports including rugby, hockey, netball, football, swimming, athletics, and basketball, with opportunities for both recreational participation and competitive performance.

The College day begins at 08.50 with morning registration. Lessons end at 15.40 on weekdays and at 12.20 on Saturdays. After-school clubs run from 16.00–17.00, with extended activities available for boarding students.

Students at Hockerill consistently achieve strong GCSE and IB Diploma results, placing the College among the highest-performing state and partially selective schools nationally.

Hockerill has been placed #16 in The Sunday Times Top Comprehensive and Partially Selective Secondary Schools in this year’s Parent Power tables. The rankings are based on average performance across A-level, GCSE and IB outcomes from summer 2025.

To arrange a visit or tour of the College, including Sixth Form and boarding facilities, please contact admissions@hockerill.com.