The BSA (Boarding Schools’ Association) has launched its biggest engagement programme to celebrate six decades of supporting excellence in boarding.
We’re proud to announce the academic year 2025–26 will mark BSA’s 60th anniversary. Founded in 1965, the BSA has spent six decades championing boarding, promoting the highest standards of pastoral care and academic excellence, and supporting member schools and staff in delivering transformational educational experiences. Today, the association represents more than 600 boarding schools across the UK and internationally, providing training, guidance, and advocacy for schools, pupils, and families.
Throughout the anniversary year, the BSA will run a series of special campaigns, events and initiatives to champion the transformative impact of boarding and how far we’ve come in 60 years. Schools can participate in any of the below, with much more still to be announced for the year ahead:
- #iloveboarding campaign: tell us what boarding means to you. Share your #iloveboarding because videos and quotes with us as we spread boarding positivity far and wide
- International Boarding Day 2025: we’re spotlighting ‘Unique Identities’ this October through international boarding history, heritage and people and what this means to our international membership
- #BoardingArchives campaign: send us your archive photos for a dose of 60’s nostalgia as we look back at how the boarding experience has changed over the years
- Boarding Book of Remembrance (BOBOR): BOBOR is an online record to commemorate boarders who lost their lives in war and will be published on September 19 in line with BSA’s 60th anniversary and following the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
BSA Director, David Walker FTIOB said: “For sixty years, BSA has been dedicated to supporting schools, staff, and pupils, ensuring that boarding remains a safe, enriching, and forward-looking choice for families. Our anniversary year gives us the opportunity to honour our history, celebrate the successes of our schools and alumni, and reaffirm our commitment to excellence and innovation in boarding education worldwide.”
BSA remains committed to remaining a pillar of support for boarding schools in the future as they respond to global shifts in education, technology, and wellbeing. Our mission exists to ensure that boarding provision is not only relevant, but exemplary: places where young people can achieve academically, grow personally, and leave prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.
The BSA’s journey may have just begun, but our commitment to championing excellence in boarding is steadfast for the next 60 years and beyond. For more information about the 60th anniversary year and upcoming events, please visit boarding.org.uk/60-years/.
Categories: Sector News
