The Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) has concluded a memorable year of celebrations marking its 60th anniversary, bringing together schools, staff, pupils and alumni from across the boarding community to celebrate six decades of championing boarding education.
Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, the diamond anniversary provided an opportunity not only to reflect on BSA’s rich history since its foundation in 1965, but also to look confidently towards the future of boarding. Through a series of campaigns, competitions and community initiatives, pupils, parents and staff across member schools came together to showcase everything that makes boarding such a unique and transformative experience.
At the heart of the celebrations was the #iloveboarding campaign, which encouraged schools and supporters around the world to share what boarding means to them. The campaign generated an inspiring collection of stories, photographs and memories that celebrated the diversity, warmth and spirit of modern boarding.
One of the year’s biggest successes was the launch of #BSABrufts, a light-hearted take on ‘Crufts’ designed to celebrate the important role of dogs in boarding schools. The inaugural competition attracted an outstanding response from members across the UK and overseas, with hundreds of entries showcasing 
companionship, comfort and joy dogs and other animals bring to boarding life.
Celebrations also followed the adventures of Biscuit the #BSABear, who travelled to 33 member schools throughout the year, meeting pupils and staff while experiencing boarding life in every corner of the country.
Meanwhile, schools were invited to leave a legacy by joining the Boarding School Book of Remembrance (BOBOR), preserving the stories and heritage of boarding communities for generations to come. View the records in full via www.bobor.org.uk/
Competition remained firmly on the agenda as pupils battled it out to become Boarding’s Best Gamers, while creative talents flourished through BSA’s inaugural 60 words short story competition, challenging young writers to tell compelling stories in exactly sixty words.
Music also played a starring role throughout the anniversary year. BSA launched a collection of themed Spotify playlists designed to accompany every aspect of boarding life, while delegates at the Annual Conference for Heads enjoyed unforgettable live band performances from Boarding Rocks, delivered in partnership with The Band Project.
The anniversary also offered the perfect opportunity to look back. Schools enjoyed a fascinating journey through BSA’s extensive archives in the popular ‘Then vs Now’ #BoardingArchives campaign, exploring how boarding has evolved over six decades while celebrating the enduring values that continue to define boarding today.
#NationalBoardingWeek adopted a special diamond anniversary theme, with schools embracing creative activities, fundraising events and community celebrations that highlighted the many benefits of boarding and the lifelong friendships it creates.
As part of the commemorations, BSA also recognised 72 of its long-standing founding member schools from 1966, celebrating their enduring contribution to the development and success of the boarding sector over the past six decades.
The anniversary year concluded with the publication of a special edition of the BSA Magazine, capturing the stories, milestones and achievements that have shaped boarding over the last 60 years while looking ahead to the exciting opportunities still to come.
“BSA’s 60th anniversary has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes boarding special and to shine a light on the shared sense of pride in the positive and enriching experience it provides.” said Robin Fletcher, CEO, BSA.
“Our diamond anniversary has brought the boarding community together and also given us the opportunity to reflect on how far the sector has evolved over the past six decades. I would like to thank everyone who has joined us in making these celebrations so memorable.”
Although the diamond anniversary draws to a close, BSA’s mission remains unchanged: to champion excellence in boarding, support those working across the sector, and ensure boarding continues to provide outstanding opportunities for young people for generations to come.
The #iloveboarding campaign will continue as BSA strives to spread boarding positivity. Schools are reminded that the boarding graphic, launched during anniversary celebrations, remains available to all for download here.
It has been a privilege to celebrate this unique anniversary and the BSA thanks every member school, partner organisation, pupil and supporter who contributed to the celebrations. For further details about the celebrations, visit www.boarding.org.uk/60-years/
Categories: School News Sector News
