"A thousand times yes." Eva, James and Leo on life at boarding school.

Eva is at Prior Park College in Bath, James at Shrewsbury School, and Leo at Clifton College in Bristol. Here, they share what their time has been like so far.

Eva, Prior Park College

Eva signed up for more clubs than was recommended. On Tuesdays she attends Combined Cadet Forces, known as CCF. "It was a very experimental decision for me, and an unusual one — I'm the only boarding pupil, the only girl from the sixth form, and the only member from my day house." Early in the Michaelmas term, the group travelled to Cornwall for a survival camp. "We learned how to make fire, carry injured people to safety on stretchers, send emergency signals, and tie knots." Since then, she has learned axe throwing, taken part in marches, and is practising weapon handling with air rifles.

In MUN debating, she is representing Russia this year. "Our MUN team always likes to pick the villains. Last time we were North Korea." At the House Debating Competition, she delivered the opening speech — at a lectern, before a jury and an audience of 40 — and defended her house against the headmaster's sharpest closing questions.

One moment will stay with her: Piano Week. "I had never played the piano in front of an audience. There I sat, before 30 people I barely knew, playing a Chopin waltz. I made mistakes, of course — nerves got the better of me — but at home I would never have got that far in the first place."

At weekends, Eva makes trips to Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford, takes part in Saturday Active — where pupils choose between archery, sailing, cooking and art — and on free afternoons spends three to five hours in town, visiting museums or simply walking.

Was it worth it? "A thousand times yes."

James, Shrewsbury School

"Before I decided to spend a year at a school in England, I had no idea how much it would change me. I met people from different cultures, but I also had new experiences — volunteering in the local community, and the house competitions, where I could take part both in sport and music."

What stood out most was MUN debating. "My committee and I did well at a MUN debating forum." The year abroad had opened new doors, James writes, "particularly academically and in the arts. I would recommend an experience like this to anyone — especially if you are looking for direction in your own life and future."

Leo, Clifton College

Leo had originally planned to spend two terms at Clifton College in Bristol. Then he extended to a full year.

Was it worth it? "Yes, one hundred per cent." Leo talks about his school days and weekends in our Instagram post.

More testimonials can be found here.