In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift among families in New York City. Increasingly, parents are looking beyond the US education system and exploring the opportunities offered by British boarding schools.
Recent coverage in the New York Post has highlighted this growing trend, with affluent NYC families actively considering overseas education as a way to secure stability, breadth of opportunity, and a globally recognised academic pathway.
Against this backdrop, the return of the Independent Schools Show New York 2026 on Thursday 30 April could not be more timely.
A Moment of Change and Opportunity
For many New York parents, the motivation is not simply academic.
It is about:
Long-term certainty in an increasingly unpredictable world
Global mobility, with pathways to both UK and US universities
Character development, independence, and resilience
Access to a wider peer group and broader co-curricular opportunities
British boarding schools have long offered this blend, combining academic rigour with a deeply holistic approach to education.
What feels different now is the urgency.
Why British Boarding?
The appeal of a UK education lies in its clarity and structure.
From prep school through to sixth form, the system offers:
Clear entry points (11+, 13+, 16+)
Well-defined academic pathways (GCSEs, A-levels, IB)
Strong university outcomes on both sides of the Atlantic
Just as importantly, boarding provides something increasingly rare:
time, space, and balance, where academic ambition sits alongside sport, music, creativity, and personal growth.
For internationally minded families, this combination is hard to replicate.
Bringing the UK to New York
Independent Schools Show New York 2026 will take place at Pratt Mansions on Fifth Avenue, offering a rare opportunity to meet some of the UK’s leading schools in one place.
Families attending will be able to:
Meet heads and admissions directors face-to-face
Compare leading schools under one roof
Understand the UK system and application process
Explore summer schools as a first step
It is, quite simply, the most efficient way to gain clarity in what can otherwise feel like a complex landscape.
How Bonas MacFarlane Can Help
At Bonas MacFarlane, we work with families navigating exactly these decisions.
Every child’s journey is different and the “right” school depends on far more than league tables. It is about fit, timing, personality, and long-term ambition.
Our role is to:
Provide clear, independent advice
Identify the right shortlist of schools
Guide families through applications, assessments, and interviews
Ensure each child is positioned to succeed, not just gain entry
We are proud to support the Independent Schools Show in New York and will be there on the evening, meeting families and helping them take their next steps with confidence.
Join Us in New York
If you are considering next steps for your children beyond New York City, whether for immediate entry or as part of a longer-term plan, this event is designed for you!
Event Details
📍 Pratt Mansions, Fifth Avenue, New York
📅 Thursday 30 April 2026
🕕 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Join us for a relaxed evening over drinks, where you can meet a curated selection of leading schools and begin to map out the right path for your child.