Whilst you might become a boarder at first because of practical details like distance from home, the boarding experience can be a very positive one indeed. It should be friendly, supportive, good fun and a very good preparation for independent life at university or later. There are three main aspects to boarding:

Supporting you

We want to provide you with a safe environment, where you will have friends, older and more experienced pupils to help you, and adults who care and who can lead the house and keep closely in touch with your parents or guardians. There will need to be a balance between time to work and time to play, and there will need to be a normal parent's concern to see that you eat well, sleep well and are not bullied.

Living with others in a sharing community

     

Living with up to thirty other teenagers is very different from life at home! For a start there have to be clear rules and expectations so that everyone is treated fairly. You may also find yourself sharing a room, particularly when you are younger. This can be great fun, but it does demand consideration for others so that little niggles don't become big rows. You may be asked to help with regular jobs within the house. These might be a pain at first but it means that you will be well experienced by the time you get your student flat at university. As you get older you may be given responsibilities, to supervise younger pupils or keep an eye on some aspect of house life. This too will stand you in very good stead when you find yourself managing other people in later life.

Encouraging your independence

    

Whilst there will always be supportive adults around, and a reassuring structure to the day, you will begin to take your own decisions more and more. Small issues that you would automatically take to mum or dad, can be taken to your house-parents too, but you will probably find that you sort most of them out yourself. Your school homework will initially be done in regular prep sessions, but increasingly you will develop your own patterns of work and self-discipline. We will gradually give you more freedom in other ways, as you show that you can cope and can use your initiative.

We are able to offer a range of boarding options, tailored to suit the needs of each family.

Full Boarding for families living a great distance away / overseas, or those wishing to participate in the weekend activities.

Weekly Boarding for families living closer to the school who are able to spend time together at weekends.
 
Flexi-boarding for pupils involved in evening activities one, two or three nights each week. This is particularly popular during play rehearsals!

Occasional Boarding for pupils who may have an early start/late finish from a school outing, or whose parents are called away on work or family business.

Whichever option you choose, you can be assured that there will be excellent care and attention from a team of experienced staff who are dedicated to providing for each individual's needs. The House staff will oversee prep, medical and dietary requirements, as well as organising activities and outings. We look forward to welcoming you and invite you to visit us in one of our boarding houses.