Boarding life

Mr Clapp (Director of Boarding) and Ms Harding (Head of Girls’ Boarding) oversee all aspects of boarding life. They support other houseparents and the school matrons who also have an extremely important pastoral role within the boarding community, looking after the practical needs of all pupils. The wellbeing and happiness of boarders is fundamental and at the forefront of all that we do.

Boys and girls live in separate areas of the school, and each have resident staff members overseeing their boarding environment. A range of room sizes is available, from a large dormitory subdivided into cubicles, which proves popular with the younger boys, to rooms of four and two beds with en-suite facilities. Sixth Form boarders live in either double or single rooms.

Our boarding houses are small and friendly, and just over a third of our students board. Boarders have easy access to the library, the dining hall, the Sixth Form centre, and IT and recreational facilities.

They also enjoy socialising together in the common rooms, mixing freely and developing lifelong friendships.

An important part of the care of a supportive family is that pupils can approach residential staff at any time; several staff live within the boarding houses with their families and there is always a friendly face nearby. Should any boarder feel uncertain about something, would like a little advice about a matter important to them, or would just like to chat, they will always find someone to talk to who understands.