Boarding

There are many reasons for considering boarding. Pupils are encouraged to participate fully in a range of school activities and many who are fully committed find that boarding helps them to combine sustained academic study with a range of co-curricular interests. There are also great benefits in having opportunity to be part of a community, to share experiences and to develop friendships within a structured and supportive environment.

Boarding also provides excellent preparation for the next stage of a student's life at university.

There are four boarding houses in the Senior School, two for boys and two for girls for ages 12 - 18 and there is a co-educational Junior boarding house for children between the ages of 7 – 12 which includes boarders in Year 7 at Senior School. Each boarding house is run by Houseparents, responsible for the pastoral and academic welfare of each pupil, with the support of a resident tutor. Communication between parents and staff is welcomed and encouraged whenever it is felt necessary.

All Houses enjoy comfortable and well-appointed accommodation. Typically, sixth formers have either single or double study bedrooms whilst all boarders have their own study and ‘day’ space. The routine of the teaching day and week is structured to occupy boarders fully, yet also to allow individuals some time to organise themselves. Weekend arrangements are flexible. Boarders are free to go home once their week's commitments have been fulfilled, but many stay. Those that go home return to school on Sunday evenings or in some cases, on Monday mornings.

Since the ending of Saturday morning lessons there have been a range of new activities available ranging from using the school pool for "fun swimming" to informal cookery lessons. A range of Sunday trips are also organised. These have recently included a trip to Thorpe Park, shopping at Cribbs Causeway, paintballing and ice-skating amongst others.

Telephones are available in houses for pupils to use although almost all now have their own mobiles. Each house has a range of PCs linked to the Internet and the school's own network. Every boarder should expect almost the same range of facilities they would get at home - but with far more to do!