It has been great to learn that our Head of Boarding, Mrs Carla Shearman, has received national recognition.

She has been granted a Boarding Research Fellowship Award by the Boarding Schools’ Association.

This scheme, launched by the BSA in 2016, gives senior members of the boarding community the chance to undertake a unique research opportunity.

Mrs Shearman, who joined us last September, said: “This will give me the opportunity to visit three different boarding schools in order to collate data in a research project, analysing the different schools and their boarding provision.

“My research proposal was focused on boarding induction for International and UK pupils.

“I am keen to see how schools use the time at the start of a new academic year to work with new boarders as well as managing staffing and CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

“I want to be able to understand how the ethos of each school is reflected in their induction programme, and one area I am keen to focus on is how an inclusion and diversity policy can feed into this period.

“My findings will be presented at the Annual BSA Boarding Conference in February 2022.”

Mrs Shearman added: “This is a fantastic opportunity on a personal level but it will also allow me to bring fresh new ideas to Queen’s in order to further enhance our current boarding provision.

“Having joined the School last September and worked with our fantastic Pastoral Team through such a difficult period, I am excited to continue to enhance the experience and opportunities available to our boarders.”

The Head Teacher, Dr Lorraine Earps, said: “This is a great opportunity for Carla and Queen’s to really understand how the first few days in a new school establishes the right foundations for a happy and successful boarding experience.

“We are delighted the BSA has recognised the importance of the work Carla is doing by supporting it in this way.”