Boarding

Boarding Houses

Each house has its own character, traditions and loyal following. All share the same standards of care, comfort and supervision.

Our Houses

Numbers and arrangements below are to be confirmed by the school.

A cream Regency terrace with tall sash windows and steps up to two front doors
Girls, Years 7 to 13 Wellesley House

Houseparents: James and Sophie Thornbury. Up to 45 boarders.

The brick front of a Georgian house with rows of white sash windows
Boys, Years 7 to 13 Apsley House

Houseparents: Daniel and Rachel Ashworth. Up to 45 boarders.

A stone manor house with a battlemented tower behind a clipped hedge
Sixth Form, co-educational wings Stratfield House

Houseparents: Michael and Laura Fenwick. Up to 45 boarders.

Inside a house

Comfortable, Homely and Well Kept

Houses are designed to feel like a large family home rather than an institution.

Bedrooms

Younger boarders share rooms of two to four, chosen with care and changed each term so friendships widen. Sixth Formers have single or twin study-bedrooms.

Common Rooms

Comfortable spaces for films, games, music and conversation, with a well-stocked kitchen for toast and hot chocolate.

Study Spaces

Quiet rooms and desks for evening study, with Wi-Fi filtered and monitored for safety.

Security

Secure entry to every house, with staff on site through the night and a clear sign-in and sign-out system.

An open blue suitcase full of folded clothes, ready to be unpacked
Settling in

The First Few Weeks

Starting boarding is a big step, and we plan for it carefully.

  • A welcome call from the houseparent before term starts
  • An older "house buddy" for every new boarder
  • An induction weekend with activities designed to build friendships
  • Regular, scheduled calls home and a short update for families in the first weeks
  • A review meeting with the houseparent and tutor after the first half term

House Life

Houses are the centre of a boarder's world. They compete in house sport, music and drama competitions, mark birthdays and festivals together, and run their own traditions, from the house supper at the end of each term to the Sixth Form leavers' dinner.

Older boarders take on real responsibility as house captains and prefects, helping to welcome new pupils, organise events and represent the house's views to staff through the boarders' council.

Day pupils belong to houses too, so friendships and loyalties cross every boundary in the school.