UK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ...The new boarding experience


“Parents should speak openly with the child about the experience/adventure they are about to embark upon. Familiarity of surroundings is also important as an initial step to relieving homesickness, so if you do have the opportunity to have a taster session, this will help.


“Most boarding schools will have an induction process to help the student settle in. This will include orientation sessions, icebreakers, bonding experiences, and so on. At Box Hill School, we have in-house activities; the sixth-formers all take part in an assault course, house meetings, marshmallow and hot chocolate evenings, and other activities. All house staff must complete an induction sheet for each individual student, which covers the crucial information they need to be aware of. “We also have an orientation trip to Dorking, to show pupils where to catch the bus, the library, banks and mobile phone shops. In addition, each student receives a welcome pack that includes Oyster cards, bus timetables, a school map, school information, and some goodies.” Alison Vernon, director of communications and development, Box Hill School, Surrey (independent coeducational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11–18)


“Talking about their new school over the summer holidays is an excellent way of preparing children for boarding. Look at the school’s website and joining pack together, and help them to decide which extracurricular activities they will take part in and how they will sign up for them. For example, what sports teams will they aim to get into, and what musical instrument or drama lessons will they engage in? “Look at the plan of the school site, and help them to


learn where everything is. Getting lost on the school campus can be a trigger for homesickness. Give your child small experiences of independence. Let them take the bus to the local shops alone or meet up with their friends.” Catherine Stoker, The Independent Education Consultants


EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES “Sport plays a pivotal part in Haileybury life, and the college believes it is important for building confidence and resilience and developing teamwork and leadership skills. “Haileybury has a team of highly experienced sports


staff, including specialist coaches who have played at an international level. These include former Wales and British Lions captain Michael Owen, who is Haileybury’s director of rugby and organised a recent celebration of rugby at Saracens’ Allianz Park stadium in Hendon, London. “Talking about the event, Michael Owen said, ‘It was a brilliant occasion and a real celebration of Haileybury rugby.


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We were thrilled that all the boys had the chance to play at Allianz Park and get a taste of what it is like to be a professional rugby player. The Prep School tournament was fantastic – the children played some great rugby and showed real sportsmanship. The Haileybury Select team played well too, and demonstrated that they were quick learners and had a good team ethic.’ “He added that he hoped we would see some of them playing for Haileybury’s 1st XV in a few years’ time.” Fran Pemberton, marketing officer, Haileybury, Hertfordshire (independent coeducational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11–18)


SUPPORTING WORKING PARENTS “The modern myth of the ‘heartless’ parents who send their child to board is being turned on its head. If you, as parents, find yourself needing to work late, then you probably rely on childcare more than you would like. “When you finally get home, is your time spent as an on- call taxi service, and then nagging tired children to finish their homework? Are you confident that you know where your offspring are, whom they are with, or what they are accessing on the internet? Quite apart from the convenience, boarding can enrich pupils’ school experiences, helping them to develop confidence and independence within a secure and mentored environment. Boarding houses these days offer plenty of home comforts, and what better for teenagers than to have friends on call from the moment they wake up until the moment they go to sleep? Tessa Howard-Vyse, director of external relations, Mayfield School, East Sussex (independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11–18)


THE ‘HOUSE’ STRUCTURE “Our unique house structure sees Year 13 students having their own separate houses, one for boys and one for girls, which gives them the space to prepare for their final examinations and allows a greater independence in preparation for life beyond Oakham. “Middle-school houses include Year 9 to Year 12 – meaning that lower-sixth students take house responsibilities and become role models for the younger years, as well as creating a more familial atmosphere. Our Year 6 to Year 8 pupils are in separate lower-school houses, allowing them the space to enjoy their childhood before hitting teenage years. “These unique house structures also ensure that staff are expertly versed and trained in the needs of their specific age group.” Nigel Lashbrook, headmaster, Oakham School, Rutland (coeducational independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 10–18)


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