School in Kent – herself once a boarder – provided some reassurances for parents new to the system. “Boarding is much kinder and more professional nowadays,” she
said. “It is a lovely environment to grow up in. “School inspectors swoop in unannounced and strict rules and
regulations are imposed on boarding schools to ensure the safety of the children. “One of the most important things is the pastoral support. The
head of boarding has a great network of house masters, mistresses and tutors under them who ensure that all children feel cared for and that nobody falls through the gaps.”
Guilt: the parent’s enemy But for families new to boarding, the idea of sending their child away can generate feelings of guilt. Several of the Show’s speakers made reference to this old stereotype. “I hate the phrase ‘being sent away,’” said Robert Lankester, headmaster of Maidwell Hall, a boarding and day school for children aged from 7-13. “Children are being given a wonderful, exciting and happy opportunity.” Antony Clark, headmaster of Malvern College, who also spoke at the Show, said, “Boarding is usually a family decision and the family should look at their options a couple of years beforehand, definitely visiting a couple of times before taking up the place. There is no ‘right time’ to board as this will depend upon many things such as age, maturity, location, proximity to parents, parent occupation and much more. “A generation ago, young people were ‘sent’ to board, but these
days it is usual for the family to take the decision together. It could be at age 9,11,13 or 16 – usually the latter two ages.”
ACS Cobham International School
Does boarding give children a head start? It is the child’s overall boarding experience that schools want to re- educate the public about. And with many ex-boarders in high-profile business and political roles, people are curious as to whether there is a secret ingredient in the boarding system that generates success. “Boarding really develops a child’s character,” explained Ms
Stuart. “A large part of this is the 60 plus girls or boys in the boarding house with you. “You have to negotiate what you watch on TV, work out who ➲
Welcoming International Families Day(3-18) & Boarding(13-18) • IBDP & AP • 52 Nationalities • 15 Average Class Size
Our next Open Morning is on Saturday, February 2 The American School in England
Beautiful Surrey campus near London • +44(0)1932 582 316
ukadmissions@tasisengland.org •
www.tasisengland.org
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