Why it is better to be a Boarder
A word from Benny Jones - Head of Boarding

Boarding is a much better option than being a day boarder!

You may be asking yourself how I can make such a self assured statement. The answer is very simple and in the lines that follow you will I, hope see why such assertiveness is implicit in the opening sentence.

Ask the parent of a boarder
If you talk to the parent of a boarder I think, in fact I know, you will be met with the following responses of why they allow their child to be a boarder;

1. At first I had my misgivings about boarding. However within the first few weeks we (both the child and I) realised we had made the right choice.
2. He/she gets the schoolwork done without me having to coerce/cajole. The school has a prep system where there is routine and regularity and all are expected to work at that time. If they don't there are also measures in place to make him/her realise that getting it right the first time is much less time consuming than the second attempt or the next.
3. There is so much for him/her to do in terms of activities. This is not just sport based as the activity programme is wide and varied.
4. In fact boarding is a positively busy experience for him/her. I sometimes have to phone to see what is happening as I rarely get a phone call these days.
5. The difference that I see when he/she is at home since boarding is astounding. I know that the talk of becoming independent is part of the selling package for boarding schools but I can tell you it is the reality. Self sufficiency instead of dependency is so noticeable in all the ordinary everyday aspects of life; including keeping things clean and tidy such as the bedroom!!!!!!
6. They say boarding breeds confidence. Take it from me it does. Confidence at all levels including meeting people and doing things that I would never have dreamed he/she would have done when living at home.
7. Life, where there are a lot of kids living together, is structured and disciplined and he/she loves it. Going to bed at sensible times because getting up for another busy day is essential and it happens! Sharing and taking it in turns to do your bit to make the Boarding House function is all part of the package.
8. Friendship has become really meaningful to him/her. I suppose when you share a room with others you also share a part of their lives; the fun, the heartaches and the problems.
9. He/she comes home some weekends when I manage to drag him/her away. You might think is selfish but as a busy parent my week is so full with work that I can't give the time I would like to. Therefore when the weekend arrives, and it might be just one in three of four or when the mood takes him/her I can then get to grips with being with him/her without the pressure of work in the back of mind.

Ask a boarder
Now ask a boarder about the boarding experience

• Being a boarder? Yeah it's OK!!!!

 Boarding School
 A Typical Day
 Why Boarding is Best
 Food
 Activities