Do we want a boarding school?

The origins of the modern boarding school pre-date medieval times - when boys would be sent to monasteries or noble households to be educated.

The Pope, after a while, ordered that these 'schools' should be made available to the fee-paying public, giving birth to the term 'public schools'.

Boarding houses are run by a housemaster or housemistress, chosen from senior staff within the school. Today many fee-paying schools offer a choice of boarding options ranging from 'Day Boarding' to 'Full Boarding' with some, if not all, pupils staying in communal 'houses' within the school grounds. With so many options how do you choose?

Boarding options

Full Boarding - weekdays and weekends. Ideal for: the 24/7 child; parents who work unusual or irregular hours; those overseas; those who live a considerable distance from the school they have chosen or anyone who wants their child to experience 'proper boarding'. Overseas parents should be mindful of the need to have independent arrangements in place for their child to be looked after during exeats and holidays; most schools have one compulsory exeat per half-term.

Weekly Boarding - similar to full boarding but weekends are spent at home. If the school operates Saturday school or matches you will need to ensure off-spring are in attendance.

Flexi Boarding - boarding arrangements flex to meet the needs of the parents and the child. Usually a child will commit to spending two or three nights per week boarding, though not necessarily the same nights each week.

Occasional Boarding - in reality a glorified baby-sitting service, though most schools will defend this saying it gives children a 'taste' of boarding school life. Few complaints from youngsters who appear to enjoy the 'sleep-over' experience. Odd grumble from seasoned boarders who say occasional boarders can upset routines. 

Day Boarding - the children do not sleep at the school but may well take join boarders for breakfast and evening meals, often leaving school only once evening prep is completed. Approaches to day boarders vary; some schools have separate day houses, others integrate day and boarding pupils.

Who is in charge?

Whilst the housemaster or housemistress oversees the house, the day-to-day running, especially of domestic matters, is usually under the supervision of a matron. These stalwart women often find themselves acting as a surrogate mother for the boys and girls, many of whom live abroad and may only see their parents during holidays. In senior schools and larger prep schools the houseparents are the key link between home and school; expect most communication to go through them. We recommend choosing a house with care, make sure the houseparent is someone with whom you and your child have a rapport.

Eat, sleep, breathe...

Members of a boarding house are encouraged to fe...