BOARDING SCHOOLS
Charlotte Phillips learns about the community values instilled by modern-day boarding schools, teaching skills beyond the academic United we stand
to help build a sense of community, adds Clare Ives, head at The Leys. “It’s not just us saying, ‘we’ll take it from here, thanks and now back off’. It’s us partnering with the parents through the induction process and then partnering them and their child through their child’s education so that they feel part of the journey.” What hasn’t changed, however, is something that remains central to the boarding school experience – a sense of community and belonging that binds boarders together, often forging lifelong friendships along the way. Home from home “When alumni come back to visit, the first thing they want to do is go and see their boarding house,” says Dr Carolyn
A sk any modern-day boarding school pupil whether they’d recommend the experience and you’re likely to receive a resounding ‘yes’. For those at the top end of school (boarding leaps in popularity among sixth formers), convenience is a major factor. When exams loom, having everything you need to study effectively, from out-of-hours use of the library to extended access to teaching staff, is a powerful incentive to live on campus. Other pupils are won over by the chance to do more of the sport, music or drama they love without having to worry about making the last bus home.
The boarding experience has changed substantially over the past few decades. Long gone is the strongly disciplinarian, rules-based culture, the disproportionate power wielded by the oldest pupils and the antediluvian facilities, including big, anonymous dormitories. In their place is spruced-up accommodation, plentiful and delicious food and pastoral care that ensures pupils are well cared for, happy and supported. And it’s the pupil voice that counts. Nowadays, children increasingly exercise the biggest influence on – and have the final say in – the decision. But parents’ involvement is welcomed from the outset
46 MARCH 2026 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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