EDUCATION EDITION
A PLACE TO BELONG With a good range of social activities, Abbey College (right) makes boarders feel at home and part of a bigger community
it’s not mum or dad packing their school bag,” says Dr Ellen Hesse. Mastering the complexities of alarm clocks and washing machines won’t go amiss either. Home from home Making a homely atmosphere can ease the process. “When I show prospective families around the boarding house, there are many comments about how homely it is,” says Claire Elliott, head of boarding at St Mary’s. “We try to furnish the common rooms as we might a home, with soft furnishings, rugs, lamps, pictures and fairy lights – it’s definitely not an austere environment. It’s a place where the girls can gather, watch a movie, play board games – dance games on the Nintendo Switch are popular – everything they might do with their siblings at home. From around year 9, pupils can use the kitchen at weekends – international pupils will often prepare recipes they enjoy from home.” While the school provides bedding, most of the girls prefer to bring duvet covers, blankets and throws from home. “The girls can also decorate their bedrooms with photos of family, friends and even the odd horse, or with posters of celebrities and famous bands,” says Claire. “Some bring a teddy, jewellery and put fairy lights around their bed. It makes it really cosy.” With around 200 boarders split across four boarding houses (two boys and two girls), Bishop’s Stortford College offers an inclusive, vibrant and welcoming boarding community. “Prior to arrival, new full and weekly boarders are invited to meet with their house parent and ‘buddies’ are set up with current pupils,” explains Joanna Rockel, head of marketing at Bishop’s Stortford College. “With a special house gift to spark a sense of instant belonging, our three-day induction combines a fun orientation programme that helps students get to know their house, the college and the local town. They explore together with their house parents, grabbing ice cream along the way so everyone knows where they can find all the essentials. “Regular house socials, movie nights, cultural meals and celebrations, as well as an action-packed weekend activity programme ensure that boarders get a chance to meet and socialise with others. The College quickly becomes home away from home.”
Letting go There comes a point when parents need to let go and trust the school to do its job. “They need to give the child the space to breathe and enjoy boarding life, taking advantage of everything on offer,” says Chris at Gresham’s. “If parents take a step back and relinquish some control, they’ll get more out of seeing their child develop.” Boarders’ day-to-day pastoral care begins in their boarding house, led by the house parents and supported by an experienced team. Their role focuses on understanding each child, offering support when needed and encouraging them to
spread their wings and fly. The gains can be immense; as students get to know each other, strong bonds develop. “Building that small community is a huge thing,” says Stephen Perse’s Denise. “Students feel like they are living with their family.” It’s a gentle introduction to independence where students start to look after themselves but are never alone. “They know where I am, so if there’s a problem during the day they can come and see me.” One of the most important skills boarders learn is how to manage their own behaviour and emotions. “It’s about how to navigate relationships, learn how to cope with that rich tapestry of human life on your own,” concludes Chris. “Boarders are much more willing to tackle their issues themselves. This is something that takes an additional layer of confidence that perhaps sets them apart.”
If parents relinquish some control , they’ll get much more out of seeing their child develop
74 APRIL 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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