Boarders

Boarding is a way of life at Abbotsholme where pupils live and share as part of a community and develop friendships that last a lifetime. Our boarders learn independence, time-management skills and responsibility and, with guidance and support from houseparents, they learn how to balance academic work with social time.

In response to the challenges of increasingly busy family lives, Abbotsholme provides a flexible and caring second home. Pupils are able to board in a number of different ways, from flexi boarding once or twice per week to weekly boarding four or five nights per week to full boarding seven nights per week during term time. Today, more than 40% of our pupils are boarders and this is on the increase. Day pupils also benefit from a flexible end to the day, which allows them to take advantage of the academic and recreational facilities that are open during the evening and join in with the numerous activities and events taking place. In fact we are finding that more and more of our day pupils are keen to board so that they don’t miss out!

Our existing boarding portfolio provides small, comfortable and happy homes for junior boys, junior girls, senior boys and senior girls. The houses are happy, comfortable places, each taking on the characteristics of their inhabitants. Younger pupils will usually share bedrooms in threes and fours whilst older pupils have single or shared study-bedrooms. Day pupils also enjoy the use of on-site studies.

Such has been our recent success that demand for boarding places is now outstripping supply. As a result we have added a dedicated sixth form boarding accommodation by way a log cabin complex. The concept of log cabins fits perfectly with Abbotsholme’s ethos, reflecting a long held belief and enduring commitment to the sustainability of and harmony with the natural environment. Built in a peaceful setting within the school grounds, yet only a stone’s throw from the school’s central facilities, the self- contained, purpose-built cabins will provide a wonderful opportunity for Abbotsholme’s sixth form students to experience a greater degree of independence and privacy. There will, of course, be a resident member of staff on hand but our belief is that this development will play a significant part in preparing our young people not only for university but, more significantly, for life itself. They will have independence and responsibility whilst remaining under the same caring pastoral umbrella enjoyed by all who live and work in the Abbotsholme community.