Welcome to Boarding at St Hugh's
We offer two forms of boarding at St Hugh’s: Weekly Boarding (Monday – Saturday morning) and Flexi Boarding (regular nights each week), both of which are booked in advance and are available to all children in Years 3 – 8.
At St Hugh’s, boarders have the opportunity to turn the school into their playground after the school day has finished, enjoying all the facilities St Hugh’s has to offer. We aim to create the culture of an extended boarding family, where every child feels safe, happy and valued. We want every child to enjoy their boarding experience and develop friendships that last well beyond their years at St Hugh’s.
Having both boys and girls from Years 3 to 8 under one roof helps create the sense of being part of an extended family, under the guidance of the house-parents and with the support of house-tutors, and matrons.
We believe boarding at St Hugh’s helps children develop their independence, confidence and resilience, all of which are integral skills for their time at school and beyond.
Once the school day is over at 16:45, boarders have the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular clubs or come up to the Boarding House and change into their home clothes before enjoying some down-time in the grounds or on the boarders’ landing. Boarders enjoy a family style tea with staff before completing their prep under the guidance of the house tutors. The boarders then have the opportunity to take part in an evening activity. Before bedtime the boarders enjoy making the most of the boarders’ kitchen, helping themselves to fresh fruit, toast or cereal. Bedtime routine for all boarders involves showers, PJs, brushing teeth, story time, all before some quiet reading with night lights. Bedtimes are staggered and age appropriate.
On a Friday, we like to celebrate the start of the weekend with an extra special activity such as a pool party, silent disco, or evening around the campfire in Forest School. On occasional Friday nights we take the boarders off-site for an activity such as crazy golf, lazer-questing, or trampolining.
We expect all the children to take on some basic responsibilities such as changing their own bed sheets and keeping their spaces tidy.
Whatever form of boarding you choose, your child will be warmly welcomed into the boarding community at St Hugh's.
A strong sense of community pervades the whole school and flows through the boarding house. Relationships between staff and boarders, and amogst the boarders themselves, are warm, sincere and based on trust and mutual respect.
Independent Schools Inspectorate