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 (ad hoc nights each week), both of which are booked in advance and are available to all children in Years 4 – 8. We encourage pupils in Year 7 and 8 to board at least two nights a week to prepare them for their next step, but all pupils can board one night a week; we ask that at least 48 hours’ notice is given for both booking or cancelling.
At St Hugh’s, boarders have the opportunity to enjoy 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 4-8 under one roof helps create the sense of being part of an extended family, under the guidance of the house-parents and assistant houseparent, 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 take part in extra-curricular clubs then come up to the Boarding House and change into their home clothes before enjoying a family style tea with staff before completing their prep under the guidance of the boarding staff team. The boarders then have the opportunity to take part in an evening activity such as baking, spotlight, dodgeball, and games on the astro or in the Sports Hall. Before bedtime, the boarders enjoy making the most of the boarders’ kitchen, helping themselves to fresh fruit, toast or cereal. The bedtime routine for all boarders involves showers, pyjamas, brushing teeth, and story time, followed by some quiet reading before lights out. Bedtimes are staggered and age appropriate.
We expect all the children to take on some basic responsibilities such as changing their own bed sheets and keeping their spaces tidy, as well as respecting the importance of sleep and living with others.
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