Boarding at Windlesham House is homely, fun, and supportive. It is a real community where pupils feel part of a family. With over 80 full boarders, there is always someone to play with or talk to, whether your child’s preferred activities are sports, reading, or art.
Boarding at Windlesham House creates lifelong friendships, independence, and happy memories. Our boarders do not just attend school here, they truly live here, experiencing a rich and full life beyond the classroom. The boarding community is vibrant, diverse, and welcoming, with pupils from across the UK and around the world.
We have a rich tradition of boarding and academic achievement. Our ethos of respect and kindness ensures children flourish. They have the space and freedom to enjoy a wide range of activities and sports, as well as facilities and exceptional staff enabling them to expand their knowledge and intellectual curiosity.
Boarding develops resilience, self-reliance, and social skills. Pupils learn to manage their time, take responsibility for their belongings, and navigate social situations independently. These life skills serve them throughout their education and beyond.
The bonds formed between boarders are exceptional. Living together creates deep, lasting friendships. Boarders become like siblings, supporting each other through challenges and celebrating successes together.
Boarders access everything the school offers without time lost to commuting. They participate fully in evening activities, weekend programmes, and early morning sessions. Homework (prep) is completed at school under supervision, leaving evenings free for enrichment.
Caring boarding staff and matrons look after your child around the clock. They guide pupils towards greater independence while providing the nurture and support children need away from home.
Full boarding pupils board for 5 or more nights per week. They may go home at weekends or stay for our extensive weekend programme. Full boarders take full advantage of all opportunities Windlesham House offers without time spent travelling to and from school.
Weekly boarding pupils board from Sunday evening or Monday morning through to Friday afternoon, going home each weekend. This option suits families who want their children to experience boarding while maintaining strong weekend family time.
Flexi boarding allows pupils to board on selected nights each week. This might be 2 or 3 nights regularly, or variable nights depending on family circumstances. Flexi boarding provides flexibility while giving pupils a taste of boarding life.
Day pupils can try occasional boarding nights when convenient for families. This might be for special events, when parents travel, or simply to spend more time with boarding friends. Occasional boarding helps families decide if regular boarding would suit them.
Boarders wake at 7:00am with assistance from boarding staff. After washing and dressing, they have breakfast at 7:45am in the dining hall. Morning registration is at 8:30am, and lessons begin at 8:45am. Boarders attend the same academic programme as day pupils throughout the morning.
A three-course lunch is served at 12:30pm. Pupils have free time before afternoon lessons resume at 1:30pm. The academic day concludes around 3:45pm, when co-curricular activities begin. Boarders might have sports fixtures, music lessons, drama rehearsals, or club activities.
After activities, boarders return to their houses for free time around 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Supper is served at 6:15pm. Following supper, pupils complete prep (homework) under staff supervision from 7:00pm to 8:00pm depending on age. After prep, boarders have leisure time including games, reading, watching approved programmes, or socializing.
Bedtimes are staggered by age group, ranging from 8:00pm for younger pupils to 9:30pm for Year 8 pupils. Matrons ensure all pupils are settled comfortably. Boarding staff remain on duty throughout the night, and a member of senior leadership lives on site for additional oversight.
We understand that starting boarding can feel daunting for both children and parents. Our experienced team ensures every child settles happily and quickly. The approach includes:
Children can start boarding from Year 3 (age 7 onwards). We find that by this age, most children are emotionally ready for boarding if they have the right personality and family support. Younger pupils in pre-prep remain as day pupils only.
Homesickness is normal and expected initially. Our experienced boarding staff recognize the signs and respond with empathy. We keep pupils busy and engaged, ensure regular contact with home, and provide comfort when needed. Most homesickness resolves within the first few weeks as children settle and make friends.
Yes, absolutely. Parents can phone their children every evening during designated contact times (usually between 5:00pm and 6:00pm). Children can also phone home when needed. At weekends, pupils have access to their phones for an hour to message or call parents. We can arrange video calls for overseas families across different time zones.
The best way to understand boarding at Windlesham House is to experience it. We welcome visits during the school day and can arrange for prospective families to meet current boarders and parents. Please contact our Admissions team at admissions@windlesham.com or call +44 (0)1903 874700.
