Adventure, activity, and relaxation
Weekends at Windlesham House are far from dull. With over 70 pupils typically staying each weekend, there is always something happening, someone to play with, and adventures to be had.
Weekends
What happens at weekends?
Saturday and Sunday provide balance between structured activities and relaxation. Boarders enjoy outings, on-site activities, sports, creative pursuits, and importantly, downtime to rest, read, and simply be children without the structure of the school week.
Our weekend programme is extensive, varied, and optional. Pupils choose activities that genuinely interest them rather than following a compulsory schedule. This freedom allows them to pursue passions, try new things, or simply relax with friends.
What activities are available on Saturdays?
Morning activities
Saturday mornings typically begin with a slightly later wake-up at 8:00am, followed by breakfast at 8:30am. From 9:30am onwards, pupils can participate in activities including:
- Sports fixtures
Representing the school in rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, or other sports - Sports training
Coaching sessions in football, swimming, athletics, or other sports - Arts and crafts
Pottery, painting, sculpture, textile arts, and creative projects - Music
Ensemble rehearsals, choir practice, or individual instrumental practice - Drama
Rehearsals for productions or drama games and workshops - Outdoor activities
Mountain biking, orienteering, forest school, or nature exploration - Academic enrichment
Science experiments, coding clubs, creative writing workshops
Saturday afternoon outings
Saturday afternoons often feature trips away from school. Recent outings have included:
- Cinema trips to see age-appropriate films
- Bowling and ice skating
- Visits to museums and historic sites
- Beach trips to Brighton or Bognor Regis
- Shopping trips to local towns
- Laser tag and adventure parks
- Outdoor activity centres for climbing, zip-lining, or high ropes
- Seasonal activities (pumpkin picking, Christmas markets, summer fairs)
Outings are supervised by staff at appropriate ratios. Pupils gain independence while remaining safe and supervised. The school minibuses transport groups to destinations, with all drivers properly licensed and insured.
Saturday evening entertainment
Saturday evenings provide relaxation after busy days. Activities might include:
- Film nights with popcorn in the boarding houses
- Organised games evenings (board games, card games, quiz nights)
- Talent shows and performances
- Cooking activities (pizza making, baking competitions)
- Disco and dance sessions
- Campfires (weather permitting) with songs and stories
What about Sundays?
Relaxed mornings
Sunday mornings are deliberately more relaxed. Pupils wake at 8:30am for a leisurely breakfast at 9:00am. Chapel service at 10:30am brings the whole boarding community together for reflection, singing, and a sense of shared values. Chapel is multi-faith and inclusive, welcoming pupils of all beliefs or none.
Sunday activities
Sunday afternoons provide opportunities for both organized activities and free time. Pupils might:
- Participate in house activities or inter-house competitions
- Use sports facilities for casual games with friends
- Enjoy arts and crafts sessions
- Read, relax, or play games in boarding houses
- Complete any remaining prep from the week
- Take walks around the grounds
- Pursue personal hobbies and interests
Sunday evening preparation
Sunday evenings help pupils transition back to the school week. After supper at 6:00pm, pupils have prep time to complete any weekend homework, organize belongings for the week ahead, and ensure they are prepared for Monday lessons. Bedtimes revert to weekday schedules to establish good sleep patterns.
Can boarders go home at weekends?
Yes, absolutely. Weekly boarders go home every weekend as standard. Full boarders are welcome to go home at weekends when convenient for families. We understand families want time together, particularly when pupils are away during the week.
Exeat weekends
Several weekends each term are designated as exeat weekends when the school closes. All pupils go home for these long weekends. Exeat weekends provide families with guaranteed time together and give staff opportunity for rest and preparation.
Staying with friends
With parental permission, boarders can visit friends’ homes for weekends. This might be staying with school friends or visiting relatives nearby. We require written permission from parents and confirmation from host families before authorizing these arrangements.
What about special weekend events?
Throughout the year, special weekend events provide memorable experiences:
Residential activity weekends
Overnight trips to activity centres offering rock climbing, canoeing, high ropes, and team challenges
Theme weekends
Special themed activities such as international food weekends, sports tournaments, or creative arts festivals
Cultural visits
Trips to London for theatre performances, museums, or exhibitions
Seasonal celebrations
Halloween parties, Christmas activities, Easter egg hunts, summer barbecues
Parent weekends
Occasional Saturday events where parents join pupils for activities and meals
Are weekend activities compulsory?
No, pupils choose which activities to join based on their interests. We provide a varied programme so every pupil finds something appealing, but also recognize that children need downtime. Pupils can opt for quiet weekends in boarding houses if they prefer, though we encourage participation in at least some activities.
How many pupils typically stay at weekends?
Usually around 70 pupils stay each weekend, though numbers vary depending on time of term and whether families have plans. There is always a vibrant boarding community at weekends with plenty of friends and activities. Staff-to-pupil ratios increase at weekends to ensure excellent supervision.
What happens during half-term breaks?
The school closes during half-term breaks, and all pupils go home. These week-long breaks occur once per term and provide important family time. For international pupils who cannot return home for half-term, we can help arrange guardian care or short-term host families.
Weekend programme details
The weekend activity programme varies by term and season. Current weekend calendars showing planned activities and trips are shared with pupils and parents in advance, allowing families to plan home weekends around particularly appealing events or ensuring their children do not miss unmissable activities
