The Benefits of Boarding

A major, national survey carried out by the State Boarding Schools Association (SBSA) suggests the majority of parents would recommend state boarding schools to other parents. The survey questioned more than 1,500 parents with children at 29 state boarding schools across the UK. 95% of those polled said they would recommend their child's school to others whilst 93% reported their children were very happy boarding at their state boarding school. The main driving force behind students boarding in a state boarding school is high academic standards and enabling the boarder to realise their potential.

Matt Price, Director and Head of Boys Boarding at the Wellington Academy said "This national poll shows that State Boarding is serving our students and families very well indeed.  The Wellington Academy has 70 boarders from a wide range of backgrounds and offers our students a mixed and varied activity program which supports the underpinning ethos of striving for academic excellence.”

Boarding House Tour

At the Wellington Academy we offer both full and weekly boarding for up to 100 students. Girls and Boys sleep in separate wings of the building in single en-suite rooms, doubles or rooms for four. The House is brand new with a contemporary but homely style and the common rooms give space for relaxation and recreation. Facilities include TV with satellite, pool table, Sabatier football table, table tennis, computer rooms, study areas and a quiet room. Students also have use of the Wellington Sports and Fitness Centre facilities with its new fitness suite and tennis courts.

Meals are taken all together in our modern cafeteria-style dining hall, and the varied menu, which changes weekly, offers wholesome, healthy meals. The kitchen can also be used to prepare snacks for the students.

All boarders benefit from supervised study periods each day in which to do their prep, giving them the opportunity to seek guidance when required. This ‘Prep’ time instils strong learning habits. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of all the extra curricular activities that are offered at the Academy, from Drama to Arts and Sports - there is something for everyone.

At the weekend an exciting programme of activities and outings is offered to the full time boarders with events such as ice skating and visits to theme parks. On Sunday the emphasis is on House based activities and rest and relaxation. The older students may choose to go in small groups to the cinema or go shopping.

All boarders, where necessary, are accompanied by the House Matron to routine health check appointments, and if a student falls ill they are well looked after at the boarding house by the Matrons.

In the boarding house our boarders enjoy a stimulating environment where the pleasures of home are interwoven with a work and activity schedule designed to encourage them to educate themselves in the fullest sense of the word. The Director of Boarding, who also works as part of the teaching staff, thus providing a vital link between the pastoral and academic sides of school life, oversees the house. Seven resident house parents, six visiting tutors and three boarding supervisors support him. The boarding team work together to ensure that each student receives the best possible care enabling them to learn, succeed and thrive. They are in frequent contact with them throughout the day, at mealtimes, during study and finally in the bedtime routine and are always available to share the boarders concerns and offer advice.

“I love boarding because the food is amazing, the activities are fun and the people are nice.” George, Boarding Student

“My best moment is achieving the Bronze award from Mr Olufunwa at the Term 5 Rewards Dinner.” Guido, Boarding Student