Eastlife Spring 2021

The Benefits of
Boarding
Could your child benefit from boarding?
With more parents working full-time, quality family time can
get squeezed out by work obligations, the daily commute, the
school run, sports/music commitments and homework, which
makes boarding an opportunity for children to learn and grow.
Boarding can give children an academic boost,
independence and free up the time to take part in
extracurricular activities. While all children are different, many
excel in a boarding environment. Nadia Katevska, a student
at Brentwood School, Essex, who left in summer 2019, said:
“We are so advantaged because we have much more time for
studying.”
Most boarding schools will offer on-site facilities for students
to part-take in extra activities. From swimming pools,
running tracks, tennis courts and events, children are able to
demonstrate their skills and broaden their horizons through
the extracurricular activities available to them.
Though education, skills and independence may be at
the forefront of parent’s minds, the life-long friendships are
frequently the most valued experience by students. Culford
School, prep school housemistress, Melanie Detnon,
explained: “The fun, friendships, diverse activities and
experiences, the opportunity to develop responsibility for
themselves added to the academic and pastoral support
the children receive, are several factors which I believe make
boarding so valuable and so special. I love to see the children
in my care thrive and grow in confidence and am honoured to
be both facilitator and cheerleader. Added to all of that, here in
our surroundings at Culford we have a wonderful mix of ages
and families from a variety of backgrounds, including Forces,
expat and local – what better preparation for life?​“
Both full and weekly boarding can have a positive influence
on children. Felsted School was shortlisted for TES Boarding
School of the Year 2020. Annabel from Suffolk, a pupil and
weekly boarder at Felsted, discussed the benefits of boarding:
“Being a weekly boarder at Felsted means I get the best of
both worlds. In the week I do not have to waste time travelling,
but have time to take part in all the activities on offer, get
support with my homework and have fun social time with my
friends.”
She continued: “At weekends, I can then enjoy quality time
with my family. The weeks are less stressful for the whole
family and I have become much more organised and
independent.”
Many of the region’s independent boarding schools are
hosting online open days and viewings by appointment
during COVID restrictions.
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