Stratford-upon-Avon Living Jan - Feb 2024

Boarding
Myth-Buster
The commonly used term
‘sent’ to boarding school
typically derives several
negative connotations
and indicates that the
child in question has no
say in the matter.
However, this is far from the truth
nowadays and this example is just
the tip of the iceberg when it comes
to boarding misconceptions. In fact,
the reality of boarding today, should
one choose to board, tells a story of
unrivalled quality in education, life-long
friendships, enriching experiences, and
a supportive ‘home-from-home’.
Here are six common myths about
boarding you might have come across:
1. Boarding schools are strict and
disciplinary environments: Every
school, whether it is boarding,
day, state or independent will
have rules and regulations, some
stricter than others. But without
fail, what all boarding schools
offer in abundance, is a supportive
and nurturing environment
for students to grow both
academically and personally.
2. Boarding only attracts wealthy,
gifted or troublesome kids:
Boarding schools cater for a
hugely diverse range of students
from all backgrounds, cultures
and academic ability. Boarding
is not exclusively private, you
might be surprised to hear there
is a thriving state boarding
community, too. Many families
choose boarding for the excellent
educational opportunities and
unique experience it can offer.
3. Boarding schools are isolated:
You’ll find boarding schools
nestled in big cities as well as
rural areas. Regardless of their
location, they all foster a strong
sense of community and a homefrom-home
experience with plenty
of opportunity to bond with peers
and develop lifelong friendships.
4. My child will be lonely at
boarding school: Whilst it is
common, and perfectly normal,
for boarders to feel homesick
at times, boarding schools offer
robust induction programmes
and open communication with
family. Experienced staff create
a supportive, kind and caring
environment for students where
tight-knit friendships blossom
amongst boarders.
5. It’s all work and no play at
boarding school: Outside of the
classroom, boarding offers a vast
range of extracurricular activities,
including sports, arts, clubs, and
leadership opportunities. There
truly is something for everyone
which allows students to explore
their interests and develop a wellrounded
skill set.
6. I’ll never see my child if they
board: There are many types of
boarding arrangements available,
tailored to different needs and
family circumstances. Some
popular options include weekly
boarding, flexi-boarding and
even day boarding. Schools are
committed to ensuring boarders
have regular contact with family
members whilst at school.
Though the decision to board is not
right for every child - or family - there
are lots of individuals who blossom
in this immersive environment.
Boarding has the power to develop
and instil fundamental skills such as
independence, time management,
social skills, resilience, cultural
awareness and leadership.
The boarding experience has come
a long way in recent decades and
it’s important to separate fact from
fiction when considering a boarding
education today. Above all else, it’s
important to remember the main
reason young people say that they
want to board - it is so much fun.
The joyful, diverse experience, full of
possibilities and wonder, is a world
away from the cold showers and iron
bedsteads of old.
The Boarding Schools’ Association
(BSA) is part of the BSA Group.
BSA Group supports excellence in
boarding, safeguarding, inclusion
and health education, serving more
than 1,600 organisations and people
in 40 countries worldwide. Since
its foundation in 1965-6, BSA has
promoted boarding education and
the development of quality boarding
through high standards of pastoral
care and boarding accommodation.
8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk