CELEBRATING BOARDING NATIONAL BOARDING WEEK

Boarding schools place a strong emphasis on holistic development, nurturing students not just academically, but also socially, emotionally, and culturally. By living and learning in a community of peers, students develop valuable life skills such as independence, self-discipline, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities go beyond academic excellence, enabling students to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

A balanced education is at the heart of boarding, and schools offer a plethora of extra-curricular activities to cater to diverse interests outside the classroom. Not only do these encourage personal growth and self-expression but also foster teamwork, leadership skills, and a sense of camaraderie among students.

The boarding experience is typically culturally diverse, too. Interacting with peers from different backgrounds and cultures broadens horizons and nurtures a student’s global outlook. Forging lifelong friendships with individuals from around the world instils a sense of tolerance, understanding, and open-mindedness. Boarding schools are known for their close-knit and supportive communities. This nurturing atmosphere contributes to students’ overall well-being and ensures they feel supported and cared for, while fostering independence by encouraging students to take responsibility for their studies, personal care, and time management.

With so many benefits, it’s only right that the brilliance of boarding be recognised and celebrated accordingly. Each summer, the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) calls upon the boarding community to participate in a week full-to-bursting with fun house activities and competitions, known as National Boarding Week. Now in its sixth year, the aim of the campaign is to bring awareness to the unique experience boarding has to offer and showcase the positive and lasting impact it can have on students’ lives.

Challenges and activities during this week are designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring there’s something everyone, no matter their talents, skills or interests, can get involved with. National Boarding Week invites participation across the boarding community in celebration of boarding and serves as an opportunity for schools to connect with local communities, take part in fun house activities, and reinforce the value of boarding education in shaping well-rounded individuals.

Activities range from house sporting challenges, local community activities in line with BSA’s On Board initiative, inter-house bake offs and photography competitions, wellbeing walks, karaoke, board game and pizza nights. This year, schools were encouraged to participate in the big boarding camp out, which coincided with summer solstice.

National Boarding Week shines a spotlight on the numerous advantages that boarding schools in the UK offer. From holistic development to academic excellence, diverse extra-curricular activities to a supportive boarding community, and the cultivation of independence, boarding education instils qualities that go beyond the classroom – something which is surely worth celebrating! ●

LOTTIE ANDREWS is the Communications and Engagement Manager for BSA Group and produces multichannel communications across the group to support members and promote events/services. To find out more about National Boarding Week, and other BSA engagement initiatives, please visit boarding.org.uk/bsa-active