Prep Boarding Handbook
Welcome to Boarding at Bede’s Prep
Welcome to Boarding at Bede’s Prep! You are embarking on a wonderful new adventure, joining a caring, supportive ‘home from home’ environment “where every child belongs and finds joy in their pursuit of brilliance”. Starting a new school is indeed exciting, especially for boarders, and while it can also feel a little daunting, our dedicated team is here to ensure you have everything you need to feel truly at home and experience all that Bede’s has to offer.
As a boarder at Bede’s Prep, our aim is to ensure you feel safe, respected, and valued, supporting you as you grow into a confident, caring, and independent young person. As our Head of Prep School, Mrs. Leigh-Anne Morris, shares, our exceptional sense of community means you will enjoy embracing differences, forging strong friendships, and appreciating the beauty of cultural exchange.
We believe in nurturing your independence within a safe and caring environment. Being away from home challenges you to develop essential life skills, such as time management, decision-making, and self-discipline. Our dedicated boarding staff are here to provide guidance, support, and genuine care, empowering you to embrace every opportunity presented and to be the best version of yourself.
Your Houseparents will play an active role in your progress. We are committed to an immersive educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom walls. As you discover new passions and develop new talents, we are incredibly proud of the energy, diversity, and joy you will bring to our school community.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about life here at Bede’s Prep. Please remember, you can always approach any member of staff with further questions – we are all here to help you!
Welcome from the Head
I am delighted that you have taken the time to explore our school and that your child will be joining a provision ‘where every child belongs and finds joy in their pursuit of brilliance.’
I am filled with gratitude for the countless opportunities and personal growth that the boarding provision offers our pupils. At the core of Bede’s lies an exceptional sense of community. Pupils enjoy embracing differences, forging strong friendships, and appreciating the beauty of cultural exchange.
Our pupils discover the power of independence within a safe and nurturing environment. Being away from home challenges them to develop essential life skills, such as time management, decisionmaking, and self-discipline. The guidance, support and genuine care from our dedicated boarding staff, empowers pupils to embrace every opportunity presented to them and to be the best versions of themselves.
Pupils will enjoy an array of extracurricular activities tailored to their passions and interests. Our boarding provision provides pupils with an immersive educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom walls. It will equip your child with the skills, values, and friendships that will shape their future.
We are incredibly proud of all our pupils here at Bede’s and the energy, diversity and joy that they bring to our school community.
Bede’s Prep is a vibrant, energetic and forward-thinking school, which focuses on promoting learning, personal growth and development. We provide pupils with a curriculum that is broad, stimulating, and one which is designed to facilitate the highest possible levels of attainment by those who follow it.
Our core values of compassion, courage, conscientiousness and curiosity shape a pupil’s educational experience. A Bede’s education
is based upon academic rigour, through excellent teaching, encouraging our pupils to explore, question, take risks, and develop their creativity, communication and teamwork – all central to successful life-long learning.
Our kind-hearted community is underpinned by generosity of spirit, mutual respect, warmth and compassion. By providing a festival of opportunities, we enable our pupils to discover new passions and develop new talents.
Pupils are recognised and appreciated for who they are as individuals. They are supported and nurtured by teachers who really care.
Bede’s provides an all-round education where academic pursuits are supported by wonderful co-curricular opportunities and where pupils learn lessons that books cannot give; courage and joy, resilience and self belief, developing into confident globally-minded young people.
I am incredibly proud to be the Head of Bede’s Prep School. It is an amazing community where pupils and staff feel empowered, supported and valued. This is my eighth year at Bede’s and the more time I spend here, the more I realise that this is a truly remarkable place. I hope that our school will mark the beginning of a new journey full of joy, knowledge and exhilarating challenges.
Thank you, and I look forward to having the privilege of meeting you and your child in the near future.
Leigh-Anne Morris Head
Statement of Boarding Principles
At Bede’s, our core values of compassion, courage, conscientiousness, and curiosity shape your educational journey. These values are deeply embedded into our culture, with the boarding environment providing a perfect place to both demonstrate and develop them. We strive to create a kind-hearted community, underpinned by generosity of spirit, mutual respect, warmth and compassion.
AIMS
To promote the school values to our boarders in everyday life
Our Values
Be Compassionate
Because a caring community fosters belonging. We expect our community to show kindness to people of all ages, genders and ethnicities, maintaining campuses where every person feels joyful and energised.
Be Courageous
Because fortune favours the brave. We challenge our community to stand up for what is right, providing them with a safe environment where they can take bold action in pursuit of brilliance.
Be Curious
Because wisdom can be found off the beaten track. We encourage our community to discover unlikely passions and hidden niches, releasing them into a wealth of opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
Be Conscientious
Because dedication is a spearhead of success. We ask our community to throw themselves wholeheartedly into every endeavour, taking responsibility for their journey and inspiring others to do the same.
Our fundamental aims in boarding are to help you learn social skills and give you the sense of community and responsibility which will equip you well for the rest of your lives. To this end, we create a safe, secure, and happy environment with an atmosphere that is relaxed yet purposeful.
Contact Details
House Parent
Paul Smith
Assistant House Parent
Sophie Calverley
Matron
Emma Abijeeta Saraswati
Email: prepboarding@bedes.org
Duty Phone: +44 (0) 7970 337284
Fairfield Landline: 01323 356830
Head of Prep School
Leigh-Anne Morris
Deputy Head
Matt Bennett-Tomlin
Boarding Supervisor
Marie Allirot
Medical
Medical enquiries should be sent to prep.medical@bedes.org and cc the Boarding Team on prepboarding@bedes.org
General
Effective and open communication is key to maintaining a happy and safe boarding environment. You will receive the School Newsletter, each Thursday, which contains a range of updates and information about school life, including upcoming trips and events. Please ensure that you read the information and complete the response forms as required.
We would love to know more about you before you arrive at Bede’s, and we encourage you to send an email to tell us more about yourself, your interests, and your family life. You can always email prepboarding@bedes.org if you have any more questions. We also encourage you to sign up for Classlist to see photo updates of your activities - both in and out of School. Registration details will be sent over the summer break by the Admissions Office.
Your First Days in Boarding
Arriving at a new school can be both exciting and daunting, and your first days are arranged to help you settle in as smoothly as possible.
When You Arrive
Whether you have visited Bede’s Prep before or not, we will make sure everything is in place to ensure you settle in as quickly and as easily as possible. Most new pupils feel a mixture of excitement and a few nerves, which is perfectly normal! The good news is that you will not be alone, and we want to reassure you that all staff will do their utmost to support you through this.
To support you in settling in during your first few weeks, we will make sure you have a ‘buddy’ to help you navigate life at Bede’s. In your first few days, you will meet staff and pupils from your class and year group, as well as being shown and supported through the daily routine. The boarding team will be on hand to give guidance and support during boarding hours, in addition to your Form Tutor and Head of Year during the school day. Your fellow boarders, buddies, prefects, and roommates will also be there to help along the way.
Boarding Induction
All new boarders will be helped to settle into the boarding house by a member of the boarding team. Your induction will include a detailed tour of the house, a demonstration of how to get help, and a discussion about the various routines. To support you, all information will also be easily accessible on notice boards.
Pastoral Support
Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do here at Bede’s. Within the boarding house, our focus is on providing a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring all of you feel completely supported. By building strong relationships with you, we aim to meet all your individual needs. We openly encourage you to share the positive things in your lives, as well as seeking advice or support when you are finding things challenging. Regular meetings with the boarding team help us develop a rounded understanding of each of you, both socially and academically. We aim to foster an environment where you feel you can share your problems, achievable targets can be set, and advice and support given as required. You can expect regular and timely communication from the boarding team and your Form Tutor.
Homesickness
Boarding is fun, challenging, and fulfilling, but staying at school during term time will differ from living at home. It is perfectly normal to feel a little homesick at some stage in your boarding journey, no matter how old or brave you are. It is totally natural to miss home, and we recognise that some of you settle quickly, whilst others take a little longer.
The House staff are very experienced in dealing with homesickness and will help and support you through it. We do recommend that during your first few nights of boarding, communication with home is kept to a minimum. This can be hard, but in our experience, it allows you to establish valuable and trusting relationships with your new friends and the boarding team. If you would like more information on dealing with homesickness, please contact a member of the boarding team.
Building Relationships
A happy boarding house is based on positive relationships with every member of the boarding community. Whether it is their roommates, housemates, boarding staff, teachers, matrons and the cleaning staff. Behaving with consideration for others is a vital ingredient for a harmonious existence in the boarding house, relying on inclusivity, tolerance, respect for others and a good night’s sleep! As a school, we have a zero-tolerance approach to all kinds of bullying and staff follow the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy.
We promote positive friendships and will support and guide all children in building these. Being kind and respectful towards each other in the boarding house is important for building positive friendships. We will always encourage you to be the best possible version of yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or try new things around the school.
Your Home from Home: Fairfield House
Fairfield House, based at Bede’s Senior School, is a cosy and comfortable home from home where you can relax at the end of a busy day at the Prep School
Within Fairfield House, you have access to:
• A communal lounge area, which acts as the heart of the house in the evenings, providing space for boarders to relax and spend time together.
• Designated washing and toileting facilities.
• Your own sleeping area
Bedrooms
You will share your bedroom with other children of a similar age and gender. Within your room, there is storage space for essential items such as uniform, home clothes, and personal items, with each pupil having at least a wardrobe and drawer.
All bedding is provided, however, you may prefer to bring your own, machine-washable, duvet set to help make your bed feel more familiar. We encourage you to bring in photos and posters to personalise your area of the bedroom and make it feel homely.
Wider Facilities
You will have access to the Senior School facilities, in the evenings and weekends - at certain times. The boarding team will ensure there are plenty of things for everyone to do.
Expectations
It is always helpful if you keep your rooms and areas tidy. All boarders are responsible for their own sleeping areas, and each morning your rooms will be checked by a member of the boarding team. Furthermore, you are asked to help clear up afterwards whenever playing games, eating, or doing any other activity in the house.
The team will ensure clothing and other items are washed, and all they will ask you to do is to be helpful and supportive with this, as you would do at home.
Your Daily and Weekend Routines
Life for a boarder here at Bede’s is busy but balanced, with lessons, activities, study, and free time scheduled into your day.
A Typical Day in Boarding:
6.45am Wake up and get ready for school, make beds and pack for the day
7.15am Breakfast in the dining hall
7.45am Depart for Prep School
8.15am Arrive at Prep School for Registration
8.25am - 5.20pm Day School routine
5.30pm Depart for Fairfield
6pm Dinner at the Senior School
6.30pm Homework
7pm Evening Activities and time to call home
8pm Showers
8.30pm Bedtime routine (lights out 9pm)
Bed Time
Prep School Activities
The Prep School’s daily activities programme runs after lessons, between 4.20pm and 5.20pm, except Wednesdays when pupils are involved in sports fixtures and Fridays. During this time boarders will be encouraged to follow a variety of pursuits, as well as try new things.
Meal Times
The boarding staff sit amongst the boarders to encourage good table manners and to ensure that children are maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. All pupils are expected to help with the clearing and cleaning of their tables at the end of meal times.
The boarding team will help you settle down at bedtime. You can have 15 minutes of quiet time before lights out to unwind after a long day. After this time, you can turn off your night lights and go to sleep. The Boarding Team will be on hand to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
Issues during the night
We want to ensure you feel safe and supported at all times, understanding that staff are always available. If you are feeling unsettled or unwell during the night, you are able to contact the on-duty member of staff via a bell or phone/intercom system. Should there be a need for you to be cared for outside your room, there is an allocated ‘isolation room’ which may be utilised.
What happens at the weekend
Weekends are a mixture of fun-filled activities and time for relaxation. Our varied activities programme is designed to suit a range of different interests, and we are keen to give you the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas.
Saturdays
You will enjoy a cooked breakfast before participating in an on-site activity, making the most of the facilities across the Senior School campus. There is often the chance to stock up on essentials in the nearby town before having ‘down time’.
Sundays
You will enjoy a later wake-up time before heading to breakfast. Sundays generally involve an off-site trip, organised by either the Prep School Teaching staff and/or the Boarding Team. Examples of previous activities include:
• mountain biking
• outdoor activity centre
• beach days
• paintballing
• theatre
• water sports
• roller disco
• cinema
Activities and trips may incur an extra charge and any adding additional costs will be added to your school account.
Safety and Support in the Boarding House
The safety of all boarders whilst at school is of the utmost importance, and we have many safety features and procedures in place around the school and in the house.
Your Safety Induction: As part of your boarding induction, you will:
• Familiarise yourself with the layout of the Boarding House and its surroundings.
• Be made aware of safety features and procedures.
• Be reminded of road safety when crossing the road between the dining hall and home, as well as when travelling in the school minibuses.
• Be shown how to report any dangers or concerns to a member of staff.
Fire Drills and procedures
The boarding house is equipped with smoke detectors, call points, and emergency lighting. All boarders and staff will be made aware of all fire routes and exits from the building when you join the boarding house, and you will be reminded of the procedure every term. It is important that you feel confident in reacting calmly in the event of the alarm sounding. We also have one practice evacuation every term to ensure everyone’s safety.
Complaints
If you have any issues, please contact the Boarding House Parent in the first instance or refer to the complaints policy available from the school website.
Key Dates for the 2025/2026 Academic Year
Autumn Term 2025
Monday 1 September
New Starters welcome event (2-3pm)
Boarders arrive at Fairfield House (4pm)
Tuesday 2 September Term begins
Saturday 20 September, 9.30am Open Morning for prospective families
Friday 17 October, 4.20pm Half term begins
Sunday 2 November, 4pm
Boarders return
Monday 3 November Term begins
Friday 12 December Term ends - after Carol Service
Spring Term 2026
Monday 5 January, 4pm
Boarders return
Tuesday 6 January Term begins
Friday 13 February, 4.20pm Half term begins
Sunday 22 February, 4pm
Boarders return
Monday 23 February Term begins
Saturday 14 March Open Morning for prospective families
Friday 20 March Term ends
Summer Term 2026
Sunday 12 April, 4pm
Monday 13 April
Monday 4 May
Friday 22 May, 4.20pm
Sunday 31 May, 4pm
Monday 1 June
Friday 26 June, 1pm
Boarders return
Term begins
May Day Bank Holiday (School Closed, Boarding House is Open)
Half term begins
Boarders return
Term begins
Term ends
Saturday 27 June, 9.30am Prize-giving (Year 2 to 8)
Sports Day will take place on a Saturday in June - date will be confirmed by letter in the newsletter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call home?
You may contact family and friends each day, usually during the evening. We ask families to be mindful of the bedtime routine to ensure calls end with enough time for you to be ready for bed. If an evening call isn’t possible due to time differences, we will always arrange another time (usually in the morning) for you to contact home.
Can I use my mobile phone?
You may use your own mobile phone, or alternatively, the boarding house landline. We do ask all boarders to have their own set of headphones for increased privacy.
The Boarding team ensures all mobile devices are used in a sensible, secure, and sensitive manner. There are some restrictions on when calls can be made to ensure privacy, well-being, and safety. In accordance with safeguarding guidance, mobile phones may not be used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and toilets. All mobile devices are collected before bedtime for safe and secure storage to help ensure you all get a good night’s sleep.
Can I use the WiFi?
You are able to connect to the WiFi within the Boarding House to enable video calls in the designated areas.
What if I am unwell?
All of the Boarding team are trained in first aid and the administration of medicines, and all boarders are registered with the local GP. Both the Prep School site and Senior School sites also have designated Health and Well-being centres.
Any medication must be handed into the Boarding team on arrival for secure storage and administration by them, and medicines must not be kept in bedrooms. Please note that we cannot administer medications prescribed from outside of the UK. If you require regular medication, parents should speak to the Boarding team ahead of arrival to make the necessary arrangements.
The Boarding team will arrange emergency appointments to the doctor, dentist, optician, or physiotherapist as required. We do ask that you
schedule routine appointments during the School holidays where possible
Do I need pocket money?
You will need a small amount of pocket money. Some children bring a bank card that they use to manage their own pocket money, whilst others prefer to keep cash in the house safe and have a small amount given to them each week. Each of you has a personal safe where you can keep money. Boarders must not bring valuables to the house. You must bring everything you need for school, including stationery and toiletries; the boarding team will arrange shopping trips to buy extra things as necessary - pocket money for these extras is useful.
What clothes do I need to bring?
In addition to your daily school uniform, you need comfortable clothes to wear at the weekends and after school. There is limited storage within the bedrooms, and washing is done every day by the Boarding team.
Clothing must be clearly labelled, including underwear and socks, so that it can be easily identified and returned to you to put away.
We encourage you to take increasing responsibility for your laundry as you get used to the house and the routines. Please only pack clothes that can be washed and tumble dried.
What about sleepovers?
We want our boarders to have a social life outside of school, just as you would if you were day pupils. With parental permission, boarders may stay with friends and go to parties – many of our boarders often spend weekends with their day pupil friends.
What happens if it is my birthday?
We always celebrate our boarders on their special day with a birthday cake, balloons, and, of course, a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday! Your parents are always welcome to come and join us or take you out for the evening if they are able to do so.
Do you have exeat/extended weekends?
We do not have exeat/extended weekends in the academic year, but we encourage boarders to have some time away from the house during the early May Bank Holiday weekend (first weekend in May). This gives boarders a chance to spend the long weekend with family, who often use this opportunity to visit.
How do I arrange airport transfers and other transport requests?
We ask parents, where possible, to book travel arrangements in line with the school calendar to ensure children do not miss out on any special events that occur at the end of term. Permission for a child to be absent from school, arrive late to the start of term or depart early at the end of term must be authorised by the Head of Prep School, Mrs Leigh-Anne Morris.
Who can my child talk to?
There is ALWAYS someone to talk to when you are a boarder. If you need personal guidance, there are a number of people at school who you can turn to for help: friends, prefects, Boarding team, your form tutor, teachers, head of year, school matron, a member of the safeguarding team and the Chaplain. We also have school counsellors which we or your parents can refer you to. For those who don’t feel able to share their concerns out loud, you can email needtotalk@bedes.org - the safeguarding team and school counsellors oversee this and all emails will be responded to.
If you would like to talk to someone outside of school:
Childline - 0800 1111
Dawn Rimmington, Independent Listener - 01323 356613
Jonathan Dow, Independent Listener - 01323 356614
Quintin’s Medical Centre - 01323 845669
Office of the Children’s Commissioner - 020 7783 8330
Help at Hand - tel: 08005180731 or help.team@childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
Ofsted - 08456 404040
Where every child finds joy in their pursuit of brilliance.
