BSA Magazine Spring 2017

Boarding School

Spring 2017

THE MAGAZINE OF THE BOARDING SCHOOLS’ ASSOCIATION

Why pupils at BSA schools like Worksop College love boarding – page 8

•

The Boarding Bus hits the road

•

A helping hand for vulnerable children

•

Boarding as a business

3

Boarding hits the Road ur boarding community

O

started the new academic year with a bang. We

know good, modern British

boarding is admired the world over. Our pupils report that

boarding enhances their school

experience, develops skills such as

Aileen Kane Assistant Director, BSA

independence and helps them

make friends for life. So this year we’re taking that message on the road!

proves that you should never

problem of children unable to occupy

Tweets, pictures, quotes, videos,

relationship with your former

this something you’ve experienced in

Instagram and Facebook messages

underestimate the power of a good students despite being told You’ll

your boarding house? Do get in touch

flooded into BSA HQ as our hashtag –

never raise money in a girls’ school!

our BEAM campaign in September to

tells us why it’s important to run a

#iloveboarding – officially launched promote boarding schools to the UK

Gavin Horgan of Worksop College boarding school like a business

market. Full details of the campaign

(page 29).

‘Boarding Bus’ can be found on

Read about the British institutions

as well as the maiden voyage of our page 9.

In keeping with our bus theme, we asked our expert writers to tell us what drives them to make their

schools a success. Sue Bruce explains how UFOs are the new Mindfulness

if so – it’s something we’re keen to write about in the next issue.

To cap off a successful 2016, the BSA hosted the first in a series of forums

developing schools abroad in

response to increased demand from

international students (page 35), this promises to be a future road for many of our schools.

(State, South West, Scottish, Irish and Safeguarding). The forums are

designed to reinforce the BSA’s

mission to ‘champion boarding and promote excellence’. As BSA Chief

Executive Robin Fletcher explains on page 5 this work sits alongside our government relations with our

In his article Let the ‘zombie

(page 19) at Fettes College. On page

generation’ get bored on page 7, BSA

Development from Headington

provoking piece about the growing

22 Tim Edge, Director of

themselves without technology. Is

Chair Leo Winkley writes a thought-

partner associations as we continue

to strengthen the work and image of our sector.

The Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) champions boarding and promotes boarding excellence. The BSA represents around 550 independent and state boarding schools in the UK and overseas. BSA services include professional development, government relations, communications, media, publications, conferences and events.

Contents Promoting the benefits of boarding Robin Fletcher, Chief Executive, BSA

5

BSA’s certificate and diploma courses Recognising the value of what’s on offer

40

Engaging with the ‘zombie generation’ Leo Winkley, BSA Chair

7

A former boarder’s groundbreaking invention Will Broadway’s device could save millions of lives

43

Hitting the road The Boarding Bus rolls into town

8

An international campus in central London Exciting changes for DLD College

45

Positive body image Trent College launches a new pilot project

12

The benefits of junior boarding How best to prepare children for senior school

49

Beyond the school gate The Quaker approach to education

14

Coming together Foremarke Hall focuses on communication

50

Inspiring courage Liz Wright shares a message of hope at St Mary’s, Cambridge

17

Forums of excellence 54 Connecting with members in England, Scotland and Ireland

The UFO philosophy at Fettes College Look Up, look Forward and look Out

18

Sporting success State boarding schools unite

22

You can’t raise money in a girls’ school Tim Edge of Headington School puts the rumours to rest

26

Independent schools are businesses Insight from the headmaster of Worksop College

28

A helping hand Refugees given the chance to thrive at Royal School, Wolverhampton

30

Bridging the gap Placing disadvantaged children in boarding

32

Advertising Amy Wilson, Events and Commercial Manager amy@boarding.org.uk

Crossing borders Three schools share their overseas expansion journey

34

Boarding Schools’ Association 4th Floor, 134 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SA

shelleys.co

BSA School list

60

Boarding School Magazine

To subscribe T. 020 7798 1580 E. bsa@boarding.org.uk

Editor Aileen Kane, Assistant Director aileen@boarding.org.uk

Assistant Editor Hayley Zimak, Marketing and Membership Manager hayley@boarding.org.uk

www.boarding.org.uk

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&

Champion boarding and promote excellence

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee

BSA’s mission is to ‘champion boarding and promote excellence’ through a strategy of ‘inform, influence, improve givesalready me enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapand innovate’.tThis happens to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding through our day seminars, accredited celebration professionals. training, conferences andmarking events. 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

An added dimension this academic year And that doesn’t even consider the access has been introducing new BSA Forums The BSA was formed just a couple of years focusing on different aspects of boarding.

We hope to launch dedicated regional and broad co-curricular programmes.

The new BSA State Boarding Forum forums for Wales, Ireland (north and boarding in the late 1960s. (previously SBSA) has a streamlined south) and Central Southern England in That the change has been so great is of management committee with each 2017/18 and then look to see what To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known to those who work member representing different areas of demand there is for further forums a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining England. This enables them to liaise with beyond that. of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, their local state boarding neighbours to sceptical parents.

The UK especially boarding journalists sector hasor historically identify issues for discussion, such as of Love and Sgt Pepper. worked quite well at a ‘national’ level, but inspectionSummer or Brexit.

Yet throughout allor that has changed there by introducing specialist regional The new BSA Safeguarding forums has we can togetherreassuring local or and If these two worldsAdvisory were sharply beenjoin a constant, Forum hascontrasting already brought together subject valued area dots as well.the BSA. then, contrast them again to presence: senior boarding professionals from boarding today.

Speaking to those who have become England, Wales, Scotland and Northern in our forums, or have requested Ireland to For identify trends best aboutinvolved all Mrissues, Wilson’s 1960sand rhetoric in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been we set up new ones, there is a strong practice. the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and appetite for helping the whole sector to evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron.

The first of our new regional forums, improve and grow stronger, despite the SWERB (South West Regional Boarding intensely competitive nature of the So what comes to mind when one thinks Forum) met in Taunton in October for a market. dormitories, heating, of the BSA? useful session lookinginadequate at local issues.

Thispoor foodaand pastoral in the was followed month later care by the firsthands of BSA’s job is to be the catalyst and coordinator to ensure this appetite isexpert met were common Professional development, meeting ofprefects our Scottish Boardingattributes.

Forum, and the early steps we have taken are advice, an increasingly strong voice to which was able to focus, for the first time, very encouraging.

Fastmatters forwardspecifically 50 years and government and journalists, information on boarding in what a provider for prospective parents and Scotland.

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding.

The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

Robin Fletcher Chief Executive, BSA Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

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Let the ‘zombie generation’ get bored Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much Leo Winkley And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest Chair, BSA and Head Master, St Peter’s School, York The BSA was formed just a couple of years annual subscription. and broad co-curricular programmes. boarding thetend late 1960s.

Thatcreative we needdevelopment. the BSA and all its put As educators, we in will to take the are concerned that our societal reliance harming She Thatisthe changeour haschildren been so and greatwe is of forward valuable services is beyond doubt as view that a busy child is a good child. on devices harming the theory that being creative board at to Eton to say the least course wellinto known to those who work “involved we contemplate the next 50internal years of BoardingTo life tends bethen full was of activity. risk turning them a zombie being able to develop a formative The school wasgeneration in boarding.

The hard part is explaining stimulus” boarding.

But, when we finallyexperience. give our pupils who cannot entertain and “children need to have course historic and traditional the seismic to the free time,ofwhat doasthey do with it? Do as it themselves withoutleap access tooutside wifi andworld, an stand-and-stare time, time imagining and The their challenges are greatprocesses and manyor – they immerse in solitary voyages into electric especially current. journalists or sceptical parents.pursuing own thinking Summer Love and Sgtthey Pepper. and wetheir don’texperiences know what the boarding the virtual onlineof world or do assimilating through Yet throughout all thatof has changed landscape will look like in 2065, how many choose to enjoy each other’s company?

We’ve all had the experience sitting in a thereplay or just observing the world around restaurant a pub – a fundamentally them.”

If these two worlds were sharply has or been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many Don’t worry – this isn’t an anti-tech rant. again to social and interactive human space – and contrasting then, contrast them valued presence: the BSA. The children in our schools are digital looking about to see children plugged in, Quite right. When you walk around a boarding today. natives and they move in a world of eyes down. This is a sad sight if you boarding house inthings free time, youit might But however unfold, is an staggeringFor access to information and believe in the art of conversation and a see the odd boarder plugged in, the butBSA is all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know entertainment.

We heat’ mustof surely champion worrying indicator thea tendency to and use you’rethere much more likely, my the ‘white change there was little there, ratheroflike long-serving with us on the in journey. the use ofevidence technology to enhance technology as an easy pacifier, filling time experience, to see them engaging with of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron. learning. The working world for which we that could be spent more creatively – or one another, making their own are preparing our youngsters to enter will even just by being bored. Dr Teresa entertainment, just passing the time So what comes to mind when one thinks undoubtedly be technology-led. So Belton, visiting fellow at the University of together. Boarders don’t tend to be dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? having technical know-how is critical. But East Anglia's School of Education and zombies. food and pastoral care in the hands of it is one thing to be tech savvy, and quite Lifelong Learning, recently argued that prefects were common attributes.

Professional development, expert another to have the self-mastery to know cultural expectations about children being advice, an increasingly strong voice to how and when to switch on; or off. Many constantly active and occupied was Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information Tony Little provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

All aboard the

Boarding

Bus!

9

The BSA’s ‘Boarding Bus’ rolled into the Independent Schools Show for its debut on Saturday November 12, to the delight of parents, children and member schools.

The weekend event at Battersea’s Evolution events venue saw an

estimated footfall of 6,000 as families came to learn about UK independent

schools. The Boarding Bus, kitted out

with a built-in bed, desk and

refrigerator, shelf and storage space

and a slick flat-screen TV playing our

#iloveboarding video, was one of the event showpieces. Decorated as a

boarding room (think photos, plush

pillows and sweets) potential

boarders hopped up onto the bed, sat at the desk to put puzzle pieces

together and eagerly asked their

parents what boarding options are

available.

As children played netball or took a Polaroid snap with one of the BSA

‘boarding bears’, parents had the opportunity to enquire about

boarding schools local to their area.

Eighty per cent of parents live within an hour and a half of their child’s

school – and there are over 75,000 boarders in the UK.

Visitors were keen to learn that the

BSA promotes ‘good modern British boarding’ with over 550 member

schools in the UK and overseas. The

fully-branded bus will be touring the country next year as staff attend

county shows to share the benefits of boarding.

Hayley Zimak Membership and Marketing Manager, BSA

The 2017 tour schedule hopes to include:

• • • • • • • • • • •

Royal Bath and West Show, May 31-June 3 Royal Cornwall Show, June 8-10 Royal Three Counties Show, June 16-18 Cheshire County Show, June 20-21 Royal Highland Show, June 22-25 Royal Norfolk Show, June 28-29 Kent County Show, July 7-9 Great Yorkshire Show, July 11-13 Royal Welsh Show, July 24-27 New Forest & Hampshire County Show, July 25-27 The Game Fair, July 28-30.

To get involved in the campaign or to

join us at one of the county shows

please email bsa@boarding.org.uk

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Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA was formed just a couple of years

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes. boarding in the late 1960s.

To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it

That the change has been so great is of course well known to those who work in boarding. The hard part is explaining the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents.

Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper.

If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today.

For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes.

Fast forward 50 years and what a

Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron.

So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

Our generous sponsors are:

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding.

The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 shelleys.co

Promoting a Positive body Image Body image is complex and delicate for young people. It is also one of the main pressures teenagers face as they seek to conform to idealistic standards portrayed by the media or even compete

with

their

friends.

At

Trent College in Long Eaton, a pilot project aims to help female Sixth Form boarders positively reconsider the way they think they should look.

Assi st a n t Ho us emi st r ess, NIKKI EDWARDS, explains.

3 13

BO DY Neuroscience tells us that in the brains of teenagers perspective and consequence go out of the window. Their response to outside stimuli and how other people react is heightened.

stop it. That means as teachers we have to keep up with social media to try to catch things early.

example Body Gossip, The Self Esteem Team and Zanna Van Dijk, who is set to visit Trent College during the Tony Little Term.

Michaelmas

Food, health, exercise, pressures over BSA Honorary President appearance, from having the ‘right’ The girls have been introduced to ‘Meditainment’, a form of online hairstyles to eyebrow shaping and In my role as Assistant Housemistress at meditation while yoga is also an option wearing the right clothes can have an an all-girls Sixth Form house I have had to encourage the mindfulness and impact on self-esteem and confidence. personal insight into the confidence and balance associated with confidence and self-esteem issues faced by young self-esteem. Positive sporting role But with all these issues the biggest women. models are very powerful in showcasing thing is helping girls find moderation at a time when their brains are operating the beauty and potential of athletic Body image disorders are typically about at extremes – extreme eating or extreme bodies gained through sporting control. The issue of body image is dieting, extreme sedentariness or endeavour rather than simply by dieting bigger with girls because of the extreme exercise, the list is long. to control body shape, which has more perceived objectification of the body, but negative connotations. it is increasingly a boys’ issue too. t gives me enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for How can we grab young people in the to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. same way social media does to harness The girls in our house are among the To explore the best approaches, celebration marking 50 years of professionals. positivity? How can we encourage them oldest and most influential at Trent teachers and peers can take to promote the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much to read literature and articles around College and are role models for younger positive body image, I am using my BSA And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest ‘positive mindset’ and see themselves students. We want to set a positive tone Professional Development Qualification, The BSA was formed just a couple of years annual subscription. as, or be inspired by, positive role around body image with the work we accredited by Roehampton University. and broad co-curricular programmes.

Through this I am researching how we models at school and in the wider are doing. Hopefully we can look at what boarding late 1960s. we need the BSA and be all its can help girls buildin a the positive body world? How can we use humour to has That worked and how it could applied change has been so great valuable is beyond doubt image and how that work in boarding discussThat andthe share concerns instead of is of further downservices the school and/or with as To board Eton thenschool. was to say the least courseissues well known those who work wefor contemplate the next 50 years of could be applied toatthe wider body image being to secretive boys, example, so students are not a formative experience. The school wasand taboo? in boarding. The hard part is explaining arriving boarding. at Sixth Form with potentially of course as historic traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, A girls’ boarding house is the and perfect negative body images already journalists sceptical The challenges great and many – place to look at the whole idea of how As partespecially of the pilot we haveor created a parents. entrenched in theirare minds.

Summer Love and Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding teachers and olderofpupils can Sgt start health board in the boarding house Yet throughout allpictures, that has changed landscape will look like in 2065, recognising negative traits and which includes positive articles, there Central to all this, we continue to how many symptomsIf of body disorder.

The house blogs and all about selfeducate ourselves a pastoral these two worlds were sharply haswebsites been a constant, reassuring and boarders we willasserve or howteam manyso is their ‘home’ where they relax and live esteem, body image and the right we can spot the signs early enough and contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. in a community surrounded by other approach to eating and exercise.

Things have some proactive but, most boarding today. young people. to spark conversations or help the girls importantly, balanced But however thingsstrategies unfold, it is an get a different perspective on issues, to manage potential body image For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is Many girlsthe get‘white their heat’ norms from social without preaching to them – informally and issues. of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. media, which is informal nature. So, drip-feeding empowering messages. evidence of thatby in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron. in the same way, we have to find more informal ways to promote positive body We also encourage the sharing of So what comes to mind when one thinks image, not forcing it through traditional positive stories, blogs and vlogs on dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? education routes. We know negative social media to provide balance on what food and pastoral care in the hands of body image fads are fuelled via social they see in their own social media feeds prefects were common attributes.

Professional development, expert media and it is here to stay – we can’t and who they could follow too, for advice, an increasingly strong voice to Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information Tony Little provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

Celebrating our Jubilee

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

“I really like the sound of that!

“ Chris Jeffery is the new Headmaster of Bootham School, York. Here, he explains a little about what drew him to Bootham and in particular, to the school’s Quaker values which he feels have resonance beyond the school gate.

315

“I really like the sound of that”. It’s a phase I’ve heard many times from friends, colleagues, pupils and parents over the past year or so as I have explained to them a little of my growing understanding of the practices, priorities and personality of Bootham School.

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

My own preparation and exploration – as well as these reactions – have helped me begin to see what Bootham’s underpinning Quaker values have to offer to education and society, and a little of how these values can address wider needs and emerging priorities.

Celebrating our Jubilee

rather than as a solitary The active silence of Quakerism practice. The fact that he was and its eschewing of doctrinal speaking at the HQ of British rigidity, its emphasis of each Quakerism in London at the individual ‘listening to the light’ t gives me enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for time was an irony that struck for her or himself, of The Government’s desire to develop an education broader to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. me very forcibly indeed! encountering God directly in than that permitted by its own ridiculous national testing celebration marking 50 years of professionals. community with others and of regime rings increasingly hollow. In contrast, the key themes the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much A Quaker education offers all being open to turn all that into emerging among real educators centre around building And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest these things as standard, and social action: those I spoke to character, developing resilience and tackling the alarming The BSA was formed just a couple of years annual subscription. has been doing so for many seemed hugely intrigued, growth of mental health issues, the proportionate and truly and broad co-curricular programmes. years. It’s no new discovery or even excited. productive use of modern information technology, and boarding in the late 1960s.

That we need the BSA and all its fad; it is ‘of the moment’, and tailoring of ‘the system’ truly to meet the needs of all That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as Quaker schools know how to So, whether one considers individuals.

To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of do it.

Quaker education in particular, a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. or the Quaker way of living and To my mind, so much of what I have seen and read about of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, When I tried to explain what I being more generally, as a Quaker values appears to offer much that could inform the especially journalists or sceptical parents.

The challenges are great and many – was discovering for myself as I newcomer I perceive both have discussion in all these areas. For example, there is a rapidly Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding prepared for Bootham, interest a huge amount to offer to growing body of research cited by those who rightly advocate Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many was piqued and eyes lit up. This those searching for a really education should primarily concentrate on setting up young If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many was particularly true of those authentic and ‘modern’ people truly to flourish in life (intellectually, mentally contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. who, as young people, had approach to the particular emotionally and spiritually) and not just on testing narrow boarding today. enjoyed a sincere and active challenges of our day and age. academic achievement. The research points to the importance But however things unfold, it is an Christian experience. Many had No wonder so many people I of becoming open to identifying the blessings of one’s For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is drifted from it or were [guiltily] have met in school and outside existence, discovering one’s unique talents and putting these the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. reluctant to revisit it, often have responded with, “I really at the disposal of a just cause or a bigger idea. The necessity evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron. because of concerns about like the sound of that: it’s just to human happiness of service to others, the benefits of doctrinal inflexibility, moral what I’m looking for!” human connection in community, and our need for stillness So what comes to mind when one thinks conservatism or emotionally and mindful silence are also important. dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? demonstrative worship. It’s food and pastoral care in the hands of where I find myself in my own Indeed, I recently heard Dr Martin Seligman, dubbed The prefects were common attributes.

Professional development, expert spiritual journey in very Father of Positive Psychology, urging his audience to develop a advice, an increasingly strong voice to many ways. way of experiencing mindful silence in connection with others Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information Tony Little provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

17

Inspiring courage

St Mary’s School, Cambridge had the honour of welcoming Paralympian silver and two-time bronze medallist Liz Wright to speak about her courage and resilience, in the pursuit of her goals.

Already inspired by the coverage of the Rio Paralympic Games, the girls gathered to hear Liz describe the decision she made at the age of 13 (in 1993) to swim at her home Paralympic Games in Sydney in 2000. Born with congenital limb deficiencies (her right arm is missing below the elbow and her right leg is severely shortened) Liz explained that she “didn’t ever know what it was like to have two arms or two legs” and so doesn’t see living with her disability as requiring courage or resilience – simply ‘creative problem solving’.

Liz advised the girls to: “Be courageous and set big goals when you’re young – not only might you achieve your goals but you might even surpass them! I dreamed of swimming at the Paralympics and I did that – but I also did more! When I was 13 I hadn’t even dreamed of winning medals at the games.”

During 2016/17, the St Mary’s School, Cambridge community is focusing on two of the 12 Mary Ward Characteristics of a Mary Ward School (of which the school is one of almost 200) including ‘Coping effectively with failure’.

Head of Juniors, Mr Matthew O’Reilly, also invited Liz to share her experiences of failure and resilience. Liz spoke about her first competition, aged 13, at which she was overcome by nerves and ended up swimming the wrong stroke for 10 metres, resulting in disqualification. She described her enormous sense of embarrassment and wanting to give up and go home: “For just 30 seconds of making a mistake, I could have given up my dream. What I realised though, after my disqualification, was that my dream was bigger than any obstacle I would ever face – I could not give up in the face of failure, I had to gather my courage and forge ahead.”

Liz emphasised that “failure is an opportunity to learn from what went wrong – and to get better.” She sought help to better deal with nerves, but also decided to give up on the breast stroke to focus on her strong strokes. She explained: “Your goals might change, or be re-defined, but that’s OK. You will have bad days too, but if you give 100% every day, you’ll have more of the good days!”

St Mary’s School, Cambridge

Following a 16 year career in boarding schools, being a housemaster for 12, James was appointed as Headmaster to Monkton Prep School in 2012. During his medical assessment for the position, a brain tumour was discovered. He underwent two operations, spending months in hospital with the medical procedures saving his life but unfortunately depriving him of his sight. Further to this, James had to relinquish his dream job and set off into a new future without employment or buoyant health. James is a man who embodies a positive attitude to life and is now using his setbacks as springboards.

Being a teenager in today’s society can be very tough and many curve balls are thrown at them. As a school which encourages students to strive for the best and relish all of the opportunities regularly put in front of them, we still found that pupils lacked belief in their abilities. This is when we asked James Shone, founder of the charity ‘I can and I am’ to come to speak to our community to help inspire confidence in every individual. As many schools have children who are rich in talent but poor in self-belief, James’s personal journey and messages gave us all tools to build up each and everyone’s self-esteem and belief.

It was using inspiration from James’s visit that resulted in the theme UFO for a week of Chapel talks and activities both within and out with the classroom. This is where we encouraged the pupils to LOOK UP, LOOK FORWARD and LOOK OUT. Looking Up can mean looking up from your mobiles, iPads, computer screens and noticing what is going on around you. Looking up to who inspires you to be who you want to be. We asked the pupils ‘Who do you look up to and admire and why?’

look out

look forward

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look up

UFO James didn’t want to preach. But he knew how important his personal faith had been to him when he was in the HDU ward and his life hung in balance.

His looking up was to God for the belief and hope that he received during this traumatic time in his life.

In our week we had a ‘Dress up as your Role Model’ Day where we saw people from all walks of life being imitated around our campus. David Attenborough, Florence Nightingale, Mark Beaumont, Paula Radcliffe, Michelle Obama all made an appearance plus many more. The money raised on this day was donated to James’s charity. In addition, pupils voted for their most inspirational role models as well as academic departments presenting their role models within their fields.

Looking Forward means having drive and motivation to improve or move to the next step. Setting goals, targets in all areas of life are important to grow.

During the week each pupil had tutorials where clear academic and

pastoral targets were negotiated, to be monitored throughout the term, but it was understood that the key to achieving these goals was a positive mind set and that looking back would only hamper growth. Departments had UFO notice boards displaying and celebrating various pieces of exemplar work as well as open forums allowing pupils to express their opinions on what they enjoyed so much about that particular subject.

Looking Out means looking for inspiration, looking to help others and not being wrapped up in our own worlds. James suggests that seeking to do thoughtful things for others is key in overcoming grumpiness and low morale. For him this might involve sending encouraging emails, leaving presents or lollipops under his children’s pillows, congratulating people for their achievements, looking for more out of life and not just sticking to the same people, same

Sue Bruce Head of PSE & College West Housemistress, Fettes College

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events and activities. Our PSE Prefects were keen the students tried out different activities and so a Parkour session was put on for pupils to watch or join in. In addition, a surf simulator and fairground stalls provided opportunities for pupils to try new things as well as encourage and challenge one another.

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Guest speakers were a key element to our UFO week and Jamie Andrew, the author of ‘Life and Limb’, Sarah Robertson, GB Hockey Squad and Private Paul Lambert all talked to us about their life experiences and how ‘Looking Up, Looking Forward and Looking Out’ got them through their difficult times and situations.

Celebrating our Jubilee

t gives me enormous pleasure Jamie Andrew spoke about the need for this to write the foreword to this approach when he lost his hands and feet as celebration marking 50 years of well as coping with the death of his climbing the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). partner when they were stranded on the summit of Mont Blanc. Sarah Robertson spoke The BSA was formed just a couple of years about the need for this approach when she was not picked for the GB Hockey Squad for Rio inselection the late 1960s.

2016 very boarding late in the process and Private Lambert gave an account of how he To board at Etonan then say the least used this approach after IEDwas wastodetonated a formative experience. school was when on duty which left him in a The wheelchair. of course as historic and with traditional Each speaker inspired the school their as it

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

Gratitude If practices were encouraged in the these two worlds were sharply boarding houses with pupils leaving notes, contrasting then, contrast them again to presents or helpingtoday. fellow students throughout boarding the week leading to personal and collective satisfaction and fulfilment. meetings For all Mr Wilson’sHouse 1960s rhetoric about in each nightthe were dedicated to this themed week ‘white heat’ of change there was little where videos, articles and good practice were evidence of that in boarding schools then. shared in a house based setting.

Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

stories and we were very privileged to hear of Love and Sgt Pepper. what they Summer had to say.

UFO was a highly successful week that brought dormitories, inadequate heating, poor the school together. By ensuring we are food and pastoral care in the hands of supporting and inspiring each other, we can all prefects were common attributes. reach our goals.

Fast forward 50 years and what a

And that doesn’t even consider the access

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes.

That the change has been so great is of course well known to those who work in boarding. The hard part is explaining the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron.

So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding.

The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

for state boarding schools

Sporting Success

23

Gordon’s School hosted the highly anticipated SBF (State Boarding Forum) Sports’ Festival 2016 in September under sunny skies.

The event brought state boarding schools together to showcase and celebrate sporting achievement among Year 7 to Sixth Form students. Over 800 competitors from 11 schools completed more than 100 fixtures in cross-country, hockey, football, rugby 7s, rugby 15-aside and netball. Sportsmanship, enthusiasm and determination were common themes and the following teams became SBF Sports’ Festival 2016 winners: • • •

Gordon’s School – U16 football, U18 hockey and U15 boys’ cross-country St George’s School Harpenden – U13 netball, U13 girls’ cross-country and U15 girls’ cross-country RGS High Wycombe – U14 rugby 15-a-side, U18 rugby 7s and U13 boys’ cross-country.

Gordon’s School Head Teacher Andrew Moss said the tournament showed how well state boarding schools promote sporting excellence alongside academic success.

SBF Chair Irfan Latif thanked Gordon’s School for hosting a successful day. “Following a summer of Olympic endeavour in Rio, the Festival was a fitting reminder of how sport motivates and inspires our students, and not just those competing.

“It also brings communities together – in this case, our state boarding schools were provided with the chance to meet, share experience and appreciate the outstanding opportunities boarding provides. And all the while celebrating in sport and the values it teaches us – respect, discipline, teamwork and integrity.”

Hayley Zimak Membership and Marketing Manager, BSA

You’ll never raise money in a girls’ school

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From my first exposure to Headington School three and a half years ago I was struck by the warmth of the school community, its engagement with what the school was planning and the ambition of the Governing Council to move the school to even higher levels of achievement. I was also highly impressed by the aspiration of the Headmistress, Caroline Jordan, to put development and philanthropic giving firmly on the map. Why then did friends, whose professional judgement I normally respected, counsel me against taking the job one of them actually uttering the time-honoured phrase “you’ll never raise money in a girls’ school”?

From an early age I learned to push against received wisdom. Once I began to research the potential challenge ahead I became convinced that far from being a philanthropic wasteland, girls’ schools could be just as successful as their male counterparts in building vibrant development programmes and raising significant amounts of philanthropic income.

Several factors fuelled my optimism: • Women often outlive their spouses and therefore often find themselves in the position of controlling family wealth • A study by Graham Pelton Consulting and the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools suggested that women give 156% more of their wealth to charity than men. Women’s motives for giving are driven more often by altruism and empathy rather than by self-interest or prestige • For a large percentage of women, the support of education is at the top of their list of priorities. Also, women are more likely than men to support the same organisations annually.

The optimum donor age in the UK is 58 years. But given the likelihood that more women than men find themselves in control of family wealth this age threshold is likely to be higher for women. It is therefore vitally important girls’ schools devise arresting planned giving and legacy programmes that offer development staff an essential context for staying in touch with senior alumnae.

Tim Edge Director of Development at Headington School, Oxford debunks a few myths about fundraising

Gearing a legacy-giving programme around the memory of an iconic member of staff binds-in senior generations of alumnae. It’s also important to celebrate legacy giving and its importance with school legacy-giving events. In my experience, women have stronger and more comprehensive personal networks than men. It is therefore a good idea to use the alumnae themselves to promote the planned giving programme to their friendship groups.

Given that philanthropic giving by women is often driven by empathy rather than self-interest it is important to engage and involve alumnae in the life of the school.

Enlisting alumnae as volunteers is an effective way to reconnect them with the institution and bringing them closer to what it is doing and achieving. Activities that promote alumnae year-group cohesion are also important in this respect. Often this essential process starts with the appointment of year-group representatives who can help manage those essential links between alumnae in particular year groups and the school.

At Headington we seek to identify yeargroup leaders from our current Sixth Form. We also talk to our Sixth Formers about the history of philanthropic giving at the School, what it has achieved, and future possibilities for staying in touch and for philanthropic support. Very often motives for staying in touch are founded on what I would term as an enlightened sense of self interest. It is therefore essential schools offer an attractive range of benefits to their alumnae to promote staying connected. At Headington we

have an events-based school community engagement programme and a Sixth Form and alumnae mentoring scheme.

Never forget that for many women it’s the engagement that matters, so seek creative ways of promoting it.

One of the interesting conclusions of the Graham Pelton/National Coalition of Girls’ Schools study was that women are less likely than men to feel ‘over asked’.

Combined with their propensity to seek engagement this suggests they are more likely to respond favourably to regular giving. Rather than an annual ‘ask’ this could instead be based around an initial ask for a medium to long term recurrent commitment at an appropriate level.

Once this commitment to a recurrent gift has been secured it then offers a school the chance to focus on cultivation of the donor emphasising the value of the gift to the organisation, rather than by an annual continuum of asking.

Perhaps one of the most effective methods of building success in philanthropic giving in girls’ schools is to manage a balanced programme of engagement and giving right across your school community. Keep your parents close, particularly those former parents whose schools tend to disconnect and disenfranchise at the point their daughter leaves. Also, and crucially, reach out to your current parents, fire their imagination with what you are planning and the benefits that these plans will bring to their daughters.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ARE BUSINESSES

S “

I am the Chief Executive of a business. The joy of this business is that it is education.

There are 250 employees here at Worksop College and Ranby House Prep School, and the majority are in our support areas. Worksop is an area of significant social deprivation and we are regarded as a key local employer.

“

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Boarding Doing Well by Doing Good At no stage did the school stop operating of boarding, it was tempting to go with the as the work took place. It lasted for five relatively quick and easy option of months starting in May and we have a constructing a Travelodge or similar in a busy and successful summer lettings non-contentious location. Part of being programme which carried on too (a crucial distinctively different especially in the part of our revenue). Successful working current era of new and sadly inadequate relationships quick-build schools meant we wanted to Tony Little are significantly more important in such works than they are in take the time to get it right. I am a big BSA Honorary President new-build projects as you are essentially A very significant portion of the education believer in the idea that the process of living together. fees we raise every year comes from designing a new building is an opportunity outside our immediate area and a for much bigger internal discussions and reasonable proportion comes from for culture change.

THE RESULT outside the UK. We are a happy and successful boarding and day school. Our boarding community Put simply, we draw funds from elsewhere RESULTS INCLUDE: changes in size between 150 at the to an area of economic deprivation and we • A boot room and a second entrance for weekend and routinely 275 at its largest are a significant employer in a muddy feet on key nights there will be more than that. constituency with massive unemployment.

• Corridors wide enough so two 18-yearOur Houses are now configured in a way We are also investing heavily in olds can pass with hockey bags and will that gives students regular access to more infrastructure by using local businesses at not collide t gives me enormous heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for key staff.

Most Houses have been a time when many others are not. pleasure bedroom enjoying to write the foreword to this • Every around 24/7 pastoralspectacular care from boardingrefurbished conferences and events. to a point that puts many the National Trust’s celebration marking 50 years of view over professionals. hotels to shame and the rest will follow.

I am being deliberately dispassionate Clumber Park Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

Thelike BSA does allthe thistrend’ and, swan-like, much Phrases ‘bucking are about this,the almost monochromatic, • Ground source heat pumps which the access And that doesn’t even consider morebecause besides,they in exchange unhelpful suggest for a a modest because I want to make a point and I hope children can learn from BSA was formed just for a couple of years annual subscription. generally negative landscape in which we it is a goodThe one: boarding is good and abroad co-curricular are the only exception. Stereotypes of students and it is a force for good in • Crucially, building we are allprogrammes. proud of boarding in the late 1960s.

Thatschools we need the BSA and all its boarding (even modern communities such as ours. and that works for us. the traditional That the change has been so great is of stereotypes) valuableand services is beyond doubt as of a north-south divide in of Add to that rise ofat20% boarding Toaboard Etoninthen was to say the least course well known to those who work suggestion we contemplate the next 50 years independent education are also unhelpful. numbers here at Worksop over the last THE RECONFIGURATION a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. four years,ofacourse profileas where boarding respects bigger lay historic and traditional as In it manythe seismicthe leap to theheadache outside world, a successful Ourmany – numbers increase the further up the around the reconfiguration especially journalists and or sceptical parents.We are The challengesbusiness. are great and business is education and we champion school youSummer go and of a recent complex refurbishment of the remaining Houses in Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding the central role boarding hasinto playhow in many negotiation to move Housemasters and the 120-year-old Main College building.

It there Yet throughout all that has changed landscape will look like 2065, education.

We have invested carefully and Housemistresses back into boarding is always easier and less contentious to If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many heavily in our business and we are seeing houses after years when that was not design new buildings.

It is also often contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. the results. We know we are working to required. Now the cold monochrome cheaper or at the very least, costs are boarding today. construct a better school for hundreds of picture begins to develop some colour. more clearly quantifiable.

But however things unfold, it is an years rather than a quick fix for the next For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is five years. The process of master planning Plans were drawn and redrawn and the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. and designing has entailed much more for THE NEW BUILD proposed configurations were walked, evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron. the whole organisation than simply This rise of 20% in boarding numbers has talked, tested and then plans were designing some buildings it has been not come as a result of a quick fix or a redrawn again. It was helpful to have a few So what comes to mind when one thinkscentral to developing the vision for single capital investment. It has required guiding principles, a small design team dormitories, inadequate heating, of thebut BSA? the school. Crucially though, we have culture change, staff development, key poorand a larger still confidential team to food and and pastoral care in the hands oftest and challenge. found that we do well by doing good and appointments very carefully prefects were common attributes.

Professional development, expert that’s a great position to be in. considered infrastructure improvements. advice, an increasingly strong voice to Once we had decided we needed a new Fast forward 50 of years what a government and journalists, information Tony Little House to unlock the rest theand jigsaw and Gavin Horgan Headmaster, College provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary PresidentWorksop 2015-2016 to act as the flagship for our championing

Last year, we invested £3.5m in building a new Boarding House and £1m refurbishing others. The principal contractor that won both these contracts in a national competition has a track record in training apprentices and using local subcontractors.

Celebrating our Jubilee

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

A chance

to thrive

Spring 2016. I am sitting in front of three wide-eyed young men in a Kent County Council conference room. It’s a long way from two of the world’s most repressive nations, Ethiopia and Eritrea, where their journey began. They boys were recorded as Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) and little was known about their dates of birth, family or journey to England. Clearly their experiences weighed heavily on them. Having recently settled on arrival in Kent, they were now potentially being relocated to our boarding environment at the Royal School, Wolverhampton. The ‘Royal’ was founded to offer supportive educational boarding for orphans of the 1850s cholera epidemics. We have a long history of providing a safe, secure and supportive ‘family’ environment for underprivileged children, whether orphans (Foundationers) or looked-after children.

A conversation started in Wolverhampton in January 2016 with the LAC team about the national scheme to distribute the incoming UASC children to local authorities around the country to reduce the stress on Kent. We took this opportunity based on our successes with vulnerable children and being a very multinational school, where being from a different culture and from various part of the world is part of the norm. With this we believed that through our boarding we could offer a unique opportunity to provide a safe,

31

“I left home in East Africa just over a year ago hoping just to survive; I am now looking forward to finishing my GCSEs, A levels and hopefully go onto university to study computer science or chemistry. I am so, so lucky and could never have imagined when I left what I now have before me.” would typically find in a boarding school. Fundamental in all of this is that the aspiration of the boys’ ambitions, goals and vision is shared and understood.

secure and successful new life for these young boys to flourish.

In April 2016 the three boys arrived in Wolverhampton, were handed over to their new social workers in the city and welcomed into The Royal boarding house as any new arrival would be. All three had had an elementary education in their home countries and had fair use of the English language.

What shone, from our first meeting, was their enthusiasm to learn, to grab every opportunity and to make the most of their chance.

For the boys and the school, the process has not been without its trials.

The youngsters have been through a challenging journey few of us could imagine from the Horn of Africa, crossing the Mediterranean, through Europe and across the Channel. And

now they are thriving in the mundane normality of living at The Royal. Being clear with the boys about our expectations, the goals and vision they and we have for them has been key and they have coped with the boundaries of their new ‘school’ environment. Now, on a cold, wet autumn evening they are playing for the first XI as equal team members celebrating success together with their team mates. One has recently represented the School, the City and now the Midlands region at cross country, coming 21st in the country in a national competition.

Communication is a key challenge, there are a number of outside agencies, the LAC team, social workers who are assessing, checking through PEPs and supporting the boys as well as the network of pastoral staff you

Nine months later and we have three students in our community who are flourishing – socially, academically and most importantly in their own self confidence. The boys have grown in stature, in self-belief and we can see that in every part of their day to day lives.

They are now fully immersed in the Royal boarding family, displaying leadership, compassion and vision to develop their own lives and those around them. They are walking taller, speaking with confidence and have at times an unrivalled ambition to succeed in everything they do.

In September 2016, two more young men arrived from Egypt and Syria and they, with our most recent refugee from Vietnam are starting their individual journey through school and who knows what they might achieve and contribute to our global society.

Mark Heywood Principal The Royal School, Wolverhampton

Bridging the Gap

33

Boarding schools can be transformative – they can be life changing and even lifesaving. The work of the RNCF shows that: 94% of the children helped by the charity complete their education and go on to lead full and safe lives – which is impressive. My ambition is for the RNCF and the assisted boarding network to help many more vulnerable children and to spread our work far and wide.

LOR D NASH

English schools’ minister Lord Nash joined forces with the Royal National Children’s Foundation (RNCF) in November to host a conference promoting the value of boarding school placements for vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people.

The ‘Bridging the Gap 2016’ conference attracted 35 delegates from various Local Authority departments in England with responsibility for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Heads from BSA member schools also gave an informed view of the reality of boarding school life and benefits of assisted boarding.

The agenda included a discussion on the advantages of placing a young person in boarding, the type of child most suited to boarding, the role of local authorities and success story case studies. Lord Nash outlined his personal support for assisted boarding, encouraging local authorities and the RNCF to strengthen their working relationship.

RNCF Chief Executive Geoffrey Dennis (left), with Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools

BSA is collaborating on the initiative and will be part of the ‘Boarding School Partnerships’, a digital service ready for launch in early 2017 in conjunction with charities SpringBoard Bursary Foundation, Buttle UK and Reedham Children’s Trust.

The site and associated information and research will give local authorities access to the information, advice and expertise they need to evaluate the suitability of boarding school for vulnerable young people. It will also help them to secure places at appropriate schools.

By Chris Hughes RNCF

Crossing boarders: successful expansions Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Qatar, Cairo, Suzhou… these are not just cities with their own Starbucks souvenir coffee cups, but the overseas locations of some of the best-known British boarding schools.

Many boarding schools have for decades

welcomed pupils from all around the

world – according to a recent ISC Census, nearly 30% of new senior pupils in 2015 came from overseas. But now British

boarding schools are taking the tuck-box to Tianjin. For the schools involved,

securing a potential long-term extra revenue is highly attractive. It also

allows us to improve our educational

offer at home and abroad, to increase

the level of financial assistance afforded to families in the UK. Plus, there’s the exciting prospect of enhanced

international experience and awareness for pupils in both places – something

universities and employers value highly.

Some schools may actively have sought partners or development opportunities. For Christ College, like many others, it was a case of an approach from Asian business people, interested in developing a school in their own country. Representatives of our Malaysian collaborators first visited Brecon in early 2015. Right from the start we have had a trusting and positive relationship.

They were impressed by the school, the warmth of the welcome, and the openness of the children. Having a 13th Century dining hall like something out of Hogwarts probably impressed, too!

Christ College, Brecon is a small co-ed boarding school in rural mid-Wales. We have around 400 pupils from 7-18. What on earth are we doing establishing a sister school in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?

Boarding schools like Christ College, Brecon have many years of international activity behind them, with programmes of exchanges and trips across Asia, Africa, the Middle East. In a way this project is a culmination of this international perspective and engagement.

3 35

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee

Taking the tuck-box to Tianjin t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of Some would have it that name recognition the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). and the brand is important. I am not so sure.

Possibly the Harrow name brand has a Gucci BSA was formedcollaborators, just a couple of years effect, butThe what developers, and parents are buying in to is history, boarding in theexperience. late 1960s. Had the heritage, expertise and citizens of Jeju heard of North London boardits atKorean Eton then was toopened, say the least CollegiateTo before campus formative experience. school was or did theagood folk of Chonburi,The Thailand course and school, traditional know thatofRugby isas anhistoric esteemed as as it

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

And that doesn’t even consider the access and broad co-curricular programmes. parents are rightly concerned to know the project is not a risk to quality provision or That the change so great is of management at thehas UKbeen school. course well known to those who work boarding.

The hard partofisschools explaining Theinformer Chief Inspector in the seismic leap toWilshaw, the outside England, Sir Michael hasworld, expressed especially journalists or sceptical parents. some concern about these international developments: “We should put more effort intoYet supporting the system close throughout alleducational that has changed there to home… more Derby, less Dubai”. has been a constant, reassuring and

well as a global sport?

Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper.

You could say much the same about Christ College, and as ittwo happens Malaysia If these worldschoosing were sharply for our first overseas venture meant a name contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. change. Malaysia is a tolerant Muslim However, our view is that projects like ours boarding today. country, but there would have been can surely enhance educational and boarding questionsFor about our name.

The new school andthe across the been globe. all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in provision Oxfordat inhome July 1965 BSA has will be called King Henry VIII College, the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and Malaysia, after our royal founder. evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron.

Governors might worry about due diligence, dilution, and the difficulty of any oversight of dormitories, inadequate heating, poor a campus thousands of miles away. Like all food and pastoral care in the hands of such schools we intend that our reputation is prefects were common attributes. enhanced, not jeopardised. We have also kept the school community informed – Fast forward 50 years and what a

So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding.

The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan Simon Spencer your centenary!

Christ College, Brecon Project Co-ordinator: King Henry VIII College, Malaysia Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

3 37

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Building an international franchise – the Wycombe Abbey way Celebrating our Jubilee

Shortly after my appointment as Headmistress, we began to consider Wycombe Abbey’s strategic ambitions for the coming decade. As a world-class boarding school, we Rhiannon Wilkinson t gives me enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for decided Wycombe Abbey needed to take the lead in Headmistress, Wycombe Abbey write the forewordbursaries to this and around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. key areas like to boarding provision, celebration marking 50 years of professionals. staff recruitment. the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much And that doesn’t even consider the International access more besides, in exchange modest We are delighted byfor thea huge Wycombe Abbey Our discussions led us to consider the potential for launching BSAInternational was formed just a couple of years annualenthusiasm subscription.shown by pupils School in Changzhou opened WycombeThe Abbey Schools.

Having spent over a andthat broad co-curricular programmes. its doors on September 1, at both schools for the decade living and working in Asia myself, I was convinced boarding in the late 1960s. need the BSA and all its 2016. The School offers a That we partnership and pleasantly despite rapid expansion, there was still room for growth in the unique of the surprised the interest Thatalso the change has beenblend so great is ofUK and valuable services by is beyond doubtofas market for top-class British boarding education. We were Chinese curricula to boys and many of our stakeholders. aware thatTo many of Wycombe Abbey’s teaching staff had board at Eton then was to say the least course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of girls from The girls at Wycombe Abbey ambitionsatoformative experience international education form experience.

The school was in some in boarding.

The hard part isKindergarten explaining to 18. boarding.

Much work remains to be want to know everything and so I wanted to find a way of giving staff the professional of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, done in terms of integrating about their development opportunities they desired while keepingespecially them journalists or sceptical parents.

The challenges are Chinese great and many – the culture of Wycombe counterparts, from what they within theSummer Wycombe family. of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding Abbey to its new sister school eat for lunch to their Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many in China.

Key areas university choices and many career We conducted antwo enormous amount of research and spoke to a constant, If these worlds were sharply has been reassuring and for boarders we will serve or how ambitions. Current Wycombe collaboration have been several potential partners, eventually deciding that China, and contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. Abbey parents, as well as identified between teachers specifically a partnership with BE Education, was the right way boarding today. alumni and potential new and pupils at both schools, to go for us. We believe our approach has something new and But however things unfold, it is an parents, are also hugely and Wycombe Abbey plans to appealing to offer.

For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is engaged in the project and make full use of Skype and the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. are keen to know what’s other technologies to work on By taking over an existing BE school (albeit only a year old) in evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron. coming next. For its part, the joint projects. Wycombe Changzhou, rather than going to a greenfield site, we were team at Wycombe Abbey is Abbey teachers will be able to launch the school more quickly and consequently begin So what comes toinvolved mind when oneSchool’s thinks currently evaluating new in the to expand our bursaries programme in the UK. However, the inadequate of the BSA? opportunities in China and inspection. Pupils at our challengesdormitories, of ‘re-badging’ a schoolheating, are alsopoor considerable, food andthe pastoral care inisthe hands very of rapidly and elsewhere and are excited school in China will be particularly when new school growing prefects were attributes.

Professional development, about what the future holds. effectively expert prepared for the even in a short time hascommon established its own sense of identity advice, an increasingly strong voice international worldtothey will and culture.

Fast forward 50 years and what a government andlive journalists, information Tony Little and work in. provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

A milestone at home and abroad Over the years, Rugby School has been approached by several overseas organisations with a view to entering into a franchise. We declined them all. We were determined not to sell our name and put our reputation at risk.

But the Teepsuwan family were keen on establishing a genuine partnership for a school in Thailand. They were impressed by our traditions and history and understood our name could never be separated from our educational philosophy.

We exchanged visits. They liked our ‘the whole person is the whole point’ approach to education – its emphasis on academic excellence, superb pastoral care and a wide range of co-curricular activities. We admired their large green-field site 90 minutes outside Bangkok and their genuine desire to replicate Rugby School’s ethos for the benefit of Thai children.

Rugby School Thailand will open for prep and pre-prep day pupils in 2017 – the year of our own 450th anniversary – with a senior school and boarding facilities due to be opened on the same site a year later.

But this arrangement is not just about signing a contract and walking away.

Rugby School has been involved in the specifications for the school campus, including classroom design and all the shared facilities. We will advise on the development and delivery of the new school’s curriculum and public examination courses; the programme of co-curricular activities such as

music, drama, and sport; and the recruitment and training of the senior management team. I will personally be involved in interviewing candidates for the senior school headship. We will be working closely with the Teepsuwan family to ensure high standards are introduced and maintained across all the activities of the new school, and there will be an inspection regime to ensure that our ethos and reputation for excellence in the UK are mirrored in Thailand.

Of course, we recognise there will be cultural differences. For a start, Thai schools are not used to boarding – although parents see the attraction.

The House system and the long busy days will also be new. One of the reasons we liked the Teepsuwans’ aims for their new school was their choice of such a large site outside Bangkok with plenty of space for play and sport – including, of course, rugby football! Although Rugby School’s foundation stone is academic

performance, sport, music, arts, drama, hobbies and societies play a large and inter-connected role in our pupils’ experience of school and we want that to be part of the Thailand school offer.

Was our decision to enter this arrangement with Thailand missionary or mercenary? Well, a bit of both. Our objective is to provide a first-class British education in Thailand. The income will help protect our core middle-class market in England by building up our important bursary capability.

Our strategy is to be absolutely certain our partner is one who understands and shares a mutually beneficial version. We believe for Rugby School in Thailand we have found that partner.

Peter Green Head Master, Rugby School

I am often asked why staff should attend a BSA Certificate Course. To help you prepare your application for funding and support, here’s five reasons why it will benefit you and your school: 1. The course focuses on the main aspects of boarding and on key and emerging issues. It will develop your boarding role, your knowledge, understanding and skills to add to the improvement of boarding in your school 2. It will add to the school’s boarding team’s capacity to support boarders. Your knowledge of boarding practice and improved skills will help your boarding team 3. It will help your boarding houses better meet individual needs through a greater understanding of pastoral care and boarding welfare issues.

The course modules focus on specific welfare issues 4. Your personal development will be supported. Gaining confidence from a greater understanding of your role and boarding issues has a clear benefit 5. It will help your school meet the scrutiny of boarding inspectors when they are determining the overall quality of boarding at your school.

Understanding the value of the BSA’s certificate and diploma courses Course details

For new staff: Essentials of Boarding workshops are held through the year. It is also possible to complete an online Induction to Boarding course: new UK staff or International school staff.

For established staff: the BSA university accredited Certificate courses are run regionally across the UK and in Europe. This twoyear course, comprising two modules, is often seen as a prerequisite for taking on leadership role such as Boarding House Parent or HsMs. Now in its 17th year, over 315 school staff are currently engaged on this Certificate programme across 13 regional courses. Full details and application forms are on the BSA website.

For staff working directly with international students, the BSA one-year Certificate in International Boarding would be an ideal CPD opportunity and allow staff to update their practices in relation to meeting the needs of overseas students.

Photo courtesy of Sherborne School - www.sherborne.org

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There are a broad range of issues covered; peer support and discussion worked well course attendee

The next BSA Certificates in Professional Practice courses for School Matrons and for School Nurses commence in October 2017.

Finally, the BSA Diploma course is aimed at senior and experienced school staff and provides a more strategic focus in terms of leadership and the management of boarding/pastoral care in a school.

Since March 2012 the BSA Diploma in Leadership in Boarding has supported senior boarding staff at state and independent schools who wish to develop their professional understanding and knowledge of the strategic management of boarding schools.

Building on the extensive programme of training provided to boarding school staff by the BSA, the Diploma involves a series of study days over eight months and focuses on leadership and senior management challenges.

It requires Heads of Boarding and Deputy or Assistant Heads (and very senior HPs or HsMs) to carry out an audit of an aspect of boarding of their own choosing, make an oral presentation on the key findings and produce a 4,500-word report proposing the necessary actions for improvement.

Over the last four years successful Diploma students have conducted important research into areas of boarding which have included the induction and appraisal of staff, the structure/nature of evenings and weekends in a boarding school, an evaluation of a new boarding house project to ensure it was fit for purpose. The outcomes students gain from this course clearly also directly benefit the schools and can have a marked impact of the quality of care and wellbeing of the boarders/students.

It is also clear those students who have completed this Award have been empowered to seek promotion and are able deliver improvements to a school’s boarding or pastoral provision. There are now two Diploma cohorts each year with each course having a limited number of places so students, tutored by highly experienced senior professionals, can help individuals gain maximum benefit from the taught sessions, discussions and assignments.

Details of the next course, due to start in March 2017, are on the BSA website.

Alex Thomson OBE Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Training, BSA

43

Former boarder develops groundbreaking device A former Rydal Penrhos pupil has come up with an invention that could potentially save millions of lives.

Will Broadway, who left the school in 2010, has invented the Isobar, a mobile fridge designed to keep vaccines at the ideal temperature while in transit in developing countries. According to findings it could save the lives of 1.5 million people. Despite this extraordinary achievement, the 22-year-old says he won’t be trying to get a patent and plans to make no money from the equipment.

Speaking to Newsbeat, the Loughborough University graduate, said: “I wanted to make something for people who have next to nothing. It should be a basic human right, in my opinion, to have a vaccination.

“I don’t think it should be patented to restrict use. Medical products have such a big mark-up that it’s unreasonable for people around the world to purchase these items. If it is the best thing available, then it should be out there saving lives.” The creation has won him the annual James Dyson Award, which is open to students across the world who design something that solves a problem.

The device maintains a steady two to eight degrees for 30 days. It works by heating ammonia and water to create ammonia vapours which are then released into its main chamber when cooling is needed. Acting Head Roger McDuff, said: “This is a truly remarkable achievement and everyone at Rydal Penrhos is extremely proud of Will for all he has accomplished despite his relatively young age. To invent something that could have huge implications on people’s lives is extraordinary.”

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The former pupil, who now plans to oversee production added that there could be potential for the Isobar to be used for “blood donations and organ transplants” while also being used as commercial cooler.

Rydal Penrhos

A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TO STICK TO According to a 2015 ComRes Poll, 63% of adults in the UK fail to keep a New Years’ resolution, many not even making it to the end of January. It’s easy to see why: running in the dark and giving up a nice glass of wine at the end of a busy week hardly seems doable in the depths of winter, especially when we’ve all been getting huge over the Christmas holidays. When you add the beginning of a new term to the mix, it’s no wonder that the gym membership starts gathering dust almost as soon as it is taken out. But there are some positive changes that we can make and stick to for 2017! We need to create time and headspace for any extra activity. When you work in a boarding school the mythical ‘extra hour in the day’ doesn’t seem enough. Make this the year you really get on top of all the house-based admin and give yourself an empty inbox at the end of the day. A simple way of achieving this is to ensure your pastoral management system is up to date and, if your school doesn’t have one, investigate the options. These systems are invaluable in terms of freeing up house staff to get on with their jobs and look after themselves. So, when your House is in order and your desk is clear, you’ll have time to restart those guitar lessons; apply for (and do!) that MEd or BSA Diploma, go for a long walk and just breathe. Have a great 2017.

By Badger

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CENTRAL LONDON

HOME TO AN INTERNATIONAL CAMPUS Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee

At the end of Westminster Bridge in London, set on the skyline alongside the London Eye, a new building emerged two years With 15 floors Thomas Hadcroft t gives meago. enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapof accommodation and state-of-the art Deputy Principal (Boarding Welfare) to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral careand from boarding classrooms, DLD College is set among DLD College celebration marking 50 years of professionals. the iconic buildings that surround it, the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). giving some of the best views across And that doesn’t even consider the access London. This is the first time in DLD’s The BSA was formed just a couple of years history that the College and the DLD College is an International Boarding and broad co-curricular programmes. boarding have been drawn together College primarily aimed at Sixth Form boarding in the late 1960s. and is the most significant students, offering a varied curriculum of That the change has been soFoundation great is of development in the College’s 86-year A-Levels, BTECs, International To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known to those who work history. The new building also Program, GCSEs and academic English a formative experience.

The school was in boarding.

The hard part is explaining coincided with the merging between qualifications. A large number of UK of course historic London. and traditional the seismic leap to outside world, DLD and AbbeyasCollege With as it students are joined bythe international especially journalists or boarding spread over two sites around students encompassing 46sceptical differentparents. and Sgt Pepper. inner Summer London,of anLove opportunity arose to nationalities. There are few occasions that Yet throughout all that has changed draw all four components together. boarding schools and colleges embarkthere on If these two worlds were sharply been a constant, and suchhas huge changes and reassuring the Principal, Borland has calmly steered the contrasting then, contrast them again to Rachel valued presence: the BSA. varying projects through choppy waters boarding today. to ensure a smooth transition.

For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been last two years marked a and the ‘white heat’ of change there was little Thethere, rather likehas a long-serving significant shift in the ethos of the matron.

College evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house and new developments have included joining the BSA twotoyears introducing So what comes mindago, when one thinks new courses, restructuring of the roles dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? within the College and introducing food and pastoral care in the hands of integrated boarding into the modern prefects were common attributes.

Professional development, expert central London facility and providing advice, an increasingly strong voice to outstanding accommodation for over Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information 230 students. provider for prospective parents and

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding.

The challenges are great and many – andhas we adon’t know what the boarding DLD vibrant and engaging landscape and will look in 2065, how many community onelike which promotes an boarders we willwhich serve or howof many inclusive culture, is one its

strengths. This year the College has undertaken an initiative to focus primarily onBut thehowever emotional wellbeing resilience things unfold, and it is an ofenormous the students.

To start the academic comfort to know the BSA is year thewith College Elly Barnes there us onwelcomed the journey.

MBE, from the charity Educate and Celebrate, to provide training for staff in supporting the wider community of students. This was followed by a wellbeing audit from emotional wellbeing practitioner Dick Moore, who looked at current practices and focused on how to further enhance our support. The Tony Little students are central to the changes BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

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and the College is also focusing on enhancing their roles by providing different opportunities of development such as mental health training for senior students. These aims to provide the very best care and training for all in the community.

DLD College is in the midst of an important and significant period of its history, recognising the importance of the need of change and adaptation. The new modern building, its location and facilities offer an excellent platform to engage with the demands of 21st century learning, living and support.

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA was formed just a couple of years

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes. boarding in the late 1960s.

To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it

That the change has been so great is of course well known to those who work in boarding. The hard part is explaining the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents.

Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper.

If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today.

For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes.

Fast forward 50 years and what a

Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron.

So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding.

The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

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The benefits of junior boarding Dorothy MacGinty Headmistress, Kilgraston School Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest Junior boarding prepares The Junior Boarding House at Kilgraston The BSA was formed just a couple of years annual children for their senior school subscription.

School in Scotland accommodatesand boarders broad co-curricular programmes. careers, making them more boarding in the late 1960s.

That aged eight to 12. The youngest live in independent and creative.

Thewe need the BSA and all its That the change has transition been so great is Junior of from to valuable senior services is beyond doubt as Butterstone house and the older girls live in To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known toboarding those who work by the we contemplate the next 50 years of is eased links the aAustin Boarding Mistress formativedorms. experience.The The school was in boarding. The hard partstaff is explaining boarding. both and pupils have with course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, both houses.

The girls are aimsof to create a home-from-home feeling to integrate with especially journalistsencouraged or sceptical parents.

The challenges are great and many – and the Assistant Boarding Mistress also other year groups and attend Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding encourages the girls to utilise the Yet wider trips andthere offsite landscape will look like in 2065, how many throughout all that hasonsite changed together.

If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many opportunities Kilgraston has to offer. contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. The girls are guided Juniorboarding boardingtoday. offers many advantages for parents and pupils. throughout this transition and But however things unfold, it is an For families with busy schedules and careers, junior boarding towards the end of junior all Mr and Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric aboutto indevelop Oxford in skills July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is offersFor stability the chance for children their boarding are given more and take theheat’ many andlittle extracurricular activities the up ‘white ofopportunities change there was there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. responsibilities. Throughout offered.

This means can stay later then. at their music lesson or boarding evidence of thatpupils in boarding schools warmly trusted house matron. their time in junior boarding have an extra riding lesson without causing disruption. the pupils learn important key So what comes to mind when one thinks skills including respect for Having experienced staff means pupils are constantly supported dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? others, kindness and emotionally and academically.

It also means food and pastoral care in the hands of their needs are teamwork.

The girls learn to be closely monitored ensure attributes. they are reaching their full potential. prefects wereto common Professional development, expert adaptable and sympathetic Staff members are also experienced in providing academic advice, an increasingly strong voice to with others and the pupils support. In Junior boarding, there is a structured routine of Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information Tony Little grow and develop and become homework and close supervision is given, helping pupils excel provider for prospective parents and ready for senior school. BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 with their academic work.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

www.witleyjones.co.uk

“Connect” is an important word when it comes to successful boarding. Jo Hill, Head of Boarding at Foremarke Hall, outlines its significance and ways in which connections can be achieved for the benefit of both children and parents.

The Oxford English dictionary defines ‘connect’ as “join together so as to provide access and communication”. As soon as you start to think about it, its relevance to a successful boarding experience for parents and their children is obvious.

It goes without saying schools allow the use of mobile phone and emails as means of contact, but making sure parents and children connect with each other should be facilitated and promoted in a range of ways.

Mobile phone and Skype conversations enable treasured one-to-one conversations and wise parents soon realise that what they can see and hear in the background of those conversations reveals a huge amount about the appearance and atmosphere of the boarding house.

Having had a parent say: “All I hear is children laughing when I call. Sometimes I’d like them to leave the phone off the hook, just so I can keep listening,” is reassuring and comforting – for them and for us.

But while those conversations are vital, on their own they are not sufficient to make parents feel they understand the environment in which their children work and relax.

A particularly nice touch at Foremarke is that boarders write a letter every Sunday, usually to parents but to other relatives and family friends too.

Headmaster Richard Merriman says he can imagine people in their 70s still cherishing bundles of these.

Letter writing takes time, thought, attention and consideration. A text or an email is a quick and easy, but receiving a letter expresses more. Sitting down to write a letter allows pupils to connect with someone on a very personal level. It encourages them to reflect on what they have been feeling and doing during the week and then translate that into words.

Children considering boarding at Foremarke Hall are invited for an overnight stay to sample some of the many extra-curricular activities and get a feel for life in the homely houses. We recognise boarding can be a big step for families and children and a boarding taster often helps alleviate little worries and answer questions about what life as a boarder might be like for each of them.

Boarders certainly had their say when I was appointed – as part of the recruitment process my husband Colin and I were interviewed by a panel of boarders who asked some very insightful and wellprepared questions.

The school’s weekly newsletter enables parents of boarders to see their children at work and play as it includes a Boarding News and Notices section. All parents are emailed the website link to this document each week and paper copies are also printed.

Every Monday morning a comprehensive report of “The Boarding Weekend” complete with pictures is uploaded to the school website, providing them with a full run-down on what has been happening at Foremarke. It is a clear and honest picture – yes there’s lots of activity, but quiet time, TV viewing and leisurely strolls in the grounds too.

Achieving a good balance between academic prep, activities and entertainment and relaxation in boarding time is important, and our communications enable parents to see that.

At the end of the school year boarders’ parents are invited to join their children for a weekend of camping in Foremarke’s extensive 55-acre grounds, complete with its own forest and lake. The weekend is always great fun and plays an important part in maintaining “connect”.

Having said that, we fully appreciate the importance of face-to-face contact and have bought new tablets for additional Skype access in houses this year. New technology also enables us to update parents in real time, using Twitter to post images of what we’re up to.

We are always discovering new ways of making sure boarders and parents connect. A recent visit by a reporter from a BBC radio station to cover a story in our music school meant the parents of the three young musicians who performed as part of the recording could listen in live after we provided them with all the details.

We invite parents to watch sporting fixtures, at home and away, attend musical and theatrical performances, church services and bonfire parties.

But Foremarke always encourages parents considering the school to visit and spend time in the boarding houses.

As Foremarke Hall’s Director of Music Susan Bloor said: “How lovely it was that our boarding community tuned in as they gathered together for breakfast to listen to their friends. Adaia’s parents had tuned in from Barcelona and Ron and Tadd’s family were listening in Hong Kong!”

This helps them develop a personal rapport with staff, so they can be happy they are the right rolemodels for their children. They can see for themselves that the school shares their family values and they can communicate freely and openly with houseparents.

By considering a school’s ability and means of achieving “connect”, much is to be learned about the quality of its care and emphasis on family values.

Co

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ming together

ADVERTISING FEATURE 3 53

Photo courtesy of Sherborne Girls - www.sherborne.com

G N I D R A O B L U SUCCESSF

Tracy A Shand, Author Boardingology

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

It is fair to say that working in the boarding world today can be challenging. Gone is the world of big sharing dorms and cold showers, it is now all about your boarder’s virtual world and better facilities.

Celebrating our Jubilee

happening today in your community that is done today or maybe something else...

A combination of economic issues, affecting tomorrow? To be successful in there is always something going on! Let us generational differences, wellbeing and the boarding, it is about building tomorrow.

By not convenor talk aboutofthe now that impact of socialt gives mediame mean schools have enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapthe‘curveball’ boarding family for this I do not mean just building expensive seems to be dominating your to change to remain competitive for to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. day so you sports facilities or new are not able to get anything else done. success. If you celebration look at the baseline markingfor 50 years of music centres, professionals. boarding houses to increase numbers.

It is Successfully ‘living theand, now’ is success, financial solvency, the key to the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

The BSA does allinthis swan-like, much about positively responding to the common determined by how you feel.

All of success now is numbers. To meet this And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange foraspects a modest thread that is driving your community – your life coming together is the real you target, some schools have moved their The BSA was formed just a couple of years annual subscription. people.and It isbroad aboutco-curricular a desire to programmes. grow and that you take into the boarding world each brand into a new cultural home. Others become a better version of you through day. If you combine the ‘now’ acronym with have strategically redesigned their boarding boarding in the late 1960s.

That we need the BSA and all its learning and interacting with others. your school of boarding life, there is so to provide specialist care at different stages That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as much more to these three letters than can of a boarder’s journey.

To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of What does boarding NOW mean to you? help everyone move forward. You may have a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding.

Take a moment to step back and reflect on Depending on your position in the boarding failed in the implementation of your New of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, what is happening right now in your world, this three-letter word will create Year resolutions (again), but if you grab a especially journalists or sceptical parents.

The challenges are great and many – boarding world. What have you seen today? emotions and action. Getting numbers, pen now you may just create a new one.

Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding Do you see numbers or people? What is appointing staff, what I have (or have not) Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. Boardingboarding New Original today.Works What new initiatives are you putting into place? If you don’t do something your competitor will. Start that will make Butsomething however things unfold, it isyour an life easier.For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey.

Boarding No Other Way evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron.

Boarding schools like all other organizations need to adapt to survive. It is time to be strategic for success. At your next team meeting, step into the shoes of your boarders, parents and community. Write down three changes that could empower them for success. Better So what comes to mind when one thinks still, ask them. dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? food and pastoral care in the hands of Boarding Nights or Weekends prefects were common attributes.

Professional development, expert This is where the magic happens. The day staff goes home and we start our second job. In fact, the most rewarding job I have ever advice, an increasingly strong voice to had – how about you? Boarding school life gives you the gift of time. Next week, look at the week through the eyes of two questions – Fast forward years what a week to add government and journalists, information Tony Little to go outside their what if... or what else?50 Pick oneand thing each to your programme that will inspire your community provider prospective parents Honorary President comfort zone. What can you add to your community to create afor growth mindset that isand so needed BSA to be successful in the 2015-2016 world?

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

“ ”

The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate JOSEPH PREISTLEY

55 3

Forums of excellence Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee

}

heating, abundant OBE, food and wrapof the boardingBSA family for

By Alex Thomson Deputy Chief Executiveconvenor and Director of Training, around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. celebration marking 50 years of professionals. the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much he single biggest TheAnd BSA Safeguarding Advisory Forum, which comprises that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest communication issues is the representatives from across the boarding sector, aims to: The BSA was formed just a couple of years annual subscription. illusion that it has taken place. and broad co-curricular • Inform the BSA Executiveprogrammes.

Committee and member schools about developments in And with a plethora of boarding in the late 1960s. we need the BSA and all its safeguarding legislation, compliance and bestThat practice information being shared it is all too That theallchange hasrelating been sotogreat is of valuable services beyond doubt as • Monitor matters inspections, compliance and theisBSA Commitment easy to be overwhelmed by the flurry of To board at Eton then was to say the least tocourse well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of Care Charter emails and printed paper. This is a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. particularly true when these colleagues • Develop guidance and advice for member schools, and of course as historic and traditional the seismic leap to the outside world, feel the need to share everything just in as it • Inform the safeguarding elements of the BSA CPD programmes. especially journalists or sceptical parents.

The challenges are great and many – case (!) and consequently it is often of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding difficult toSummer know what is important The State Boarding Forum, representing the 39 state schools with boarding Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many or relevant. provision will: “Consider, develop, improve, discuss, represent and promote state If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many boarding.”

The BSA has placed communication at the contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. heart of itsboarding businesstoday. of providing support The BSA Boarding Schools Network on LinkedIn is an active group of some 600 to member schools. From the weekly things unfold, it is an professionals related to boarding education withBut an however aim to promote the highest newsletters toall our we are tryingabout in standards schools both in the UK and overseascomfort by linking boarding For Mrmagazines Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric Oxfordin in boarding July 1965 the BSA has been enormous to know the BSA is to ensure individual staff of can accessthere was little professionals and allowing them to share resources tous network to spread best the ‘white heat’ change there, rather like a long-serving and thereand with on the journey. appropriate information when and how evidence of that in boarding schools then. practice. warmly trusted boarding house matron. they need it.

This group is open to anyone with an interest in boarding education.

So what comes to mind when one thinks In addition to the BSA publications and dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the There are BSA? also two specialist Google Groups related to staff in our schools: Boarding Briefing Papers, and the advice food and pastoral care in the hands of The School Nurses Forum, with over 300 members, is open to any nurses working and guidance available in the members’ prefects were common attributes. development, in orProfessional with our schools.

This is aexpert very active forum which provides opportunities to area of the BSA website, we have also set advice, an increasingly strong voice to share best practice and issues/concerns. up several Forums to help staff to get to Fast yearsmatter. and what a government and journalists, information Tony Little the heart of anforward issue or50 school The School Matrons’ Forum is a smaller group which is just beginning to provide a provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 similar vehicle to such staff in our schools. t gives me enormous pleasure COMMUNICATION IS KEY to write the foreword to this

T

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

Stronger Together Irish Forum

“Running a boarding school isn’t a job; it’s a way of life” – the phrase may have been said by Mark Boobbyer, Warden of St. Columba’s, but it was clearly a sentiment echoed by those in attendance of the ‘Stronger Together’ conference in Dublin.

Organised by BSA Fellow, (2016/17) Patrick Toland from Rockport School, the one-day event in November 2016 was a rare opportunity for Irish boarding schools to come together as peers and colleagues. Despite having 35 boarding schools (representing 3,500 boarding and international students), Ireland has no central representative body for all boarding schools – unlike the BSA in the UK. Patrick, who is also Rockport’s head of boarding, took the initiative to bridge the gap by inviting several schools and speakers to come together to discuss challenges facing the sector and opportunities to work together. Heads, principals and housemasters from over 20 schools discussed UK and world boarding standards, the importance of good guardianship, how to lead a boarding house and how best to recruit international students and market schools.

Mark Robinson, BSA’s Assistant Director of Training, ran a break-out session and began with the story of one of his former boarders, Tom. He also reminded housemasters to set aside moments for themselves by making time for friends, family and hobbies.

Following the conference, we will be working with Patrick and our Irish boarding schools to encourage boarding schools in Ireland to join the BSA, explore how to integrate any future events into the BSA’s conference programme and will also explore setting up a BSA Ireland Boarding Forum.

3 57

Regional networking is now a key part of the BSA’s Mission to ‘Champion Boarding and Promote Excellence’ and our Strategy to Little ‘Inform, Influence, Improve and Tony Innovate’.

BSA Honorary President

SWERB

Celebrating our Jubilee

Scottish Forum So far this academic year, we have launched SWERB, our Flying the flag north of the border was the order of the day first regional forum for South West England, through a for the first Scottish Regional Boarding Forum on November successful one-day event hosted in October at King’s 3.

It was a wraphistoric moment,convenor not least of because the meeting t gives me enormous pleasure and the boarding family for College, Taunton.

A committee for SWERB has been heating, abundant food venue was in Queen Mary’s House, once the home to representatives write the foreword toprep this and senioraround 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. of Mary established, with from Queen of Scots! celebration marking 50 years of professionals. boarding, six South West counties (except Cornwall, where we are stillthe looking!) and from independent and state Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much The day was the of themore new and the old.

Following boarding.

And that doesn’t even consider the best access besides, in exchange forour a modest tour of the newly refurbished girls’ dormitory, Bishopshall The BSA was formed just a couple of years annual subscription.

House, guests were able to glimpse life at St Leonards (and Alongside this we are actively exploring setting up regional and broad co-curricular programmes. wish they too could move into the fabulous accommodation). boarding forums South/Central Southern boardingfor in Wales the lateand 1960s.

That we need the BSA and all its The group had the opportunity to inspect the former England – and would be interested in developing otherThat the change has been so even great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as living quarters of Mary Queen of Scots before the formal new regions . Anyone interested in talking to BSA To board at Eton then was to say the leastabout course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of meeting began. this should contact Hayley Zimak,The Membership a formative experience. school wasand in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding.

Marketing Manager through Hayley@bsa.org.uk of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, This joint venture between BSA and SCIS (Scottish Council for especially journalists or sceptical parents.

The challenges are great and many – Independent Schools) saw host and Headmaster Dr Michael Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t what welcome the boarding Carslaw and his PA Connie Williams of Stknow Leonards Yet throughout all15 that has changed landscape willcommunity. look like in 2065, how many delegates fromthere the Scottish boarding If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: BSA the BSA. and SCIS provided insight into recent data from the boarding today.

Scottish boarding community and issues from safeguarding, But however things it iswas an recruitment and pressures were discussed.

Theunfold, meeting For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSAstart has been enormous comfort to knowmarket the BSA is a fruitful to strengthening the Scottish boarding the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like ainlong-serving there with us on the journey.

Scotland. and evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron.

Alison Herbert, SCIS Deputy Director said of the day: “SCIS particularly So what comes to mind when appreciates one thinks the opportunity to work closely with the BSA. Collaborative working across the sector can only dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? enhance the reputation of boarding and is a fantastic food and pastoral care in the hands of opportunity to promote boarding in Scotland.” prefects were common attributes.

Professional development, expert

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

Fast forward 50 years and what a

advice, an increasingly strong voice to next meeting will be hosted

by Fettes College in government and The journalists, information Tony Little Edinburgh in the Spring term. provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

YOU! WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

To be considered for inclusion in the magazine – including our ‘Heads on the move’ section – please email your feature ideas to bsa@boarding.org.uk

NB

In the Autumn edition of the magazine, we erroneously reported that Elaine Logan was the first female warden of a major Scottish boarding school. In fact, Dorothy MacGinty also leads a major Scottish boarding school as Headmistress. (Kilgraston’s)

}

}

3

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA was formed just a couple of years

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes. boarding in the late 1960s.

To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it

That the change has been so great is of course well known to those who work in boarding. The hard part is explaining the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents.

Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper.

If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today.

For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes.

Fast forward 50 years and what a

Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron.

So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding.

The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

BSA MEMBER LIST Abberley Hall School

CATS College London

Gosfield School

Charterhouse

Great Walstead School

Abbey College Manchester

Chafyn Grove School

Abbotsholme School

Chase Grammar School

Ackworth School

Chelsea Independent School

Abbots Bromley School

Abingdon School

Cheam School

ACS Cobham International School

Cheltenham College

Adams’ Grammar School

Chetham’s School of Music

Albyn School

Aldenham School Aldro School

Aldwickbury School

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Clayesmore Preparatory School

City of London Freemen’s School

Appleford School

Clayesmore School

Ardvreck School

Cobham Hall School

Clifton College

Colchester Royal Grammar School

Ashdown House School

Concord College

Ashford School

Cotswold Chine School

Ashfold School

Ashville College

Cothill House

Cottesmore School

Ashwicke Hall School

Cranbrook School

Aysgarth School

Culford School

Atlantic College

Badminton School

Barnard Castle School

Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School

Cranleigh School

Cumnor House School Cundall Manor School Dallam School

Bath Academy

Dauntsey’s School

Beachborough School

Dean Close Preparatory School

Battle Abbey School Bedales School

Bede’s Preparatory School Bede’s Senior School Bedford School

Bedstone College

Beechen Cliff School

Beechwood Park School

De Aston School

Dean Close School

Dean Close St John’s Denstone College

DLD College London Dollar Academy

Dorset House School Dover College

Beechwood Sacred Heart School

d’Overbroeck’s College

Belhaven Hill School

Downside School

Beeston Hall School

Belmont Preparatory School

Bellerbys College, Brighton

Downe House School Dragon School

Dulwich College

Bellerbys College, Cambridge

Dulwich Prep London

Benenden School

Durand Academy

Bellerbys College, London

Dulwich Preparatory School

Berkhamsted School

Durham School

Bilton Grange School

Eastbourne College

Bethany School

Bishop’s Stortford College

Eagle House School Edge Grove School

Bishopstrow College

Edgeborough School

Blundell’s School

Ellesmere College

Bloxham School

EF Academy Torquay

Bootham School

Elmhurst Ballet School

Bournemouth Colleigate School

Epsom College

Boundary Oak School Box Hill School

Bradfield College

Exeter Cathedral School

Farlington School Felsted School

Feltonfleet School

Fettes College

Bruern Abbey School

Foremarke Hall, Repton Preparatory

Bryanston School

Forres Sandle Manor School

Bruton School for Girls Brymore Academy

Harrogate Ladies’ College Hatherop Castle School

Haydon Bridge High School

Hazlegrove Preparatory School Headington School

Heath Mount School Heathfield School

Hethersett Old Hall School Highfield School

Hockerill Anglo-European College

Hurstpierpoint College

Hurtwood House School Ipswich School

Junior King’s School

Kent College Canterbury

Kilgraston School

Kimbolton School

King Edward’s Witley

King William’s College Kingham Hill School

King’s College School

King’s College Saint Michaels King’s College, Taunton King’s Hall School

King’s School, Bruton King’s School, Ely

King’s School, Rochester Kingsley School

Kingswood Preparatory School Kingswood School

Kirkham Grammar School Kitebrook House

Knighton House School Lambrook School

Lancaster Royal Grammar School

Lancing College

Lathallan School

Leweston Junior Department Leweston School

Lichfield Cathedral School Lime House School

Lincoln Minster School Liverpool College

Liverpool College International Llandovery College

Longridge Towers School

Monkton Combe Senior School Monmouth School Moor Park School Moorland School

More House School

Moreton Hall School

Moulsford Preparatory School

Mount St Mary’s College Moyles Court School New Hall School

Northbourne Park School Northease Manor School Oakham School

Ockbrook School

Old Swinford Hospital Oswestry School Oundle School

Packwood Haugh School Padworth College

Pangbourne College Papplewick School Perrott Hill School

Peter Symonds College Pinewood School

Plymouth College

Pocklington School Polam Hall School Port Regis School

Prestfelde Preparatory School Princess Helena College Prior Park College

Prior Park Preparatory School Prior’s Field School QE Academy Trust

Queen Anne’s School

Queen Ethelburga’s College Queen Margaret’s School Queen Mary’s School

Queen Victoria School

Queen’s College, Taunton Queenswood School Radley College

Ratcliffe College Reading School

Reddam House Reed’s School

Rendcomb College Repton School

Riddlesworth Hall Preparatory School Rishworth School and Heathfield Junior

Loretto School

Ripon Grammar School School

Rockport School

Luckley House School

Roedean School

Ludgrove School

Rossall School

Casterton Sedbergh Preparatory School

Godolphin School

LVS Ascot

CATS College Cambridge

Gordon’s School

Malvern College

Gordonstoun School

Monkton Combe Preparatory School

Lord Wandsworth College

Lucton School

CATS College Canterbury

Moira House Girls School

Rikkyo School in England

Giggleswick School

Godstowe Preparatory School

Moffats School

Lomond School

Loughborough Grammar School

Caterham School

Milton Abbey School

Orwell Park School

Keswick School

Framlingham College

Glenalmond College

Millfield School

Kent College Pembury

Fulneck School

Canford School

Millfield Preparatory School

Old Buckenham Hall School

Junior School

Caldicott

Campbell College

International

Kent College Nursery, Infant and

Lockers Park School

Fyling Hall School

Mill Hill School & The Mount, Mill Hill

Mowden Hall School

Horris Hill

Frensham Heights School

Cambridge Centre for Sixth-form Studies

Merchiston Castle School

Holyport College

Holmwood House School

School

Frewen College

Mayfield School

Mount Kelly

Burford School

Burgess Hill Girls

Marlborough House School

Holmewood House School

Leighton Park School

Farringtons School

Bromsgrove School

Handcross Park School

Eton College

Brentwood School Brockhurst and Marlston House

Hampshire Collegiate School

Langley School

Farleigh School

Brighton College

Haileybury

Elstree School

Brambletye School Bredon School

for Girls

Harrow School

Ampleforth College

Ashby School

Marymount International School

Haberdashers’ Monmouth School

Christ College Brecon

Christ’s Hospital School

Ardingly College

Gresham’s School

Hanford School

Al Jamiatul Islamiyyah

All Hallows School Preparatory School

Marlborough College

Chigwell School

Christ Church Cathedral School

Mark College

Great Ballard School

Maidwell Hall School Malvern St. James

Rookwood School Royal Alexandra and Albert School Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe

Royal Russell School

61 Rugby School

Sutton Valence School

Windermere School

Rydal Penrhos School

Talbot Heath School

Wishmore Cross Academy

Ruthin School

Ryde School with Upper Chine Rye St Antony School

S. Anselm’s Preparatory School Saint Felix School

Saint Ronan’s School

Salisbury Cathedral School

Sandroyd School

Scarborough College

Swanbourne House School TASIS The American School in England Taunton Preparatory School Taunton School

Taverham Hall Preparatory School Teikyo Foundation (UK) Terra Nova School

Terrington Hall School Tettenhall College

Seaford College

The Chorister School

Sevenoaks School

School

Sedbergh School Sexey’s School

Shaftesbury School

Shebbear College

Sherborne Girls

Sherborne International

Sherborne Preparatory School

Sherborne School Sherfield School

Shiplake College

Shrewsbury School Sibford School Sidcot School

Sir Roger Manwood’s School

Skegness Grammar School

Slindon College

St Andrew’s Preparatory, Eastbourne St Andrew’s School, Pangbourne St Catherine’s, Bramley St Christopher School St Clare’s, Oxford

St Dominic’s Brewood

St Edmund’s College, Herfordshire St Edmund’s School, Canterbury St Edmund’s School, Surrey St Edward’s School, Oxford St Francis’ College

St George’s School, Ascot

St George’s School, Harpenden St George’s School, Windsor

St Hugh’s School, Lincolnshire St Hugh’s School, Oxfordshire St John’s Beaumont

St John’s College, Hampshire

St John’s College School, Cambridgeshire

St John’s International School

St John’s School, Leatherhead St Joseph’s College

St Lawrence College

St Leonard’s School, Fife

St Margaret’s School, Bushey

St Martin’s Ampleforth

St Mary’s Calne

St Mary’s School, Ascot

St Mary’s School, Cambridge

The Downs, Malvern College Preparatory The Duke of York’s Royal Military School The Elms

The Hammond School

The Harefield Academy

Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall

Stover School

Strathallan School

Summer Fields School

Sunningdale School

Wycliffe College

Wycombe Abbey School Wymondham College

British International School, Phuket,

The New Eccles Hall School

The Oratory Preparatory School The Oratory School The Park School

The Pilgrims’ School

The Prebendal School

The Priory Academy LSST The Purcell School The Read School

The Royal Ballet School

The Royal High School, Bath The Royal Hospital School

The Royal Masonic School for Girls The Royal School, Armagh

The Royal School, Dungannon The Royal School, Haslemere

The Royal School, Wolverhampton The Skegness Grammar school

BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International Brilliantmont International School, Switzerland

Dulwich College Suzhou, China

College du Leman International School,

Tonbridge School Trent College

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts Trinity School

Truro High School for Girls Truro School

Tudor Hall School Twyford School

Uppingham School

Victoria College, Belfast

Vinehall School

Walhampton School Warwick School

Welbeck - The Defence Sixth Form

College

Wellington College

Wells Cathedral School West Hill Park School

Westbourne House School

Westminster Abbey Choir School

Westminster Cathedral Choir School Westminster School Westonbirt School Whitgift School

Winchester College

Winchester House School

Day Waterman College, Nigeria Frensham, Australia

Switzerland

GEMS Cambridge International

Glenstal Abbey School, Ireland

Hangzhou Greentown Yuhua School,

Ecole des Roches, France

International School Eerde, Netherlands King’s College, the BRITISH School of Madrid, Spain

Leisin American School, Switzerland Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz, Switzerland Open Gate Boarding School, Czech Republic

Robert College, Turkey

Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Laroverket, St George’s International School,

Tockington Manor School

Bromsgrove International School,

College Champittet, Switzerland

College Alpin Beau Soleil, Switzerland

The Yehudi Menuhin School Thornton College

Thailand

Thailand

Sweden

The Wellington Academy

British International School, Nigeria

Chateau de Sauveterre, France

The Thomas Adams School

West Buckland School

Stonyhurst College

Wychwood School

School, Germany

Stewart’s Melville College

Stonar School

Wrekin College

The New Beacon School

Wellington School

Stoke College

Worth School

Avi-Cenna International School, Nigeria

Stamford School & Stamford High School

Steyning Grammar School

Worksop College

Aiglon College, Switzerland

The Mount School

Wellesley House School

Stanborough School

Woodhouse Grove School

The Mary Erskine School

St Teresa’s School

Stamford Junior School

Woodcote House School

REST OF THE WORLD

Warminster School

St Swithun’s School

Woodbridge School

EUROPE

The Leys School

St Paul’s School

St Peter’s School, Devon

Woldingham School

The King’s School, Canterbury

Walden School

St Peter’s School, York

Witham Hall School

The Five Islands School

St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury St Olave’s Preparatory School

Windlesham House School

St Columba’s College, Ireland Germany

St George’s International School,

School-Nairobi China

Harrow International School, Bangkok, Thailand

Hilton College, South Africa

Jerudong International School, Brunei Kincoppal-Rose Bay, Australia Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, Malaysia Michaelhouse, South Africa

Miles Bronson Residential School, India Nexus International School, Malaysia North London Collegiate School Jeju, Republic of Korea

Peponi School, Kenya

Prem Tinsulanonda International School,

Switzerland

Thailand

Surval Montreux, Switzerland

Pymble Ladies’ College, Australia

St Gilgen International School, Austria United World College Dilijan, Armenia

Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Australia Regent’s International School, Pattaya, Thailand

School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA) St George’s College, Argentina The Doon School, India

The International School of Penang (Uplands), Malaysia

Trinity Grammar School, Australia

United World College of South East Asia, Singapore

Woodstock School, India

2016 That’s a wrap!

The following schools have joined the BSA since the beginning of the academic school year.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to: Albyn School Al Jamiatul Islamiyyah Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School Bath Academy Bishopstrow College EF Academy Exeter Cathedral TASIS The American School in England Overseas members: Ecole des Roches GEMS Cambridge International School-Nairobi Woodstock School In addition, the Boarding Orchard continues to expand in the UK and overseas. We would like to thank the following schools for taking part this academic year: Beeston Hall School Campbell College Christ College Brecon Highfield School Old Swinford Hospital The Hammond School Victoria Collge Wycombe Abbey For more information on how to join the Boarding Orchard, please visit our website: boarding.org.uk or email hayley@boarding.org.uk

HAPPY PLANTING!

3

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA was formed just a couple of years

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes. boarding in the late 1960s.

To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it

That the change has been so great is of course well known to those who work in boarding. The hard part is explaining the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents.

Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper.

If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today.

For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes.

Fast forward 50 years and what a

Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron.

So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding.

The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016