Prep School - The Boarding Experience

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL

The Boarding Experience

YOUR BOARDING GUIDE FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2026/27

Boarding Lead: George Gough Houseparent: Kieran Wilson Matron: Julie Calver Boarding Office: +44 (0) 1728 685806 C O L L E G E

P R E P

S C H O O L

W H E R E E V E RY P U P I L C R E A T E S T H E I R O W N S T O RY

Duty Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 628567 prepschoolboarding@framlinghamcollege.co.uk

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Framlingham College Prep School

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Boarding Guide 2026/27

Welcome from the Boarding Team At the heart of boarding life at Framlingham College Prep School is a sense of belonging to a close-knit community, where children feel part of a supportive and caring family unit. The benefits of Prep School boarding are well recognised in building selfconfidence, maturity, a sense of independence and developing key global skills, all vital for providing an essential foundation for future life.

Our aim is to create an exciting boarding

well as from families in the local area who

House, a place the children have a genuine

recognise the great value a boarding

love for, where they experience a touch

experience at this age can bring. It also

of freedom whilst also being an extended

offers great opportunities for pursuit of

home from home.

further academic, creative and sporting activities and a chance to take full

Within the House we will always emphasise and adhere to the ethos of the school, getting to know every single child as an individual, ensuring the child is nurtured, cared for and given every opportunity to be the best they can be. Our intention will always be to have every child in our care grow up with respect for others and their surroundings, with independent skills and a developed sense of responsibility for themselves.

Our boarding House pupils come from a wide range of family backgrounds drawn both nationally and internationally as

advantage of the great facilities and breadth of opportunities on offer at the Prep School.

Whether a pupil stays with us for one night a week or for all seven days, they are very much welcomed as part of our boarding family. We hope this booklet tells you all you need to know about boarding at the Prep School, but if you have any questions at all, then please do not hesitate to email us. prepschoolboarding@framlinghamcollege.co.uk

Boarding Guide 2026/27

The Boarding Team Boarding Staff

Graduate Assistants

Mr George Gough

Three experienced Graduate assistants, to be

Boarding Lead

announced.

ggough@framlinghamcollege.co.uk

Mr Kieran Wilson Houseparent kzwilson@framlinghamcollege.co.uk

Mrs Julie Calver Boarding Matron prepschoolboarding@framlinghamcollege.co.uk

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Framlingham College Prep School

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Framlingham College Prep School

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Boarding Guide 2026/27

What do I need to bring when I board?

Please ensure all clothes and towels are labelled with sew-in labelling.

Full Boarder

Flexi Boarder

Occasional Boarder

Toiletries

x3 Play clothes (minimum)

Toiletries

x3 Play clothes (minimum)

Waterproof coat

Play clothes (as required)

Waterproof Coat

x3 Towels

Waterproof coat

x3 Towels

Socks and underwear for amount of

Towel (per night)

nights required Socks and underwear for every night

x2 Pyjamas

Socks and underwear for amount of nights required

x2 Pyjamas

Pyjamas

Optional Extras Include:

Optional Extras Include:

Optional Extras Include:

Dressing gown/onesie, mobile phone,

Dressing gown/onesie, mobile phone,

Dressing gown/onesie, mobile phone,

tablet, chargers, kindle etc.

tablet, chargers, kindle etc.

tablet, chargers, kindle etc.

Boarding Guide 2026/27

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Boarding Requirements Bedding and Towels Bedding (duvet, pillows, duvet cover etc) is provided by the Prep School but pupils may wish to bring their own bedding in order to make themselves feel more at home.

If pupils bring their own bedding, they may bring two single duvet covers and pillow cases that must meet the required flameretardant standard (purchased from a reputable high street store such as Marks and Spencer or John Lewis). Bedding must be clearly named to allow easy identification by staff and with FCPS. Further information may be obtained from Matron. Pupils must bring three bath towels and these should be clearly named.

Casual Clothing Boarders may wear casual clothes of their own choice outside of school timetabled hours. Such clothes and shoes must be clean, smart and appropriate, and the school reserves the right to decide whether clothes meet its standards of taste and presentation. Each item of clothing must be clearly labelled with their name and FCPS and able to go in the tumble drier.

Anything that is unnamed will not go through the laundry. Please see ‘Laundry’ section below for specific instructions related to types of fabric.

Electrical Equipment The school provides 240 volt 3 pin grounded electrical power outlets in all Houses so pupils’ electrical equipment must be fitted with UK style 3 pin plugs. It is preferred that appliances that have two wires and are not earthed, are fitted with a three Pin. plug with the plastic grounding pin.

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Boarding Guide 2026/27

Boarding Guide 2026/27

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Which bedroom will I be in and how are they allocated?

The bedrooms are allocated by age and gender. The girls are on the first floor and boys on the top floor. The bedrooms are generally grouped by age to make the bedtime routine easier and to keep things quieter for the younger children. If you are a flexi-boarder we will try and ensure you have the same bed every time you stay. However, due to changing numbers this is not always possible, but we will ensure that you never sleep in a room on your own should you not want to and will make adjustments accordingly. We do understand that you would like to share a room with all of your friends. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, but your preferences will be considered when allocating bedrooms. Please remember a big part of boarding is learning to live with, and get on with other people, and about making new friends.

Map of the Boarding House

Boys’ Floor SOUTHWOLD

KETTLEBURGH

EARL SOHAM

WALBERSWICK DEBENHAM

EASTON

WILSON’S FLAT

Girls’ Floor LINEN ROOM

FRAMLINGHAM

ALDEBURGH

MR WILSON MR GOUGH Houseparent Housemaster

WHITE & BLACK HALL

BOARDERS’ COMMON ROOM

MONEWDEN Store Room

THORPENESS

MEDICAL CENTRE

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Boarding Guide 2026/27

Laundry All of your washing is done at Framlingham College Senior School and Julie, Boarding Matron, will take care of sorting it and returning it to you. Remember socks and underwear every night. All laundry should be put in the laundry bins before bedtime.

Any items that are submitted to the school laundry must be of ‘easy care’ fabric, capable of being washed at 40°C and suitable for tumble drying, and should be suitably labelled. The Prep School cannot accept responsibility for any damage to clothes that are sent to the Laundry that do not meet these washing and drying instructions.

We are happy for all Flexi boarders to put their clothes into the laundry, as this will save you having to bring in a boarding bag every time you board.

Monday

Pyjamas & Towels (Games kit - if wet)

Tuesday

School Shirts

Wednesday

Play clothes & Games kit

Thursday

School shirts

Friday

Socks and underwear only

Saturday

Socks and underwear only

Sunday

Play Clothes

Boarding Guide 2026/27

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Framlingham College Prep School

Routine

7:15am — Wake Up

Only Year 8 may shower in the mornings.

7:40am - 8:00am — Breakfast and Registration AM

Time to enjoy a relaxed meal.

8:00am - 8:10am — Organise for the day

Final chance to brush teeth and collect belongings for the day ahead.

8:10am — Going to Tutor Groups

Go to tutor room to arrive before 8:15am.

5:00pm — Prep

Boarding staff to help support pupils through their homework 5:50pm — Change out of uniform 6:00pm — Tea

Time to enjoy a relaxed meal 6:30pm - 7:30pm — Activity (Structured activity run by the boarding team) PM

7:30pm - 8:00pm — Free time (devices are allowed for 30 mins)

All devices to be handed into our device cupboard in the Boarders’ Common Room 8:00pm — Snack time

Hot chocolate, snack in Dining Hall. Toast and Cereal available.

8:15pm — Bedtime routine begins 8:45pm - 9:00pm — Bedtime

Year 7 and 8s in bed by 8:45pm, allowing some quiet time or reading before lights out. Please note, these timings are staggered across year groups, so younger pupils’ timings are slightly earlier.

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Boarding Guide 2026/27

What will I eat?

Breakfast There is a choice of cereals, hot and cold drinks, toast and a variety of different spreads. A hot option of; bacon, eggs, sausages, croissants or porridge are available daily, on different mornings of the week.

Tea A wide variety of food is available throughout the week. We also cater for any individual religious, dietary or cultural needs.

Evening Snack After the evening activity cereal, biscuits and hot chocolate are available. Year 8 children are also allowed to make toast at 8:00pm.

Framlingham College Prep School – Sample Breakfast Menu

Mo n d a y

Tues day

We d n e s d a y

Thur sday

Fr i day

Boar der s Sat ur day

Boar der s Sunday

SAMPLE MENU

Selection of Fruit Juices

Fried Eggs

Sausage Baps

Cheese Omelettes

Scotch pancakes and maple syrup

Smoked back bacon

Continental

Brunch

Ma i n

Crispy streaky bacon maple syrup

Cinnamon whirl

Mushrooms Baked beans Pan au Chocolate

Bananas Porridge Soft boiled eggs

Hash browns Baked beans Fruit smoothies

Continental

Brunch

Dai l y

Fresh fruit pots Yoghurts Toast Cereal

Fresh fruit pots Yoghurts Toast Cereal

Fresh fruit pots Yoghurts Toast Cereal

Fresh fruit pots Yoghurts Toast Cereal

Fresh fruit pots Yoghurts Toast Cereal

Fresh fruit pots Yoghurts Toast Cereal

Fresh fruit pots Yoghurts Toast Cereal

Br ead Op t i o n

Yoghurt with various toppings Fresh Fruit Platters

Selection of toast and jams

Boarding Guide 2026/27

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Framlingham College Prep School

Framlingham College Prep School – Sample Supper Menu

Me a t y Ma i n s

Mo n d a y

Tuesday

We d n e s d a y

Beef chili con carne

Baked potato bar

Pork and chili

Tapas night meatballs

N o Me a t Op t i o n

Quorn & vegetable

Beans

Croquettes

chilli

Cheese

Vegetables balls

SAMPLE MENU

Chef ’ s Spec i al

On t h e S i d e

Prawn and egg noodle stir fry

Quorn noodle stir fry

BBQ sausage

Jacket potato and

Coronation chicken

baked beans

Steamed rice Nachos

Thursday

Potato bravas Mixed leaves

Flatbreads

Mixed salads

Tuna

Houmous

Guacamole

Cheese

Mixed leaves

Sour cream

olives

Fr i day

Boar der s Sat ur day

Boar der s Sunday

Theme night

Homemade pizza

Roast chicken

Theme night

Homemade pizza

Theme night

Homemade pizza

Roasted Quorn fillet

Roast potatoes Mixed salad Prawn crackers Mini vegetable spring

Mixed salad Theme night

Corn on the cob Chunky chips

rolls

Sage and onion stuffing Yorkshire puddings Broccoli Carrots

Pas t a Des s er t

Strawberry Duffins

Snac k

Fruit basket

Col d Snac k

Ice cream bar with

Mini carrot cakes

….

Selection of

Mini homemade

Cream cheese & chive

sandwiches

sausage rolls

cucumber canapes

various toppings

Theme night

Roasted chickpeas

Yoghurt with various toppings and sliced fruit

Selection of salads

Lemon drizzle sponge

Banana custard

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Boarding Guide 2026/27

How can I contact parents/guardians when I board?

There is a landline phone which receives incoming calls and is +44 1728 685701 (from abroad) and 01728 685701 (from the UK).

You can also use any of the school landlines to call out. You can also use any of the school landlines to call out. The school has wi-fi throughout and can be accessed with your computer username and password. This will then enable you to use Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp etc.

All calls must be made before shower time and phones, tablets, laptops, etc. must all be put in the phone cupboard on your way to your room at bedtime.

Mobile Phones All electronic devices must be registered with the Houseparent. Phones can be used during certain hours of the evening (7:30pm 8:00pm typically) and then handed in to staff to be kept in the locked cupboard in the Boarders’ Common Room.

Boarding Guide 2026/27

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Are there bells and alarms that I need to be aware of?

There are very few bells during boarding hours, but you should be aware of the following: •

7:40am — Breakfast

•

5:00pm — Prep

•

6:00pm — Tea

Fire Alarm — A continuous bell. You should leave the building quickly and quietly and meet on the gravel behind the teaching block.

Emergency Bell — Repeated short sharp rings of the school bell. You should find a nearest room. Shut all doors and windows, closing blinds or curtains and remain out of sight until further notice.

What happens if I feel unwell or need someone in the night?

You can call Mr Wilson using his doorbell, during the night. Mr Wilson lives on the first floor, above the Staff Common Room. If you are unwell during the night, you can be moved to sick bay so we can keep an eye on you. If you are a flexi or occasional boarder, and if it is appropriate and possible, we may call your parents to collect and take you home.

Am I able to bring in money and what should I do with it?

You are allowed to bring in pocket money as a full or flexi boarder to spend on items such as tuck, charity events and activities. We recommend no more than £30 per term. Mr Wilson looks after the boarders’ money and is available to hand it out for school trips or off-site weekend activities.

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Boarding Guide 2026/27

Can I have sweets in school?

You can bring tuck to school. We have tuck on a Wednesday, so you can have access to it at appropriate times. We also have a tuck shop where you may buy some sweets but there is no need to have money as we will add to your end of term account. Tuck shop opens on Wednesday evenings and Saturday evenings. No tuck is to be kept in your bedroom, if it is found it will be confiscated.

Can I get replacement equipment, new toothpaste, etc?

If you are a full-time boarder and require any new stationery, toiletries or sports equipment you should speak to Matron who will be able to order most items through the school shop or purchase the items from the supermarket. We also have a stationary cupboard that we can use to help provide the boarders with all that they need. All charges will be added to your end of term account.

What happens on my birthday?

If you are a full or multi-night flexi boarder, and it is your birthday, the school kitchen will bake you a cake to share at tea. We have our ‘Birthday Hat’, which is worn at breakfast, whilst everyone else sings a resounding verse of ‘Happy Birthday’.

Boarding Guide 2026/27

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Exeats It is best to aim to be back between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on the Sunday evening. We have tea on a Sunday at 5:30pm and being back before 7:00pm will allow you time to get ready for the next day. You can, of course, come back on Monday morning if that is easier for your parents or host. We recommend all our boarders try to make the most of exeats either with their own families/ guardians or with a friend’s host family.

Exeat dates are published in the school calendar and on the Term Dates page of the website.

Evenings and Weekends In the evenings, there are a wide range of activities organised from between 6:45pm and 7:30pm. These evenings are designed to create a balance throughout the week and cover a range of interests and experiences.

We have several full boarders who stay in school at the weekends and a number of children who also board on an occasional basis at a weekend. On Saturday mornings, all boarders will take part in Ignite – a fun filled activity morning – which will include doing some sport, followed by an activity titled ‘Be Active’, ‘Be Adventurous’, ‘Be Creative’, ‘Be Confident’ or ‘Be Curious’.

The remainder of Saturday tends to be quite restful; with a chance to use the space and grounds we have here, have some free time to relax or do some activities should they want to be more active. Tea is then served back at the Prep School at 5:30pm. With Saturday night often becoming a movie night and a chance for you to relax and enjoy a bowl of popcorn or tuck!

On Sunday mornings, we have a more relaxed morning, having more time to get up, with a brunch being served at 10:30am. A range of different activities are organised on Sundays, with the majority happening off site, examples such as trips to Pleasurewood Hills, Crabbing, Felixstowe Arcades, Go Karting, Ice Skating, Shopping trips, Clip n’ Climb etc. Sunday evenings tend to be quieter and more relaxed, with time being given up to preparing for the week ahead.

A full programme of activities can be found on the boarding noticeboards in the Black and White Hall.

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Boarding Guide 2026/27

Expected Behaviour The boarding house runs with a community spirit and family atmosphere, where there is an appreciation of each other’s belongings, space and feelings. Therefore, it is necessary to put in place a system that rewards not only good behaviour but good citizenship. Similarly, there needs to be a system whereby someone who is not following the guidelines laid down can be guided in the first instance but ultimately sanctioned for not playing a positive part in the community.

Awards Boarder of the Week Each week a boarder of the week will be chosen. They can then choose an item from the reward menu.

This can be received for: •

any examples of showing the school values within boarding,

•

consistently being a positive member of the boarding house,

•

going above and beyond expectations.

Boarder of the Term This is achieved when you do all of the above, over an entire term. They will receive a certificate and announcement during our end of term assembly.

Boarder of the Year This is achieved when you do all of the above, over an entire year. They will receive a certificate and announcement during our end of Year Speech Day.

Boarding Points These can be gained and lost depending on behaviour, effort, standards around house, kindness, tidiness etc. They can be used as currency towards receiving rewards from the reward menu.

Birthdays On a birthday, we strive to provide the children with a cake, and they also receive the honour of wearing our very own birthday hat for the day, so everyone can wish them a happy birthday.

Boarding Guide 2026/27

Reward Menu

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Pupils can receive an item from the Reward menu should they achieve ‘boarder of the week’ or achieve a certain amount of boarding points. The menu provides a good incentive for the pupils to strive for high standards throughout boarding life. Examples of rewards they can receive are as follows: Free bag of sweets from the tuck shop

Free item from tuck shop

+15 mins bed time

Dinner in front of the TV with a friend

Pick the morning playlist

Choice of activity

Misbehaviour

Low-Level misbehaviour

Medium-Level misbehaviour

Higher-Level misbehaviour

Loss of portion of phone time/minus

Loss of complete phone time/loss of

Discussion with Head of Boarding/SLT

boarding points

activity time/restricted free time/ early bed

• •

Untidy dorm

Rudeness/talking back/

•

disrespectful

Being late to dinner/breakfast/ school

•

• •

Going against what a member of staff has asked (e.g. not putting

Not respecting communal areas

phone away when asked)

(e.g. leaving common room or Rowley hall in a mess).

•

Taking devices into dorm

•

Talking after lights out

•

Out of dorm after lights out

•

Tuck in dorm

Swearing or inappropriate language

•

Being physical

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Boarding Guide 2026/27

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Outdoor Cinema or Jimmy’s Farm

4

Rendlesham Forest

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7

6

Circus Workshop

Bewilderwood

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HALF TERM

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10

Go Karting

= Week Camp-out Evening

Themed Week (Disney)

House BBQ

Sample of Boarders’ Weekend Activity Programme

Murder Mystery Weekend

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= Week 3 is Exeat Weekend, therefore no activity

Boarding Guide 2026/27

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Sample Weekday Activities

MON Crafts Night

Pleasurewood Hills

Fancy Dress Murder Mystery

5 Sketching

Greetings Cards

Bring a Friend for a Sleepover

Badminton

Cricket/Nets

40/40 in

6

Physical Activity

7

Film, Board games and hot chocolate evening

Halloween games and pumpkin carving

Chilled Evening

4

2

HALF TERM WED

Capture the flag / Man hunt

1

Football

Table Tennis

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Marble run/Domino Rally

’ Weekend Boarders Programme Activity

Photography Evening

Gymnastics

Obstacle Course

Autumn Term 2023

Hide and Seek

Bounce Trampoline with Mrs Bayman

Tray Jousting

= Week Board Games

Film

Camp-out

Evening Pool/Foosball

Chess

Storytime

Book Club (with guest reader) 3 = Week 3 is Exeat Weekend, Yoga

Mindfulness evening with Rev B

therefore no activity

Music Evening PC Gaming

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5

THU

Theatre / Panto Trip

Foot Golf

Framlingham College Prep School

Mindfulness Colouring

Big Art Group

Christmas/Holiday Themed Crafts

Strength & Conditioning Sports Workshop

TUE

Jewellery Making

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Brainteaser Games

Boarders Christmas Dinner

FRI Physical Activity + Music

Escape Room

Music/Film Quiz Night

Trivia Quiz Night Board Games

End of Term

Badminton

Two truths and a lie Team Building Exercises

Cricket/Nets

40/40 in

Foot Golf

Football

Table Tennis

Gymnastics Hide and Seek Tray Jousting

Treasure/scavenger Hunt PC Gaming Blooket/Kahoot games

Obstacle Course Bounce Trampoline with Mrs Bayman

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Boarding Guide 2026/27

What should I do if I am feeling unhappy?

We all hope that you will be very happy whilst boarding at Framlingham College Prep School. However, there may be times when you are feeling a bit low or confused, so it is important that you know what to do.

The golden rule is always to try to talk to someone if you are feeling unhappy.

You can contact: •

Any of the boarding staff: Mr Gough, Mr Wilson, Matron, or the Gap Assistants.

•

Mrs Long is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Assistant Head Pastoral.

•

Mr Gough, Mr Loveridge, Mrs Denny-Pickess and Mrs Drury are all Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads and can help you with any confidential problem you may have.

•

Mr Roche, Head of the Prep School, is always happy to help should you wish to discuss anything with him.

•

Or, you can find any member of staff you feel comfortable talking to and they will help you.

If something is really worrying you and you want to speak to someone outside school, you can call: •

Help at Hand: The Children’s Commissioner helpline: 0800 528 0731

•

Miss Sally Thomson, independent listeners for the school: 07867 567024

•

Suffolk Safeguarding Children Board: 0808 800 4005

•

Childline: 0800 1111

It is important that you feel safe sharing any worries you may have. You will not get into trouble for complaining about something or someone that is upsetting you. Remember: whatever the problem, we are here to help you solve it.

We look forward to seeing you in boarding!

Boarding Guide 2026/27

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AT FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE WE CELEBRATE EVERY INDIVIDUAL. THERE IS NO TYPICAL FRAMLINGHAMIAN, NO SINGULAR PATH THAT WE TAKE. We are academics, actors, musicians, expeditioners, sports people, innovators, scientists, ruminators, decision makers, story tellers, teammates, artists, fun lovers, nurturers and thought provokers.

Often, we are many things within one. But we are all individual, each with our own story.

Where every pupil creates their own story

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL Brandeston, Suffolk. IP13 7AH

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+44 (0) 1728 685331

prepschooloffice@framlinghamcollege.co.uk

framlinghamcollege.co.uk