Parents' Handbook 2023

The Council & Common Room

A full list of Marlborough’s Council is to be found in the front of the Almanac which will be sent to you over the summer. The Visitor is the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. The President is The Bishop of Salisbury. Mr Giles Henderson is the Chairman.

The Master

Mrs Louise Moelwyn-Hughes

Common Room

Marlborough has over 146 full-time members of Common Room. A full list of Common Room is given in the Almanac.

Members of Common Room and others with school-wide responsibilities with whom parents may come into contact are:

Management Team

Bursar – Mr A G Hart

Second Master – Miss S M Wessels

Deputy Head (Academic) – Mr D T Clark

Deputy Head (Pastoral) – Mr E C Nightingale

Deputy Head (Co-Curriculum & Outreach) – Mr J R B Scragg

Director of Admissions – Mr J J Lyon-Taylor

Director of Safeguarding and DSL – Mrs C Kane

Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) – Mrs B Nightingale

Assistant Head (Inspection) – Mr T C M Lauze

Head of Boarding – Mrs J A Hodgson

Foundation Director – Mr S Lerwill

Director of Marketing & Communications – Mrs J Jordan

Director of HR – Mrs H Hewlett

Common Room

Senior Chaplain – Revd T W G Novis

Head of Futures – Ms A C Langdale

School Medical Officer – Dr A Collings

Our Ethos and Values

Where potential meets opportunity

The Marlborough College way of life is one of positive transition and growth. Children arrive here with inherent potential. Our role is to provide the opportunity for each child to find that potential within themselves and to help them to fully realise it. There is no one ‘right’ progression through Marlborough. We celebrate and take pride in the individual and unique journeys of each of our pupils. Children thrive here by taking responsibility for their own path, united by the common goals of being the best that they can be and adding the most value they can to our school community and beyond.

Our Values

Our values of community, ambition, service and initiative are the essential foundations which enable everyone to contribute, to be valued and to fulfil their potential.

The Marlborough Charter

Together as Marlburians…

We build and foster an inclusive, open-minded and accepting community. We treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves.

We are compassionate, collaborative and committed.

We believe our strong sense of community encourages both individuality and collective ambition.

We lead by example, doing what is right and not what is easy.

Written

by the 2020/21 Prefects and Heads of House.

Year Groups

The school is divided into the following year groups:

First Year Year 9

Second Year Year 10

Third Year Year 11

Fourth Year Year 12

Fifth Year Year 13 Upper Sixth

Equal Opportunities Policy

Policy Aims

Marlborough College is an equal opportunities school. We value all pupils equally and aim to provide an environment in which all can achieve their full potential, regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, gender or disability. We regard it as unacceptable to discriminate against anyone on these grounds.

The College is a Church of England foundation that welcomes the contributions that members of all denominations and faiths make to the whole community. The Council and all staff are committed to meeting the specific needs of each pupil and acknowledge and value all linguistic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

Specific Areas

Admissions: The College admissions criteria are objective and are consistently applied. They focus on the prospective pupils’ academic and all round potential and his/ her school record. Race, gender and disability are not part of the criteria applied.

Discipline: Any pupil, or group of pupils, who discriminates against or harasses any other pupil or member of staff, either verbally, by action or otherwise, on unacceptable grounds, will be subject to the College disciplinary procedures. Such behaviour could result in the pupil being asked to leave the College.

Harassment & Other Difficulties:

• Any pupil or his/her parent on his/her behalf who feels that they have been singled out for unfair treatment or otherwise harassed on unacceptable grounds should raise the matter with his/her HM or other senior member of staff;

• Any such report will be fully investigated by the HM or other senior member of staff and, if it appears that unacceptable discrimination or harassment of any type has occurred, the Master will be informed and disciplinary measures will be taken.

Conclusion

All staff are aware of, and sensitive to, issues of discrimination and will at all appropriate times promote awareness of the negative aspects of stereotyping and the development of unacceptable discriminatory attitudes.

Contact with the House & the College

For central administration purposes, it is important to have up-to-date addresses, email addresses, home, office and mobile telephone numbers. You will be asked to confirm these details when you complete the joining forms. After a pupil’s arrival in the school, it is essential that any alterations to contact details should be sent by email to ekendrick@marlboroughcollege.org who will ensure that all relevant personnel are notified of the change.

Guardianship

For pupils living abroad it is essential that a UK Educational Guardian is nominated. The Educational Guardian is responsible for your child when not in school or in your care. Educational Guardians will also either provide or arrange suitable accommodation through a formal homestay which may be used during exeats and half-terms or on an ad hoc basis such as when a pupil is ill or has been suspended. To ensure these purposes are met, the College requires parents to appoint an Educational Guardian who:

• Is independent (i.e. not connected to Marlborough College);

• Is at least 25 years old;

• Speaks and writes English fluently;

• Lives within a three-hour drive of Marlborough;

• Is available during term-time, including weekends;

• Will engage with the College regarding travel and accommodation arrangements;

• Will take an active interest in the pupil’s wellbeing and progress; and

• If a family choose to use a guardianship company then this company must be registered with AEGIS.

Parents will be asked to sign a Guardianship Agreement. Once an Educational Guardian has been nominated, the College may contact the Guardian to ensure that the eligibility criteria have been met and will ask them to sign a Guardianship Agreement. Parents are required to inform the College immediately of any changes to a pupil’s Educational Guardian.

Parents of Service Personnel

In the interests of security, Service parents may prefer that we do not use service ranks when sending correspondence to private addresses. All Service parents who would like their rank removed from College correspondence should complete the relevant section of the Communications form.

Contact with the College during the holidays and half terms

Parents may reach HMs when the College is closed either by telephone (including voicemail) or email, using the details at the end of this booklet; however, response times are likely to vary. The College Switchboard (01672 892200) is able to take messages and will usually be aware of the whereabouts of HMs and other key members of staff.

Marlborough Communications

We keep you in touch with school news and events at the College through a mixture of print and digital communications.

Our Twitter accounts are a good way to follow the activities of the school, a boarding house, a sport or an academic department. You will find them all listed in the Social Media Directory on our website. The official Marlborough College Twitter account is @MarlboroughCol. There is also an Instagram account which can be found via instagram.com/marlboroughcollege

An e-newsletter is sent to all parents each half-term. It contains a round-up of the news, events, sport, drama, music, trips, academic and other achievements of pupils and staff at the College.

The Almanac is available to parents before the start of each term. It contains the calendar of activities and events for the term and you will find information about the staff and the routine of the College in its front pages, including dates of terms and travel information.

Other publications include The Marlburian, the annual school magazine, a copy of which is given to every pupil to be taken home at Christmas and The Marlburian Club Magazine which is mailed to parents once a year in November and includes feature articles and news from alumni all over the world. Together magazine which is the College’s Social Impact report is given to pupils to take home at the end of the Lent Term.

A copy of The Shell Handbook is issued to all Shell pupils when they arrive in the school. Other academic handbooks are available as pupils make curriculum choices for GCSE and A level. They are also given a House Handbook containing helpful information about boarding and the routines in their House.

Use of the College Website

The Marlborough College website url is www.marlboroughcollege.org it is optimised to work on a variety of devices including phone, tablet and PC.

Through this portal the sites for the Marlburian Club (OMs), Marlborough Malaysia, Foundation, Summer School and The Marlborough Difference Campaign can be accessed.

The website is a crucial source for up-to-date information. It consists of two distinct areas.

1. The open/public area called School Life

• Please visit and bookmark www.marlboroughcollege.org/school-life/parents as we have collated the latest news, essential information and useful links for parents here.

• This includes an online searchable version of the College calendar, term dates and our social media directory.

• There is also a quick link to the weekly sports fixture information which can be accessed via (sport.marlboroughcollege.org). Clear details of venues, time, directions and cancellations are published before each major block fixture on a Saturday. Team lists are password protected for security, and this password is shared with parents at the beginning of an academic year.

2. The Parent Portal

• The secure Parent Portal is accessed by going to www.marlboroughcollege.org/school-life/parents where there is a quick link to the Parent Portal.

• It provides academic information including your child’s timetable, teaching groups, Progress Indicator Reports (PIRs), end of term reports, internal and external exam entries, arrangements and results.

• There is also an online version of this Parents’ Handbook, information about forthcoming trips and other important notices, documents under Information and Documents/General and letters for parents.

• And details for accessing the sports website for weekly fixtures and team lists.

Before you can use the Parent Portal, you will need to undertake a short registration process, entering details given to you by the College. Once you have registered, you will be able to login and view the latest information relating specifically to your child(ren).

Routine

Term Dates for 2023 – 24

Michaelmas Term 2023

Start Tuesday 5 September*

End Wednesday 13 December

Lent Term 2024

Start Thursday 4 January

End Friday 22 March

Summer Term 2024

Start Monday 15 April

End Friday 28 June

Exeat 22 – 24 September

Half-term 13 – 29 October

Exeat 17 – 20 November

Exeat 19 – 21 January

Half-term 9 – 18 February

Exeat 8 – 10 March

Exeat 3 – 6 May

Half-term 25 May – 2 June

*New Shell and Lower Sixth pupils arrive on 4th September 2023.

At the start of terms and after half-terms and exeats, pupils rejoin their Houses no earlier than 6pm and no later than 9pm. Pupils are usually free to leave for exeats at the end of Period 3. The timings for ends of terms are similar.

Exeats

The first weekend of each term is closed. In addition to half-terms the College has a number of fixed weekend exeats (Fixed Privs) during the school year, when most pupils go home or to stay with friends although, exceptionally, by prior arrangement, a pupil may remain at the school. A pupil may take six further weekends (Privs) in the course of the year. These require some forward planning and the agreement of HMs, plus written parental permission in good time, (by the Thursday of the preceding week at the latest). Privs begin after the fulfilment of Saturday commitments (usually school matches) and end by 9pm Sunday evening. On rare occasions HM permission is refused, usually for academic or disciplinary reasons. In the case of a pupil who wishes to visit the home of another pupil the HM needs written permission from both sets of parents.

If pupils are invited to parties during Privs, parents must give written permission to the HM for their son or daughter to attend, and are asked to contact the host’s parents directly to satisfy

themselves as to the arrangements. No party should be allowed in the absence of parental supervision and the College discourages any gathering involving more than half a dozen pupils. No pupil may ever travel in a car whose driver is under 25 years of age. HMs do not advance cash for travel. Parents may find it helpful to refer to the document Guidance on ‘Privs’ & Parties which can be found in the secure Parent Portal (see page 8).

Given their short duration, it is the College’s strong recommendation that Fixed Privs and Privs are used for vital rest and recuperation, and are not occasions for parties. Pupils will find it difficult to re-engage with their busy school life, after a weekend of late nights. We ask for parents’ co-operation in this matter.

Travel

At the end of term and at half-term and exeats, transport can be arranged for pupils. For complete details see the Transport Information on page 54.

Sundays

Pupils may go out on Sundays with their HM’s permission after Chapel, returning in time for prep on Sunday evening at 7.30pm. Written parental permission is required when a pupil is travelling by car or outside of Marlborough.

Telephones & Mobile Telephones

HMs will not summon pupils to the telephone except in emergencies; however they will be happy to take messages within reason and to ask pupils to ring back. Similarly, messages can be left for pupils with the college switchboard.

Marlburians are allowed mobile phones, if parents so wish. Members of the College community follow a protocol for the use of mobile devices, which will be available to pupils and explained to them in their Houses. Pupils may not receive or make calls during Studies, Prep, nor after 10.15pm or bedtime if that is earlier.

Parents are asked to observe the following restriction on ringing pupils on mobile phones in order to avoid disturbing the house in its work routine:

• Lesson times;

• Studies (Tuesdays and Thursdays 5.30 – 6.40pm);

• Prep (nightly except Saturdays 7.30 – 9.00pm).

Inappropriate material may not be stored or viewed on a PC, laptop disk, phone or other digital device. Pupils joining the College are required to abide by all College policies governing the use of ICT.

All Marlburians have their own email addresses consisting of their school number @marlboroughcollege.org

Pocket Money

All necessities are provided by the school with the exception of textbooks and personal stationery which are paid for through the Book Office on the termly bill. Essential items can be paid for through the “chit” system (see page 54); these are added to the termly bill. Please seek the HM’s advice as to how much additional pocket money your son/daughter should receive, and as to suitable arrangements for its receipt. Most houses run a House Bank for pupils in the Lower School; you will receive details from your child’s HM in due course.

Parents may feel that they want their child to have a bank account and possibly a cash card for incidental purposes. However, virtually all a pupil’s needs are catered for by the school or through the chit system and large sums at a pupil’s disposal are not necessary or helpful. The bank managers in Marlborough have agreed to keep the College informed of bank accounts where their management is causing them concern and, therefore, parents are advised to open an account with one of the banks in the town. Their telephone numbers are:

Barclays 0845 7555555

Nat West 0870 2403377

Clothing and Laundry

Lloyds TSB 0845 3000000

All washable clothing must be suitable for sending to the College laundry (i.e. suitable for machine wash and tumble dry) and all must be clearly marked with the pupil’s name, school number and house code, which are to be found in this booklet. The College cannot accept liability for damage to unsuitable articles of clothing sent to the laundry. Items that require hand washing should not be sent, and items marked dry clean will be returned unwashed.

Crosby & Lawrence, 67 High Street, Marlborough

“Crosby’s” is the sole provider of uniform for the College and is also a fully equipped sports shop. The shop also has a second hand uniform department. The manager can be contacted on 01672 892498. During the summer the shop operates a booking system for parents of new pupils wishing to buy uniform. Appointments should be made between 1st June and 20th August for UK pupils requiring the name taping service. Please telephone the above number for an appointment.

Private Property

All private property brought to school must be marked and insured by parents. (See also Bursarial Matters page 53). Private electrical heaters, mini-fridges, plug-in air diffusers and fairy lights are not allowed in the boarding houses. Private property is required to be removed from most boarding houses at the end of each term and it is best if possessions are kept to a minimum.

Electrical Equipment

Personal electrical equipment such as personal computers, hair dryers or straighteners do not require electrical inspection but occasional visual checks are conducted on an ad hoc basis by house staff to ensure they are free from damage and not likely to cause a hazard. Responsibility for repair or replacement is that of the pupil and his/her parents.

Personal Computers

The College enables access from all pupils’ studies/study areas in Houses to the College’s computer network. This access allows pupils to connect computer equipment (described below) to the College’s systems, enabling access to the Internet and network storage areas. There is also an extensive Wi-Fi network covering academic areas and boarding houses.

The College recognises that most academic activities are substantially enhanced by access to the Internet and the online resources provided by the College. The ability to store, retrieve and share work can increase the efficiency of the process. Increasingly, teachers present their subjects in a style that makes use of electronic communication methods. Your son/daughter will thus need to have a laptop computer.

Equipment

The College is committed to ensuring that pupils have access to the most up-to-date and educationally beneficial technologies. The school provides a significant number of computers both in boarding houses and in ICT areas. Over the past few years, the College has invested significant sums in devices running the Apple operating system. To take full advantage of the benefits of 1:1 computing technology, it is suggested that pupils arrive at the College with a laptop, which should be an Apple device: a 13” Mac Book Air will perfectly suffice. The College licenses Microsoft Office 365, which entitles pupils to install the latest version of Office on their personal devices and use the Cloud versions of these applications. Upon leaving, the license to use this software becomes invalid.

While iPads are welcomed they are not regarded as a replacement for a laptop, since not all of the software that is currently used in College is available for the iPad. If pupils wish to bring an iPad in addition to a laptop, this is perfectly acceptable.

Along with the laptop we strongly recommend:

• A sturdy rucksack or good protective cover;

• AppleCare extended three-year warranty.

Please note that accidental damage, loss or failure due to misuse are not covered by the AppleCare warranty; they should be covered on your home contents or a separate insurance policy.

You are free to purchase your Apple laptop from your preferred supplier. Alternatively, there is an educational discount available via an authorised Apple retailer. Details of these arrangements are available separately in the joining instructions.

ICT Support

Pupils may take their laptops to the IT Support Department for an initial diagnosis and typically something that takes a few minutes to resolve will be addressed there and then. Anything beyond a few minutes will be booked in and, if time and workload permit, a technician will try to rectify problems they can diagnose that do not require the College to replace components or in anyway invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty. Such work is undertaken free of charge and the College will not, nor should be expected to, provide fixed timescales for these repairs.

However, a few simple steps (mostly arranged or provided at the time of purchase) can help to ensure that your child’s machine has maximum availability:

a) Details of the warranty terms, supplier contact number and procedure available to your child;

b) Original, licensed media, if appropriate available for the reinstallation of the operating system;

c) Only genuine, licensed software installed;

d) Anti-virus protection installed.

These latter four items are recommended if the College is to be able to properly support your child and their computer.

Code of Conduct

All pupil users of the College’s ICT facilities are bound by a Pupil Code of Conduct and the current Information and Computing Technology (ICT) Policy as published. A copy can be found in the PARENTS area of the College website.

Pattern of the Week

For the Lower School (Shell, Remove, Hundred), all lessons are given over to classroom teaching or supervised private study. In the Upper School (Lower Sixth, Upper Sixth), Study Periods (“studs”) allow pupils to take much more responsibility and ownership of their learning: they are unsupervised, and students may spend this time in their own Study, in the Memorial Library, in departmental libraries, or somewhere else where they can work productively, by arrangement.

The pattern of the week varies according to the time of year and the House of which a pupil is a member; it also depends on individual commitments such as music lessons. In general terms, however, what follows is the routine followed by most of the school.

Monday to Saturday

The Morning

Pupils in the out College Houses of Preshute, Cotton, Littlefield and Summerfield, have breakfast in their Houses as do those in Barton Hill, Dancy, Elmhurst, Ivy House, Turner and Morris. Breakfast for pupils in all other Houses is in the Norwood Hall from 7.30am to 8.15am.

Lessons start at 8.45am and continue until 12.40pm and 12.50pm for the Lower School and until 1.15pm for the Upper School. Lessons last around 55 minutes and all year groups have a break from 10.40am – 11.05am.

The Afternoon

On “Winter Timetable” (Michaelmas and Lent terms), lessons resume on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4.45pm and continue until 6.40pm depending on the timetable. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, there are no afternoon lessons, but instead whole school study time from 5.30pm – 6.40pm (6.30pm for Shell and Remove) which is taken in House.

On “Summer Timetable” (Summer term), afternoon lessons run from 2.15pm – 4.10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, as on Winter Timetable, there are no afternoon lessons, but instead whole school study time from 5.30pm – 6.40pm (6.30pm for Shell and Remove).

On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, games and other activities take place. In the Shell everyone participates in the major game on at least two afternoons per week and, in addition, a programme of academic enrichment, life skills, hobby and recreational pursuits operates on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Saturday afternoons are reserved for matches. The extent to which a pupil may choose his or her games activity depends upon their year in the school.

Wednesday Afternoons

Shell pupils take part in major sport or “Shell Circus” which introduces the new pupils to the many different sporting facilities on offer at the school.

The Remove spend half of the year on CCF (Combined Cadet Force) and the other half on OA (Outdoor Activities).

In the Hundred and above, Wednesday (or for some Monday) afternoons are reserved chiefly for service for those pupils who decide not to remain members of the CCF. There are a large number of options, including: assisting in primary schools, and in schools for those with special educational needs, working with our Swindon Academy partners, helping the elderly, the recycling group or various pupil publications, the Country Skills group, and the Rare Books group.

The Evening

Supper is served in the Norwood Hall from various starting times (depending upon the day) until 7.00pm. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays pupils in Cotton, Littlefield, Preshute and Summerfield have supper in their Houses.

Prep takes place from 7.30pm – 9.00pm every day except Saturday, after which pupils are free until bedtime.

The Lower School as a general rule are not allowed to leave their Houses after prep, although an HM may give special permission (on a “green chit”) for them to do so. For the Shell, bedtime will be between 9.30pm and 10.00pm, with the older year groups going to bed at roughly quarter hour intervals after that.

On Saturday evening there is no prep and social events are frequently organised on a yeargroup basis. Pupils are checked in their Houses at 7.30pm on Saturday nights, in addition to the later, final check-in.

Sundays

All pupils attend the Chapel service or talk on Sundays, where they are checked in using their smart cards. All pupils check in with their HM or Resident House Tutor during the morning and again in the mid afternoon. They are encouraged to use the many facilities that are open, and later in the day many have tea in their Houses.

Inter-house matches may take place, cultural or adventurous activities may also be organised on a House or year-group basis. Duke of Edinburgh’s Award candidates may also be involved in outdoor activities on some weekends. Pupils are free to go out with their parents with their HM’s permission if they wish, leaving after their Chapel option and returning in time for prep at 7.30pm. There are frequently concerts on Sunday evenings.

Houses & Pastoral Care

The College’s Statement of Boarding Principles can be found in the Almanac.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Marlborough College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects all staff, volunteers and visitors to share in this commitment. We actively listen to all pupils and always take seriously what they tell us. Our aim is for all pupils to enjoy their time at the College and feel safe and secure.

Louise Moelwyn-Hughes Master

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is the responsibility of all members of the community. All pupils, staff, parents and visitors should raise safeguarding concerns with Christine Kane, Director of Safeguarding and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), 07394 564897, ckane@marlboroughcollege.org or Ed Nightingale, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and (DDSL), 01672 892523, ecn@marlboroughcollege.org

Houses

The Housemaster or Housemistress (HM) is in overall charge of the House to which a pupil belongs. Contact details are included with this pack. The HM is in loco parentis and may have to take important decisions on your behalf (e.g. on medical matters) but will always try to contact you wherever possible. Please let your child’s HM know where to find you when you are away from home and ensure that he or she knows whom to contact in an emergency.

Staff with Special Pastoral Responsibility

Every House has at least one Resident House Tutor (RHT) who deputises for the HM on a regular basis and lives in separate accommodation within the House. Each House has a Dame (non-resident House manager), who is an important member of the House pastoral team as well as being responsible for pupils’ domestic arrangements, such as clothing and laundry.

In addition to the House-based staff, the Chaplain, the School Medical Officer, the Medical Centre Staff, and the College Counselling team are all available for pupils to consult when needed.

Tutors

Each House has a team of tutors and your child will have their own tutor who will make individual contact with them on a weekly basis. Tutors’ initials are listed in the Almanac, and your child’s HM will inform you of the name of their tutor.

The tutor is a guide, adviser and supporter for their tutees. Almost all members of Common Room are tutors and, in addition, the College has a number of tutors who are not members of the teaching staff, which enables pupil-to-tutor ratios of approximately 8:1. All non-teaching tutors have a close connection with the College, for example by being part of the school’s administrative staff or married to members of Common Room.

All tutors receive training, centrally, and as part of House Tutor teams. Their jobs combine pastoral care for pupils and academic monitoring. A pupil may talk to any member of the House tutor team and will thus benefit from the range of expertise tutors represent, in the academic field and beyond.

All tutors have a “duty night” in their House when they also see their tutees. They are responsible for academic monitoring through the College’s internal reporting system. They also assist the HM and the Guidance Department in:

• guiding their tutees through their (I)GCSE, GCSE, A level and university or career choices;

• guiding their tutees in choosing curricular and co-curricular options;

• developing their tutees’ acquisition of life skills and emotional and personal maturity.

Academic progress is recorded via Progress Indicator Reports (PIRs), which are reviewed by the tutor and HM. These act as a record and also enable pupils to review the past term and to set goals for the next.

All teachers and tutors receive regular in-service training and opportunities for professional development in order to maintain the College’s commitment to a high level of education and pastoral care.

Head of Shell

Pupils in their first year are supervised by the Head of Shell, who has overall responsibility for the Shell’s programme outside the classroom and who arranges their induction into the College. The Head of Shell produces The Shell Handbook every year which is issued to pupils to guide them through their first weeks at Marlborough. A great deal of care is taken in the induction of new pupils to the College, and HMs, tutors and senior pupils are all involved in the process. There are also Heads of Year for the Remove, Hundred, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth, offering an important whole-year group perspective and supporting the pastoral and academic development of pupils, as well as being a conduit for ‘pupil voice’.

Pupils arriving in the Shell join the school, with senior pupils from the Upper Sixth including Prefects and Heads of Houses, a day before the other pupils return.

Senior Pupils

All senior pupils but, especially, College Prefects, Heads of Houses, House Captains (House Prefects) and Sacristans (the Chaplain’s pupil assistants in the Houses) have a duty to care for the welfare of all the pupils in the school and in their Houses. They are also given responsibility for aspects of the running of the school and their Houses such as organising teams for inter-house competition. The two senior prefects, who are usually appointed for one term, are in charge of the routine organisation of the 30 or more School Prefects.

Wellbeing Ambassadors (WBAs) are appointed and trained with the specific remit of supporting good mental health in the pupil body. Each year group is represented within the WBA group. WBAs exist as an additional first point of call for pupils seeking support.

Lower Sixth Induction

Pupils arriving in the Lower Sixth join the school, with senior pupils from the Upper Sixth including Prefects and Heads of Houses, a day before the other pupils return. On that day, they will meet the House pastoral team, finalise their A level courses, hear various talks about aspects of school life and have a tour of the campus. Social events are organised early in the term to ensure their smooth integration into College life.

House & School Events

Parents are always welcome to support their children and the College at school events and there are a number of occasions when we particularly value their presence. Parents are most welcome at events such as school and House plays and concerts and Chapel on Sundays. More formal occasions are the Carol Services at the end of the Michaelmas term,

Confirmation in the Summer term if their child is being confirmed and Prize Day in the Summer term. Tickets are required for school plays, some concerts and Carol Services. Parents are also very welcome to watch sporting events, full details of which can be found in the Almanac and on the College’s sports website. In addition, for every year group there will be an annual opportunity to meet teachers.

Bullying

The College is committed to dealing firmly with any bullying which may occur and pursues an energetic policy to minimise its incidence, with the aim of creating an anti-bullying ethos at all levels in the school. Parents are encouraged to contact the HM immediately if they are concerned. The bullying statement (below) is posted on House notice boards, having been drafted by pupils, and a shortened version is included in the Almanac. It forms the basis of training in the topic for all new tutors and for members of the Upper School. The College’s Countering Bullying Policy can be found on the College website.

Shell pupils receive a presentation about bullying in their first term, as well as one on digital safety, online behaviour and social media. Both are followed-up in Houses. Pupils are then given every encouragement to talk about any concerns they may have with their HM, their tutor or a senior pupil. Pupils have the opportunity to report bullying by email (stopbullying@marlboroughcollege.org) and are encouraged on Firefly, the College’s VLE, to report inappropriate online behaviour, including cyber-bullying. The school annually surveys Shell pupils, via a questionnaire to identify any concerns pupils may have and to check they feel safe within the House and school environment.

Senior pupils holding posts of responsibility, including Prefects and Heads of Houses and Wellbeing Ambassadors, also have a training session organised for them in the first half of the Michaelmas term, at the same time as the Shell, to reinforce their role in deterring bullying.

Bullying Statement

Bullying is repeated, intentional, unprovoked, malicious actions or words which cause distress, making others feel unhappy and insecure.

All members of Marlborough College have the right to enjoy their lives free of bullying and harassment by whatever means, and are expected to treat others as they hope to be treated themselves in an atmosphere of mutual respect. They are expected to do all they can to prevent bullying.

An individual who feels bullied or intimidated has the right to expect any senior member of the College – pupil or member of staff – to listen and to deal with a problem promptly and sensitively.

Bullying will always be treated seriously and the school believes that to do nothing is to condone the bullying.

Guidance on ‘Privs’ & Parties

A separate document detailing guidance to parents on Privilege Weekends (‘Privs’) and hosting parties away from College is available in the secure Parent Portal – details of how to access the Portal can be found on page 8.

Chapel

Marlborough was founded as an Anglican school, as a “place of education for the Sons of the Clergy of the Church of England” and Chapel is an important feature of school life. From the beginning Marlborough has always recruited many pupils who were not the children of clergy and they have been joined by pupils of other Christian denominations and other faiths, as well as those of no faith. It is the place where the College community can openly and freely explore matters of ‘ultimate concern’ for all people, and questions can be asked about faith, spirituality and ethics. Here, our common challenges in this 21st century can be addressed without bias or pressure from any one side.

The Chaplain today takes an inclusive approach, whereby the Christian faith, to which he is totally committed, is simply shared with no expectations or demands that anyone join, save by their own free will.

Chapel Attendance

On certain occasions the School meets as a community in Chapel; these include the first and last day of each term, the first Sunday of each term, as well as on Ash Wednesday, when it falls in term time.

Each Sunday there is a morning service at 10.00am and an evening talk at 6.30pm. On some Sundays, published in the Almanac, there will be a morning talk from a visiting guest speaker at 10.30am and a Service of Evening Prayer at 6.30pm. Over the years a custom has developed of parents attending the 10.00am service before taking their son or daughter out for the day and we hope very much that the parents of new pupils will consider doing so when it is appropriate.

There are also voluntary Mindfulness and Guided Meditations from time to time in Chapel. Both are popular with a good ‘uptake’ of pupils.

Attendance at Other Churches

The only pupils excused Chapel attendance are Roman Catholics who choose to attend the service at St Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, at 11.00 am. The Priest is The Reverend John Blacker, 3 Priorsfield, Marlborough SN8 4AQ (01672 513267). Pupils of other faiths, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish or Buddhist, for example, are advised to contact the Chaplain to see what special provision can be arranged.

Roman Catholic Pupils

Father John Blacker is the visiting Chaplain to Roman Catholic staff and pupils in the College and as such is available for confession, spiritual counsel and pastoral care in addition to other pastoral provision made by the College. Father Blacker provides instruction for Catholic pupils preparing to receive the Sacraments, particularly Confirmation. The College Chaplain advertises the possibility of being confirmed in the Catholic Church to pupils and parents early in the Michaelmas Term and preparation sessions run throughout the year culminating in the Confirmation Mass itself which takes place early in the Summer Term.

Weekday Services

The Boarding Houses are grouped together in order to attend one weekly Chapel Service per week at 8.20am. These services take place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. All members of the Shell attend Chapel on Wednesday afternoons.

Bible Study

There is a weekly Bible study group called Christian Forum, which meets on Tuesday evenings.

Anglican Confirmation

Pupils can be prepared for Confirmation into the Anglican Communion and there is a Service each year in the Chapel. Many pupils choose to be confirmed in the Shell and Remove, but they are welcome to be confirmed in any year of their time in the school. Candidates are prepared during the Lent Term for the Confirmation Service early in the Summer Term. Pupils who have not been baptised can be baptised at the College in a Baptism Service arranged at a convenient time for the candidate and family.

Carol Services

There is an Advent Carol Service which takes place on Advent Sunday or the Sunday before. This is an internal occasion for the school and seating is thus reserved for pupils.

Over the last weekend of the Michaelmas term (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) there are four Christmas Carol Services. On a rotational basis (and clearly advertised in the Almanac for the relevant term) the Houses – i.e. pupils and their parents – are invited to one of these. Parents will be invited to apply for tickets as a matter of routine in the mid-September preceding. Because of restrictions of space, tickets are strictly restricted to TWO per family. Clearly, in a number of cases families will have links with more than one House: the expectation in such cases is that tickets will be issued to parents for just one service, when it is normal practice for parents to be accompanied by all their children who are pupils in the school.

The Chaplain, The Reverend Tim Novis, is available to the entire College community at any time for any pastoral or spiritual or liturgical requests, and is easily contacted.

Medical Arrangements

General

The Medical Officer, Dr Anna Collings, is a member of the town practice and runs GP-led surgeries at the College during term time.

The Medical Centre (“Sani”) is continually staffed by a team of fully trained nursing and paramedic staff. Parents wishing to contact the Medical Officer are asked to email the Sani, (sani@marlboroughcollege.org) who will pass the message on. Letters should be addressed to: The College Medical Officer, The Medical Centre, Marlborough College, Marlborough, Wilts, SN8 1PA. The Medical Centre can be reached via email or by telephone 01672 892435.

When a pupil is admitted to the Sani and is likely to remain there overnight, parents will be informed, usually by telephone.

All new pupils will be invited to the Medical Centre where staff will document a set of baseline observations, along with height and weight measurements. Pupils with acute or chronic medical conditions, mental health concerns, or at the pupil/parent request will undergo a medical examination with the Medical Officer or one of her GP partners, and any significant findings will be notified to parents.

Strict confidentiality is maintained by all members of the Sani staff. Such confidentiality can only be breached if it is required in the interests of the health of the individual or the community as a whole, or if there is a legal requirement to do so. Consent will always be sought before this is done.

Registration

Since more of a pupil’s time is spent at school than at home, all boarders must be registered on the Medical Officer’s list under the provisions of the National Health Service.

No pupil should transfer from the Medical Officer’s list while he/she is at school. If medical attention is needed during the holidays, pupils should consult their family doctors as temporary residents or private patients. When seeking medical attention outside of term time, please make it clear that it is on a ‘temporary resident’ basis so pupils are not re-registered.

Day pupils may remain registered with their own GPs but will be seen in the Sani when necessary as temporary residents.

Medical and Surgical Treatment

Primary care and routine treatments are carried out at the Medical Centre. Parents and House staff are not routinely informed when a pupil attends the morning GP surgery (or the Medical Centre at other times) though pupils are encouraged to keep their parents and House staff informed and up to date about their health and welfare. Pupils may take responsibility for their own routine prescription medication, provided they are judged by the GP to be competent to do so. Where a pupil is judged competent to self-medicate, the medication must be kept locked away in the pupil’s room. Parents must inform the Medical Centre about any medication a pupil is bringing back to school. X-ray and pathological examinations and a range of specialist consultations are available under the National Health Service. Nursing care is available in the Medical Centre 24 hours a day, during term-time. In certain unforeseen circumstances extra nursing care may be requested. The cost for this may be passed to the parents at the Master’s discretion. The cost of auxiliary nursing care for a pupil who is intoxicated will always be passed to parents.

Pupils requiring hospital treatment will normally go to The Great Western Hospital, Swindon (01793 604020). Some parents may prefer their child to have private health care. This can be arranged in consultation with the parents. Parents may wish to arrange private health insurance to cover the cost.

The Sani has a small number of in-patient beds to which patients can be admitted. In the event of sick pupils who, in the opinion of the medical team, are likely to need in-patient care for 48 hours or more, it is likely that parents will be asked to collect their children for care at home.

Dental Treatment

Regular visits to the dentist two or three times a year are important throughout adolescence. We expect that parents will arrange such visits to the family dentist in the holidays, as visits in term-time often interfere with important school activities; only emergency dental treatment will be carried out at Marlborough. Orthodontist treatment and private dental treatment should be arranged by parents directly with the dentist concerned.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are given routinely as follows, according to NHS/PHE vaccination programmes, and delivered by HCRG Care Group:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio;

• Meningitis ACWY;

• Influenza vaccine: this is given in the Michaelmas Term, ONLY to pupils who are recommended clinically to receive the vaccination under the Department of Health guidelines. The local GP Practice issues the list of eligible pupils and the vaccines to the Medical Centre. The team are unable to add further pupils to the list;

• HCRG may independently offer the influenza vaccine to lower year groups, though this is decided by them on a year by year basis.

Shell pupils who have received one HPV vaccine in Year 8 will be offered the second vaccine with HCRG to complete the schedule.

All vaccinations delivered by HCRG will require parental consent via a link, which will be emailed to parents prior to the arranged date. It is important to note that HCRG will not vaccinate any pupil for whom they have no consent. In order to collate the lists for the day the link will remain ‘live’ for a set period of time, after which no further pupils can be added. The deadline will be communicated to parents at the time the link is emailed. Please note, this consent is required in addition to the consent given on the College joining papers.

Vaccinations for holiday travel can be organised by the Medical Centre. Please complete the Vaccination Travel Risk Assessment Form on the Parent Portal. There is a charge for some vaccines. The Sani should be informed of any vaccinations given by other medical authorities or travel centres. Occasionally there may be difficulties with sourcing travel vaccines through our local Pharmacy. On these occasions you may be asked to take your child to a Travel Clinic during holiday times. It is therefore important to plan ahead for the vaccines.

Illness or Infectious Contact During the Holidays

If a pupil has an operation, accident, severe illness, immunisation or special treatment during the holidays, parents should ensure that the Medical Officer is informed on or before their return to school via email at sani@marlboroughcollege.org. The information should be

given in a letter or report from the parent, family doctor or consultant, giving details of medicines or treatment prescribed or recommended.

In the event of holiday contact with diphtheria, polio, typhoid or paratyphoid fever, bacillary dysentery, salmonella, or meningococcal infection the pupil should be kept at home until the Medical Officer has been consulted. Following exposure to anyone suffering from other infectious diseases (e.g. Covid-19, chickenpox or mumps) the pupil may return to school at the beginning of term but the Medical Officer should be informed if the child has not already had the disease. The Medical Officer must be told if a pupil has been exposed to the risk of ebola, malaria or other tropical or infectious disease. Anti-malarial prophylaxis should be continued for as long as instructed after visiting, even briefly, a malarial area.

Counselling

The counsellors see pupils by appointment and can be contacted through the Sani, or directly by pupils or parents. Contact details are in the Almanac, and are widely publicised to pupils. The College’s counselling team is led by Katia Houghton.

Please note that the College counselling service generally provides support on an occasional or short-term basis only. Parents whose children require longer-term ongoing counselling, or who join the College with a pre-existing need for ongoing counselling, should make arrangements for access to counselling on a private basis or seek referral through local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services provision. The College can help to facilitate access and offer advice on private counselling.

Psychiatric Services

If the Medical Officer or her deputies wish to refer a pupil for psychiatric assessment, parents will be informed. As pupils are registered with Dr Collings they are eligible for NHS care including psychiatry, but unfortunately the current structures for provision of such services by CAMHS teams (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) rarely enable a consultant opinion to be obtained quickly, and often require multiple assessments by other members of the team before reaching the consultant, as well as many weeks waiting. Dr Collings is obviously happy to refer pupils via the NHS, but after discussion with parents it is her experience that a private referral is often helpful.

Physiotherapy

Amanda Marsh is the College provider for private Physiotherapy and Sports therapy. Referrals can be made by the Medical Centre staff at your request. Amanda will always contact parents prior to undertaking any treatment.

Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education (PSHEE) & Shell Programme

As part of a rounded curriculum, Marlborough presents an extensive programme of Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education (PSHEE) for pupils throughout their time at the school. Of all areas of education, it is this domain which we share most overtly with parents; we see it as a course which complements the upbringing that parents give their children. As the title suggests, much of what is involved is personal and for that reason we employ a variety of teaching methods. These range from the relative formality of classroom instruction in PSHEE (Academic) lessons, Form (for the Shell), Biology, ESS and Religious Studies, through to the intimate and informal atmosphere of PSHEE (Artemis) sessions, house tutor groups and house year groups, complemented by presentations from external experts. We feel strongly that with many of the topics which come into this area it is important that pupils are made aware of the values and ideals which have a bearing on their decisions. Our aim is to help them, through discussion and information, to formulate their own beliefs and standards, to act consistently according to these, and to develop pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness.

Parents who wish to know more about this area are invited to make contact with Julian Hodgson (Head of PSHEE, RSE & SMSC), who is responsible for the co-ordination of the school’s PSHEE programme. The structure of our PSHEE provision is as follows and the College’s PSHEE, RSE and SMSC policies can be found on the website.

Shell:

• Pupils meet the College Counsellor in house groups and are introduced to the Medical Centre.

• House groups follow the PSHEE (Artemis) course. Topics covered include an introduction to PSHEE, healthy boarding, bullying (including the drawing up of a House “Appropriate Behaviour” Charter), working and living together, issues relating to smoking, alcohol and drugs, adolescent health and hygiene, cyber safety (including a pupil digital media survey), self-image and self-esteem, peer pressure, bereavement, charity, gender issues, disability issues, racism, discrimination and citizenship.

• Form groups follow the PSHEE course. In the first term, they are introduced to the Marlborough Mindset as a strategy to support their work and follow this with lessons on healthy boarding (in conjunction with ESS “Introduction to Fitness” module) which includes diet, exercise & managing stress, sleep & dreaming, body image, the brain, learning & neuro-plasticity and staying out of harm’s way. The second term looks at relationships in the home and school situation, the

Equality Act and County Lines. The third term looks at the threats to society from extremism, radicalisation and terrorism.

• External speakers address a range of topics including: healthy boarding, bullying and appropriate behaviour, screen dependency, digital safety, gaming and addictive behaviour and stereotyping.

• An introduction to self-protection workshop is run for all pupils on rotation.

Parents and carers have the right to request that their child/children be withdrawn from some or all of the sex education delivered as part of statutory RSE (Relationship and Sex Education) which, unless there are exceptional circumstances, will be granted up to three terms before their child/children turn/turns 16.

Remove:

• House groups follow the PSHEE (Artemis) course. Topics covered include social interactions, adolescence and adolsecent sexual relationships, smoking/vaping, equality and online behaviour.

• Form groups follow the PSHEE course. The first term looks at growth and fixed mindsets, self-efficacy, post-traumatic growth and FBVs. The second looks at family life (including legal rights and responsibilities, choices in relation to pregnancy and behaviour within relationships), immunisations and vaccinations and the science of blood, organ and stem cell donation. The third term looks a drugs education, sextortion and body image.

• In Biology part of the first term focuses on human reproduction and the various issues relating to puberty and personal health. Subsequently, detailed work is done on the cardiovascular and the breathing system, which includes work on the effects of smoking and benefits of exercise. This is paralleled in ESS with modules on fitness testing and also on leadership, during which issues of stress management as part of a healthy lifestyle are introduced.

• External speakers address the Remove on the following topics: adolescence, body image, the second of three RSE presentations, drug dependency, testicular and breast cancers and the work of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

• An important feature of the Remove year is the presentation at the Parents’ Meeting on the subject of substance abuse amongst the young.

Hundred:

• Recognising that pupils are capable of managing the more philosophical side of PSHEE-related issues, the understanding of moral aspects of decision-making in personal relationships, and in such matters as abortion, euthanasia and substance

abuse are attended to in RS, as are issues relating to life in society – gender issues, social justice and prejudice.

• House groups follow the PSHEE (Artemis) course. Topics covered include smoking/vaping, positive mental health (with particular focus on exam stress and healthy lifestyle choices.

• Form groups follow the PSHEE (Academic) course. The first term looks at making a positive difference to the world and historical issues and prejudice. The second term revisits study skills and promoting positive mental health.

• In Biology, pupils study the nervous system, relating it to the effects of drugs. Throughout the Biology course the ethical and social impacts of issues such as cloning; genetic modification and environmental damage are discussed.

• External speakers address the Hundred on smoking/vaping, positive mental health, the third of three RSE presentations and risk.

Upper School:

• Externally delivered presentations cover topics such as sepsis awareness, responsible alcohol consumption, sexual health and HIV awareness, LGBTQIA+ awareness, the implications of drug consumption. A visiting team from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service delivers a powerful road show looking at the responsibilities of young drivers and their passengers.

• House groups follow the PSHEE (Artemis) course. Topics covered include issues of sexual consent/and appropriate behaviour in intimate relationships, wellbeing and follow-up discussions of the externally delivered presentations.

• The Lower Sixth leadership forum allows pupils to consider developing social awareness and responsibility skills, and the meaning of citizenship, confidence and leadership.

• Lower Sixth pupils are offered an introductory workshop on personal safety and self-protection. There may be the opportunity to follow a longer, certified selfprotection course in the Summer Term.

• The Upper Sixth are further prepared for health care and personal responsibility beyond Marlborough through the Life after Marlborough series which addresses topics such as GP registration, sexual health and mental health, gap year travel and the implications for personal safety, gambling and addiction, setting challenges and achieving goals and personal finance management.

Academic Matters

The College’s Academic Aims can be found on the College website.

Structure

Pupils who enter the College at 13 years of age spend three years in the Lower School (Shell, Remove and Hundred) and two years in the Upper School (Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth).

The Lower School

During the Shell year, all pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum and the key aim is to develop good work habits for the future. As part of this mission, pupils are taught “Form”, in place of English, History and Religious Studies (details can be found in the Shell Curriculum Booklet or on the College’s website).

At Christmas of the Shell year, a GCSE Curriculum Booklet is sent to parents to describe the various GCSE courses from which their children may choose and in late February, following the Shell Parents’ Meeting, pupils select their GCSE subjects.

At the end of the Shell year, there are internal examinations: these provide a clear objective for pupils and, in streamed subjects, help to ensure that the setting is correct.

At the start of the Remove year, pupils embark upon their chosen GCSE courses in earnest. GCSE examinations are taken at the end of the Hundred year. There is a Remove Parents’ Meeting in May to discuss progress and another set of internal examinations at the end of the Remove year.

During the Hundred year, pupils complete their GCSE courses, including the appropriate coursework. There are Mock Examinations in January, followed by the Hundred Parents’ Meeting, at which there is a discussion both of GCSE prospects and of possible Sixth Form choices.

The Upper School

The College expects pupils to undertake post-16 courses which are demanding and of sufficient breadth to enable them to differentiate themselves in a competitive university admissions market. Pupils are encouraged to stretch themselves and to develop their abilities to the fullest and our Sixth Form Curriculum is designed to help them do just that.

Upper School pupils are required to choose three or four main subjects; those choosing four are expected to continue with all four for two years.

In addition, pupils are encouraged to choose from a range of complementary subjects, which include the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), a course in Creative Writing, and a number of foreign language courses.

Further details can be found in the Sixth Form Curriculum Booklet which is on the College website.

Academic Progress

This is carefully and constantly monitored by individual teachers, by the tutor and the Housemaster/Housemistress. Oversight of the academic progress of all pupils falls via the Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) to the Deputy Head (Academic). Throughout the school, formal and informal reporting of attainment and effort occurs (through Interim and Full Reports) which are written around once per half-term, and the HM Reports to parents).

In addition to regular assessments, individual pieces of work can receive special approval (or if warranted, particular sanctions). In the Lower School, a piece of work that is judged to be of good quality relative to a pupil’s ability is awarded a Commendation, but one of poor quality receives an Academic Detention and may have to be done again. This system provides rapid feedback about academic progress to pupil, tutor and Housemaster/ Housemistress. A record of commendations and other awards earned by a pupil are available to parents via the Parent Portal, and are also published on reports. A poor performance may lead to a pupil being placed on Satis, when the pupil has to take a form to every lesson and secure a positive written comment from each teacher.

Throughout the school it is possible to win prizes for outstanding performances in internal examinations or for exceptional pieces of work. Copies and Distinctions are given for excellent academic achievement. Academic performance is also rewarded with prizes at the end of term and on specific Prize Days.

Learning Support

The College’s Learning Support department is there to help all pupils who may need an extra level of support with their learning, whether for recognised learning differences or not. Pupils complete a screening assessment on arrival; further assessment and support will be organised as appropriate.

English as an Additional Language

English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision is available, if needed, to all pupils whose first language is not English. Support lessons aim to develop pupils’ abilities to communicate effectively in speech and writing to ensure they have the linguistic ability to deal with their studies, activities and social interactions while they are at Marlborough College.

Reporting

As mentioned above, the College’s reporting system consists of:

• Interim Reports (IRs) – these are snapshot reports, and consist of a grade for each of Attainment, Organisation and Academic Ambition, and a short, target-focused comment from each beak.

• Full Reports (FRs) – these consist of a grade for each of Attainment, Organisation and Academic Ambition, with longer summative comments from beaks.

• The tutor discusses academic progress with each pupil in each reporting cycle, and HMs will comment on at least one report per term for each pupil, according to the published schedule.

• All reports are published to parents via the Parent Portal.

Textbooks and Stationery

All necessary textbooks are ordered for pupils in preparation for them joining in the Michaelmas Term. These textbooks will be charged to parents’ bills at the end of the term. In addition, pupils may buy items of stationery plus a small range of snacks and toiletries from the Book Office with permission, using the chit system or with their pocket money.

Individual Foreign Visits

Before individual foreign visits or exchanges abroad are planned in detail, the College’s permission needs to be obtained in the interest of ensuring that important work commitments are not missed. The HM will initiate the process. Normal College fees are to be paid during the period of absence and reasonable notice, at least half a term, must always be given.

Entry to the Upper School

A place at Marlborough in the Lower School does not guarantee entry to the Upper School. At present the academic hurdle for entry into the Upper School is a minimum of six grades at Grade 6 or above at GCSE, (although the majority of our current pupils achieve much higher than this). Those admitted to the school will have the capacity to reach this level and will be expected to do so unless very unusual circumstances pertain. Academic Departments require that pupils should have a minimum of a Grade 7 at GCSE in a subject which they are considering studying at A level. For Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, pupils should have a minimum of Grade 8 and 9. For subjects that are not taught for GCSE, Heads of Department will use performance in complementary subjects as an indicator. In rare circumstances, an exemption to this requirement may be granted; this will be at the discretion of the Deputy Head (Academic). In addition, progress from the Lower Sixth to the Upper Sixth is dependent upon a satisfactory level of achievement in the Lower Sixth relative to the pupil’s ability.

The Memorial Library

The Library at Marlborough College was built on its current site in 1893 and with The Memorial Library and the Reading Room holds in excess of 30,000 items to support both the curricular and the leisure needs of pupils. These include fiction, non-fiction and reference books, music and audio CDs, DVDs, newspapers, periodicals and magazines and an outstanding e-library.

The Libraries aim to provide a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere both for studying and for promoting a love of books and reading. A quiet working environment is maintained in The Memorial Library where the non-fiction and reference books are held. The Reading Room, with its comfortable chairs and bean bags has a wide range of teenage and adult fiction and provides a relaxed atmosphere for recreational reading. Regular events with visiting authors encourage the promotion of reading for enjoyment. Throughout the year, events such as National Poetry Day and World Book Day are marked and celebrated with poetry swaps and book quizzes. The Library is staffed by an enthusiastic, fully qualified Librarian and two assistants. It is open from 8.30am – 9.00pm on weekdays, on Saturday mornings and on Sunday afternoons throughout the term.

All pupils have a library induction and are encouraged to use all the facilities.

Examinations

Access Arrangements in Exams

Access arrangements are an example of a reasonable adjustment made for a candidate who is disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and who would be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to someone who is not disabled. These arrangements may be put in place for someone who has a disability which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on normal day to day activities; study and education related activities are included in the meaning of day-to-day activities.

Exam Access arrangements are tightly regulated by the exam boards and require specific evidence of the disadvantages faced by the pupil. Learning Support should be contacted when concerns are raised that a child may be experiencing substantial difficulties. In cases where assessment for learning difficulties is required, these are carried out by a qualified educational psychologist employed by the College. The exam boards stipulate that this assessment must be carried out during Year 9 (Shell) or later. Privately commissioned assessment reports cannot be accepted by the College. For other disabilities and conditions, core evidence could take the form of a letter from a hospital consultant, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist or other professional.

In addition, the exam boards require supplementary evidence painting a picture of a history of need. Subject teachers provide evidence to show how the learning difficulty has impacted on teaching and learning, detail additional support and confirm that the access arrangement is the pupil’s normal way of working.

One example of an exam arrangement is a word processor. Use of a word processor in exams cannot be granted to a candidate simply because he or she prefers to type rather than to write, or because he or she can work faster on a keyboard. The pupil must fulfil the exam board criteria and use of a word processor must also reflect the candidate’s normal way of working within the College. Please note that the exact exam board criteria can differ between exam boards, and it is possible that slightly different arrangements may be in place for different exams. Once in place, Exam Access Arrangements for individual pupils will be shared with beaks, the pupil, and their parents.

Appeals Procedure

Appeals Procedures exist for all external examinations. Notification is sent to parents in advance, but pupils are advised to contact their HM or the Deputy Head (Academic) if in doubt.

Futures Department

The Futures Department aims to provide pupils with the career management skills to be able to adapt to the rapidly changing world a build a ‘positive career’.

Marlburians are given full support when making their UCAS, international university or alternative pathway choices (apprenticeships). The careers education programme is delivered within the curriculum, through the specialist Futures team and through the many Futures department enrichment and super-curricular events including talks, fairs and advising workshops. Employability is at its heart, so links to industry, employers, universities, and the Old Marlburian network are crucial. Marlburians will understand what it is to have an ‘Enterprising Mindset’ and how to build a positive career through the development of career management skills.

The department organises gap year and careers fairs, and visiting speakers from higher education institutions and Old Marlburian university students. These activities, together with university open days, gap year opportunities and other matters of importance, are publicised on the College website and through weekly bulletins to all the boarding houses, and are also sent to parents and pupils in weekly emails. Regular deadlines are set to help pupils at key times in their decision-taking. For those who are interested in applying to universities abroad (usually around 10-15%), visiting speakers, application and test preparation sessions are arranged throughout the year.

Interview training is provided by visiting professionals for any pupil in the Upper Sixth who wishes to have it, and the cost is charged to the bill. Even though interviews for higher education are no longer common, many pupils find it helpful to develop their selfpresentation skills and to be challenged on their choice of courses. Work experience is an option for pupils at any point during their school careers when academic work will not be disrupted. A natural opportunity for work experience occurs for the Hundred after their (I) GCSEs, and pupils are encouraged to consider a short period of work experience at that time.

The Futures programme broadly follows the Career Development Institute’s framework (and Gatsby Benchmarks) which identify the six learning areas:

• To grow throughout life

• Explore possibilities

• Manage career

• Create opportunities

• Balance life and work

• See the big picture

The Futures Department, led by Ms Alys Langdale, is supported by a team of specialists to aid transitions at all stages. This includes UCAS, Oxbridge, Medics, International Universities, Alternative Pathways. The College uses the Unifrog platform to aid management, teaching and information flow.

Co-Curricular Matters

Boys and girls in the Shell year spend at least three afternoons a week playing games and taking part in sporting activities. The major games each term are:

Boys Girls

Michaelmas Term Rugby Hockey (also Lacrosse)

Lent Term Hockey Netball (also Lacrosse)

Summer Term Cricket Tennis (also Athletics and Cricket)

A typical weekly co-curricular programme for the Shell in the Michaelmas and Lent terms:

Monday 2.30 – 4.30pm Major sports practice

Tuesday 2.30 – 4pm Shell Options Programme (art, clay pigeon shooting, ceramics, cookery, dance, DT, drama, debating, fencing, film, girls’ football, boys’ football, girls’ cricket, music, photography, polo, rackets, riding, robotics, sewing, science clubs, table tennis, textiles outdoor activities and more.)

Wednesday 2.30 – 4.20pm Major sports practice OR Shell games circus (squash, fencing, fives, water polo, basketball)

6.45 – 7.20pm Junior Singers rehearsal

Thursday 2.30 – 4.30pm Year group programme of activities

Before an exeat weekend school matches will be played on a Thursday.

6.15 – 7.30pm Jazz Ensemble

6.45 – 7.20pm Sinfonia Strings

Friday 2.30 – 4.30pm Major sports practice

Saturday 2.15 – 5pm School Matches

(Lent and Summer Terms) Shell Play Rehearsals (Sun, Tues, Thurs)

The two afternoons in the week when all Shell boys and girls play the major games are Mondays and Fridays. Participation in the major game is compulsory for all pupils in the Shell, but the choice increases as pupils progress up the school; senior pupils are more able to choose one of the alternative games and will have time available for academic work some afternoons. For pupils with disabilities and for whom reasonable adjustments cannot be made, alternative activities will be provided.

Matches against other schools take place chiefly on Saturday afternoons, with occasional matches on Wednesdays and Thursdays. In the winter terms, the school fields up to five rugby and six hockey teams (boys) and four hockey (girls), six netball and two lacrosse teams at Shell level. Those who do not represent the school on Saturday afternoons are directed towards a selection of alternative activities. Parents are encouraged to watch matches and to have tea in the Norwood Hall afterwards. Most Saturdays there are multi-sport activities on site. We have occasional trips to Bath, Bristol, Oxford and Blenheim for those not involved in fixtures.

Full details of the College’s fixtures are to be found in the Almanac, sent to parents every term and given to each pupil. Weekly fixture information can be accessed from the main College website via the sports website (sport.marlboroughcollege.org) which you can also save to your phone as a Mobile Web App. Clear details of venues, times, directions and cancellations are published before each major block fixture on a Saturday. Team lists are password protected for security, and this password is shared with parents at the beginning of an academic year. Further information about how to use the sports website will be available on the Parent Portal.

On Wednesday afternoons in the Michaelmas and Lent terms, some girls and boys in the Shell participate in a games circus when, besides having coaching in the major games, the year group is introduced in turn to the wide variety of other games that Marlborough has to offer. These are coached by senior pupils under staff supervision and will include a selection of: squash, fencing, fives, water polo and basketball. Those girls and boys in the top two teams for the major sports and lacrosse do not participate in the circus but have an extra team practice.

On Tuesday afternoons in all three terms there is a programme of other pursuits as part of the Shell and Remove Options Programme. These include art, clay pigeon shooting, ceramics, cookery, dance, design technology, drama, debating, fencing, film, girls’ football, boys’ football, girls’ cricket, music, photography, polo, rackets, riding, robotics, sewing, science clubs, table tennis, textiles and outdoor activities.

On Thursday afternoons the Shell follow a year group programme of activities in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. In the Summer term, the Shell have an extra afternoon of sport on a Thursday. The aim is to enable pupils to participate in a variety of activities.

In the Summer term the school fields up to five cricket teams and four tennis sixes at Shell level for boys and girls. The College’s policy is that those boys who are required for cricket will play it; those who are not may take up tennis, athletics or swimming. Cricket trials take place for all Shell boys on selected Sundays in the Lent term by House. The major game for girls is tennis; girls who do not play this may take up athletics or swimming. We have a number of girls cricket fixtures. Coaching in these sports takes the place of the games circus on Wednesday afternoons in the Summer term. On Tuesday afternoons pupils continue to choose from a list of the College’s other sports or a non-sporting activity.

In the Remove and Hundred years, some continue with the major games but others, not required to play the major game of the term, may choose from the wide variety of other sporting activities on offer (including Outdoor Activities). The Remove year take a minimum of three sessions of sporting activity on weekday afternoons (Monday to Friday). They also take a course on Wednesday afternoons which introduces them to the CCF and to Outdoor Activities. In the latter, they are introduced to the basic skills of camping, canoeing, orienteering and rock climbing. Pupils participate in one other activity, sporting or non-sporting, opting from the list of pursuits available to the Remove on Tuesday afternoons. The Gold DofE is available in the Upper School; pupils opt for this in the February of the Hundred year.

Girls and boys in the Lower and Upper Sixth take a minimum of two sessions of exercise in a week. The most proficient in the major game of the term continue playing it, but also have opportunities to pursue another sporting activity. Many, especially those who play the major game of the term, take more than the minimum amount of exercise. A large number of pupils represent the school in alternative games such as squash, rackets, fives, lacrosse, basketball, fencing, polo, water polo, swimming, riding, clay pigeon shooting, shooting, football and golf. The range of sports and activities available is wide and includes: aerobics, yoga, dance, pilates, badminton, jiu jitsu, table tennis, fishing, beagling, volleyball and watt-biking.

An extensive programme of inter-house competitions, (both sporting and non-sporting) at Senior and Junior levels, is held through the school year. All members of the Upper School do a Wednesday afternoon activity which is usually the CCF or a form of Outreach, often with children or the elderly in the local community.

The orchestra rehearses on Wednesday afternoons; members of the orchestra can take part in some Outreach activities on Monday afternoon instead.

Many of the College’s facilities are open on half days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and at weekends for boys and girls to pursue activities that interest them independently; these include the Sports Hall, the Squash and Fives courts, the Swimming Pool, the Art school, the Music practice rooms, the ICT Centre and the Technology Centre. Drama productions are rehearsed at these times and many Music ensembles also have their weekly practices.

Outdoor Activities

The College offers a wide range of Outdoor Activities, including canoeing, sailing, kayaking, sub-aqua, mountain-biking, hill-walking, rock climbing, mountaineering, caving, coasteering, potholing, orienteering, camping and dry slope skiing. The facilities of the purpose-built Kempson Centre include a recently refurbished climbing wall and the Climbing Club meet here two evenings a week.

Each year a number of Lower Sixth pupils participate in the Devizes to Westminster marathon double kayak race. This involves three overnight camps over the Easter weekend, plus 125 miles of paddling and constitutes a considerable personal challenge.

Weekend expeditions are organised to such places as the New Forest, the Forest of Dean and the Brecon Beacons. We make a small charge to cover transport and equipment for such expeditions. In the holidays longer expeditions are organised, and in recent years have included trips to Nepal, Peru, Iceland, Slovenia, Sweden, Mount Olympus and The Alps. Pupils in the two Upper School years are strongly encouraged to participate in the DofE Gold Award scheme and the Outdoor Activities department co-ordinates this and helps pupils plan and carry out their own mini-expeditions.

Educational Visits

The College runs a comprehensive programme of day and overnight trips which aim to extend and enrich the academic and co-curricular experiences of the pupils.

In term time there are trips to university departments, museums, theatres and cinemas and a varied programme of recreational House trips for Shell. The House trips are usually aimed at one year group and it is hoped that all of the year group will attend. They greatly aid the bonding and settling process.

The Outdoor Activities Department runs a number of adventure weekends which are open to all pupils. Recent trips have included climbing in North Wales, moutainbiking in mid Wales and Gold DofE Training in the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. Each year the Shell has an Outdoor Activities Week in June; the vast majority of the 16 Houses stay in the Brecon Beacons. Each year there is also a post-GCSE trip for pupils in the Hundred.

The College runs a number of foreign trips in the holidays. Those currently being arranged are:

• Rugby tour to France

• History of Art Trip to Paris

• Hockey Tour to the Netherlands

• Junior Ski Trip to France

• French Dept Trip to Paris

• Choir Trip to Berlin (to perform Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem)

• OA Dept Pakistan Expedition (K2 Base Camp)

• Rugby (Shell) Tour to Paris

• Scholars’ Trip to Rome

• History Dept Trip to Berlin (Remove and Hundred)

• Chinese Dept Trip to Taiwan

• Canada Cup Skiing Competition

In addition, the College runs an annual exchange for the Shell to Marlborough College Malaysia departing towards the end of half-term in the Lent Term.

Society Meetings

These take place at a variety of times during the week. A full list of the College’s societies together with those responsible for activities is to be found in the Almanac.

Music

Music at Marlborough

Large numbers of pupils have the opportunity to play musical instruments at the College and details of music lessons are given below. There are a number of orchestral groups, choirs, bands and chamber music groups, all of which will have the opportunity to perform during the year as well as a weekly lunchtime recital series, when we hope that parents and friends will come to listen. In addition, Choral Evensongs, chapel services, the Confirmation services and the annual choral concert towards the end of the Lent term are all opportunities to hear Marlborough’s music.

Instrumental Lessons

A pupil will receive a maximum of 30 lessons of 35 minutes’ duration during an academic year. The current fees for music lessons are given on a separate sheet. Lessons are available in all orchestral instruments, including the harp, as well as the guitar, recorder, bagpipes and singing.

Termination of Lessons

Six school weeks’ notice must be given in writing to the Office of the the Artistic Director if music lessons are to be terminated, either permanently or temporarily.

Hire of Instruments

Instruments can sometimes be hired for individual or shared use and the costs of this are included with this booklet. Hire charges for the following instruments do not increase because they are too large/expensive for parents to buy after their child has had one year’s tuition: horn, bassoon, tuba, double bass, euphonium.

Trips

From time to time a number of trips to concerts, musicals, operas etc. are organised throughout the year and particularly those pupils studying Music at GCSE and A level are invited to attend.

Marlborough College Concert Series

These concerts are given by artists of international recognition and are outstanding in value. It is very much hoped that parents will encourage their son or daughter to attend and will come themselves. The Concert Season runs in the Michaelmas and Lent terms and tickets are available to purchase online at marlboroughconcertseries.org or from the Marlborough College Concert Series Box Office (01672 892566 or email: mccstickets@marlboroughcollege.org).

Details of all musical events can be found in the Music Calendar which can be found on the Parent Portal.

Drama

Major Productions

Two major productions are staged at the College every year, one in November and another in March. A wide range of plays are selected to expand pupils’ awareness of a variety of performance styles, and are always cast by open audition. In their first year pupils have the opportunity to take part in the Shell Play, which is usually performed at the end of the first half of the Summer term.

Studio Productions

These take advantage of some of the smaller spaces in the College. Performances range from contemporary work to re-imagined classical texts. They offer an opportunity for pupils and staff to direct productions with small cast sizes that are drawn from across the College. There is also an opportunity for pupils to develop original work and independent productions.

Discipline

Rules

The School Rules are printed in the Almanac and are designed to ensure the welfare and safety of pupils and the smooth running of the College. It is important for the partnership that must exist between the school and parents that parents understand and support the College’s rules. If there is any doubt, please consult the child’s Housemaster or Housemistress.

Dress

The school clothing regulations are printed in the Almanac and clothes lists (page 63) itemise what is required. All clothes sent to school, including informal clothing, must be named. Parents of day pupils should ensure that their children come to school properly dressed, and boarders must have enough clothing to meet the requirements of the weekly school laundry.

School uniform must be worn throughout the school day; day pupils are expected to arrive and leave in uniform. Informal dress may be worn after 5.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday, after 7.00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and after 12.00pm on Saturdays.

Pupils are expected to dress formally for Chapel and other official occasions on Sundays but otherwise they may wear smart casual dress.

Lost Property

Any private property found around the College will be handed to the College Proctor. All valuable items will be sent direct to the Security Lodge where a log will be kept. Pupils may re-claim their lost property from the College Proctor. Valuables can be reclaimed from Security.

Prefects

The Master appoints about 30 senior pupils to be Prefects in June of the Lower Sixth year and may add to these in January. The role of the Prefect is:

• To lead the school by example in terms of appearance, attitude, conduct, initiative and integrity;

• To be reliable, conscientious and trustworthy;

• To liaise between the Master, the Management Team and HMs as an interface between Common Room and the pupil body, actively promoting the importance of pupil voice in our community;

• To take pride in Marlborough College and in themselves;

• To support the College’s pastoral system by adopting a sympathetic and approachable attitude to other members of the school and by supporting the school’s policies on bullying and Child Protection;

• To set the tone and lead the pupil body according to the Marlborough Charter, revised periodically by the Prefects – and to honour this code of conduct.

Giving pupils responsibility is a vital part of education and so, in addition to College Prefects, there are many other posts (Heads of House, House Captains, Wellbeing Ambassadors, Sacristans and so on) which enable pupils to exercise responsibility and play useful roles in the running of the College. Heads of House and Prefects receive training and meet on a regular basis.

Sanctions

For the vast majority of pupils the School Rules constitute a simple framework within which they can live and work comfortably. Disorganised, lazy or wayward pupils, however, for whom the odd mild rebuke proves insufficient, are dealt with by a simple range of sanctions.

Independent Listener

A College Independent Listener is available if a pupil wishes to speak to someone who is detached from the life of the school. To contact the Independent Listener there is a number on House notice boards and in the Almanac.

Day Pupils

Other than in a small number of exceptional cases, all pupils at the College are full boarders. Where circumstances are such that a pupil has been allowed to become a day pupils, all school rules apply as they would for full boarders but in addition there are a few rules which apply to day pupils only. The following areas are especially important:

Signing in and out: all day pupils must sign in by 8.15am. If a pupil cannot come in because of illness, the parent must inform his/her HM before 8.30am and, if the pupil has not signed in by that time, parents will be contacted for an explanation. If the pupil has an appointment in the course of the school day, the HM should be informed in writing/by email. Day pupils

must sign out when they leave school for home and leave the College by 7.00pm, unless they have permission to stay in school. They should travel to and from school in uniform.

Saturday evening: pupils are not allowed to stay on campus after 7.00pm, or to return to it, unless they sign in to their House and sign out again when they leave for home from their House. They must be picked up or return home by the times stated in the School Rules, unless there is an event which ends later.

Parental absence: if parents are going to be away from home they should ensure that the HM knows of this, and knows who is responsible for the pupil.

The College Policy on Drugs

The College policy on Smoking, Alcohol and Misuse of Drugs and Substances seeks to ensure all are protected from the misuse of drugs. In doing so, it balances discipline and education. It is a condition of admission that parents, on behalf of pupils, accept the College’s right to require a pupil to undergo biological sample tests for drug and substance abuse. Any pupil can be required to give a sweat, urine or hair test, to test for the use of drugs or other substances at any time, without necessarily prior discussion with them of any involvement or contact with drugs. This drug testing is used deterrently not punitively; this is explained to pupils via House notice boards, Assemblies and at the time of testing. It is hoped that the knowledge of the likelihood of testing will act as a supportive framework and a deterrent from experimentation.

It should be noted that the College’s definition of drugs includes not only those drugs which fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 but also those substances which are misused to create a so-called “legal high”. These include:

• CBD / Cannabis Oil intended for use in vape devices

• Nitrous Oxide

• Ketamine

• Khat

• Akyl nitrates (“poppers”)

• Volatile substances (those giving off a gas or vapour which can be inhaled)

• New psychoactive substances or other synthetic compounds which mimic the effects of illegal drugs

• Prescribed medication as well as controlled drugs.

This is not an exhaustive list. In addition, performance-enhancing drugs, as defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency Code, fall within the scope of this policy.

Anyone who is intoxicated in Sani can expect to be tested for the use of other drugs. Likewise, a pupil caught in possession of a vaping device may be tested for use of drugs.

Our sanctions policy is as follows:

i. Any pupil selling or distributing drugs or otherwise actively encouraging their possession or consumption by others will always be expelled.

ii. Anyone caught possessing or consuming or under the influence of illegal drugs while in the care of the College must expect to be expelled.

The Master has the right to inform the Police of the possession, consumption or supplying of an illegal drug, since it constitutes a criminal offence.

iii. If the only firm evidence that a pupil has been involved with illegal drugs is a positive test, he or she may be allowed to stay in the College provided that he or she:

a. gives a written assurance to the Master, and to his/her parents, that he/she will not become involved with illegal drugs again;

b. agrees to undergo tests for illegal substances at various times during his/her remaining school career.

The same undertakings will also be required of any pupil who, under very exceptional circumstances, may be allowed back after a first offence (see ii above).

Any subsequent offence, including a positive test result, will always lead to expulsion.

Alongside our sanctions policy is a constructive educational programme of lectures and discussions on illegal drugs as well as other important health issues such as alcohol, tobacco, diet and exercise.

The College Policy on Alcohol

Because of the widespread use and acceptance of alcohol in society, the College educates its pupils about the dangers associated with this depressant drug, while seeking to encourage a mature, responsible attitude towards it amongst all those who choose to drink alcohol. The College’s policy on Smoking, Alcohol and Misuse of Drugs and Substances can be summarised as follows:

(a) Education for all pupils about alcohol is covered by the PSHEE programme.

(b) At College functions, private or public, involving pupils, the following code is adhered to:

Lower School: Alcoholic drinks are never supplied;

Upper School: No more than two pints of beer/cider or two glasses of wine will be supplied to any pupil on any occasion.

Soft drinks and water will always be available freely as an alternative to alcoholic drinks.

When a pupil moves into the Upper School they and their parents are invited to consider their behaviour in relation to access to alcohol, and sign an agreement acknowledging their responsibilities in respect of the College rules.

Upper School pupils who choose, with parental permission, to drink alcohol at school, agree to clearly defined limits to their consumption and the monitoring of these via the regular use of breathalysers, in houses and at social events.

(c) In the Upper Sixth any pupil may obtain permission to visit nominated restaurants or pubs on Saturday nights provided they:

(i) obey the Licensing Laws;

(ii) do not exceed the rations of beer, wine or cider permitted by the College;

(iii) never drink spirits.

(d) Drunkenness and/or the consumption of spirits are viewed very seriously and, in the Lower School, are likely to result in suspension. For members of the Upper School, the misuse of alcohol will be dealt with by Sanctions and in serious cases for example where spirits are involved, through suspension. Any Sixth Former who is found to have supplied alcohol to a member of the Lower School is likely to be suspended.

Pupils in the Upper School who exceed the agreed limits on the consumption of alcohol will lose the privilege of being offered alcohol at school. Intoxicated pupils will be admitted

to the Sani and in addition to a disciplinary sanction, their parents will face a charge (of approximately £100) for additional staffing costs incurred in their care.

It is hoped that knowledge of the College’s policy on alcohol at school will be helpful to parents in organising private parties for teenagers in the holidays.

The Upper School Contract

All Upper School pupils are expected to make an explicit commitment to good work and behaviour throughout their time in the school. Their HMs will ask all pupils who enter the Lower Sixth to sign an undertaking as follows:

(a) To give their academic work a high priority at all times;

(b) To honour all school commitments, both academic and extra-curricular;

(c) To treat fellow pupils, members of the College staff and members of the public with respect, courtesy and consideration;

(d) To agree to be bound by the spirit of the School Rules and, in particular, to note that illegal, immoral or anti-social actions will not be tolerated and that those committing such offences are liable ultimately to forfeit their right to membership of the school.

Complaints Procedure

In the unlikely event of your child having a complaint with an individual or the College, outside the Safeguarding procedures, a Complaints Procedure may be followed. In such circumstances a pupil could air their complaint with any of the following:

• HM or HM’s partner;

• Tutor or Resident House Tutor;

• House Dame;

• Any teacher to whom the pupil feels they can speak freely;

• Head of House, Prefect, Wellbeing Ambassador, Captain or or any other senior pupil;

• The Chaplain;

• The Independent Listener for the College.

If the matter is not resolved to the child’s satisfaction then the complaint should be taken to any of the following:

• Any member of the Management Team;

• The Master.

In the event that the complaint remains unresolved then, with the full knowledge and approval of parents and Master, the matter can be referred to:

• The Council of Marlborough College.

Full details of this procedure are posted prominently in Houses, as are the telephone numbers of many external agencies. On receipt of any complaint, verbal or written, the College will act sensitively and promptly to resolve the difficulty.

A similar Complaints Procedure is available to parents and can be found on the College website.

Bursarial Matters: Insurance

Fees Refund Scheme

The College has arranged a scheme which provides a refund of fees in the event of your son or daughter being away from the College by reason of illness or accident. A claim can be made if a boarding pupil is away for at least eight consecutive days and a day pupil for at least five consecutive days, including weekends and exeats. The termly charge for the scheme is less than 1% of the fees. This premium also includes Accidental Death cover for the fee payer to the value of five future terms’ fees. Details of the scheme will be sent to you during the Summer Term prior to your child starting at the College. Copies can subsequently be obtained from the Bursar’s office.

Personal Accident Insurance

The College contributes to personal accident insurance cover for all pupils. This provides compensation for a pupil should he or she sustain permanent injury. It provides cover 24 hours a day, all year round and world wide. Such injury should be reported to the Bursar’s Office. The premiums are included in the fees and details of the scheme will be available to view on the Parent Portal at the end of July.

Travel Insurance

The College holds an annual travel insurance which covers all pupils worldwide when they travel on any College organised trip. The basic premium is included in the fees but trips that feature activities excluded by the policy will be subject to an additional premium which will be passed on to individual participants.

Insurance of Personal Belongings

Whilst every effort is made to safeguard pupils’ personal belongings, the College cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such items that might be kept at the College by pupils. Parents are asked to make their own insurance arrangements to cover all their child’s personal belongings including musical instruments, computers, radios, mobile phones and other expensive and vulnerable items which may be brought to school. Many household insurance policies will provide the necessary cover. Alternatively, you may wish to consider a personal possessions insurance scheme tailor-made for insuring your child’s possessions whilst at school or on the journey to and from school.

If a parent resident overseas obtains a specific undertaking from the College for the safekeeping of belongings during the holiday, liability can be accepted, but such an undertaking is only given in very rare circumstances.

Medical Cover

Normal medical attention (including admission to the school Medical Centre) is covered by the fees, and specialist/hospital treatment under the NHS will be arranged where necessary. Private medical treatment under such schemes as BUPA is the responsibility of parents.

The Medical Centre makes arrangements (with parental consent) for pupils to have physiotherapy. This is paid directly by the parent or re-claimed on personal health insurance.

Fees

A sheet detailing the current fees, including the charges for Music, Learning Support and Outdoor Activity weekends, is available on the Parent Portal. Any annual increase will be communicated to all parents, including those with children due to join the following academic year, before or just after the start of every Summer Term.

A. Other Extras

Unavoidable Expenses: a charge is made for such things as: Examination fees, stationery and books (see under Book Office opposite).

Voluntary Activities: these include, for example: Trips to concerts or to the theatre, Form trips, House outings and entertainment and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award weekends.

B. The Chit System

Chits are issued by HMs, Dames or other authorised staff and enable pupils to add items to the termly account. These include purchases of uniform and games equipment from Crosby & Lawrence, books and stationery from the Book Office and haircuts from barber shops.

Aldbourne Taxis, Arrow Taxis, Marlborough Taxis and PD Taxis accept chits, which are only given for emergency travel. Transport to and from the College at the beginning and end of term and for fixed Privs (Exeats) is the responsibility of the parents. The College provides coaches to a number of destinations and these are booked by parents using the transport booking system on the Parent Portal before travel. The fares will be put on the end of term bill. Taxis can also be arranged on the transport booking system, with sharing encouraged, if no suitable coach is available. Charges for taxis will also be added to the termly bill. Please note: should a pupil regularly require a taxi to transport them at these times, parents are expected to open an account with one of the local taxi firms.

C. The Book Office

The Book Office provides the College, both pupils and teachers, with all their academic texts and stationery requirements. It also has a large selection of other sundry stationery items, printer consumables and stamps plus a small range of toiletries and snacks. Pupils are charged directly to their accounts via subject teachers or on production of a chit and a smartcard.

The Book Office also takes back a limited number of second hand books. They have to be in very good condition as most get heavy use by pupils for at least two years. They also have to be the right edition and required for the current syllabus. The numbers available for re-purchase are always small in relation to the number of books handed out to sets.

What to Expect When You Arrive at

Marlborough

All parents are required to complete and submit the Joining Forms so we can enrol their child as a new pupil.

Before you arrive at the school your child’s Housemaster or Housemistress will write to you about the House and anything else they think you should know; what follows is general practice for the whole school.

New Pupils in the Shell

All new Shell pupils arrive at the College, mid-afternoon, a day before everybody else at the beginning of the Michaelmas term, on Monday 4th September. Further details to follow.

Car Parking: After you have unloaded your child’s luggage, please use the car park marked on the map, adjacent to the Parade Ground. We respectfully ask parents not to park anywhere else, especially in Court or outside the Master’s Lodge as this will cause a traffic blockage when current pupils start arriving back later in the afternoon.

New pupils in the Lower Sixth

All new Lower Sixth pupils arrive at the College, mid-afternoon, a day before everybody else at the beginning of the Michaelmas term, on Monday 4th September. Further details to follow.

GCSE Examination Results

In August, we will send you a form for notifying the College about GCSE examination results. It is essential that this form is completed promptly and that you include your child’s unique candidate number.

Upper School Code of Conduct

All pupils entering the Upper School are required to agree to support the Upper School Code of Conduct. A copy of the Code is included with the Joining Forms and should be read and understood by all new Upper School pupils.

Please ensure that new Upper School pupils bring back the correct uniform and that pupils who opt for Dress Code 2 have at least two uniform skirts, to be purchased from Crosby & Lawrence.

Marlborough College Transport Information

Coach Transport

The College provides coach transport for pupils at:

• the start and end of every half-term, and at the end of the Lent, Summer and Michaelmas Terms

• the start and end of every exeat weekend

• the end of Michaelmas Term the College provides transport to London Victoria, South Kensington and Heathrow ONLY.

Note: there is no College transport provided at the start of the Michaelmas, Lent or Summer terms.

Destinations can be found in the transport section of the Almanac.

Taxis

Parents can book taxis direct with the following taxi firms whom we know and have approved:

ABC Airport Transfers: 07738 195805; ADS Chauffeur Services: 01380 816892/ 07802 689658; Aldbourne Taxis: 07977 059991; Avebury Taxis: 07525 690207; Browns: 07847 097189; Budgie’s Cars: 07368 312352; DB Chauffeurs: 07850 100859; Flight Link Chauffeurs: 01793 485000; Paragon Cars: 07823 337377; PD Taxis: 01672 511884; Swindon Corporate Travel: 07773 299372; Umbrella Taxis: 07585 003555.

The College will help families with taxi arrangements for destinations that are not available on the College transport list, but any arrangement is ultimately between the taxi firm and the family. Changes or cancellations to bookings outside of term time will need to made directly with the taxi company.

How to book:

Coach and Taxi Transport: Both can be requested via the Transport Booking System. The booking platform, instructions, travel policy and coach charges can be found on the Parent Portal, under the ‘Travel Arrangements’ tab.

Please note:

• any cancellations or no shows will incur a charge as per our Cancellation Policy,

• College transport may be a coach, minibus or taxi depending upon the number of bookings received,

• a destination will be cancelled if the number of pupils booked is fewer than three,

• all places need to be pre-booked, please do not arrive without a prior booking,

• College transport is available to take pupils from the College to Heathrow at the start and end of every half-term and end of term,

• transport will only go to the stops where bookings have been received,

• College transport is provided to pick up pupils from Heathrow Terminal 5 departures at 7pm, only on the evening the half-term holiday ends,

• for airport trips essential information will need to be provided, particularly for unaccompanied minors or those travelling on a Child Student Visa,

• outbound London coaches stop at South Kensington (Natural History Museum) and Victoria (Green Line Station) and return from Victoria (Green Line Station) and Hammersmith (Novotel).

College Transport Office

(Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm term time only). coaches@marlboroughcollege.org or 01672 892422

Emergency contact for travel Security Team (24hrs): 01672 892201

Clothing & Required Items

A clothes list is printed at the end of this section for your reference. Please note that the lists are pupils’ minimum requirements. The school reserves the right to buy for the pupil and to charge to the parents’ bill any essential article of clothing that is missing from the list. All pupils must have sufficient articles of clothing to ensure that they are smartly and cleanly turned out and that their clothes are in good repair.

Naming

It is compulsory that all items of clothing be named with a name tape; this includes all items of underwear, socks and tights. Other possessions such as calculators, watches etc. should also be clearly marked with name and House. Name tapes specify initials, surname, school number and House laundry code letter on the same tape.

House laundry codes for name tapes:

Cotton W Elmhurst E B House B

Littlefield L Mill Mead MG C1 House C

Preshute P Morris A C2 House D

Summerfield S New Court NC C3 House MB

Turner T Ivy V Barton Hill H Dancy DA

Crosby & Lawrence offers a full naming and House delivery service for uniform and kit for new pupils. Pupils will be fitted for uniform (new or second-hand) at the shop. Crosby & Lawrence will then ensure items are delivered, fully and correctly named, to their child’s House ready for the start of the term.

It is expected that the vast majority of parents will take advantage of this service which is offered at a cost of £99 for Shell and £65 for Lower Sixth (excluding the cost of the name tapes). If you wish to use the name-taping service, please indicate this to Crosby & Lawrence when booking your child’s uniform fitting.

A third party home clothes and linen name taping service is available. Details of this service can be obtained at your uniform fitting. These items can be left at the Crosby & Lawrence shop any time during the summer and can be ready within 5 days.

Items marked with an asterisk* are uniform and must be purchased at the school shop: Crosby & Lawrence.

Parents must make appointments with Crosby & Lawrence for each uniform fitting (tel: 01672 892498 email: crosby@marlboroughcollege.org). Fittings are offered at the following times: 09:30, 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30 Monday to Friday. Saturdays are available by special arrangement when available. A visit to Crosby & Lawrence for uniform fitting is strongly recommended. All orders should be received by 26th August 2022 at the very latest, the service may not be available after this date.

A full set of name tapes, games tags and sticky labels will be pre-ordered by Crosby & Lawrence. Appointments should be made between 1st June and 26th August for UK pupils requiring the name taping service.

Most sports items are also available from the school shop. All clothes and other items on this list must be clean, in good repair and if washable, machine washable and tumble drier-proof. The school laundry cannot cope with shrinkable or delicate clothes.

Linen and Other Necessary Items

• Sheets, pillows, pillowcases and duvets are provided;

• Three bath towels (with large loops along the side);

• Two small towels (also with loops);

A selection of towels is available from Crosby & Lawrence.

• Two duvet covers marked top right hand of opening on the outside edge, using your House laundry code (which will be provided by Crosby & Lawrence at the time of your uniform fitting) and large name tape.

In addition to the clothes specified, other necessary items to bring back to school are:

• An alarm clock (mobile phones will be collected from shared dorms at night so alarms on phones or laptops cannot be used);

• Headphones (most Houses allow music only through headphones in dorms and Shell prep rooms);

• A desk lamp;

• A bag – e.g. rucksack – to carry books etc. between lessons;

• A lockable tuck box in which to store possessions (not essential but very useful); Crosby & Lawrence have tuck boxes available, in a variety of colours.

• A padlock for the lockable draw in each room.

• A set of spare labelled keys to be deposited with the HM, or a padlock, preferably with a combination lock;

• A set of self-adhesive labels, printed with name and House, for marking books and other items;

• Mugs, plates, cutlery for use in study and airtight food container(s);

• Lower School: Calculator – Casio FX85GT-X (for IGCSE/GCSE);

• Upper School: Calculator – Casio FX-9750GII or FX-9860GII Graphic Calculators (for A Level). These can also be purchased from the School Book Office.

Non-uniform clean and neat casual clothes may be worn in the evenings and at certain times on Saturdays and Sundays. Hats and caps are not allowed.

Please note that only roll-on deodorants are permitted. Spray deodorants can cause issues with fire alarms, due to their sensitivity.

Valuables should only be brought to the school if they are essential, and should be handed to the HM, Dame or Resident House Tutor for safekeeping, including passports, tickets etc. Money should be deposited in the House bank. Watches, calculators, alarm clocks etc. should be clearly marked on the back – preferably engraved.

Kettles, mini-fridges, toasted-sandwich makers, fairy lights, etc, are NOT allowed in dorms and bedsits.

Other guidance as to recommended or non-permitted items will be given by HMs.

Clothes List

• Items marked with an asterisk are designed for Marlborough College and only available from Crosby & Lawrence.

• This is a list of minimum requirements.

• The School reserves the right to buy for the pupil and to charge to the parents’ bill any essential article of clothing missing from the list or damaged, in a state of unacceptable disrepair or un-cleanable.

• Pupils may choose EITHER Dress Code 1 OR Dress Code 2, they must not mix and match between the two.

All Pupils:

Underwear, nightwear and wash kit, including hairbrush

Dress Code 1: Trousers and Jacket/Suit and tie

Lower School:

1 Blazer, MC design, navy blue*

2 Pairs trousers, MC design, plain, dark grey*

1 Jacket, MC design, lovat tweed for daily use*

6 Formal shirts, MC design, white or with thin blue stripe*

2 House ties, MC design*

2 V-necked pullovers, MC design, navy blue*

10 Pairs socks, grey black or navy blue

2 Pairs shoes, plain, black polishable leather (no sandals, canvas shoes, boots or trainers)

Upper School:

1-2 Suits, plain , dark colour (compulsory for daily use and Sunday wear)

6 Formal shirts, white or light coloured, plain or with discreet pattern

2 Ties, any sober colour, plain or with a discreet pattern

2 V-neck or round-neck pullovers; any plain colour; knitted wool or cotton; to be worn under a jacket, shirt collar must be visible. No stripes, slogans, zip-tops, rollnecks, sweatshirts or hooded tops)

10 Pairs of socks, dark grey, black or navy blue

2 Pairs of shoes, plain, black or brown smart leather shoe (no sandals, canvas shoes, wellington boots or trainers)

Games Clothes for Sport and PE

Lower School: All items below

Upper School: To buy from the kit list below to suit their sporting options

2 House swipes, MC design* (1 long sleeved and 1 short sleeved)

2 Swipes, MC design, navy blue* (short sleeved)

1 Mid Layer, MC design, navy blue*

2 Pairs shorts, MC design, white, for Rugby*

3 Pairs socks, MC design, navy blue with white tops*

2 Pairs shorts, MC design, navy blue, for PE*

2 Polo shirts, MC design, white with navy blue trim (short sleeved) for PE*

1 Base layers – top – navy or white* (optional)

1 Base layers – shorts – white* (optional)

1 Tracksuit Trousers, MC design, navy blue, for all major games* (2 pairs advised)

2 Pairs trainers (1 suitable for Sports Hall and Squash, non-marking)

2 Pairs socks, white for Tennis and Squash

1 Pair Rugby boots

1 Pair Football boots

1 Pair swimming shorts or swimming trunks, navy blue*

1 Mouth guard – essential and obligatory – available from Crosby & Lawrence

1 Pair safety goggles for ALL Squash players (if applicable)

1 Waterproof Coat*

The following are essential only for those in representative teams in the Summer Term:

2 Cricket shirts, MC design, white* White trousers; MC design sweater with navy blue trim;* footwear and socks for Cricket

Dress Code 2:

Lower School:

2 Tartan kilt skirts, MC design*

4 Blouses, MC design, striped long-sleeved*

2 V-necked pullovers, MC House design, navy blue*

1 Blazer, MC design, navy blue*

4-5 Pairs tights or socks, non-patterned (lightweight only in summer)

2 Pairs shoes, plain, black, polishable leather (no high heels, sandals, canvas shoes, trainers or boots)

Upper School:

1 Jacket, black, fitted and tailored, for weekday wear. Wool or polyester mix –no leather, denim, corduroy or bomber style.

2 Skirts, MC design, black, long*

4 (min) Blouses, MC design, choice of colours**

3 V-neck or round-neck pullovers, or a cardigan as an alternative, any plain colour (no stripes, slogans, sweatshirts or hooded tops, zip tops or roll necks)

1 Overcoat. Smart and worn over jacket. No bomber jackets.

2 Pairs of shoes, plain, black, leather (no high heels, sandals trainers, canvas shoes or wellington boots.)

Notes: *A tailored, dark trouser suit may be worn as an alternative to the long black skirt and jacket, with uniform shirt and shoes.

Games Clothes for Sport and PE:

Lower School: All items below

Upper School: To buy from the kit list below to suit their sporting options

2 House swipes, MC design (1 long sleeved and 1 short sleeved)*

1 Mid Layer, MC design, navy blue*

1 Track Suit Bottoms, MC design, navy blue, for all major games*

2 Games skort (combined skirt & shorts), MC design, navy blue, for Hockey, Lacrosse, Netball*

2 Pairs of socks, MC design, navy blue with white tops for Hockey, Lacrosse*

1 Base layers – top – navy* (optional)

1 Base layers – leggings – navy* (optional)

2 Shirts, MC design, white, for PE, Tennis, Netball, Athletics, Squash*

1 Shirt, MC design, navy blue, for Netball, Hockey, Athletics, Squash*

1 Pair of trainers – suitable to play on Astroturf, for Hockey

1 Pair of boots, for Lacrosse (if applicable)

1 Pair of goggles, for Lacrosse (if applicable)

1 Pair of safety goggles, for ALL Squash players (if applicable)

1 Swimming costume, navy blue

1 Mouthguard – essential and obligatory – available from Crosby & Lawrence

The following are essential only for those in representative teams in the Summer Term:

2 Cricket shirts, MC design, white* White trousers; MC design sweater with navy blue trim;* footwear and socks for Cricket

Key Contacts from September 2023

Mill Mead Housemistress – Mrs S Walker 01672 892270

Morris Housemistress – Mrs J L Fruci 01672 892280

New Court Housemistress – Mrs A L Adderley 01672 892290

Preshute Housemaster – Mr S R Hawthorn 01672 892330

Summerfield Housemaster – Mr C L Harrison 01672 892340

Turner Housemaster – Mr A H de Trafford 01672 892350

Heads of Year

Shell – Mr W H Gibbs (whg@marlboroughcollege.org)

Remove – Mr A J Hamilton (ajh@marlboroughcollege.org)

Hundred – Mr M A Eysele (mae@marlboroughcollege.org)

Lower Sixth – Mr R D Willmett (rdw@marlboroughcollege.org)

Upper Sxith – Mr J P Carroll (jpc@marlboroughcollege.org)

Additional Key Staff

Chaplain

Crosby

Enterprises

College email: general.enquiries@marlboroughcollege.org

Website: www.marlboroughcollege.org

HMs’ email addresses: the HM’s initials@marlboroughcollege.org

e.g. Mr C L Harrison clh@marlboroughcollege.org

892389

The Marlburian Club

All pupils who leave the College become members of the Marlburian Club, a dynamic network of all former pupils (known as Old Marlburians or OMs for short), which exists to support and connect all 12,000 members throughout their lives. The Club offers a number of activities including:

• Mentoring, professional groups and networking events to support OMs in their careers

• Sporting groups so OMs can continue to represent the College at sport and socialise together

• Social events, such as reunions, to keep OMs in touch with each other

• Online events including the Marlburian Monday talk series

• Access to an online community, MC Global Connect, where OMs can connect and network with each other, as well as current parents

• The annual Club magazine, social media feeds and the Club website to keep OMs updated on news from other OMs and the College.

The Club engages with the wider College community, including pupils, parents and staff, who are able to attend some Club events, and works with the Development Office and Futures Department to offer a mentoring programme for Sixth Form pupils. The Club is also keen, in all it does, to promote the impact of its members on society and to encourage pupils and OMs to make a difference in the world.

The Club administers a group of Charitable Funds, out of which grants are made to support College projects, scholarships and, on occasions, to OMs in need of short-term help.

The lifetime subscription is collected via the fee account over eight terms for Shell entrants or five terms for those joining in the Lower Sixth. If, for any reason, a pupil should not become a Member on leaving school, all payments made under the scheme would be returned.

www.marlburianclub.org