Boarding Reimagined - 2026

MOWDEN HALL SCHOOL

BOARDING REIMAGINED March 2026

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD Introducing flexible boarding designed for modern families.

Boarding has always been at the heart of Mowden Hall School. It is where friendships deepen, confidence grows, and children experience a sense of belonging that lasts well beyond their prep school years.

Over recent months, we have listened carefully to families and reflected on how boarding can best support modern family life. I am therefore delighted to introduce our new flexi and weekly boarding package, launching for Summer Term 2026.

This is an exciting evolution of our provision. It has been thoughtfully designed to make our outstanding boarding experience more flexible, inclusive and accessible, while fully preserving the exceptional pastoral care and sense of community that define Mowden.

This carefully considered step forward reflects what we know from parent voice and inspection feedback: boarding is a significant strength at Mowden.

Quite simply, we know how beneficial it is for children, and we want more pupils to have the opportunity to be part of it.

Mr Phil Sturt Head, Mowden Hall School

NEW FEE STRUCTURE The new structure introduces four clear pathways - Introductory, Bronze, Silver and Gold - enabling families to choose a level of boarding that fits naturally with busy routines.

The Introductory package offers a gentle one-night starting point for younger pupils, while Gold continues to provide our fullest experience.

Each package also includes “flexi-extra” nights, giving families valuable additional flexibility when needed.

1. INTRODUCTORY Available to pupils in Years 3-5* 1 night per week boarding 1 additional ‘flexi’ night per term included.

£550 per term *Available to pupils in Years 6-8 in consultation with the Deputy Head (Co-Curricular and Boarding).

2. BRONZE 2 nights per week boarding 4 additional ‘flexi’ nights per term included.

£1100 per term

3. SILVER 3 nights per week boarding 6 additional ‘flexi’ nights per term included.

£1600 per term

4. GOLD 4+ nights per week boarding All Big Boarding weekends included.

£2000 per term

HOW BOARDING PREPARES CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE At Mowden Hall School, we understand that boarding may feel like a big step for younger children. We believe flexi and weekly boarding provides the perfect balance, combining structure, independence and community with the reassurance of home life at weekends.

More than just a practical arrangement, boarding at Mowden Hall gives outstanding preparation for Senior School and beyond, whether pupils go on to day schools or boarding schools after Year 8. Here’s why:

1. A gentle introduction to independence Boarding during the week at Mowden allows children to develop independence gradually and confidently. Pupils learn to organise their belongings, manage daily routines, and take responsibility for Prep work and activities. These vital life skills are nurtured in a supportive environment.

2. Strong routines that build resilience The boarding experience at Mowden Hall establishes clear, consistent routines. Pupils quickly learn to structure their days with lessons, prep, activities, meals and downtime. This helps children develop excellent time management skills and resilience, qualities that are essential for success.

3. Academic focus in the right environment The environment at Mowden is designed to support learning. Dedicated Prep time, access to support and opportunities for peer collaboration help pupils develop strong study habits early on. Children learn to work independently, ask for help when needed and balance academic effort with rest and activity. These skills benefit all pupils, regardless of their future setting, and make the transition to Senior School much smoother.

4. Social confidence and emotional intelligence Living and learning together during the week fosters deep friendships and strong social skills. Pupils develop the ability to communicate, compromise and support one another, which is essential for adolescence and beyond.

Boarding helps children develop emotional intelligence by managing homesickness, resolving disagreements and adapting to group living.

5. Exposure to a rich Co-Curricular experience Flexi and weekly boarding at Mowden gives pupils the opportunity to engage fully in after-school activities without the pressure of commuting.

Pupils enjoy sports, music, drama and a wide range of clubs, often discovering new passions and talents. This enrichment develops wellrounded individuals who are curious, confident and eager to participate.

6. Maintaining family balance Flexi and weekly boarding offers structure during the week, while preserving family time at weekends. Parents remain closely involved in their child’s life, sharing weekends, attending fixtures, events and performances, and maintaining strong relationships.

7. Preparing for Senior School The greatest strength of boarding at Mowden Hall is its flexibility. It does not limit future choices; it expands them. Pupils moving to Senior boarding schools are already comfortable with boarding routines and community life. Pupils moving to Senior day schools bring maturity, independence and excellent organisational skills that set them apart. In both cases, children transition with confidence rather than uncertainty.

8. A confident step forward Boarding at Mowden Hall is not simply a halfway point; it is a carefully designed experience that nurtures independence, resilience and selfbelief. It offers children the chance to grow, explore and thrive within a supportive framework, while still enjoying the stability of home life.

As preparation for Senior School, whether day or boarding, it truly offers the best of both worlds.

OUR SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH During Mowden’s most recent ISI Inspection in November, the inspecting team identified that the school’s boarding provision is a significant strength of the school.

A significant strength is an area of provision that shows a deep understanding of and aspiration for pupils’ development of knowledge, skills, and understanding, and a very clear and highly beneficial impact for the pupils. Such recognition is rare, going beyond what would be seen in other schools, and is subject to rigorous quality assurance by ISI. Currently, only about 10% of schools inspected receive an area of significant strength.

The report highlights boarding as a warm, settled and family-like atmosphere that helps pupils feel secure and supported. Relationships between pupils are described as positive and inclusive. The accommodation is viewed as comfortable and well-maintained, giving pupils space to relax, socialise and develop independence.

The inspecting team found that boarders feel safe, listened to and well cared for, and they appreciate that their views help shape aspects of boarding life. Structured routines, including supervised evening study, support both academic progress and personal wellbeing.

PUPILS WHO BOARD GAIN IN CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM CONTRIBUTE TO DECISION-MAKING AND KNOW THAT THEIR VIEWS ARE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. ISI INSPECTION, NOVEMBER 2025

NEXT STEPS SIGN UP Keep an eye out for the Boarding sign up form for next term, which will be coming out via the weekly newsletter shortly.

GET IN TOUCH To find out more about how your child will benefit from flexi or weekly boarding, please contact Mr Shaw-Kew or Miss Serbrock, who will be delighted to discuss this opportunity further.

VISIT If you would like to have a tour of the Boarding House, we would be delighted to show you around! Get in touch to arrange a visit.

MOWDEN HALL SCHOOL Mowden Hall School, Newton, Stocksfield NE43 7TP

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