B O A R D I N G

‘Proper’ boarding only (no flexi or weekly) with 70 per cent boarders. Parents recommend reading each of the 10 house profiles on the website, plus the Twitter feeds, then narrowing it down to visiting at least three – and that goes for day pupils too, who all belong to one. Sound advice, though many wind up choosing on word of mouth, dynasty links (one current student is fifth generation), and their child’s interests – ‘for example, Mitre is known for being sporty whereas Abbey is more mixed,’ said a student. Ten in total, spread across the campus and village – the six boys’ ones are based in the heritage houses; the four girls’ houses are newer, purpose built and with smaller rooms. House loyalty is strong ‘but we’re always in and out of others for socialising’. ‘Of course!’ smiled our tour guides when we enquired about student relationships, bu one mixed comm

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