Boarding
THE FAMILY SCHOOL OF CHOICE
Boarding at Royal Russell
Welcome home
Not for Oneself but for All
A broad curriculum
Extensive co-curricular activities
Bespoke pastoral care
A school with heritage
A day in the life of a Royal Russell boarder
A family for life
University and beyond
Frequently asked questions
Boarding | Royal Russell School
The family school of choice
Boarding at Royal Russell
Our supportive environment nurtures and empowers our pupils to achieve outstanding academic and co-curricular success.
Our beautiful 110-acre / 45-hectare campus includes a delightful mix of historical and state-of-the-art buildings. Our happy, safe and stimulating environment is home to both day and boarding pupils.
Children who join our warm and welcoming community settle in quickly and develop lifelong friendships with pupils of all ages from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Learning at Royal Russell extends well beyond the classroom; weeks are full of trips and activities, sports fixtures and outings.
Boarding | Royal Russell School
Boarding at Royal Russell School provides pupils with:
• A family school with outstanding bespoke pastoral care
• Excellent GCSE, A Level and BTEC results
• A fantastic range of co-curricular activities and clubs
• Exceptional facilities on a stunning 110 acre / 45-hectare campus with beautiful woodland scenery
• Flexible boarding options
• Great food with an incredible variety
• Convenient location; London Airports within 60 minutes
Welcome home
Boarding | Royal Russell School
Boarding Houses become a home away from home for our pupils in the term time. Each House provides the space to study, relax, and enjoy being with friends.
Each Russellian belongs to one of our ten Houses. Being a part of a House fosters a sense of community, helps to build solid friendships and encourages friendly competition.
We have four new, state-of-the-art Boarding Houses; these are led by an incredible team of housemasters and housemistresses who are devoted to the children in their care. In addition, senior pupils and staff members fulfil a unique role in creating our family atmosphere that develops Russellians into happy, positive and thriving community members.
All parents of boarders feel that the boarding experience helps their children’s progress and supports their personal development.’
– ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) Inspection Report
Boarding | Royal Russell School
but for All Not for Oneself
Our School’s motto - ‘non sibi sed omnibus’ translates to Not for Oneself but for All and is at the heart of our community. Our international community of boarders brings many talents and skills that develop a shared learning experience that makes Royal Russell an extraordinary school.
Our new Boarding Houses have a home from home design for our pupils. Each House includes TV and games rooms, kitchens and dining areas, quiet study and tutorial spaces, onsite laundry facilities and plenty of spaces to relax with friends.
All our Boarding Houses display a relaxed family atmosphere with a powerful sense of community. Our pupils develop resilience and communication skills whilst they settle into daily life at Royal Russell; they support one another to excel in academics and celebrate each other’s successes.
We have four Boarding Houses, two for boys (Cambridge and Oxford) and two for girls (Queen’s and Hollenden). Every year group is represented in each Boarding House, and pupils can develop friendships with peers from across the School. Older pupils have a vital role to play in welcoming, caring for and mentoring younger pupils.
I have made lifelong friends from all different walks of life, cultures and backgrounds’.
A broad
curriculum
Our broad and stimulating curriculum, highly dedicated staff and the latest in learning technology combine to spark imaginations, inspire creative thinking and broaden horizons. Our pupils have an extraordinary range of talents which we nurture and celebrate.
We know that at Royal Russell, the best learning takes place with girls and boys working together, problem solving and benefiting from different interpretations, perspectives and learning styles. Emphasis is placed firmly on effort, both academically and in the wide range of co-curricular activities on offer to enrich learning. Hard work and commitment is expected, recognised and rewarded.
We provide as broad a curriculum as possible before pupils choose their GCSE subjects so that they can have the opportunity to challenge themselves and explore subjects and new ways of learning.
This approach prepares pupils for their public examinations as well as life beyond Royal Russell. As we take the time to know every child, we can recognise those pupils who need to be stretched more and those who would benefit from some extra support.
Each pupil is guided through a bespoke educational pathway from Year 7 through to Year 13 based upon their individual learning needs.
Extensive co-curricular activities
The development of social skills, confidence, leadership and resilience are not developed through purely an academic curriculum. We encourage a healthy balance of academic rigour and co-curriculum participation, where pupils can try something new, explore alternative interests and unearth hidden talents. We run an exciting programme of enriching clubs and activities, in which all pupils are encouraged to participate, to enhance their studies, learn new skills, extend their friendship groups or simply just to have fun and relax at the end of a busy school day. Our Model United Nations (MUN) programme is second to none in the UK and our own annual conference, held in October, has an international reputation for excellence. We have an active Combined Cadet Force (CCF) who train weekly in Army and RAF sections. Our cadets attend prestigious leadership courses and travel to many residential camps at military bases throughout the year.
Our Duke of Edinburgh training represents significant personal challenge with regular Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions.
We offer a wide range of sports clubs, including Trampolining, Table Tennis, Leisure Swim, Swim Squad and Running Club. Additionally, we run Football, Netball, Hockey, and Basketball clubs that are open to everyone. If performing is your passion, we offer a variety of activities and clubs, including Drama Tech and the National Theatre Playwriting Club. For those with musical talent, we have ensembles including Orchestra, Choir, Chamber Choir, Chamber Music and Swing Band.
There are over 100 activities on offer every year and pupils are encouraged to try something new. There is something for everyone, from creative and expressive clubs to physical and mentally challenging clubs.
Boarding | Royal Russell School
Linguistics
Multi Sports
Swing Band
Golf
Latin
Japanese
German
STEM
Maths Puzzle
Photoshop
Social Table Tennis
Duke of Edinburgh
Combined Cadet Force
Model United Nations
Driving
Theatre Technical
Student Newspaper
Croquet
Puzzle and Games
Creative Writing
Football
Orchestra
Hockey
Bespoke pastoral care
We pride ourselves on our supportive, caring and inclusive community.
Pupils have access to experienced and sympathetic housemasters and housemisstresses, a deputy and a tutor team. All Houses have senior prefects whose role is primarily pastoral; an on-site medical centre, a school counsellor, and a GP regularly visits the School. There is always a qualified and caring member of staff available for pupils to turn to if they wish.
Each pupil is an individual, as well as part of a House. Each benefits from our bespoke pastoral, wellbeing approach which we develop through open channels of communication and time spent getting to know one another. We aim to establish warm, friendly relationships with parents through regular email updates and telephone conversations.
At all ages, students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent; they are self-aware, confident, tolerant and respectful. Relationships throughout the School are excellent.
Boarding | Royal Russell School
A school with heritage
Royal Russell is proud to have enjoyed Royal Patronage from its foundation, and for having The late Queen Elizabeth II as our Patron during her reign. She inspired generations of Russellians throughout her life and service and visited the School on four occasions.
Boarding | Royal Russell School
Royal Russell was founded in 1853 as a charity to look after orphans of families from the textile trades. Former Prime Minister Lord John Russell became President of the School and the majority of pupils were supported by generous donations and scholarships.
The famous author Charles Dickens spoke to those who supported our school in a speech he made at the London Tavern in 1857: ‘This is a school which provides such a home as their own dear children might find happy refuge in, if they themselves were taken early away. And I fearlessly ask you, is this not the sort of school which is deserving of your support?’.
Reference to our heritage can be seen throughout the School in the many plaques laid by our generous benefactors, the stained glass in the Chapel and Great Hall and the many portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, Presidents and Headmasters. The original architecture designed by Sir Aston Webb, is also reflected in the sympathetic design of our more modern buildings.
Our school dates over 170 years and we are incredibly proud of our heritage, we are very much a forward-thinking 21 st century school, equipping pupils to be global citizens, confident in their unique skills and abilities.
A day in the life of a Royal Russell boarder
From 7:30am – Breakfast is served in the Dining Hall for all pupils in Year 7 to 13. A wide variety of options includes a cereal and porridge bar, a selection of hot items for a cooked breakfast, a continental selection of Danish pastries, fresh fruit and a juice bar. Weekends include the choice of a cooked to order restaurant-style experience.
8:00am - 8:10am – Pupils can prepare for the day. They may choose to tidy their room, put out any laundry and get ready for House Assemblies in the Lounge before attending chapel or tutorials.
8:45am – Pupils begin their lessons for the day. The distribution of lessons and daily schedule depends on the year group and school timetable.
On Mondays and Fridays, lessons begin at 9:15am.
Boarding | Royal Russell School
Lunchtime Afternoon Evening
12:45pm – All pupils break for lunch, selecting from a delicious range of hot and cold options from the servery. Pupils dine in the Great Hall or in Drapers’, our café.
Pupils can enjoy an extensive range of lunchtime clubs including Running Club, Chamber Choir, STEM Club, Orchestra, Latin Club, Photoshop Club and Japanese Club, to name but a few.
1:50pm – Lessons recommence, running through to 3:50pm.
1:50pm – On one afternoon each week, depending upon their Year Group, pupils enjoy a vast array of sports including football, cricket, hockey, trampolining, basketball, athletics, gym sessions, cross-country and swimming.
We have an extensive fixtures list, regularly competing against other schools in local, regional and national competitions and leagues as well as friendly fixtures.
3:50pm – Our extensive range of after school activities begin, including Model UN, Combined Cadet Force, National Theatre Playwriting Club, Driving Club, Leisure Swimming, Art and Design Club, Football Club and Hockey Club, to name but a few.
Pupils may attend Prep in the Library to complete work set for them.
5:25pm – Pupils gather for their daily House meeting and registration to check in with one another, ask questions and discuss plans for the evening and next day.
5:30pm – 6:15pm & 7:00pm –8:00pm Houses engage in quiet time for prep and study. Pupils can use the study rooms, computer labs, library or rooms to complete homework and prep for academic studies.
6:15pm – 6:45pm: Pupils look forward to meeting their friends to enjoy dinner together in the Dining Hall.
8:00pm – until bedtime - Pupils have free time to join in several activities organised by House staff, including movie nights, baking competitions, wellness activities and much more. Boarders also can make use of exclusive access to the School sports facilities, including the swimming pool and gym.
Weekend activities
At Royal Russell, we believe in offering pupils enriching experiences that extend far beyond their studies. The Boarder Activity Programme is packed with exciting events that are designed to bring adventure, excitement, and entertainment to your weekends. With a variety of activities ranging from fun trampolining sessions to river cruises along the Thames, trips to Legoland and Thorpe Park, there’s something for everyone.
Boarding | Royal Russell School
The annual calendar of events includes:
Trampolining - Bounce into excitement! Enjoy an afternoon at one of London’s biggest trampoline parks.
Bowling - Strike up some friendly competition at the bowling alley.
Cinema Day - Movie lovers rejoice! A full day of blockbuster hits and popcorn.
Trip to Legoland - Enjoy a magical day at Legoland with rides, shows, and the fun LEGO world!
London Dungeon Adventure - Get spooked at one of London’s most thrilling attractions.
Cooking Workshop - Unleash your inner chef with a fun cooking workshop.
Winter Wonderland - Embrace the holiday spirit with ice skating, fun rides, and festive treats.
Pottery - Unleash your creativity with a pottery masterclass.
Karting - Race your friends in an adrenaline-pumping karting experience.
Climbing - Clip in and strap up for a super fun climbing trip.
Battersea Power Station Tour - Explore one of London’s iconic landmarks and its fascinating history.
Cruise on the Thames & Borough Market - Cruise along the Thames and then experience the vibrant Borough Market.
Paintballing - Get ready for action-packed paintball fun with friends.
Thorpe Park Adventure - Experience thrilling rides and rollercoasters at one of the UK’s top theme parks.
Boarding | Royal Russell School
A family for life
“I joined Royal Russell in Year 12 to do A levels. Having moved abroad from Kazakhstan for the first time in my life, I was apprehensive of a new country, new school, new people, foreign language and, indeed, of a boarding life. However, Royal Russell very quickly became my family, my home and a place where I would love to come back again. These two years have been truly rewarding.
To begin with, Royal Russell gave me a wonderful opportunity to pursue my academic goals. The School has excellent departments for Mathematics and Economics, which help pupils develop their abilities and skills. I scored high marks in all my subjects (Maths, Further Maths and Economics) with thanks, to a great extent, to the professionalism and day-to-day support from my teachers. I received offers from LSE and UCL, universities of my dreams.
Boarding | Royal Russell School
My boarding life at Royal Russell turned out to be a fantastic life experience. Queen’s House is a comfortable environment with clean and cosy rooms. The shared facilities for studies and leisure time are spacious and offered everything I wanted.
Queen’s has a unique home-like atmosphere with friendly and caring staff. In Year 12, I shared a room with a girl from China, who became my best friend. I lived next door to pupils from all over the world and learned a lot about their cultures, traditions and beliefs. Enjoyable moments included, revising for exams with friends, taking care of junior pupils, shopping at weekends, ordering pizza on Friday nights, fun trips, and celebrating birthdays together. These seem like small things but they have shaped my personality and taught me to value friendship, open-mindedness, responsibility, respect and care for people.”
Studied Mathematics with Statistics and Business Studies at London School of Economics
Russellians are distinctive
Amy
“I joined Royal Russell in Reception, and I can truly say I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. All the way from the Junior School through to Senior School I have met some of the most amazing people; my teachers made every lesson fun to be in, and my friends made me laugh throughout the day. I have enjoyed participating in various sports throughout my time here, and it has been the highlight of my journey to represent the School in so many different teams like Hockey, Netball and Football. Royal Russell will always be a place I’d want to come back to, and my education at Royal Russell was truly the best gift I could have; I will always look back at my time here and be grateful for all the memories I have been able to make.”
Sam
“I joined Royal Russell as a shy and anxious 9 year old, but immediately found my place in the Junior School and for the first time, I enjoyed coming to school! Nine years later, now in my final year, I have grown in confidence and am proud to be one of the Heads of School and a member of the fantastic Royal Russell community. The School has afforded me some amazing opportunities to develop personally and academically. I have been supported and encouraged by my teachers and tutors who have genuinely cared about me and prepared me for the next stage of my journey, which will hopefully be studying aerospace engineering at University. Some of my favourite memories have been supporting the fantastic drama productions and performing with the School’s incredible music department; it’s not often you get to sing in an 18th century Château! I will always consider myself part of the Royal Russell community and encourage all current and future Russellians to get involved and take advantage of the amazing opportunities on offer.”
Mia
“My journey at Royal Russell, despite being relatively short, has been profoundly fulfilling. Having been granted an academic scholarship, I was able to move across the globe and join Royal Russell in Year 12 as a full-time boarder. When I first joined, I felt very much out of place, but the kindness of other boarders and their willingness to show me the ropes helped me ease into an environment much different from anything I had ever known. Joining Royal Russell gave me the opportunity to create unforgettable memories with my newfound friends, friends I see almost every mealtime and consider family. I chose English, History and Religious Studies for my A levels and am eternally grateful for the dedication my teachers have in supporting me holistically. With their help, I have been able to pinpoint exactly where I can and should improve to excel in my studies.”
University and beyond
Our tutors and Head of Careers put the pupil at the centre when planning for the future, understanding their vision and goals and offering support and guidance as they progress on their educational journey.
Bespoke Careers advice encourages all our pupils to aim high and choose a rewarding career. Personal Tutors and subject teachers play an essential role in providing invaluable advice and guidance to support individual academic and personal progress.
Our Lecture programme features motivational and inspirational guest speakers presenting on a wide range of topics and professions. We aim to broaden horizons and give our pupils an insight into a wealth of careers and opportunities that they may not have yet considered.
Boarding | Royal Russell School
University entrance is highly competitive. Our tailored mentoring guides pupils through the entrance procedure ensuring they select the most appropriate course and university for their chosen career.
Those considering Oxbridge entrance, medicine, veterinary science and law are given bespoke guidance and preparation to support them through this unique process.
We provide expert assistance in the writing of UCAS personal statements, with interview preparation and find appropriate work experience to help pupils build a highquality application, highlighting their unique skill set.
Our Careers Fairs showcase a wide variety of professions and our extensive Work Placement Programme enables our pupils to gain valuable, hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Can I tour the Boarding Houses and School?
Please get in touch with us at admissions@ royalrussell.co.uk to arrange a visit during your trip so that you can truly experience the atmosphere and character of our school. You will have much to discover and consider when choosing a boarding school and we are here to help you. If this is not possible, interviews can be carried out online.
What other opportunities are there to visit the School?
We run open days, and personal visits can be arranged by appointment throughout the year. Individual families or small groups are welcome to view our outstanding on-site facilities and meet our staff and pupils at a mutually convenient time during any working school day.
What is the application process?
Candidates should submit copies of their latest school reports before sitting test papers in Maths and English. The final stage is an interview online or in person.
Visa Information
If your child requires a visa, we can guide and support you through the application process. All pupils studying at Royal Russell School are required to provide documentation to prove their nationality.
If your child does not have British or Irish nationality, or an immigration status that allows them to study in the UK, they will need a Child Student visa to attend Royal Russell School. The School is a sponsor for Child Student visas. We take our duties as a sponsor for educational visas very seriously. Recent changes to the expectations of sponsors by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) require us to be aware of the immigration status of every day and boarding pupil, regardless of nationality.
You will be required to share a copy of your child’s passport with us, along with their visa or biometric information, if relevant. This enables us to comply fully with our responsibilities as a visa sponsor. The information you provide will be stored and processed confidentially and securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the School’s Data Protection Notice.
