Boarding COMMUNITY
THE BOARDING COMMUNITY AT ST JOHN’S IS WARM, CARING, AND INCLUSIVE. PUPILS THRIVE ON THE ADDITIONAL TIME WITH FRIENDS FROM ALL YEAR GROUPS AND VALUE THE PASTORAL SUPPORT OF THE DEDICATED BOARDING STAFF. WE DO NOT SEEK TO REPLACE HOME BUT PROVIDE A SAFE, RELAXED, AND POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR PUPILS TO CONTINUE THEIR WORK AND ENJOY TIME WITH THEIR PEERS.
Boarding gives me a closer connection to the House community, and I have more time to relax.
Oli, Senior School Boarder
The best part of boarding is the team spirit and friendships.
Holly, Lower Third
Our boarding model is unique and designed to work with modern family life. We know that families want time together and that commitments change throughout the year, so our approach is inherently flexible offering the ideal balance between school and home.
We have a broad range of regular boarding options while ad hoc nights are also available to all our pupils. This variety allows pupils and parents to experience the additional opportunities and benefits provided by boarding, while still being able to follow interests outside of the school sphere and, most importantly, spend quality time at home with family and friends.
Modern, flexible boarding
Lower School pupils can board Tuesday to Thursday nights, while older pupils can board on Sunday to Thursday nights.
EACH TERM PARENTS HAVE THE OPTION TO SET THEIR CHILD’S BOARDING STATUS:
Day (ad hoc boarding)
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1 night per week
2 nights per week
3 nights per week
Weekly (Fourth Form to Upper Sixth)
Different nights have a different feel. I like socialising with different people when I board for more nights.
Oscar, Upper Fifth
Why board at St John’s?
Boarding allows pupils to develop their strengths and sense of independence within a supportive community. Our boarders give many reasons for loving boarding but one of the most frequently cited is the deep sense of belonging.
We see our boarders flourish as they develop greater respect and responsibility, understanding and consideration for others, while shared experiences with peers create strong relationships and real bonds.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BOARDING EVENING?
Boarders can do things that simply are not possible at home. With the availability of excellent facilities and almost constant access to staff, but without a daily commute, boarders can get more done; their days are longer, and their weeks are broader.
The atmosphere around School in the evenings is relaxed, positive and fun. Prep is completed early so that the evenings can be focused on activities, socialising, and downtime.
I really appreciate having other motivated people around when I am working in the evenings.
Theo, Upper Fifth
Boarding house life itself was seen as a collaborative activity by the pupils who were committed to the community and actively looked for what they might do for others.
ISI Inspection 2022
BOARDING ACTIVITIES, TRIPS, AND EVENTS
Academic clinics
Art room time
Relaxation time
Music practice
Gym, Sports Hall and Swimming Pool
tennis, table games, TV and board games
@stjohns_boarding
You can build friendships and create stronger bonds because you spend more time together.
Aoife, Upper Third
Table
House social nights
Silent disco
Inflatables
Formal dinners
Theatre trips
Trips including: bowling, climbing, golf, Laser Quest and Escape Rooms
Boarding means you get to connect with other people in your year in a safe and comfortable environment. We have freedom in boarding activities to choose what we want to do.
Ella, Lower Third
250+ REGULAR BOARDERS
WHERE DO PUPILS STAY?
Lower School pupils have their own boarding house with light, modern rooms, where they board within their year group. When pupils move up to Fourth Form, they are allocated to a house. We have four boarding houses. Weekly boarders have their own dedicated space, storage for the week and often share with friends. Regular and ad hoc boarders have their own locker for their belongings.
WHAT ABOUT MOBILE DEVICES?
Boarders have access to their phones and laptops during the evening, but these are collected overnight to be charged and kept safe. We think sleep is vitally important!
Boarders were effusive in explaining how they felt boarding helped them to develop their individual study skills and highlighted that they felt more confident in completing work effectively and were better organised as a result of boarding.
ISI Inspection 2022
Ad hoc boarding is a fantastic experience. Everyone should do it at least once! Boarding supper is good, and there is always time to relax and chill out with amazing snacks.
Petra, Upper Third
40 BEDS PER HOUSE
5
BOARDING HOUSES
Boarders were complimentary about the experience of discussing future course choices with older pupils which gave them insights into different avenues of study.
ISI Inspection 2022
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you have any questions about our boarding community, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk and we will be happy to give you more information.
St John’s School
T +44 (0)1372 373000
school@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk
stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk
Registered Charity No: 312064