Boarding House

What is the boarding house like? Are you allowed out? What do you even eat? All of these questions, and others which are most likely unsuitable for publication, are common questions which we often have to field from our friends.

Contrary to popular belief, the boarding house is not a totalitarian regime. In fact, whilst it is in the unusual position of being a very small section of the school as a whole, the relatively small numbers is what makes boarding at St Paul’s so special. A core group of around forty, with the addition of flexi-boarders, means that people of different nationalities, interests, and even age groups all come together in a unique sense of community – where else are you going to find an unofficial karaoke night? The school facilities are readily available: from the music school, to the gym. If you enter the common room, you will undoubtedly come across a fiercely contested game of FIFA, or perhaps a group of pool playing boarders. For us, sleep depravity is a thing of the past: no longer do we have to trek across London, and no longer do we have the unbridled horror of 6.00am alarm. Our schedules revolve around that of the school, but on the other hand, independence and self-organisation is an invaluable lesson which we all learn very quickly.

For the majority, who do not go home over the weekends, there is a plethora of activities to undertake. The pizza nights are always a great laugh, with the current debate raging around the various merits of Basilicos vs Dominos, and the shoddy defending of a certain Harry Maguire. House trips are also a particular highlight, certainly one of the best parts of boarding life, with the pre-trip sceptics being silenced each time. This year, we’ve been treated to many fantastic house trips, such as clay pigeon shooting at the prestigious Holland & Holland, where our new Vice House Captain failed to hit a single clay. Our annual trip to Daytona Go-Karting remains a fan favourite, with Mr. Passmore often seen flaunting his winner’s medal. Our trip to Leith’s Cookery School taught us to make Michelin-quality steaks, with authentic Chimichurri and Hollandaise sauce, although the House Captain’s Hollandaise tasted like a biochemical weapon. The boarding house even managed to get some complimentary tickets to a Brentford game, albeit against Burnley. The most recent addition to our trips programme was a high speed boat trip down the Thames: a brilliant suggestion from Julie, our wonderful matron, whose invaluable contributions are essential in helping to keep the boarding house afloat.

In terms of our daily routine, we have a choice of a full English breakfast with cereal and pastries, before going into school for morning tutors. During lunch, boarders can return to the boarding house to relax, or to work, and are free to bring in guests as well. After school, we have plenty of free time where we are able to go out as we wish, albeit facing the silent disapproval of the Duty Master upon returning with yet another bubble tea, followed by dinner and our two hour prep session.

Under arrest after attempted escape from Guantanamo Bay

While everything else that has been mentioned plays its part in making the boarding house the place that it is, ultimately, living with your friends has got to be the best part of the boarding house experience.

I hope that this has given you a small taster into boarding life. ❚