ARDINGLY COLLEGE

We spoke to two full boarders from our Class of 2023; Tiffany joined Ardingly from France and is now reading PPE at Warwick University, while George is from China and is currently studying Maths at Imperial College, London.

How did you settle in?

Tiffany: “I was worried at the start about moving so far away from home. But, thanks to the fantastic pastoral support at Ardingly and all the new friends I made in my House, I soon felt like the College was my second home.”

George: “I actually settled in really quickly and my Housemaster was very supportive. I loved making so many new friends in my House from the UK, Italy, Germany and Southeast Asia. I really value the international perspective this gave me.”

What was your academic highlight?

Tiffany: “I’d never studied Philosophy before I came to Ardingly but I tried it, joined the Philosophy Society and soon realised that I’d found my academic passion.”

George: “I enjoyed studying for the IB. It provided breadth but also the chance to study subjects in a lot of depth.”

What about co-curricular life?

Tiffany: “I loved singing in the Chamber Choir – I especially remember performing up in London at Westminster Abbey. It was really special.”

George: “I’d never tried climbing before and I loved it! I did a lot of climbing competitions at Ardingly and still enjoy the sense of achievement climbing gives me.”

What was the best thing about being a boarder?

Tiffany: “There were lots of fun trips and weekend activities, but my favourite had to be all the boarding socials on Friday or Saturday nights.”

George: “Yes, I particularly remember the Wild West themed social in the Under! And I also enjoyed popping into Haywards Heath for shopping and then cooking supper with my friends on a Sunday evening.”

What advice would you give to a new pupil?

Tiffany: “Meet everyone, join lots of societies and seize all the opportunities on offer at Ardingly!”

George: “Make the most of it, enjoy the diversity and make friends with people from all over the world.”