BOARDING
Being in Founder’s House, means belonging to a community, being supported by your teachers and peers and supporting them in turn. During my time at Whitgift I have been able to have my interests and talents expressed and backed by others.
BOARDING AT WHITGIFT
Making the most of your time at school
Whitgift is one of Britain’s finest schools, with proud traditions dating back to the 17th century, and an exceptional record of academic achievement. The School is situated in beautiful parkland, within what was formerly a royal estate, belonging to Henry VIII.
FOUNDER’S HOUSE
Last year we celebrated 10 years since Founder’s House opened its doors at Whitgift. This milestone signifies the establishment of a thriving boarding community, during which our provision has gone from strength to strength allowing pupils all the opportunities they need to develop as young men.
Our 112 weekly and full boarders from ages 13-18 benefit from living in a purpose-built boarding facility with wide-ranging access to the facilities contained within the School’s first class and continually developing site.
Boarders in Founder’s House benefit from the proactive care of a dedicated staff team whose unwavering priority is to promote the wellbeing and personal development of the pupils in their care. Opportunities for boarders are abundant and there is support, encouragement and guidance on each step of their journey.
LOCATION AND BOARDERS
The School is ideally placed, within the spacious grounds of Haling Park. With the feel of a country estate, yet close to central London, Whitgift is well served by the National Rail network and within very easy reach of the major London airports.
The Founder’s House community brings an international dimension to an already diverse Day school environment with our boarding pupils covering over 10 different nationalities.
CO-CURRICULAR & FACILITIES
Whitgift is unique and has a modern approach in supporting its boarders’ individual talents. We encourage independence and personal growth through a broad and exciting cocurricular programme, with outstanding sport and music programmes.
Boarding at the School means boys gain greater value from the exceptional facilities and unrivalled co-curricular provision. Facilities include the onsite gym and swimming pool as well as music schools. Being onsite can mean greater opportunities to partake in playing at concerts, plays and sporting fixtures.
Our Admissions team can help you to explore the options available to your son and arrange for you to visit the Founder’s House and the School at your convenience.
We very much look forward to meeting you and to welcoming you to Whitgift.
BOARDING OPTIONS
Full or weekly for boys 13 to 18
Whitgift offers two types of boarding for 13 to 18 year olds; full or weekly. The information here will help you understand which format will be best suited to your family and, most importantly, your son and his programme of activities.
Full and weekly boarders are cared for by a dedicated team of boarding staff. The house is divided into six ‘families,’ a vertical peer support system in which boys receive guidance and mentorship from a designated house tutor and senior students. Furthermore, weekly and full boarders benefit from a bespoke personal development plan, designed to equip them with the skills to navigate and thrive throughout their teenage years and beyond.
FULL BOARDING
The majority of boarders at Whitgift are full boarders, meaning they enjoy not only the weekly activities that weekly boarders and Day pupils do, but have the benefit of a full and varied weekend programme too. They benefit from access to the School’s facilities and scheduled programme of boarding specific activities. Full boarders can go to visit parents and family at any point during the term with the permission of the Senior Housemaster. They can also spend time with friends at the weekend too, which again can be arranged with
permission from the Senior Housemaster and both sets of parents. A typical weekend for a full boarder would involve school co-curricular activities on Saturday afternoon as well as the enticing schedule of trips available to all pupils on Sundays. Whilst it is expected that full boarders remain at school for the duration of the Half Term, some flexibility is possible. Full boarders are able to apply for weekend leave to visit family and friends where appropriate.
WEEKLY BOARDING
Weekly boarders typically stay at school from Sunday evening until the end of lessons on a Friday. Of course, if boys are involved in weekend activities such as sports fixtures or drama and music rehearsals, they are very welcome to stay on a Friday evening too. Often weekly boarders live more locally to Whitgift and benefit from the additional time and energy that staying at school during the week affords them and creates space for them to pursue their interests and passions.
FOUNDER’S HOUSE
Focusing on your son’s care
Founder’s House has been home to boarding students at Whitgift since 2013 and offers a diverse, welcoming and inclusive environment. There is a strong focus on wellbeing, meaning boys benefit from a balance between their academic, personal and social needs, in a truly home away from home environment.
PASTORAL CARE
As a boarder, your son’s wellbeing is our priority and they are supported by a full team of residential staff, including House Tutors and Matrons. The residential team is led by the Senior Housemaster who oversees boarding life and the weekend activity programme. Your son will also be allocated a House Tutor for the duration of his stay. The House Tutor’s role is to work with him to design an individual support plan. All boarders join a vertical ‘family’ comprising of same age and older boarders, who meet on a regular basis to offer peer support and discuss any boarding related matters.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
In order to support their learning, there are two homework periods each weeknight, where work can be completed in a structured session. Extra academic support is available from teaching staff at these times and if there are areas where more in depth guidance is needed, the House Tutor will facilitate this, linking with Form and Class Tutors.
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the outstanding academic and co-curricular support that boarders at Whitgift can access, the boarding team are proactive in providing opportunities for the boys to develop as individuals. Our personal development plan delivers a weekly programme educating boys in matters relating to their Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) development, health and lifestyle, online safety, altruism and service. This time allows them to reflect on how they are progressing as a person and can live a happy and fulfilled life in the modern world. Weekend activities support this development by giving boys opportunities to broaden their horizons and explore new activities and pursuits.
HEALTH AND NUTRITION
The daily menu, served in main school dining hall, consists of nutritionally balanced meals which are freshly prepared and can cater for dietary requirements. A kitchen area within Founder’s House is accessible to the boys with fresh fruit, milk and bread available, allowing boys to make their own snacks.
ENGAGE
RELAX
REST
I was apprehensive about my son being a boarder, but I have learned to trust Founder’s House with the welfare of my son. He has all the makings and potential of being a fine adult, a good citizen, a role model and contributor to his community and society and has been provided with immense opportunities and the facilities and guidance to act on them.
Whitgift School
Haling Park
South Croydon
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8688 9222
Email: admissions@whitgift.co.uk
www.whitgift.co.uk/boarding