September 27th 2024
Jake Albon, Head of Boarding
Boarding at Moulsford is a hugely beneficial experience.
Our welcoming and homely Boarding House provides our students with an environment where they can grow and develop as young people and sets them up for success at Moulsford and beyond.
Boarding at Moulsford provides children with another community they can feel a part of. Our small and caring Boarding House allows children to develop stronger relationships with their peers. These friendships often transcend year groups, and it is so special to see these bonds grow throughout a pupil's journey in the Boarding House. Will F won the weekly ‘Boarding Champion’ award for the way he has engaged with boys from different year groups.
Boarders at Moulsford are incredibly well supported by staff. With five members of the Moulsford staff on duty each evening, there is always a friendly face on hand should a pupil require support or assistance. Boarding staff have a privileged role in a boarder’s life. We get to know each pupil very well, helping nurture their growth and development in a partnership of mutual trust. Being closely connected with staff means boarders feel more secure and relaxed away from home.
Boarding at Moulsford provides students with structure. Be it the morning wake-up routine and preparing for their busy days ahead or the supervised prep sessions each evening, boarders develop a sense of independence that can have a hugely positive impact on their day-to-day lives and prepare them for life's challenges beyond Moulsford. Time management, preparation and organisation improve when teachers, boarding staff and parents are all helping the child toward the same goals. This was abundantly clear last year when Gilby B achieved his Kings Scholarship to Eton whilst boarding 4 nights a week.
Most of all, Boarding at Moulsford is incredibly good fun. Boys can make the most of our beautiful grounds and have a wide array of activities on offer each evening, such as baking, paddleboarding, climbing and water polo, as well as various boarding outings throughout the year. Each of this year’s boarders has been out to a restaurant of their choice already this term with their boarding tutors, with Nandos, Pizza Express and Avanti proving popular choices.
I strongly encourage anyone considering boarding to speak with current boarders or their parents about how much fun we have. Children often ask their parents if they can board at school when they realise just how much fun their friends are having. When a child boards, parents often find their time is freed up so they can focus on other priorities, knowing their child is in safe hands. When the child returns home, time spent with family is cherished.
I would strongly encourage parents to overcome any reservations they may have about boarding and explore the many boarding options we have available here at Moulsford. It may not suit all children, but a positive Moulsford Prep School boarding experience helps to build confidence and a sense of independence. Children emerge resilient, tolerant and well-prepared for the next stage of education.
For a snapshot of the first few weeks of Boarding, please click here to view the Flickr album.
