Boarding Overview

Dorset House has a long and rich tradition of boarding. Children enjoy being in an idyllic countryside setting, in an environment that breeds camaraderie, a sense of community and independence. This experience allows our boarders to move on to senior school and beyond, well equipped to make the most of the opportunities that life will bring them.

We offer Flexi and weekly boarding. With Flexi boarding, there is the opportunity to board regularly between one and four nights. Weekly boarding is available from Monday-Thursday night with the additional option of a bus service into London on a Friday after school, returning on a Sunday evening.

Boarding at Dorset House is fun and enjoyable because children are free to experience an array of different activities with a host of friends. This helps to create our family atmosphere where everyone feels happy and safe.

Our distinctive dormitories set in the eaves of our Manor allow the children to enjoy a warm and inclusive environment where a short story may be read by a ‘Gappie’ or there is the chance to have a cuddle with Mylo the black Labrador before bed!

Our family ethos and picturesque setting provide a haven for children to enjoy a real childhood and a ‘home away from home’.

Boarding FAQ’s

What are the benefits of boarding at a relatively young age?

Dorset House allows children to experience boarding from Year 5 to Year 8. Boarding at this age allows the children to gain valuable experience of being independent, learning to live in a community, develop self-confidence and to encourage self-discipline. If that weren’t enough, it is great fun!

Why should I consider a boarding education at Dorset House?

Our ethos of a safe, caring and friendly environment means our children ultimately feel happy. Carrying out their busy prep school day and then entering the boarding house later that evening is made more exciting by boarders’ being in the accompaniment of their friends. Boarding is also an attractive proposition with our extensive range of activities on offer each evening, such as swimming, art, and cookery. Children of different ages talk and play together in harmony illustrating our ability in fostering relationships across different year groups. Pupils feel lucky to be part of such a close Boarding House and respect the high expectations set on being an informed and responsible member of the community.

Will Dorset House boarding suit my child?

Taster nights are an opportunity to experience before joining. Children often choose to start with just one night a week when they feel ready and often this maybe organised with a friend who is new to the experience as well. Our boarding house can by no means replace home itself, and neither will it ever, but by providing a warm, homely, caring and safe environment, we can go some way towards furthering some of our fundamental aims: ensuring that children are happy, that they are considerate of one another and that they are given time, respect and encouragement.

Who can my child go to with a problem?

Dorset House prides itself on its pastoral care and tries to ensure that any problems are dealt with swiftly and effectively. Children can talk to a number of different people – Houseparents, Housetutors, Matron, Gap students or our Independent Person as well as their Form Tutor and all the usual staff during the school day. The Dorset House ‘Circle of Care’ ensures children have someone to turn to, whatever the need.