Qs & As

What makes boarding so special?
Does it feel like home?
How do you help new boarders settle in?
Who is responsible for looking after me?
Is there a chance for parents to meet staff?
How often can I see my family and friends?
What is a guardian?
How can I keep in contact with my family?
What happens if I fall ill?
What do I do if I have a problem?
How much freedom will I have?
What activities are there for boarders?
What about the food?
How do I apply? 

What makes boarding so special?

Boarding creates the opportunity for students of different ages and from different backgrounds and cultures to come together in the boarding house to live, work and enjoy themselves. They help and support one another, discover their talents in the range of activities on offer and form lifelong friendships. The school's excellent facilities are always there for your use and, if you have any problems with work, there are experts on hand in every subject.

Does it feel like home?

You can make sure of that. Older boarders have their own rooms with en suite facilities, while younger ones share with one or two friends. Everyone has their own area which they can rearrange and decorate as they like, and many bring some home comforts with them.

How do you help new boarders settle in?

We arrange an induction weekend for new boarders just before the start of the Autumn term, which provides a marvellous opportunity to meet other new boarders along with some current sixth form students and some key members of staff, as well as giving you some practical help such as finding your way around the campus and familiarising you with the local area.  Each new boarder is allocated a "big brother" or "sister" to ensure their first few days and weeks are as smooth and comfortable as possible. In 2009 we arranged a 'Fun Day' for new Sixth Form boarders, which involved a day of activities and team-building exercises followed by a weekend stay with one of the day pupils to encourage greater interaction with people you would not normally encounter during your lessons and boarding experience.

Who is responsible for looking after me?

The Boarding staff comprises the Director of Boarding, Heads of each of the three boarding houses, their Assistants and the medical centre nurses.  We also have Gap Assistants who work across the boarding houses.  When you arrive at school you will be paired up with a "buddy" in your own year, to show you around the school site and explain how things work; you will also be allocated a "big sister" or "brother" - an older boarder to assist and advise you, to help sort out any problems and keep an eye out for you around the school.

Is there a chance for parents to meet staff?

When boarders are collected from or retuned to school, a member of the boarding team is always available for consultation.  Parents and guardians are welcome at all school functions, and the Parents' Consultation evening is a good opportunity to meet all of a student's teachers.  If you happen to be in the area you are welcome to turn up at any time, but please let us know in advance to avoid disappointment!  Formal appointments to see the Head can be made by contacting the main school office.

How often can I see my family and friends?
 
They can come to see you any time after school and at weekends and you can go out with them by arrangement with the school staff.  Boarders may go away for weekends or part of the weekend, provided the school has received an invitation from the host concerned and the consent of a parent or guardian.

What is a guardian?

Every student resident outside the UK must have a guardian in the UK.  Guardians must be over 25 years old and not in full-time education.  They can be friends or relatives appointed by the student's family or the school can provide a list of professional guardianship agencies who can find an appropriate family.  Guardians can be a valued source of support for students.

How can I keep in contact with my family?

Students are allowed to have mobile phones with them, provided they do not use them during the school day (Sixth Formers may use their phones during the lunch break). If you have your own laptop you may bring it to use at school; each bedroom has internet connection points and if there is a problem with your own laptop you can use one of the desktop computers provided in the house common rooms, or one of the computers in the main school. Each boarding house also has a payphone, which receives incoming calls, and a fax machine.

What happens if I fall ill?

We have our own Medical Centre on site where any student can see a professionally qualified nurse. The school doctor holds an open surgery once a week - more often if necessary - and boarders can make further appointments as required. In case of emergency, there is a large national health hospital just 5 minutes away.

What do I do if I have a problem?

There are many people who can help. Your "big sibling" may well prove to be an excellent problem-solver and can help with any problems which you do not want to discuss with an adult. You may also approach any member of the boarding staff, your Day House Tutor or Head of House, or any member of staff you trust for advice. In some cases it may be necessary to contact someone who is better qualified to deal with the problem, such as the school Nurse, the Head or Deputy Head, or the School Counsellor and Chaplain, whom you can consult confidentially.

How much freedom will I have?

As you progress through the school you are given increased freedom, as you are expected to know how to behave responsibly and appropriately. Students in Year 9 are able to go into town in pairs during the week and on excursions in the locality at weekends. In the Sixth Form students are able to travel further afield (to Canterbury and London for example) provided we have received consent from your parent or guardian for you to do so.

What activities are there for boarders?

There are a variety of excursions arranged on Saturdays designed to entertain and to widen your experience.  These might be ice-skating, a visit to London to see China Town, the London Eye, the BBC studios etc, or a trip to the theatre or to Thorpe Park theme park.  Boarders may use the full facilities of the school, including tennis, table tennis, badminton, swimming, football and volleyball.  There are several after school clubs, ranging from trampolining to cookery, basketball to croquet.  The house common rooms are comfortable places in which to relax at the end of a day, either watching television or a dvd, playing cards or a board game, or even reading a newspaper or a book.

What about the food?

The Refectory staff provide a varied menu with plenty of choice and the chefs are always keen to have feedback from you on the food they provide.  The Boarders' Council ensures they are kept up to date with requests and comments. Each boarding house has at least one kitchenette with a cooker, microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge where you can make snacks and hot drinks if you are peckish between meals.

How do I apply?

Simply contact our registrar, Mrs Rachael Cox, either by email to: registrar@ashfordschool.co.uk, or by telephone on +44(0)1233 739030.