The Boarding Schools Association Spring 2018

Page 1

Boarding School THE MAGAZINE OF THE BOARDING SCHOOLS’ ASSOCIATION

Keeping pupils safe and standards high Dale Wilkins

Trans issues

Dr Elly Barnes MBE

A world of boys and girls as equal partners Dr Alex Peterken

Spring 2018



? 3

What will the future hold While many view the New Year as a time for resolutions I believe in the world of education it is a time to reaffirm our goals, support our communities and nurture our relationships – rather than reinventing the wheel a third of the way through the academic year. In his first article as BSA Chair (page 8), Martin Reader from Cranleigh School, talks to us about his vision for the year ahead. His core values of making a ‘genuine difference to those less fortunate’ ring true for all our boarding communities and remind us that putting children at the heart of our sector is our most important job. On page 22, in keeping with our focus on children Eton’s Jonnie Noakes has researched what makes pupils happy. It will come as no surprise to readers that the research “provides compelling evidence that a supportive boarding community significantly contributes to pupils’ happiness.”

We also have articles from leading e-safety expert Karl Hopwood on the latest digital trends (page 43). Dr Elly Barnes MBE, CEO of Educate and Celebrate provides sound advice on supporting trans students and your community (page 32) and ISC’s Julie Robinson (page 17) and Holyport’s Walter Boyle (page 14) celebrate the important state/independent partnership our sector is undertaking. In our biggest-ever issue I hope you will find some useful information, stories and ideas to lead you into the term ahead. As numbers for the BSA Accredited Boarding Practitioner grow (page 18) we can be safe in the knowledge our sector is continually looking at ways to support and nurture those at the heart of our communities – the children.

Aileen Kane Director of Operations, BSA

The Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) champions boarding and promotes boarding excellence. The BSA represents over 550 B independent and state boarding schools in the UK and overseas. BSA services include professional development, government relations, communications, media, publications, conferences and events.


Contents What will the future hold? Aileen Kane, Director of Operations, BSA

3

Safe and secure Robin Fletcher, Chief Executive, BSA

7

8 From the chair Martin Reader, BSA Chair and Headmaster, Cranleigh School

Heads on the move

13

The petri dish of education Walter Boyle, Headmaster, Holyport College

14

Keeping pupils safe and standards high Dale Wilkins, Head of Safeguarding and Standards, BSA

18

The journey to a home Dr Felicia Kirk, Headmistress, St Mary’s Calne

26

Why promoting partnership is key 17 Julie Robinson, General Secretary, Independent Schools Council

Boarding builds bonds for Eton boys 22 Jonnie Noakes, Head of Teaching and Learning, Eton College

A world of boys and girls as equal partners Dr Alex Peterken, Headmaster, Charterhouse

28

Masculinity in the 21st century Dr Christopher Thurber, Clinical Psychologist

36

BSA interview Mark Lauder, Headmaster, Strathallan School

45

Trans issues 32 Dr Elly Barnes MBE, CEO, Educate and Celebrate Mark Dixon, Headmaster, Royal Alexandra and Albert School

Digital safeguarding Karl Hopwood, E-safety expert

43

Raising standards through engaging more Andrew Lewin, Director of Training, BSA

50

From boarding house to halls Ollie Hastings, Bilton Grange and Rugby School alumni

66

#iloveboarding Boarding #GettingBetter

BSA member list

A warm welcome

54

68

70

Boarding School Magazine

To subscribe: T. +44 (0)207 798 1580 E. bsa@boarding.org.uk Editor Aileen Kane, Director of Operations aileen@boarding.org.uk

Advertising Amy Wilson, Events and Commercial Manager amy@boarding.org.uk Boarding Schools’ Association 4th Floor, 134 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SA

www.boarding.org.uk

Front cover picture courtesy of Shiplake College


Picture courtesy of More House School


&

Safe

Picture courtesy of Pocklington School


&

3 7

& Secure Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Each year the BSA has a hectic programme of events, training, consultancy, advice and member engagement.

Most important of all however is ensuring In most years there is also something we are prepared for the parallel national significant or special as well. Two years ago inquiries into child abuse in Scotland and we were busy marking our Golden Jubilee – England. and last year saw our £200,000 #iloveboarding campaign, taking a positive As events in Hollywood and Westminster boarding message (often by bus!) right t gives me enormous pleasure heating, andworld wrap- of have recentlyabundant remindedfood us, the across the land. to write the foreword to this around 24/7 care boarding safeguarding andpastoral attitudes to from sexual abuse celebration 50 years of todayprofessionals. are radically different to how they This year the major focus marking is safeguarding, Boarding Association becausethe above all elseSchools’ ensuring the safety (BSA).once were: legally, socially, culturally and politically. Thedoesn’t national abuse inquiries will and security of young people is the most And that even consider the access examine current and past approaches to important thing for everyone working in The BSA was formed just a couple of years safeguarding inco-curricular many boarding schools and boarding. This term has already been busy. and broad programmes. rightly ask searching questions. boarding in the late 1960s. At the start of September, our first Head of That the change has been so great is of There is no doubt such scrutiny will not Safeguarding and Standards, Dale Wilkins To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known to those who work always be easy or comfortable. Already the (a former deputy head, DSL and inspector), a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining ‘Truth’ project element of the English joined the team. Then we published the of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, inquiry has highlighted one victim’s view second version of our Commitment to Care especially schools journalists sceptical parents. that boarding areorsometimes not Charter, now broadened to include peerof Love and Sgta Pepper. as ‘human’ as they could be when looking on-peer Summer abuse allegations and Yetclaims. throughout allnot, thatthis has is changed at past Fair or a tastethere of requirement for schools to let us know If these two worlds were has of been a constant,schools reassuring the sort examination andand the about issues they are facing. Thesharply new contrasting them again to sector valued presence: the will BSA.be doing all it will face, and BSA Charter allows us tothen, give contrast better support boarding can to provide whatever support, guidance and guidance for today. schools, and build a far

Celebrating our Jubilee

and advice it can to schools. stronger and more detailed picture of the Mr Wilson’s rhetoric Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been number For andall type of issues1960s across the about in difficult or painful the the has ‘white heat’been of change was little However there,hard, rather like a long-serving and sector. This never donethere before process proves to be, there one thing on and already is helping us understand the evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boardingishouse matron. which all in the boarding community can safeguarding landscape more thoroughly. agree – anything that makes young people So what comes to mind when one thinks safer in our schools must be welcomed. Our second annual Safeguarding dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? Conference took place in November, food and pastoral care in the hands of along with the latest meeting of the BSA prefects were common attributes. Professional development, expert Safeguarding Forum, again important ways advice, an increasingly strong voice to to help ‘join up the dots’ on safeguarding. Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events. The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription. That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding. The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an Robin enormous comfort to Fletcher know the BSA is Chief Executive, there with us on the journey. BSA

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016


from the chair

by Martin Reader BSA Chair, 2017 Headmaster, Cranleigh School

Picture courtesy of Cranleigh School


Picture courtesy of Cranleigh School

3 9

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Before I sat down to write this article, I was chatting to a friend of

Celebrating our Jubilee

mine at a church curry

I asked Mark how many boarders were at interactions expressed in the words heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for the school. His answer: ‘All of them. #iloveboarding, plus the additional daily to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. Boarding is essential for the girls pressures of living with teenagers and celebration marking 50 years of professionals. especially as they need to be away from complying with regulations, to make us the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much the home if they are going to be able to insular? And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest focus on their education.’ Boarding in all The BSA was formed just a couple of years annual subscription. Modern boarding schools are increasingly kinds of setting can be life-changing. and broad co-curricular programmes. authentic in their practical articulation of boarding in the late 1960s. That we need the BSA all of its the The parallels between both the family values: gone are theand days That the change haspriorities been so great valuableparent. servicesWe is beyond doubtaware as foundations and current of so is of arms-length are equally To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known those who work we contemplate nextbe 50ayears many of our schools are to striking. the school family canthe often saferof a formative experience. The school was Cranleigh, in boarding. The hard is explaining boarding. for example, waspart founded in haven for some of our pupils or present a of course as historic and traditional as it1865 to the seismicthe leapsons to the world, educate of outside local farming lifeline for others. Early research from the especially journalists or asceptical parents. SpringBoard The challenges are great and many – families. I like the synergy of Cranleigh Bursary Foundation is Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. anddemonstrating we don’t know what the boarding farmer 140 years later founding a school already the impact Yet throughout all that has changed landscape will look like in 2065, in Tanzania for local families. I also like it thereboarding can bring to children fromhow many If these two worlds were sharply hasthe been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many because correct instinct of all of our disadvantaged backgrounds. Voices in contrasting then, contrast them again toschools valued presence: the BSA. – state, independent, prep or government and the media are now much boarding today. senior – is to reach out beyond ourselves more sympathetic to the idea of more But however things it is an to make a genuine difference to those less looked-after children in unfold, our schools, For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about fortunate. in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know thewell. BSAWe is confident we can look after them the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and with us oninthe hopethere the numbers ourjourney. schools will evidence of that in boarding schools then. trusted boarding matron. gradually grow. When warmly the Right Reverend Johnhouse Sentamu

me enormous pleasure night, at gives fund-raising

event for the secondary school foundation his father had set up in

Tanzania. Mark’s father was a farmer who was

inspired by his visits to Africa actually to do

something. The local bishop expressed a pressing need for

secondary education

and Dr Simon Walker challenged our Soatwhat to mindConference when one thinks schools last comes year’s Heads’ in Looking after children well is of course at dormitories, inadequate heating, poor York toof‘take the BSA? the lead in service’, they were the heart of what we do in boarding food and pastoral care in the hands of meeting us on a road we are already schools and this has driven two important prefects were common attributes. Professional development, expert travelling but inspired us to walk with BSA initiatives which will embed this year: an increasingly voice to the appointment of Dale Wilkins as Head greateradvice, momentum. Is there strong a temptation Fast forward 50 years and what a and journalists, information Tony Little and Standards, with the for all government those wonderful opportunities and of Safeguarding provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

and so the foundation was formed and

St Michael School,

Kilolo opened in 2005.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!



311

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee Picture courtesy of Cranleigh School

t gives me enormous pleasure

to write to this linked functions of thethe BSAforeword Commitment celebration marking 50 and years of to Care Charter, Safeguarding Forum the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). the Boarding Accredited Practitioner scheme.

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals. And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA was formed just a couple of years

and broad co-curricular programmes. What makes boarding even more special The more the sector does in the space boarding the late 1960s. is that this is one area of education where of safeguarding inincollecting data, That the change hasisbeen so great is of we all share a voice. BSA the only monitoring and sharing our responses To board at better Eton then saybethe least coursewith wellstate known toindependent those who work association and and challenges, the ablewas weto will a formative experience. The school was together, in boarding. hardsingle-sex part is explaining prep andThe senior, and to support each other in building and of the course as historic and traditional as itco-educational the seismic leap to the outside and diamond, with aworld, sustaining safest of cultures and especially journalists or sceptical parents. commitment first and foremost to ensure we are all equipped practically Summerto oflook Loveafter and Sgt Pepper. children. What I really hope we can and emotionally victims. Yet throughout thatthe haspolitical changed there achieve this year is toall shift Building trust, sharing lessons and If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, and conversation away from allreassuring the co-ordinating collaboration will be contrasting then, contrast them again tonarrowness valuedwhich presence: the BSA.the dominates important roles for Dale. boarding today. educational agenda and forces divisions The Accredited Practitioner Scheme between the sectors so we can talk about builds upon theMr excellent ofabout how For all Wilson’sfoundations 1960s rhetoric in children Oxfordflourish. in July 1965 the BSA has been existing BSA professional the ‘white heat’ of development change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and The motto of St Michael School, Kilolomatron. is which weevidence trust willofbe attractive to those that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house ‘Your education is your life, guard it well.’ who have dedicated their working lives to Like you Let’s all, with boarding and who would like such a So#iloveboarding. what comes to mind when one thinks the help and support of each other and ‘kitemark’dormitories, recognitioninadequate for the quality of heating, poor of the BSA? the BSA, guard it well this year. And have their work. As more boarding schools food and pastoral care in the hands of a lot of fun whilst doing so! open their doors across the world and prefects were common attributes. Professional development, expert look to the BSA for guidance, such recognition be extremely Fastwill forward 50 years valuable and whatin a ensuring that they are run really well.

advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events. The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription. That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding. The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey. Martinand Reader Thank you BSA, BSA Chair, 2017 goodHeadmaster, luck asCranleigh you plan School your centenary!

Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016



3 13

Heads on the move Charterhouse School New Head: Dr Alex Peterken, January 2018 Dr Alex Peterken, former Headmaster of co-educational boarding school Cheltenham College since 2010, previously Deputy Headmaster from 2008. Under his leadership the school has grown from 550 to 660 pupils, the number of students achieving 7A*s or more has tripled and the number gaining 5A*s has doubled.

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Sexey’s School New Interim Head: Gill Kelly, January 2017 New Interim Headteacher Mrs Gill Kelly is an experienced secondary school interim and consultant leader. She was recently Interim Executive Principal at the Wellspring Academies Trust in Lincolnshire, and is former Principal at City Academy in Bristol. Gill is also currently a leadership coach for Women in Leadership, a member of the Board of Trustees for the CoED Foundation, and author of will I dofamily my Pineapples?, a convenor ofWhere the boarding for book about building a whole new school conferences and events. based on her experience.

Celebrating our Jubilee

t gives me enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapto write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding celebration marking 50 years of professionals. the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). DLD College London And that doesn’t even consider the access New Head: just Irfana Latif, January 2018 The BSA was formed couple of years As Headmaster of Sexey’s School in Somerset, a and broad co-curricular programmes. co-educational state boarding and day school, boarding in the late 1960s. Irfan grew student numbers and improved That the change has been so great is of academic roles have included To board at Eton thenresults. was to Previous say the least course well known to those who work Deputy Head (Academic) at Bedford School, a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining Head of Science and Chemistry at St of course as historic and traditional as it theBenedict’s seismic leap to the outside world, School, Senior Housemaster at Whitgift School, especially journalists or sceptical parents. as well as being an Assistant Housemaster and Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. Teacher of Chemistry at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Yet throughout all that has changed there Boys’ School. If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today.

valued presence: the BSA.

For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron. Knighton House School New Head: Robin Gainher, Headmaster, So what comes to mind when one thinks September 2017 dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? Knighton House Robin and food and pastoral care in theSchool handswelcomed of his wife Ali at the start of the new academic prefects were common attributes. Professional development, expert year. Robin was previously Head atadvice, Beeston an increasingly strong voice to Hall. Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription. That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as The Islands School weFive contemplate the next 50 years of New Interim boarding. Head: Jo Yeates, one year appointment, September 2017 Jo Yeates was appointed asand interim of The challenges are great manyHead – School at the start of academic yeare. She has and we don’t know what the boarding worked in schools across England since landscape will look like in 2065, how many completing PGCE in 1992, boarders her we will serve or howhaving many studied Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge. She spent a year in Quimper, Brittany, as unfold, part of ither degree, But however things is an teaching English to primary children, enormous comfort to know the BSA is secondary students and trainee teachers. there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016


The petri dish of education Petri dish – a shallow, circular, transparent dish with a flat lid, used for the culture of microorganisms. Partnerships work. The last time you sat on a plane, perhaps exhausted at the end of a busy term or taking a bunch of pupils off on an adventure, you probably didn’t give much thought to Orville and Wilbur Wright, a partnership from which we all benefit today. Tom and Jerry, whose antics many of us enjoyed when we were little, were created by Hanna and Barbera, another partnership. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield thought up the delicious recipes for the ice cream which bears their name and which many of us enjoy. Apple, e-Bay and Twitter were all established by a partnership. Pictures courtesy of Holyport College

Walter Boyle Headmaster, Holyport College


3 15

Four years or so ago, a relationship began to develop between Holyport College, a soon-to-be state day and boarding free school and Eton College. Eton was originally described as our sole educational sponsor. We now refer to a partnership between the two institutions. More informally, I refer to the partnership as a friendship, for it has to be said that that is what it has blossomed into. And therein lies lesson number one: partnerships thrive when personal relationships and links are at their strongest and our friendship with Eton can only be described in the most positive ways. Secondly, we have never felt or been made to feel as though we are the junior partner. This is crucial. The leadership and staff of Holyport College are professionals in their own right and the partnership with Eton adds value to what we do, and both institutions learn from each other.

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee

t givesexpectations me enormous pleasure Managing parental of the to writeEton the foreword to this partnership between College and celebration marking Holyport College was perhaps the 50 years of Boarding Schools’ Association greatest the challenge in the early days. Some (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest parents imagined Holyport College would Thethe BSA wascampus. formed just couple of years annual subscription. be built on Eton Stillaothers and broad co-curricular programmes. thought Eton masters would jump on boarding the to late That we need the BSA and all its their bicycles and in cycle us1960s. to teach That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as lessons before going back to their real ToI board at Etonisthen to say course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of job. What tell parents that was at the endthe least are participating in our ‘Great Teacher’ opportunities of adult and working life by a formative school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. of their child’s sevenexperience. years with The us, they’ll programme which aims to develop getting close to their Etonian peers. With ofsee course historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, be able to the as impact that the ‘Eton teaching and learning at both schools and an increasing interest in independent and especially journalists or sceptical parents. The challenges are great and many – effect’ has had. our governance arrangements can state school partnerships in general, the Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding certainly be described as robust. school that a former Secretary of State for Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many So, what happens? On Mondays, a group Education in England described as a ‘petri If these tworound worlds has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many of Etonians comes towere helpsharply with our I have learned much from the boys. For dish’ has been asked a lot of questions. contrasting then, contrastgroup them again to valued presence: the BSA. co-curricular activities. Another example, the programme for our gifted today. comes toboarding participate in the Eton College students, a mix of mathematics, linguistics At times, we certainly have felt like we are But however things unfold, it is an Holyport College Investment Club. It has and philosophy, was designed by boys being scrutinised under the microscope. For allwhich Mr Wilson’s rhetoric in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is raised money it then1960s invests, with aboutand is delivered by boys. The Investment Moving forward, we are concentrating on the ‘white heat’ of On change there was there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. profits going to Holyport. Tuesdays, a little Club was founded by an Etonian. Etonians the development of teaching, learning of that in boarding warmly trusted boarding house matron. group of evidence boys comes round to work schools with then. do it for themselves and don’t wait for and pedagogy and the personal some of our gifted students. Almost every others to come up with ideas. They are development of our students. Links So what comes to mind when one thinks day, we use the sports facilities at Eton – not overly reliant on their masters. They between academic departments are dormitories, poor of the BSA? we do rowing and weinadequate even have heating, Eton are innovative, determined, solution and established and this year, having just foodWe andhave pastoral care inaccess the hands Fives teams. unrivalled to of outcomes focused, even though they may opened our sixth form, we will be common attributes. Professional development, expert the hugeprefects range ofwere evening lectures known not use those words to describe supported in getting our students into the advice, an increasingly strong voice to as Societies and social events for students themselves. And that is what I want from best universities. Ultimately, everything Fast forward years and government and journalists, information Tony Little from both schools are50planned forwhat this a Holyportians. They can find a more that is done is to benefit our students. provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 year. Teachers from both organisations confident way of taking on the Something is growing in that petri dish.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!



3 17

WHY PROMOTING PARTNERSHIP IS KEY Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Julie Robinson General Secretary, ISC

Independent and state schools have been working together We should pay more tax, they We can all help shape positive for years – see Walter Boyle’s article on the Holyport/Eton say. However, we know – and attitudes by promoting partnership on page 14 – so why is the ISC and its member so do our state colleagues – partnerships through all school associations still talking about partnerships? Boarding School that we put into education, stakeholders, including magazine asked Julie Robinson, General Secretary of the economy, community and UK parents. By demonstrating the Independent Schools Council to explain. value far, far more than we relevance of your school as an t gives me enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for take out. employer and active write the foreword to to this 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. In the current to political context it’s vital understandaround the community supporter, you will 50 years of professionals. Mostly our schools are not rich importance ofcelebration cross-sectormarking partnership. Promoting partnerships help demonstrate the sector’s Boarding doesto allsociety. this and, swan-like, much with localthe state schoolsSchools’ is key toAssociation challenging(BSA). opinion and raising and usually our fee-paying The BSA value And doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest awareness of the important work independent schools dothat every parents both work, committing The BSA was formed just a couple of years subscription. year. one salary to school fees. annualIn changing perception, ISC and broad co-curricular Parentsprogrammes. choose to make aims to develop good working boarding in theunderstand late 1960s. the value of independent/state need the BSAwith andeducation all its By ensuring local MPs compromises and sacrifices That to werelationships Thattothe change has so great is of children. valuable services in is beyond doubt as partnership work it will support ISC’s national campaign get been the best for their ministers England, shadow To independent board at Eton sector then was to saythe thepossibility least course well known to those whomight work be we contemplate nextteams 50 years of protect the against of A few schools ministers,the policy and a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. expensive tax changes in the future. comfortable, with the capacity peers. We are also working of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to world, tothe useoutside surpluses and closely with the new especially journalists or sceptical parents. are great andlead many – Independent schools provide a breadth of educational experience endowment funds for extra The challenges partnerships policy at the of Love and Pepper. don’t know whatup thethe boarding and highSummer level of pastoral careSgt parents are willing to pay for. projects. But these are very and weDfE, who heads Yet throughout allmuch that has changed there landscape will look likenewly in 2065, how many in the minority. Government’s formed If these ISC twoschools worlds were has been boarders we will serve or howUnit many Only 70 English havesharply over 1,000 pupils and 478 of a constant, reassuring and System Partnerships – then, contrast them again to valued presence: theaBSA. these arecontrasting boarding schools. The typical ISC boarding school has As sector, we need to seize designed to help broker boarding today. 444 pupils. Therefore, most independent schools do not have the opportunities to present an partnerships between statethings unfold, itschools is an means to become the founding sponsor of a new free school. alternative, friendly image toBut however funded maintained Forprovide all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about Oxford in July 1965 thethe BSA hasofbeen enormous to know the BSA is They might co-sponsorship support to in specific subject turn tide public andcomfort independent schools. the ‘white of change there little a long-serving and school is in there areas, however, or heat’ a member of staff orwas a governor tothere, be a rather like perception. Every a with us on the journey. that in boarding schools warmly trusted boarding matron. governorevidence at a localofstate school. They might then. share CPD with local positionhouse to help locally by BSA members, whether

Celebrating our Jubilee

state schools and achieve economies of scale by sharing services, inviting MPs to meet children independent or state are So what mind when onebursaries, thinks club opportunities and in some cases facilities. But there will comes tobenefiting from to encouraged to get involved in inadequate heating,model poor because ofof the BSA? never bedormitories, a one-size-fits-all partnership the meet the teaching and support this project by calling and pastoral care in the hands of sector. diversity food of schools and circumstances in our staff employed by you, who are 0207 654 6355 or emailing prefects were common attributes. Professional development, expert and to meet system.partnerships@education.gov.uk their constituents, increasingly strongpartners voice to who It’s frustrating national media continually suggests toadvice, voters an that state school Fast forward and what a with unfairgovernment journalists, information independent schools 50 areyears rich tax-dodgers tax breaks. andattest to your helpfulness. Tony Little provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!


Keeping pupils safe and standards high Picture courtesy of Burford School


3 19

It’s certainly been busy time since I took on the role of BSA’s first Head of Safeguarding and Standards in September last year! These two areas are so important to member schools, and indeed to pupils and practitioners. I have been delighted by the warmth of welcome from the associations and organisations with whom BSA works most closely, and indeed from individual colleagues and schools. Thank you for the regular updates I receive. Please keep them coming!

Dale Wilkins Tony Little Head of Safeguarding and Standards, BSA

BSA Honorary President

The first task for the year was to develop and embed the new version of the BSA COMMITMENT TO CARE CHARTER. Following consultation over the summer, the new version incorporated three distinct new elements:

child protection and safeguarding leads in schools, with the aim of distributing information at least fortnightly in term time. If you would like to be added to the list, please contact me at dale@boarding.org.uk

A key part of my role this year is to respond to regional and overseas variations, and assess the needs of our member schools. In addition to the Charter rewrite, I have been • Making incident reporting a requirement pleased to attend both the Welsh and rather than an expectation Scottish forums, so we can develop our • Extending the scope of the Charter to is anabundant equally important part of support for schools there. I have also t gives me enormous pleasure Standards heating, food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for include future cases of peer-on-peer the role, and I was delighted to meet with enjoyed two very useful and informative to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. abuse ISI Chief Inspector, and with visits to the Republic of Ireland to support celebration marking 50 years ofKate Richards, professionals. • Making the the Charter more accessible to the other associations to discuss the subject and consult with all two ofand, our swan-like, member much Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). The BSA does this the regions and to members overseas. of inspection on behalf of BSA. Kate has set schools there. And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest up a termly Cross Association Inspection The BSA was formed just a couple of years annual subscription. Further guidance was issued (available on Meeting (CAIM) toco-curricular discuss bestprogrammes. practice for After extensive experience as a consultant and broad the website) also about the process of ISI inspections. I have also maintained andThat inspector in the the BSA UK, and it’s certainly boarding in the late 1960s. we need all its informing BSA, and member schools should contactThat withthe Ofsted and responded to a interesting to visit boarding change has been so great is of valuable services is beyondprovision doubt aswhich rest assured that minimal detail is kept on recent consultation for new inspection has never been subject to the To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 National years of our log, and nothing by which an individual standards (NMS) for state funded FE Minimum Standards applicable in England a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. or school could be identified. with residential and Wales. Suffice to say that lack of of course as historic and traditional as itColleges the seismic leap to provision. the outside world,

Celebrating our Jubilee

The information hasofbeen in Summer Lovevery and useful Sgt Pepper. terms of understanding the scope of issues, and offering member appropriate If these twoschools worlds were sharply support. contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today. BSA is closely monitoring the IISCA (Independent into Child Sexual ForInquiry all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Abuse) in England, and the Scottish Child was little the ‘white heat’ of change there Abuse Inquiry. Some of our schools have evidence of that in boarding schools then. been contacted already, or will be soon, and may be called to appear before the inquiry during 2018. Indeed, some schoolsheating, were poor dormitories, inadequate involved asfood earlyand as November 2017. pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Information and advice will be circulated through normal BSA channels, Fast forward 50 yearsbut andI have what a also set up an additional MAILING LIST for

especially journalists or sceptical parents. Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron. So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

Picture courtesy of Stanford Endowed Schools


standards does not lead inexorably to a lack of quality‌and thanks are due to Mark Boobyer and his team at St. Columba’s in Dublin, and to Fr. Cuthbert and his boarding team at Glenstal Abbey in Co. Limerick for the warmth of the welcome. In both cases it was excellent to visit purposeful, caring boarding schools and to meet, in

their pupils, some impressive ambassadors for boarding in Ireland. BSA has also recently launched OVERSEAS ACCREDITATION STANDARDS for any school outside the UK wishing to have their boarding benchmarked by BSA. Full details have been circulated and are on our website.

Picture courtesy of Royal Alexandra and Albert School


The most exciting development however has been the launch of our ACCREDITED BOARDING PRACTITIONER SCHEME which has been very well received. Anyone who has worked for a minimum of one year and who has attended some boarding training can apply to join the scheme. There are four levels to aspire to

depending on length of service and breadth of training and experience. Our ďŹ rst awards were made in late November, and a full write up will appear in the next magazine. Do please think about applying – full details are available on the BSA website www.boarding.org.uk.


E Ton

Pictures courtesy of Eton College

BoArDIng BuIlDS BonDS for ETon BoyS


3 23

Jonnie Noakes Head of Teaching and Learning, Eton College Director, Tony Little Centre of Innovation and Research in Learning

A supportive boarding community significantly contributes to pupils’ Tony Little BSA Honorary President happiness, according to a survey of over 1,000 boys at Eton.

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). The BSA was formed just a couple of years boarding in the late 1960s. To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today. For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Fast forward 50 years and what a

Eton College aims to provide high quality pastoral care that nurtures physical and mental health, emotional maturity and heating, abundantspiritual food andrichness. wrap- The key isconvenor the boarding family for a strong of sense of community, around 24/7 pastoral care from boardinghouses conferences and events.based on trust especially in boarding where relationships professionals. are established between boys, housemasters and pastoral The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much tutors. And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest The Tony Little Centre for Innovation and Research in Learning at annual subscription. Eton last year commissioned an independent study on the boys’ and broad co-curricular programmes. happiness from Research Schools International, That we need the BSA an andorganisation all its led by Harvard Graduate School of Education faculty. That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond The doubt as did a mixed methods study exploring course well knownresearch to thoseteam who work we contemplate the next 50 years of relationships between academic achievement and happiness in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. among boys at the school. A second phase explored the boys’ the seismic leap to the outside world, views on which aspects of their school experiences contribute especially journalists or sceptical parents. The challenges are great and many – most to their happiness. and we don’t know what the boarding Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many The researchers first sent all pupils a survey comprising has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many established scales measuring gratitude and happiness. valued presence: the BSA. Participation was voluntary, and it was encouraging that over 1,000 boys took part. The research team also collected internal But however things unfold, it is an examination results and matched these with the survey Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is responses. there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. warmly trusted boarding house matron. They then looked for patterns among happiness and academic achievement. Perhaps surprisingly, the study did not find any So what comes tocorrelation mind when between one thinks the two. But it did reveal something else of the BSA? very interesting. As well as a positive trend in pupils’ academic

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan achievement it showed thatyour there was a positive trend in their centenary!

Professional development, happinessexpert across the year levels. advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information Tony Little provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016


Pictures courtesy of Eton College


3 25

As the researchers have said, this is ‘a remarkable finding as previous research suggests Tony Little that pupils typically exhibit a BSA Honorary President decline in wellbeing throughout their adolescence’ – a fact that gives cause for concern among schools, parents and policy makers. Following this, the researchers

These findings are supported

stage to investigate what

links between these factors

Celebrating our Jubilee conducted a second research

factors contribute to the boys’

t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). The BSA was formed just a couple of years boarding in the late 1960s. To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today. For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Fast forward 50 years and what a

by previous studies showing

and happiness. Above all,

happiness at school. This studies have repeatedly shown heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for surveyed at random selection that ‘social support’ is a key around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. of 30 boys from each year predictor of happiness across professionals. group comprising open-ended person’s lifespan. The BSAa does all this and, swan-like, much questions to explore And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest interesting results from the annual The pupils identified subscription. first phase. The researchers friendships with peers and and broad co-curricular programmes. worked through the responsesThat werelationships need the BSAwith and adults all its as using Grounded Theory factors contributing to their That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as qualitative analysis, looking for happiness. They spoke of of an course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years recurrent words, ideas and accepting and supportive in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. themes in the responses, and the seismic leap to the outside world, school community, in especially journalists or sceptical parents. The challenges arethe great and many – cross-referring these with particular close don’t know what boarding existing research literature. and wecommunity of thethe boarding Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look likeas in one 2065,boy how many house, where, put has been a constant, reassuring andfour boarders will serve orout howand many Through this survey it, we ‘nobody is left valued presence: the BSA. factors emerged: autonomy, friendships make them competence, gratitude and

social support. ‘Autonomy’ Oxford in July 1965 the has been refers toBSA a feeling of there, rather like a long-serving and ownership over persobal warmly trusted boarding house matron. decisions and agency over

happier.’ But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is The research provides there with us on the journey. compelling evidence that a

one’s life. ‘Competence’ means So what comes to mind when one thinks a feeling of confidence in one’s of the BSA? abilities to meet life’s

supportive boarding

Thank you significantly BSA, and community contributes pupils’ plan good luck asto you happiness. your centenary!

challenges. ‘Gratitude’ is a Professional development, expert sense of appreciation for good advice, an increasingly strong voice to experiences and ‘social government and journalists, information Tony Little support’ refers to social provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 relationships and their quality.


j

Dr Felicia Kirk Headmistress, St Mary’s Calne

T H E

ourney

People sometimes wonder why boarding schools have strategic plans. Surely, they say, it’s pretty clear what running a school is about – fostering outstanding teaching, offering a breadth of opportunities and of course ensuring the wellbeing of each child. We of course all do this, but great schools should also be underpinned by great values, and two of the major areas of emphasis in our own strategic plan came together brilliantly in the event we hosted at the school recently: ‘The Journey to a Home’ with Help4Refugees founder Jordan Hattar. If you haven’t come across Jordan’s work, he is a 25-year-old Californian who was inspired to action after seeing the inaction and apathy of the American government during Hurricane Katrina. After a spell in Dafur at the age of 20 building a medical centre, he then was moved by the plight of Syrian refugees and has been working to help provide support and shelter in their camps.

We want all our girls to develop a real understanding of the wider world during their time with us. The phrase ‘global citizen’ is much maligned but it’s never been more important with the rise of isolationism that characterises so much of today’s political rhetoric. What the girls so admired in Jordan was his activism, his belief that no matter how small our actions in aid of others, we can all make a difference. It was his humanitarian values which so inspired them. Our girls have a huge range of opportunities. But we also want them to be aware of how privileged they are and to use these opportunities to help others. We have a very successful programme of engaging with the local community and several ongoing initiatives where our girls get direct experience of working with those less fortunate overseas. Our link with The Springfields Academy and helping schools through The Charitable Foundation for the Education of Nepalese Children (CFENC) are just two examples.

‘The Journey to a Home’ event was particularly impressive as it was inspired and led by the girls themselves. Jordan Hattar had so motivated our senior girls when he spoke at school in May that they invited him back and the Head Girl, Farida, along with Alice, Sophie, Olivia and Amber, built the event around his work, featuring his moving testimony about the lives of the Syrian refugees he has met. The Junior Choir sang and girls in the UV gave readings of poems, and we also Skyped a Syrian doctor, Omar, currently working in Syria who spoke about the need to train more midwives and nurses there.

It was a moving evening in many ways and I felt really proud of what the girls achieved – as well as a little in awe of the achievements of Jordan Hattar himself, of course. I know the girls benefit hugely from getting involved in the whole range of our charitable and community activities. But it was clear that what they heard about Syria really resonated with them and made them reflect again on the self-absorption, materialism and excess that can easily creep into our culture. We have so much; they have so little, yet we are all connected by our common humanity. I am sure the experience of this very special event will stay with many of them for the rest of their lives and in turn move them to become agents for positive change in the world.


3 27

to a home Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee

t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals. And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA was formed just a couple of years

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events. The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes. boarding in the late 1960s. To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it

That the change has been so great is of course well known to those who work in boarding. The hard part is explaining the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents.

Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today. For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Fast forward 50 years and what a

Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron. So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding. The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

Pictures courtesy of St Mary’s Calne


A world of

boys &

as equal partners


3

The growing movement towards co-education in independent schools shows no sign of slowing. now Charterhouse has announced it will become fully co-educational in 2021, for the first time taking girls at 13 in the same year it celebrates the 50th anniversary of Tony Little their arrival in the Sixth BSA Honorary President form. Head Alex Peterken explains why the 407-year-old institution is making the change.

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals. And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA was formed just a couple of years and broad co-curricular programmes. boarding in the late 1960s. To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it

That the change has been so great is of course well known to those who work in boarding. The hard part is explaining the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents.

girls

Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper.

If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today.

For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Fast forward 50 years and what a

Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron.

So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA?

Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events. The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription. Dr Alex Peterken Headmaster, Charterhouse That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding. The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 Picture courtesy of Charterhouse


The number of single sex schools has fallen consistently since 2008 – girls’ schools make up just 13% of ISC’s membership with boys’ schools only representing 9%. Meanwhile the number of schools with approximately equal proportions of boys and girls has more than doubled. Why are schools of all shapes and sizes concluding that coeducation is the future? Fundamentally, education is about equipping young people to lead a rewarding adult life. Educators must look several decades ahead: the society in which we want those currently in our care to thrive will be very different to the society we know today. It will offer new kinds of opportunity and make different demands. Looking forward to 2030 – and beyond – the picture is characterised by its very unpredictability. All around us we see evidence of a fast-changing and complex modern world where globalisation and technology are transforming the way we live, work and relate to one another. Today we must prepare young people to rise to challenges we cannot fully imagine. At Charterhouse, we cultivate a mindset that embraces uncertainty and thrives on complexity for this very reason. Amidst this uncertainty, however, I am sure of one thing: a deeply-rooted, empathetic and sensitive understanding between the sexes, forged over years of co-learning and co-living in a boarding environment, will be hugely important. Recent newspaper headlines about the gender pay gap, sexual harassment and power differentials in the workplace stem, in part, from an insidious lack of understanding – one we must tackle. In co-education, there is an opportunity to create equality and promote respect among those who then have the chance to create a more professional, fair and dynamic workplace. I firmly believe a co-educational boarding environment is best placed to develop a complete person. It can normalise relationships between boys and girls in the classroom and in collaborative social spaces. It can develop the essential life skills of empathy, creativity, resilience and problem-solving alongside each other,

Picture courtesy of Charterhouse

coming to a mature understanding of different perspectives, emotional responses and learning styles. At its heart, boys and girls learning together as equal partners, just as they will later work together as equals, is a superb formative background in their teenage years. Another great and often-overlooked feature of co-educational boarding schools is that there is still space within the individual houses for independent study in the evenings for boys to be just boys and girls to be girls. Anyone who has regularly sampled the markedly different, but equally inspiring, atmospheres in boys’ and girls’ boarding houses will know precisely what I mean! It has taken 50 years for full co-education to come to fruition at Charterhouse but it will be worth the wait. An extensive capital investment programme will see the creation of girls’ boarding houses for 2019 with a further two new boarding houses in time for the first Year 9 intake of girls in 2021. We will expand and upgrade teaching, dining, sporting and social facilities over this period, and overall numbers will rise from the current 820 to around 1,000 pupils, making Charterhouse one of the largest co-educational boarding schools in the country, and fit for the future in every way.


3 31

I firmly believe a co-educational boarding environment is best placed to develop a complete person. It can normalise relationships between boys and girls in the classroom and in

collaborative social spaces.

Picture courtesy of Charterhouse

Tony Little BSA Honorary President Picture courtesy of Charterhouse

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals. And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA was formed just a couple of years

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events. The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes. boarding in the late 1960s. To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it

That the change has been so great is of course well known to those who work in boarding. The hard part is explaining the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents.

Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today. For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Fast forward 50 years and what a

Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron. So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding. The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Tony Little Picture courtesy of Giggleswick School BSA Honorary President 2015-2016


Picture courtesy of Royal Alexandra and Albert School

Trans person


3 33

gender identities are individual expressions and we should work towards adapting our boarding school language to eradicate gender Tony Little stereotypes. BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. professionals. Dr Elly Barnes MBE TheCelebrate BSA does all this and, swan-like, much CEO, Educate and And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest The BSA was formed just a couple of years annual subscription. An ideal way toco-curricular begin your programmes. lesson, assembly or staff training on gender identity is to and broad show a short film called the Gender Machine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= boarding in the late 1960s. That we need the BSA and all its 3trJe1U-vRU. This ishas an been accessible way and students That the change so great is to of get staff valuable servicesthinking is beyondabout doubt as gender as something much more than just male or female. To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. doleap youtorefer to yourworld, class as boys and girls (try ‘students’ instead), or say of course as historic and traditional as it For example, the seismic the outside things like ‘Can I have two boys to move this or ‘Go ‘man especially journalists or strong sceptical parents. Thetable?’ challenges areand great andup’? many – Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding If you then there an has opportunity to start making positive changes. Yetdo, throughout allisthat changed there landscape will look like in Here 2065,are how many some common questions to consider: If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. Q. But, what toilet will they use? boarding today. A. Whichever your student feels more comfortable with. You are aiming to have But however things unfold, it is an bathroom provision for all genders. For example, you may have all gender-neutral For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is toilets throughout or you may have a mixture of male, female and gender-neutral the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. toilets in each building. evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron.

Every trans person’s journey is different. We cannot assume there’s only one way to be trans as it’s a whole spectrum of identity. We use the words ‘trans’ or ‘transgender’ as umbrella terms for someone who identifies as a different gender to the one they were dormitories, inadequate heating, poor assigned at birth – and food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects common attributes. this can bewere interpreted in manyFast different ways. forward 50 years and what a

Q. What if the other students tell their parents that there is a trans student in their So what comes to mind when one thinks changing room? of the BSA? A. Let’s not make the trans student the victim here…this has to be a whole-school approach to educating everyone in your community about gender identity. If a Professional development, expert student identifies as male, then they are male and will most likely want to use the advice, an increasingly strong voice to male changing rooms. However, listen to your student and allow them to make government and journalists, information Tony Little choices about where they feel most comfortable at various stages of their provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 transition.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!


Picture courtesy of Bedes School

Picture courtesy of Merchiston Castle School

Picture courtesy of Bedes School

Picture courtesy of King Edward’s Witley

Picture courtesy of Giggleswick School

Picture courtesy of Forres Sandle Manor School


3 35

Q. Should they wear the girls or boys uniform? A. If you have adopted a genderneutral uniform policy then you are already prepared. The policy should state ‘students in our school can wear...’, then you can list the items without categorizing them with a gender e.g. Shirts, trousers, skirts, blazers, ties etc. Your students will then have a choice of which items of clothes to wear from your uniform policy.

Case Study

Over the last few years the Royal Alexandra and Albert School has supported two transgender pupils in their transition from one gender to another. It has been a bit of a leap into the unknown but has gone remarkably smoothly. In both instances, the process was pupil-led and there was no fallout from either pupils or parents. Being a boarding school where there are separate boarding houses for boys and girls, in theory, presents some additional complications. Should a child transitioning from girl to boy, stay in the girls’ house or move to a boys’ house? In fact, this question is not a difficult one to answer. The answer lies with the child – where would they feel most comfortable?

Clearly there are adjustments that need to be made and this school has introduced unisex toilets in the main school building. Other measures have been put in place to avoid the child being in an awkward situation, such as changing in the boarding house Tony Little for PE.

Q. We are a single-sex boarding school, can we still have the BSA Honorary President Introducing the child’s change in gender was managed sensitively in consultation with trans student on roll? the parents and the pupil. The important thing was to be open and honest. A. Yes, the student can remain at your school. ‘A girls’ school which An assembly was held for the child’s year group where the School’s Lead for LGBT permits a pupil who is undergoing talked about LGBT issues and explained what transgender was. Pupils were told that a gender reassignment to remain student was going to transition to another gender and would like to be known by a after they adopt a male gender different name. They were invited to ask questions. These were answered role would not lose its single-sex and then everyone got on with the rest of the school day. status’ (Taken from Department It is heartening to see how accepting pupils have been. for Education, March 2012, “Equality Act 2010: Advice for School Leaders, School Staff, Governing Bodies andenormous Local t gives me pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for Authorities”, 2.2 ‘Single-Sex to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. Schools’) celebration marking 50 years of professionals.

Celebrating our Jubilee

the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). Q. I’m confused, what pronoun do we use? want to sayjust thea couple of years TheI don’t BSA was formed wrong thing A. If you boarding are not sure, ask in thethen late just 1960s. which pronoun the student prefers. knowthen best! To They boardwill at Eton was to say the least

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest Mark Dixon annual subscription. Headmaster and broad co-curricular programmes. Royal Alexandra and AlbertThat School we need the BSA and all its

That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, name has are beengreat changed). especially journalists or sceptical parents. (the child’s The challenges and many – Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. we don’t whatthis the boarding I just wanted to email on the back of a conversation Iand heard in theknow corridor Yetduring throughout has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many morning open all daythat tours. If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many running a tourthe with another student on the main corridor with a parent. contrasting then, contrast them again tolyle was valued presence: BSA. The parent somewhat ignorantly asked why a school should have a unisex toilet and boarding today. was it really needed. obviously unaware of lyle’s situation. But however things unfold, it is an For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about lyle in handled Oxford itinadmirably. July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort tomore know the BSA is Explaining his situation and saying how much the ‘white heat’ of change there was littlecomfortable there, he rather long-serving andsupportive of there the journey. felt like thatathe school were himwith and us hison choices and how evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted house he found it better nowboarding they were there.matron. I have literally never seen a parent

Report from a member of staff following a school open morning

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

dumbfounded in quite such a way before! They thanked lyle for the explanation and what mindidea, when onecontinued thinks agreedSo that theycomes were to a good then the tour. dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? food and pastoral care in the hands of If I could have given a medal for bravery, an award for diplomacy or a trophy for an adult approach to a development, potentially awkward prefects were common attributes. Professional expertquestion they would all go to lyle for that moment I overheard. He has had his challenges advice, an increasingly strong voice to over the years but today he displayed a confidence that most adults never have in a lifetimeTony andLittle it was stunning! Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016


Mascu

in the 21st Cen I imagine my grandfathers to have been Men 1.0.

My maternal grandfather – Henry Austin Lederer – came from a wealthy German, Jewish family that lost almost everything in the Great Depression. Back in the days when family connections or influential letters earned young men a spot in a top college, Austin attended Williams College, married a waspy belle from Virginia, and binged on bananas for a week so he could make weight for the US Navy. They might have had neurotic habits, panic attacks, or identity crises, but it seems unlikely. As Men 1.0, I imagine my grandfathers to have had clear visions of themselves as breadwinners, soldiers, and patriarchs. They were not caricatures of masculinity, like Lou Farrigno’s Incredible Hulk or R. J. Reynold’s Marlboro Man. Their brand of masculinity had nothing to do with pecs or smoke. It had to do with knowing their place in the world. That certainty, as illusory as Walter’s formal education and Austin’s socioeconomic

status, was manly. It was as if their Y chromosome was all the why they needed. If they wanted something, they just freaking found a way. Men 2.0 My father was born in 1939 and he represents Men 2.0. He may have started with the same clear idea of masculinity. But then a wave of anti-war, anti-government, anti-establishment ideas – designed to liberate both men and women – swept the country. Masculine became a dirty word to some, synonymous with sexual violence and the subjugation of women. You couldn’t be a man without also being a criminal…or at least a suspect. In response, many men morphed into drumming, sensitive, egalitarian scholars. Many men, like my dad, lost their decisive Masculinity 1.0 for a while. Neither the Hippie Love Man, nor the Primeval Cave Man, nor the Equality Guilt Man fit men like my dad comfortably. Was he bold and decisive or bashful and deferential? He


3 37

linity Tony Little BSA Honorary President

tury: Part 1 of 2 Celebrating our Jubilee

t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of alternated between taking me and my the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). brother to James Bond movies and advising us to avoid the professional trap The BSA was formed just a couple of years he had fallen into. He had wanted to be a priest, but became a doctor almost boarding in the late 1960s. entirely because it fit his socialized idea of masculinity. That included being a To board at Eton then was to say the least rescuer, a husband, a breadwinner, and a a formative experience. The school was father, in roughly that order. of course as historic and traditional as it But when shoe-horning themselves into Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. the Men 1.0 mold caused too much pain, and donning the Men 2.0 cloak felt If these two worlds were sharply drifting or disingenuous, men like my dad contrasting then, contrast them again to foundered. They got divorced, got boarding today. remarried, changed political parties, found religion, eschewed religion, bought For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in guns, sold guns, switched jobs, and the ‘white heat’ of change there was little started volunteering. Now they are Men evidence of that in boarding schools then. 3.0, but they don’t advertise it, lest their renovated masculinity come under fire, as it did in the latter part of the 20th century. dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Fast forward 50 years and what a

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

Version ME.1 The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much So what am I? Unmolded from an And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest androgynous hippie cast, I nevertheless annual subscription. played baseball and football and slowand broad co-curricular programmes. danced with girls in middle school. That we need the BSA and all its Encouraged from a young age to buck the That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as Boy Code, I also sang, acted, and played course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of piano. Only when I was told, at a feminist in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. rally freshman year, that my penis made the seismic leap to the outside world, me a potential rapist did I begin especially journalists or sceptical parents. The challenges are great and many – rethinking my manhood. Was I and we don’t know what the boarding automatically, anatomically evil? Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many I knew in my head that I was not violent, valued presence: the BSA. but it took a few years to push past the strident assertion of some late-80s But however things unfold, it is an feminists that masculine was inherently Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is malicious. After that hurdle, what did I there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. become? I married a wonderful woman in warmly trusted boarding house matron. 1997, had two beautiful boys in 2002 and 2004, and until a few years ago I would So what comes to mind when one thinks have told you that being masculine meant of the BSA? being a husband, a father, and a brother, Dr Christopher Thurber with the freedom to pick my profession, Clinical Psychologist Professional development, expert hobbies, mannerisms, and beliefs.Then I advice, an increasingly strong voice to met my first transgender student and saw government and journalists, information Tony Little provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!


first-hand that gender identity and genetic sex really could be divergent. Years before, during a postdoctoral fellowship at a Level 1 trauma center in Seattle, I had realized that the presence or functioning of physical equipment was irrelevant to manhood. I understood that masculinity was a cognitive construct. Now I realized that masculinity was more self-determined than I had imagined. To some people, this was liberating; to others, it stirred great anxiety. Even more upsetting to many of the adolescents I see clinically has been the transformation of sexual intimacy from a spontaneous pleasure within the confines of a secure attachment to an intentional process of stepwise, verbal validation, often with a near-stranger. By their own accounts, both males and females are paying the price for the hook-up culture they have created. I can’t speak for girls and women, but many boys and men have rejected their parents’ advice to know and trust a person before being physically intimate with them. Then they discovered, the hard way, that physical and emotional intimacy cannot be separated.

Picture courtesy of Shiplake College



ADVERTISING FEATURE

5

Boarding resolutions every professional should make Welcome to 2018! Every year you set new goals for yourself. If you’re like me, by February, your resolve is waning, and by May you don’t even remember them! Make 2018 different with our top 5 tips for success.

1. Choose a word of the year. Many people create resolutions they never stick to. We have all done it. Every year, I choose a word of the year. This word informs everything that I do. Have you ever tried this? What will you pick for 2018? Write it down now. 2. Remember you are more than just boarding. With all the hours you work, it is easy to count your life in weekends and sleeps! Make 2018 the year that boarding is part of your life, not running it.

You are a parent, grandparent, daughter/son and so on, so it’s time to make memories that will stay forever. Start today because you will never get that time back.

3. Make your duty time work for you. You can’t build tomorrow by standing still today. How can you use this time wisely to get ahead? 4. Take an exeat. Yes, take an exeat. Exeats and holidays are time-outs for everyone. Have you ever heard of a paperwork exeat in your school? So why do so many of us do it! It’s time to work hard and play hard. Plan your year and plan some fun!

5. Your wellbeing is in your hands. Your wellbeing today is probably because of the decisions you have made. What is your definition of being well? How are you managing it? What would your family or friends say? To support the next generation you need to look after number one. You can get more time, a better job but the one thing you can’t get back in the same way is your health. Draw up a wellbeing charter and stick to it. 2018 has just started so give yourself permission to create an amazing year one experience at a time. Now, where is your pen…


PH yS IC Al ly Adrift

3 41

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

As a white psychologist, father, and In recent years, the teens I talk with have husband living in a developed Western started to complain about repeated, country, all I can do is share a personal verbal consent, which is necessary if snapshot of the current state of manly you’re physically intimate with someone affairs. All of the version labels I’ve been you have not already established using, like Men 2.0, are artifices anyway. emotional intimacy with. Making sure has No real man has ever been so replaced making love, my male students conveniently categorized. And today, say. And so I wonder: Is the concept of more than ever, people reject any label “man” equally passé? Are there men 4.0? with perceived limits or inaccuracies. I Will the boys you care for today become have students who have no problem Men 5.0? t gives me enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapbeing labeled as smart (even though such to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding a construct is hard to measure and its The evolving male ideal predates my celebration marking 50 years of professionals. accuracy for an individual varies widely by grandfathers by millennia, of course. And the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). domain) but who detest being called a being neither an anthropologist nor a And that doesn’t even consider the access boy (even though their genitals would prescriptive linguist, my focus is more on The BSA was formed just a couple of years have given previous generations iron-clad the current state of boyhood and and broad co-curricular programmes. certainty about that label). manhood than what it shares in common boarding in the late 1960s. with ancient civilizations or whether w-oThat the change has been so great is of Perhaps, then, we need to start by saying m-y-n is somehow less orthographically To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known to those who work that today’s boy and today’s man are selfsexist than w-o-m-a-n. a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining determined and label-defying. Yes, we of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, reject the Boy Code and the Man Box. We especially journalists or sceptical parents. refuse to let a stereotype or even an Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. archetype determine our masculinity. We Yet throughout all that has changed there might not always keep a stiff upper lip, If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and but we’re not blindly sensitive either. We contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. are selective about rejection, but what do boarding today. we embrace?

Dr. Christopher Thurber is a board-certified clinical psychologist who has worked in residential settings since 1983. He spent 33 summers working at an overnight camp in new Hampshire (uS), where he lives with his wife and two convenor of18 theschool boarding family boys, and years at for conferences and events. Phillips Exeter Academy, a coeducational secondary The BSA does thisboarders. and, swan-like, school withall 800 An much more besides, in exchange a modest award-winning author, for Chris annual subscription. has keynoted professional conferences on five That we need the and all its continents. He BSA enjoys valuable is beyondon doubt as sharingservices his reflections we contemplate the next 50 years of leadership, youth boarding. development, and education as much as he enjoys The challenges are great and many – learning from his colleagues, and we don’t what Visit the boarding family, and know students. Dr landscape will look like in Chris Thurber.com to2065, learnhow many boarders more. we will serve or how many

Celebrating our Jubilee

For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been This article first appeared in Lights Out, the the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and magazine of the Australian Boarding evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron. Schools’ Association. Reproduced with kind permission. So what comes to mind when one thinks dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 Pictures courtesy of Stanford Endowed Schools


With almost 50 collective years’ experience of recruiting gap assistants for boarding schools globally, the Letz Live / Tutors Worldwide Programme offers schools a level of security and peace of mind when making overseas gap appointments.

Our partnership with the Boarding Schools’ Association will ensure that all participants appointed via our organisation attend the BSA Gap Induction Training Course prior to arriving at their host school. Please register your interest now for 2019 placements by contacting our team via email at info@letzlive.org or by calling 020 3769 7368.

Tutors Worldwide


3 43

The media bombards us stories about the dangers of being online. And it’s rare we find a piece which celebrates the positive benefits of the internet and technology.

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

It is important children and young people develop some resilience when they are using online services, take some Karl Hopwood precautions and know what to do if E-safety Expert there’s a problem. t gives me enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. Be aware of what you share Viruses and malware celebration marking 50 years of professionals. This is a significant statement and it’s Many social media platforms children and There has been a huge rise in malware the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much important we recognise the apps and young people use are public. So when they and viruses – even the Mac which used And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest platforms we use are designed to keep us are downloading they will share posts to be seen as a better option and more The BSA was formed justabout a couple of years annual subscription. there for as long as possible. Telling young publicly along with information their resistant to attacks is no longer safe. and co-curricular programmes. people tobroad stop spending so much time location plus potentially provide the app Children and young people are highly boarding in thebooks, late 1960s. Thattowe need BSA from and allillegal its online without providing solutions is not with access to address contact lists likely pick upthe a virus ThatSuggesting the changethey has might been so great is of valuable services doubt as helpful. use apps and more. Facebook recently denied downloading sites is orbeyond pornographic board at Eton then was say the leastsuch course well known to those who we contemplate the next 50 years of as Moment or RescueTime canwork provide websites. listening To in to the conversations ofto users formative The school was insight in boarding. The hard part explaining boarding. into how much time weisspend on but thereaare equallyexperience. many other reports as historic and traditional the seismic the to outside world, andleap thentohelp regulate this. claiming of thecourse opposite. It’s important users as it our phones A recent report found users of illegal especially journalists or sceptical parents. download The challenges are great and many are aware of the information they are sites were 28 times more– sharing and allowing others access. This A recent study found 36% of children had Summer of Love andto Sgt Pepper. andto webe don’t know by what the boarding likely infected malware and will let them to make a more informed askedYet their parent to mobile Users thatmany throughout allstop that checking has changed there viruses. landscape willneed look to likebe in aware 2065, how decision If about how they use a particular devices but 46% said that this made no streaming paid content for free is these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many service. Checking app permissions and again to difference. is a problem absolutely illegal. The chances of contrasting then, contrast them valuedThis presence: the BSA.for society – privacy settings is today. important if we want to not just children and young people. criminal action being taken for illegally boarding stay in control. streaming an episode of Game But however things unfold, it is of an Passwords Thrones is small, but the chances of is For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA How much time is ok? Always the weak link – we share passwords being infected with malware and the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. We all need to have a good understanding with others, we use the same password for viruses is not! Many companies offer evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron. of the amount of time we spend using several devices and we tend to use free antivirus protection. social media and technology. Tristan Harris passwords that are far too weak. The longer So what comes to mind when one thinks (co-founder of the movement Time Well the password the stronger it is. We should dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? Spent) recently said that “Technology steers encourage young people to use two-factor food and pastoral care in the hands of what 2 billion people are thinking and authentication wherever possible as this prefects were common attributes. Professional development, expert believing every day. It’s possibly the largest will provide an additional layer of security. advice, an increasingly strong voice to source of influence over 2 billion people’s years and what a government and journalists, information Tony Little thoughts Fast that forward has ever 50 been created.” provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016

Celebrating our Jubilee

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!


Picture courtesy of Strathallan School


3

In September 2017, Mark Lauder moved north of the border from Ashville College to Strathallan School in Perthshire. Boarding School spoke to Mark about his future ambitions for the school and what lessons he has learned from his career to date.

Q. Tony Little

In what three ways could Strathallan be described?

BSA Honorary President

Our location, pupil demographic and extra-curricular programmes. We are set in 153 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside, with easy transport links to the City of Perth (10 minutes), Dundee (30 mins), Edinburgh (50 mins) and Glasgow (1 hour). This combination of countryside, space and ease of access has helped maintain school figures ahead of ISC and Baines Cutler survey averages in terms of our pupil demographic. We have 80% British boarding and day pupils, 20% international boarders from 25 different countries, 60% full boarders and 40% day pupils heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for (though often referred to as day boarders as it’s a long around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. day!). Within the 80% British pupils, 50% are Scottish professionals. and 30% are from the rest of the UK – running both The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much A Levels and Scottish Highers in the Sixth Form helps And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest with this very ‘British’ demographic. Space on our annual subscription. campus also allows 80% of our staff to live on site and and broad co-curricular programmes. consequently we run over 85 different sports and That we need the BSA and all its activities which leads to 83% of Sixth Form pupils That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as regularly taking part in a variety of 17 different sports, course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of with 100% of 9 to 15 year olds representing the in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. School at team sports. And it doesn’t stop there. Over the seismic leap to the outside world, 6% of the pupil body last year represented Scotland or especially journalists or sceptical parents. The challenges are great and many – GB at International level. These facts and figures talk and we don’t know what the boarding for themselves! Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many valued presence: the BSA.

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). The BSA was formed just a couple of years boarding in the late 1960s. To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today. For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron.

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

BSA Interview dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Fast forward 50 years and what a

So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA?

Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016


Q. What are your future ambitions for Strathallan School? When you inherit a school that’s already doing well, ambitions have to be realistic but more than ‘the status quo’. I often talk about ‘holding onto the baby while I change the bathwater.’ For me this means maintaining the strong ethos, set of values and sense of community that underpins Strath’s success, maintaining all the qualities that bring success while sharpening other things up. So of course I shall be looking closely at academic results, value added, pastoral care, sporting success, creative arts, UCAS and careers outcomes and so on. But I shall also be focusing on bringing online additional income streams to assist with the provision of bursaries and capital projects as parents continue to feel squeezed because of the economy and as we face up to the consequences of Brexit, university fees and salary stagnation in the private sector. So as well as maintaining Strath’s position as a leading boarding school, I aim to leave it as a robust and secure school for the next Headmaster and future generations of Strathallians by tackling the challenges ahead.

Q.

Q.

Q.

What main differences have you found running a Scottish boarding school compared to an English boarding school?

As a second-time Head what qualities will you bring to your new school?

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?

Experience of having been in the job allows greater calm and patience, a more measured response to the initial issues you face and greater realism in the setting of expectations for the whole community. I have learned to be less quick to act despite the pressure from others to do so, more willing to listen and more able to do so effectively, less likely to interfere and more trusting of others even if I would ‘have done it differently’ – this is a good thing if you want to empower, harness and unleash the potential of your highly talented Common Room. I am also clearer on what I want to achieve and how to go about it.

There are three from three different sources. From a previous HMC Head I worked for: “Teach the backside off them!” I knew what he meant. From a business consultant engaged to help me understand the financial responsibilities of taking on my first school: “Never say yes in a corridor.” This has prevented many unintended consequences that often arise from the hasty decision. And from my pupils in my previous school in my second year as Headmaster: “You have two voices in assembly Sir; your prepared voice, when you give an address, and your real voice, when you just speak to us – we prefer your real voice.” This reminded me at an early stage in headship about being genuine and being yourself – after all, it’s what we encourage our pupils to be. Finding your real voice as a Head – now that should be a whole training session in itself!

Very few, apart from some of the regulatory terminology. In the end, teenagers are teenagers facing the same issues growing up wherever they come from, staff have the same pressures and concerns both sides of the border (as do parents) and schools face the same pressures too. But I do like the Scottish lyrical tone to Strath’s robust congregational singing! I have also found myself commenting upon the lack of worldliness (in a good way) of the pupils and the lesser pressure to ‘become adult’ in their behaviour which the Scottish sensibility seems to engender. There are also no ‘Scottish jokes’ when I wear my kilt (as the whole school does every Wednesday) – refreshing after 28 years in England!

Pictures courtesy of Strathallan School


3 47

Q. In January you join the BSA Board as HMC representative. What do you hope to contribute to the boarding sector? As the BSA exists to serve the interests of its member schools, presenting the views and concerns of HMC boarding schools at executive level will be important, especially in the coming years with IICSA and the Scottish Inquiry into historic abuse, as well as the Scottish Barclay Review and the possible future debate on Charitable Status, and of course Brexit. Boarding schools are under sustained pressure in a variety of ways driven by external factors and BSA will have a key role to play in supporting its schools. Helping to shape how this is done will be important and giving HMC its voice in these issues at BSA will help this I believe. While all this ‘rages’ around us, I am also keen to ensure we maintain our focus on current pupils, current tparents andenormous current pleasure gives me excellence in our boarding to write theprovision. forewordOthers to this around the world continue to look to us set of celebration marking 50toyears the standard others aspire to in our care and the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). education of children and young people and in an increasingly globalised education The BSA was formed just a couple of years sector we need to maintain this status.

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals. And that doesn’t even consider the access

To board at Eton then was to say the least What’s thea toughest of being in charge? formativepart experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it Worrying about what I don’t know and finding the time to find out and whatSgt I think I need Summer of Love Pepper. to know! In a sense the job is never done, it never ends and there is always more to do – If these two worlds were sharply that’s a form of closure I could find with other contrasting then, contrast them again to roles, including being a deputy head, as boarding today. holidays began. As Head, you are, as President For Truman where the buck stops; all Mrsaid, Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in everyone the else‘white has you to go to. So if you heat’ of change therecan was little make yourevidence peace with that,inand manage your then. of that boarding schools time well enough, and have a good relationship with your governors, you’ll manage. dormitories, It’s often called a lonely position inadequate heating,– poor ‘hold on to your old friends as you won’t food and pastoral care in the hands of make anyprefects new ones’ - It’scommon only lonely if you were attributes. choose to make it so in my experience. Fast forward 50 years and what a

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes.

boarding in the late 1960s.

Q.

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

That the change has been so great is of course well known to those who work in boarding. The hard part is explaining the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents. Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron. So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding. The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016



3 49

Q. What’s one mistake you made early on in your career and what did you learn? So many to choose from...! I think if it’s a mistake from early in my career, I’d say that it’s a pretty common mistake that I’ve seen others make and which I always try to help with. In a nutshell – not asking for help. Often with inexperience can come the issue that we want everything to be perfect, so determined are we to get it right – so we can become perfectionist with the result that we become dissatisfied and overly critical of our own work, perhaps assuming that others might be too. The pressure this brings leads young teachers to work even harder – and ‘more of the same’ if it’s not working is never the answer unless you want to wear yourself out. So one of my most used sayings to pupils and staff is this – “asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” So collaborative, supportive and critical friends whose advice you trust are key to success, balance and professional development – t gives meout enormous pleasure I try to seek these people for my own to write the foreword benefit, especially as a Head! (It’s why Ito this celebration 50 years of always recommend time outmarking to fellow Heads Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). at the BSAthe Heads’ Conference

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee

coincidentally). The BSA was formed just a couple of years

Q.

boarding in the late 1960s.

Q.

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals. And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes.

Whom That do you education? theadmire changemost hasin been so great is of What have you learned about yourself since course well known to those who work becomingToa board Head?at Eton then was to say the least like all Heads: my part pupils, for a formative experience. The school was In general, in boarding. The hard is explaining what they do day-in, day-out, to such of course historic traditional as it the seismic leap to the outsidehigh world, I have learned whatas matters to and me most, standards; my teachers for their commitment, especially journalists or sceptical parents. personally and professionally. The pressures expertise and enthusiasm; my pupils’ parents Summer oftime Loveitand Sgt Pepper. of headship and the demands lead for supporting the educational vision we Yet throughout all that has changed there you to ask yourself big questions about your espouse; and my Governors for giving If these two sharply has been a constant, reassuringsoand values, standards andworlds what iswere important to fullypresence: of their time make us then,role contrast them again tofreely and valued thetoBSA. you, morecontrasting than any other in a school. better. In particular, however, Professor Bart boarding Another way to put today. it is to ask which are the McGettrick – well known to BSA course wars you want to win and which battles overin the years. Bart Mryou Wilson’s 1960s in Oxford July 1965For theme, BSA hashas been along theFor wayallare prepared to rhetoric lose to about attendees best articulated today’s need for a valuesheat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and that end?the Your‘white choices define your headship. based education, that puts humanity at the evidence ofthat thatisinmore boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron. Second time around obvious. heart of what we do and which uses So I have learned that for me, in seeking education to humanise us,mind to enlighten ourthinks So what comes to when one consistency in applying the principles I beliefs, to enthuse our desire for mutual heating, poor of the BSA? follow anddormitories, believe in –inadequate everything from and pastoral in the hands pursuing food continuous school care improvement to of understanding across any and all divides and which makes clear our duty as teachers were Professional development, expert restorativeprefects justice in howcommon sanctionsattributes. are to ‘raise to distinction’ all children who,voice we to advice, an increasingly strong applied – I sleep easier at night! must always remember and to quote Bart, Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information ‘learn through eyes ofparents the providerthe forsmiling prospective and teacher.’

Pictures courtesy of Strathallan School

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding. The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Mark Lauder Tony Little Headmaster BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 Strathallan School


Raising standards through engaging more The official ‘do’s and don’ts’ of boarding for

boarding when newly appointed, and receives

National Minimum Standards for Boarding

opportunities for training and continual

prep and secondary staff in England lie in the

(revised April 2015).

NMS guidance is both vague and clear. Vague

in the way it uses words like ‘suitable’,

‘appropriate’, ‘sufficient’ and ‘substantial’. But

clear in that it is down to each individual

school that provides accommodation for children and young people to set their

standard around what serves as a ‘minimum’ framework.

regular reviews of their boarding practice, with professional development in boarding.’

Many of the Training Team at the Boarding

Schools’ Association is new this year. I was

joined, at the beginning of September, by Dale Wilkins, the new Head of Safeguarding and

Standards. Beth Waddington then joined as

Training Manager at the end of September to

oversee the day seminar, Inset and

consultancy programmes, alongside the very

experienced Senior Training Manager Liz

Standard 15 identifies the levels of staffing and

McDonald, who oversees the accredited

and 15.1 outlines the professional standards

committed to supporting everyone involved in

after them – ‘Any staff member or volunteer

high quality guidance and training that

supervision that should surround boarders

that boarders can expect from those that look employed or volunteering in a position working

with boarders has a job description reflecting their duties, receives induction training in

Picture courtesy of Giggleswick School

training, who completes the team. The BSA is

boarding, adults and children alike, offering

benefits schools, their staff and, perhaps most

importantly, the children and young people

within them. I have been in boarding schools


3 51

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals. And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA was formed just a couple of years

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events. The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes. boarding in the late 1960s. To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it

That the change has been so great is of course well known to those who work in boarding. The hard part is explaining the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents.

Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today. For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Fast forward 50 years and what a

Yet throughout all that has changed there has been a constant, reassuring and valued presence: the BSA.

Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been there, rather like a long-serving and warmly trusted boarding house matron. So what comes to mind when one thinks of the BSA? Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

That we need the BSA and all its valuable services is beyond doubt as we contemplate the next 50 years of boarding. The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding landscape will look like in 2065, how many boarders we will serve or how many

But however things unfold, it is an enormous comfort to know the BSA is there with us on the journey.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016


(pupil, teacher and prep Head) all my life and each academic year seems to pass

more rapidly than the last. This may be

related to that feeling you clearly get when passing a significant birthday but my

itinerary of travelling around the country

and off to Europe makes the time literally fly by.

We are already immersed in the busy

programme of CPD and training the BSA offers. I have inherited what is already a diverse and successful schedule and I

intent to make it even more so. Boarding

offers such a broad canvas on which to

work as the elements of ‘living’ within a

school environment reach out in so many directions.

We offer the core elements for boarding

schools through our ‘Essentials for

Boarding’ for teachers, matrons, nurses,

gap and graduate assistants and

secretaries. We also run ‘Leading a

Boarding Team’ seminars for house

parents and heads of boarding, ‘Updates for Governors’, ‘Prep School Issues’ and

‘Preparation for Inspection’. In addition,

we offer more specialised seminars on a

wide range of relevant issues. Our larger day conferences include Tier 4,

Safeguarding, Sports Injuries and

Resilience and these sit alongside other regular day seminars covering issues of mental health, gender, behaviour,

international students and specific

Picture courtesy St George’s School, Windsor

training designed the needs of


3 53

This year we have introduced specialist seminars on general Data Protection regulation in anticipation for the new

laws that come into force in May 2018.

prep schools, senior schools, state schools, sixth form boarding and international colleges.

We are constantly seeking new areas of

interest to members and that respond to

the needs of the sector. This year we have

introduced specialist seminars on General Data Protection Regulation in anticipation

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

our accredited training programme that offers certification to boarding

practitioners. The core of this is the BSA

around the UK and into Europe and

beyond. Again, we continue to look for

ways to support our members. We can

Advanced Certificate Course. Based over

come to schools and train a variety of staff

into Pastoral Care (Part 1) and then

management and governors depending

Development (Part 2) or Nursing Issues

are getting more and more requests for

two-years, delegates look more deeply

from those new to boarding up to senior

Celebrating our Jubilee Boarding Management (Part 2) or Health &

(Part 2). The BSA team leads the 16

on the individual needs of each school. We boarding audits and for guidance on

refurbishment programmes of boarding courses running this year, supported by for the new laws that come into force in t gives me enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for facilities. The potential partnerships are very experienced tutors from member May 2018. Working closely with solicitors to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. unlimited and we are always delighted to schools and specialist presenters who Barlow Robbins, we have created a celebration marking 50 years of professionals. hear The from you. cover on-line safety, mental health, ‘roadshow’ take around the country thetoBoarding Schools’ Association (BSA). BSA does all this and, swan-like, much strategic management and other issues offering more detailed guidance on the And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest impending From the that of years critical to working within boarding. These The first fewsubscription. months of the academic year Thelegislation. BSA was formed justcalls a couple annual we receive, guardianship is clearly another courses, available to house staff, matrons, have been extremely busy and will and broad co-curricular programmes. in anxiety the late 1960s. That we need the and area thatboarding generates among nurses and managers, offer a sound doubtless continue to BSA be so asall weitsstrive to Thatand the change has been so great services is beyond as members and we are seeking to offer grounding a challenging insight intois of reachvaluable out as far and as wide as doubt we can. To board of at Eton then wasisto say the least course well known to those who we contemplate theisnext yearsideas of further guidance, which there very best practice. Complimenting these is work the The BSA Training Team full 50 of new a formative school wasBSA Diploma in boarding. Therun hard partaisyear, explaining boarding. little at present, thatexperience. will help toThe inform course, twice for and keen to hear from you. of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, our schools going forward. This is a largely experienced boarding staff that offers especially journalists or sceptical parents. The challenges are great and many – unregulated and unchecked area with only further steps towards senior leadership. Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding around 25% of educational guardianships We also run a very popular Certificate in Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many covered by any form of accreditation. International Boarding for those working If these two worlds were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many Robin Fletcher, our Chief hasagain towith young people fromthe overseas. contrasting then, Executive, contrast them valued presence: BSA. been to many of our schools, visiting boarding today. Heads and boarding staff, planting trees Raising professional standards through But however things unfold, it is an and, most relevantly, looking around engagement is our For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric aboutmember in Oxford in July 1965 theprimary BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is ‘whiteHe heat’ ofachange there, rathersure like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. boardingthe houses. has wealththere of was little objective to make we help colleagues evidence that in schools then. trustedsupport boardingtohouse knowledge of the of variety inboarding quality and deliverwarmly the first-class the matron. standard of the facilities across the sector

and is hosting a ‘roadshow’ of seminars dormitories, inadequate heating, poor focusing on easy and relatively costfood and pastoral care in the hands of effective ways to enhance your boarding prefects were common attributes. environments. Fast forward 50 years and what a Alongside the ever-growing day

conference and seminar programme sits

children and young people who make the So community what comes so to mind when one thinks boarding vibrant. Although of the BSA? currently focused on London, we are keen

to broaden our geographical reach with a Professional development, expert higher proportion of the programme now advice, an increasingly strong voice to delivered outside the capital. An government and journalists, information expanding Insetfor and Consultancy provider prospective parents and programme enables further spread

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary! Andrew Lewin Tony Little Director of Training, BSA BSA Honorary President 2015-2016


#iloveboarding

Picture courtesy Merchiston Castle School


TO MARK THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEATLES’ RECORD SGT PEPPER, BSA LAUNCHED THE #GETTINGBETTER CAMPAIGN, NAMED AFTER ONE OF THE ALBUM TRACKS. #GETTINGBETTER AIMS TO HIGHLIGHT THINGS MEMBER SCHOOLS ARE DOING TO IMPROVE BOARDING.


ACS Cobham International School

ACS Cobham International

School hosted a summer

garden party to celebrate the opening of its brand

new £15m boarding house. Guests included the Mayor of Elmbridge, the Chief

Executive of the Boarding Schools’ Association and members of the school

community, as well as past boarding students and staff.

The new Woodlands house will provide an enhanced world-class school residency for an additional 113 boys and girls, with single en-suite rooms for all senior students.

The celebration saw speeches from Tony Eysele (Head of School) with the Mayor of Elmbridge and the CEO of the Boarding Schools’ Association, Robin Fletcher, cutting the ribbon and officially opening the new boarding house ready for the upcoming school year. As part of an initiative launched by the Boarding Schools’ Association to create an international orchard across the UK, an olive tree was planted outside the new house. Joining over 110 British boarding schools, the planting symbolises the ‘tree of knowledge’ and demonstrates each school’s commitment to growth and caring for the environment and sustainability. The olive tree is also a potent ACS symbol as a similar tree was chosen to commemorate the school’s founder, EJ Poularas in the walled garden.


3 57

“The official opening today was a wonderful celebration of our stunning new boarding house, which we are very proud to present to our guests and students,” commented Mark Venn-Dunn, Head of Boarding.

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

The new house has six common rooms and two quiet areas for socialising, studying and eating, including a cinema-style room, games room and work areas with flexible furniture and technology for group projects. A triple height atrium t gives enormous pleasure extending over threeme floors to write the foreword maximises natural light and space, to this celebration marking giving boarders commanding views50 years of thecampus Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). across the and woodlands.

To develop the building, we asked ourselves ‘How should boarding be?’ and ‘How can we create the ideal situation for today’s children?’ With light, airy rooms, an array of social hubs and state-of-the-art facilities, we heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for believe our new boarding house provides a around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events.

Celebrating our Jubilee

development includes extensive boarding thealate 1960s. landscaped areasin and communal

BBQ area. The boarding house sits Toschool’s board at128-acre Eton thencampus was to say the least within the formative‘out experience. allowingaboarders of hours’The school was course as historic and traditional as it access toofthe sports, academic, technology and performing arts ofsix Love and Sgt Pepper. facilities,Summer including tennis courts, a

25-metre pool and six-hole golf course. If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today.refurbishment A multi-million-pound

of the existing boarding house Fields For allway Mr Wilson’s rhetoric about in is now under and this1960s will include the ‘white heat’centre of change a new walk-in medical withthere a was little evidence of that in boarding schools then. fully-trained medical team.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes. Fast forward 50 years and what a

annual subscription. Mark Venn-Dunn, Head of Boarding and broad co-curricular programmes. That we need the BSA and all its That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents. The challenges are great and many – and we don’t know what the boarding Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many valued presence: the BSA.

“It’s been fantastic to celebrate the opening of this outstanding new facility for international and local students who find a home from home at ACS Cobham. I’m sure our boarders will thrive in their new But however things unfold, it is an dynamic, modern environment and that they Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is there,will rathermake like a long-serving and therefantastic with us on the journey. the most of the facilities warmly trusted boarding house matron. that support a worldThank class education.” you BSA, and

As well as accommodation for BSA staff, was formed just a couple of years boardingThe house the

modern, family-style space to relax, study The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much And that doesn’t even consider the access moreat besides, in exchange for a modest and live, just like home.

professionals.

So what comes to mind when one thinks Tony Eysele, Head of School at ACS Cobham of the BSA?

Professional development, expert advice, an increasingly strong voice to government and journalists, information provider for prospective parents and

good luck as you plan your centenary!

Tony Little BSA Honorary President 2015-2016



# 3 59

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Dean Close Preparatory School

Based in a converted Georgian town house, Caldecote House (one of three boarding houses at Dean Close Prep School in Cheltenham) is blessed with lovely high ceilings. One of our biggest spaces is in the entrance hall where the large staircase leads up to the dorms. House parent Mike t gives pleasure Cooper was keen tome addenormous some more colour to So, write thetalking foreword to this into the decor. after through celebration marking 50 years some ideas with the boys he reached out of the Boarding Schools’ Association to the school’s Art department for help. (BSA).

D’Overbroeck’s College

September saw the opening of d’Overbroeck’s new Sixth Form teaching site,’333’, in North Oxford and a new Sixth Form boarding house just opposite. The new sixth form centre provides d’Overbroeck’s with a consolidated teaching site, allowing for all subjects to be taught on one site and includes a new 160-seater, flexible use hall for dining, lectures and performances. ‘333’ also includes superb light classrooms, a common room and café and a library. The school has also refurbished heating, abundant food and Villa, wrap-that now house convenor of the boarding family the Georgian, Italianate offices. This used to be afor around 24/7 pastoral boarding centre conferences and events. masonic lodge andcare thenfrom a conference and attracted over 600 professionals. visitors when the school opened the building to the public as part of Oxford’s Open Doors a few weeks ago. The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest The new buildings are arranged to form a series of subscription. external landscaped annual courtyards, which draw inspiration from the historic North Oxford Parkland and broad co-curricular programmes. site and take account of the three protectedThat trees on the the site.BSA Theand superb we need all its design by TSH architects, has allowed for views through the site, to be doubt as That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond celebrated whilst to maintaining secure, but we open environment course well known those whoawork contemplate the for nextstudents 50 yearsto of enjoy. in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. the seismic leap to the outside world, This, alongside a sensitive material palette has meant the new buildings sit especially journalists or sceptical parents. TheVilla challenges are great and many – harmoniously alongside the existing Italianate whilst providing light, and we don’t know what the boarding enclosed and uplifting exterior spaces for students and staff. Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many Opposite ‘333’ Sixth Form site twin, en-suite has been athe constant, reassuring and the new boarding boardershouse we willhas serve or how many rooms for 60 students. The furniture and aspects of the design were valued presence: the BSA. influenced by students who helped plan the library and social areas and ensured there were different forms of learning inthings the building. But spaces however unfold, itFor is an shared, debate and discussion students can work in the common room, for Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is working in pairs or individually there are various learning spaces around there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. the school trusted and forboarding quiet study there is the Knowles library on the second floor warmly house matron. with stunning views across Oxford. Students also influenced the colours of furniture and spaces trialled various chairs and tables to ensure the ones So what comes to mindand when one thinks used were fit for purpose. of the BSA?

Celebrating our Jubilee

This helpThe arrived fromformed Art Technician, Helen BSA was just a couple of years McWilliam-Clune. Who during the first fortnightboarding of the Summer holiday combined in the late 1960s. the boys liking of skateboarding with inspiration workthen of London-based To from boardthe at Eton was to say the least artist Camille Walala to create new a formative experience.our Thebright school was mural. There was much excitement when of course as historic and traditionalthe as it boys arrived back in September to see the new artwork. Year 7, Alex Hill commented ‘I Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. love it, it is so bright and different’ another, Billy Harris, added ‘It brings colour into If these two worlds were sharply Caldecote. I love all the musical elements too!’ contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today. having carteArtist Helen who enjoyed blanche on such a large canvass is now in For allwith Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in high demand both Caldecote and the the ‘white heat’ keen of change there was little other boarding houses to continue evidence that boarding schools collaborating withof the Artindepartment and then. illuminating their walls.

I thoughtdormitories, you might like to see this muralpoor and inadequate heating, use if youfood like and in Caldecote the boys boarding pastoral care in the hands of house I know youwere talk common about distinct rather prefects attributes. than IKEA!! Fast forward 50 years and what a

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your “This new development at ‘333’ and Islip Hose acrosscentenary! the road takes our

Professional development, expert teaching and boarding facilities to another level” says Emma-Kate Henry, advice, an increasingly strong voice to d’Overbroeck’s Principal. “d’Overbroeck’s has always been about space to government and journalists, information Tony Little think, space to be yourself, space to grow but it is wonderful to now have this provider prospective and Honorary President and 2015-2016 fantasticfor physical space parents to complement ourBSA approach to teaching learning”.


Reddam House

Our new boarding facility, Blake House. This will be an integral component of our initiative to prepare students to move onto the next phase of their schooling and to help make the transition from Junior into the Middle School seamless. Students will have their own space, helping to foster greater responsibility, independence and an opportunity to express their individualism.

The house is one of the School’s oldest buildings and has been modernised to create single and twin en-suite rooms for Year 7-10 students. The boarding house is brimming with the latest technology; surround sound, wet rooms, Wi-Fi throughout, electronic entry and exit for enhanced safety and a central common room with links through the building to a study area and kitchen. The internal refurbishment and conversion give the house a modern and open look on the inside, whilst retaining its historic façade. Principal Tammy Howard said “Research has shown that a person’s work or study environment has an impact on performance. This recently refurbished house is bright and modern. There are spaces for individual and group study, as well as recreational areas, making it an ideal environment for students in their early secondary years. I am pleased to see that this project, which has taken several months of planning and involved numerous internal and external stakeholders, has been finished to such a high standard.” The success of Reddam House boarding is down to the strong support of House Parents and academic staff. Head of Boarding Steve Paxton said “Each evening, students have access to two house parents and three academic staff. From our past experience, having specialist staff available for students throughout the week significantly improves attainment and performance. It is essentially a one to two hour individual tutorial each evening.” Mr. and Mrs. Kiely will oversee the Blake House and are very much looking forward to the exciting times ahead for the Reddam House boarding community.


# 3 61

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Celebrating our Jubilee

t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

heating, abundant food and wraparound 24/7 pastoral care from boarding professionals.

And that doesn’t even consider the access

The BSA was formed just a couple of years

convenor of the boarding family for conferences and events.

The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much more besides, in exchange for a modest annual subscription.

and broad co-curricular programmes.

boarding in the late 1960s.

That we need the BSA and all its That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as To board at Eton then was to say the least course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of a formative experience. The school was in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. of course as historic and traditional as it the seismic leap to the outside world, especially journalists or sceptical parents. The challenges are great and many – Wycombe Abbey opened two new boarding houses Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding at a ceremony on Monday, September 11, 2017. Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many If thesewas twoattended worlds were sharply of the School’s has been a constant, boarders will serve or how many The ceremony by members Designedreassuring by David and Morley Architects as anwe eco-friendly contrasting then,parents contrastand them againand to marked valued presence: the BSA. Governing Council, staff, pupils building, the conjoined houses draw up heat from a boarding the completion of today. the first stage in the School’s boarding ground source heat pump, reducing energy consumption however things unfold, it is an renewal plan. The School’s ambitious vision aims to by 13% and carbon emissions byBut 18%. Forbest all Mrpossible Wilson’scontemporary 1960s rhetoric living aboutand in social Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is provide the Rhiannon said, “I am thrilled that the ‘white heat’ofofevery change there was little Abbey. there, ratherHeadmistress like a long-serving and Wilkinson there with us on the journey. spaces for the benefit pupil at Wycombe the new boarding houses are now finally complete. I know evidence of that in boarding schools then. warmly trusted boarding house matron. The new houses are now home to more than 100 girls the girls have been very excited about moving in at the and six members of staff, along with their families. The start thiswhen new academic So what comes toof mind one thinksyear. The houses are a stunning accommodation offers both single rooms and addition to the school site and provide outstanding dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the BSA? dormitories for up to four pupils. Each room is en-suite facilities which will serve many generations of Wycombe food and pastoral care in the hands of and the building also comprises two living rooms, two Abbey girls.” prefects were common attributes. Professional development, expert kitchens, six study rooms and four music practice advice, an increasingly strong voice to rooms. Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information Tony Little

Wycombe Abbey

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

provider for prospective parents and

BSA Honorary President 2015-2016



3 63

St Swithun’s School

Tony Little BSA Honorary President

Last autumn term we introduced the Winter Festival week for all boarders. Events took place every evening throughout the week and included a viewing of the movie ‘Frozen’, a fire pit with hot chocolate and donuts, an evening of snow tubing and skiing, a winter poetry competition, a polar bear swim in the school pool, a masque dinner and disco. One of our boarding houses organised a Dragons’ Den competition and this year we are expanding the concept into a whole school house competition.

We offer familiarisation stays, arranged around a child’s schedule, for UK and overseas-based families. These familiarisation visits are essential in securing a stress-free transition for girls to their new school.

Celebrating our Jubilee

Our network of parent ambassadors offers mutual support and enable new parents to form a connection even before their convenor daughter of joins school. The girls thethe boarding family for themselves are matched up with buddies to write the foreword to this around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. Following on from the BSA 50th anniversary celebrations in 2016, last summer we held and mentors to help them assimilate in celebration marking 50 years of professionals. a summer festival, incorporating #celebratestswithuns & #iloveboarding. Activities the first of aallnew They also the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). Theweeks BSA does thisschool. and, swan-like, much included inflatables on the sports pitch, willow headdress making, wand and sword become part of a cluster group within And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest making, an outdoor band and an interactive story teller before camping out in the their annual boarding house and member of a St The BSA was formed just a couple of years subscription. school grounds. Other activities also took place during the evenings the following Swithun’s family which spans year groups and broad co-curricular programmes. week. ensuring all girls the boarding in the late 1960s. That we needfeel thepart BSA of and allbroader its St Swithun’s community and have change has so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as As part of our ever-evolving induction programme forThat newthe boarders, the been first weekend someone to go to when need to talk. To board at Eton then‘The wasBig to say the least course wellall known to those we contemplate the they next 50 years of of this autumn term we held Boarding Weekend In’ for boarders, to who work These relationships endure throughout a formative experience. The school was in involved boarding.laser The hard part is explaining boarding. welcomeanewcomers to our boarding community. This tag, dodge ball, girl’s time at the school. of course as historic and traditional asrounders, it thegiant seismic leap inflatables, to the outside T-shirt painting, a spa, bin bag fashion show, games, a world, especially journalists or sceptical parents. The challenges are great and many – movie night and a disco. With the chillier evenings heralding the Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. and we don’t know what the boarding arrival of autumn, our headmistress pops We are this year introducing a comprehensive house Yet points system to throughout all encourage that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many into different boarding houses on a house spirit andtwo personal If these worldsdevelopment. were sharply has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many Sunday evening to have a hot chocolate contrasting then, contrast them again to valued presence: the BSA. with the girls. One parent recently wrote New for this term are refurbished bathrooms in Finlay, our U6 boarding house. We boarding today. to the headmistress that her daughter have also upgraded our 11+ boarding house Le Roy to accommodate additional girls But however things unfold, it is an ‘told me you went to visit her in Hyde and enhance this modern, bright space whilst retaining the homely atmosphere for our For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is Abbey and had a kind chat with her. It was youngest boarders. the ‘white heat’ of change there was little there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. so warm of you to do that for a new of that boarding schools then. trusted boarding house matron. We have evidence responded in a in fun and imaginative way to awarmly discussion about rice: the student. I’m sure your kindness touches carbohydrate staple of some of our international boarders. The school has invested in the hearts of all the students’. mind when one thinks rice cookers and is experimenting with different typesSoofwhat rice comes to find to the favourites. The dormitories, inadequate heating, poor of the catering department has taken up the suggestion of one ofBSA? our parents to hold a fun foodsession and pastoral care the few hands of of term. blind testing during theinfirst weeks prefects were common attributes. Professional development, expert The St Swithun’s admission team continues to supplyadvice, a tailored response tostrong each voice to an increasingly individualFast family who may be requiring guidance on Tier 4 visa matters without forward 50 years and what a government and journalists,charge. information Tony Little We greatly value the way our girls, from 17 different countries (16% of the total school) provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 enrich the school community.

In spring term 2017, we introduced year group activities nights. Twice a term each boarding house hosts one year group and puts on an evening activity. We are continuing thist gives initiative academic year. me this enormous pleasure heating, abundant food and wrap-

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!


ADVERTISING FEATURE

Offsite construction: more than just time and cost savings? It’s widely accepted that Offsite Construction can save time and money.

But how does it work? Q: Will an Offsite Building last as long as a traditionally constructed building? •

Offsite uses the same materials as those commonly used by traditional builders, but more efficiently and effectively.

Offsite and traditional buildings have the same 60-year design life.

Q: If the same materials are used, what makes ‘Offsite’ different from a ‘Traditional’ build process? •

Q: Does Offsite Construction limit what appearance we could have and mean that we lose our option to have a ‘Signature’ building?

Offsite is substantially constructed under controlled factory conditions. All materials are received and kept n prime condition. Every operation is supervised and passes through rigorous factory quality control procedures, very similar to the automotive industry.

There are modular systems which can restrict your design options. However, Offsite can achieve any shape, size, layout or external appearance to suit your preferences, and importantly, the views of your local planning department.

Q: Will it feel and perform like a traditional building?

More progressive Offsite systems have rigorous inspection and third-party accreditation, so the performance is guaranteed well before anything arrives on site.

With concrete floors at all levels, and high impact/sound resisting internal walls, good quality fixtures and fittings, Offsite can resist the rigours of busy school life without high levels of supportive maintenance.

Q: Is it going to cost more to run? The modular buildings that I remember going to School in were hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

Offsite buildings are generally significantly more ‘air tight’ than traditional buildings.

Due to the factory controlled assembly, the thermal insulation is installed exactly as it’s intended, ensuring maximum energy efficiency.

More progressive Offsite companies use thermal modelling and simulation


ADVERTISING FEATURE

Charles Pierce Main board director, Darwin Group Ltd

software to ensure the building performs to provide a comfortable learning environment at all times, using minimal energy. Q: What happens if in the future the School wants to change the use of the building? •

Generally, any re-configuration of an Offsite building is far easier than ‘Traditional Build’, as the more superior Offsite systems do not rely on internal walls for structural integrity. So internal walls can be removed without structurally effecting the building. These more superior systems also allow external doors and windows to be easily removed or re-positioned to suit the new use.

Future extensions are also easily accommodated.

Q: Given all of the above benefits, how is it cheaper? And really, how much quicker can it be? •

Building cost is driven by labour efficiency, materials and construction speed. Offsite Construction maximizes these. Factory controlled production delivers the most efficient labour use in a warm, dry and organized environment.

Material usage is minimized by refined Offsite design, with no loss due to optimal material storage or the need for additional materials due to poor workmanship and the requirement for ‘re-work’.

The speed of Offsite Construction is achieved by programming concurrent key activities. On-site foundations, drainage and ground works take place at the same time that the superstructure is being constructed.

Offsite Construction delivers predictability of programme and cost, due to its significant front-end planning and organization. The superstructure is erected extremely quickly, taking the unpredictable British weather out of the equation.

This delivers programme savings over 50% meaning that less term time is potentially disrupted by the building activities. It also leads to far less construction activity, builders and vehicles on your School site.


From boarding house to halls how boarders are prepared for university life It feels like yesterday when I received my A Level results. I clearly remember sitting at the kitchen table in my pyjamas, bleary-eyed from a lack of sleep the night before, while incessantly refreshing that all-tooinfamous UCAS page. I was scared, no doubt. But however nervous I was didn’t even compare to my Mum, who in a deranged fit of restless anticipation took it upon herself to march around the house aimlessly. After what felt like an eternity, I refreshed the page and saw its contents had changed. Hit with equal measures of excitement and relief, I had been accepted by my university of choice – the anxious marching finally ceased. While a cause for celebration over the following weeks, and a chance for me really to enjoy the rest of my summer, as August rolled on by and September approached a new fear started to grip hold of me. I was going to be starting at Manchester, no longer in a matter of weeks, but days. Living in Northern Ireland, when it came to that fateful day of starting, my parents and I took the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead and drove the rest of the way Manchester. On the boat I distinctly remember feeling the sensation of my stomach turning, but knew that this wasn’t seasickness. It had really dawned on me during that ferry journey that I was about to be dropped off in an unknown city, at a building I’d never seen before, with a group of people I’d never met. While I did manage to keep myself composed throughout what was a stressful day, there was a sudden moment of dread as my parents finally

said their goodbyes and my Dad’s car slowly disappeared off into the distance. But nearly as quickly as it took me to learn everything about my new home, like how to navigate my way around my labyrinthine halls, or where to get my washing done – the bane of my life – I also discovered that in many ways I was at an advantage to many of my newly made friends. I found boarding had already prepared me for many of the situations I would face over the coming weeks. It’s easy to forget, particularly if you’re used to full-time boarding, that for most people university is their first proper experience away from home. But regardless of age, no-one’s exempt from the possibility of homesickness. While you probably won’t see it first hand, and know that like a cold it will pass in time, it’s still worth being wary that others in their first weeks may be having some difficulty adjusting to their new lifestyle. It wasn’t just here though that I found that I’d been given a head start by my boarding experience, as over the coming days the situations I faced had a close resemblance to those I’d encountered in the past. Take even the premise of living closely with people your own age. Sound familiar? How about sharing communal areas like common rooms or kitchenettes?


3 67

Increasingly I found a lot of the safety net of Mum and Dad in the Tony Little skills I’d built up boarding were boarding house, you learn from a BSA Honorary very transferable, even if I wasn’tPresident young age how to organise and aware I had them. Boarding can be manage yourself. challenging. Being constantly surrounded by people is often very This isn’t to say that it was all intense, and in the same way that smooth sailing. University is all you can’t choose your family, you about being taken out of your can’t choose who boards with you. comfort zone and making mistakes Boarding house disagreements are (I’ve had plenty of those). But if you inevitable, but what I’d never have had some form of boarding considered is that while it’s great to experience in the past then you’re get on well with people, not getting already off to a good start. I urge on can also bring about its own all future university student to heating, abundant food and wrapconvenor of the boarding family for benefits. You may be scratching remember that while it is a around 24/7 pastoral care from boarding conferences and events. your head at this point, but think daunting time, at least everyone’s professionals. of it like this: try as you may, you in the same boat. If you try not to The BSA does all this and, swan-like, much won’t be friends with everybody at worry and get stuck in, the rest will And that doesn’t even consider the access more besides, in exchange for a modest university. There will be people sort itself out. I’ve had a lot of fun annual subscription. who irritate you. It’s for this reason this past year and come a long way and broad co-curricular programmes. though that the boarding house is since that day I sat at the kitchen That we need the BSA and all its a valuable place. It makes you table in my pyjamas. That the change has been so great is of valuable services is beyond doubt as realise early on that when you’re course well known to those who work we contemplate the next 50 years of constantly living with different in boarding. The hard part is explaining boarding. people relationships can sour very the seismic leap to the outside world, easily, leaving only what is a very especially journalists or sceptical parents. The challenges are great and many – toxic atmosphere for everyone and we don’t know what the boarding else. The flipside though is that Yet throughout all that has changed there landscape will look like in 2065, how many because of this, it’s boarders who has been a constant, reassuring and boarders we will serve or how many are the best equipped to stop this valued presence: the BSA. from happening. While painful at the time, it’s natural if you have But however things unfold, it is an been living with people who Oxford in July 1965 the BSA has been enormous comfort to know the BSA is sometimes aren’t going to be your there, rather like a long-serving and there with us on the journey. best friends, you learn at least to warmly trusted boarding house matron. tolerate and compromise with them. This skill isn’t taught in the So what comes to mind when one thinks classroom, but is invaluable as you of the BSA? move out into the wider world. Ollie Hastings

Celebrating our Jubilee t gives me enormous pleasure to write the foreword to this celebration marking 50 years of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA). The BSA was formed just a couple of years boarding in the late 1960s. To board at Eton then was to say the least a formative experience. The school was of course as historic and traditional as it Summer of Love and Sgt Pepper. If these two worlds were sharply contrasting then, contrast them again to boarding today. For all Mr Wilson’s 1960s rhetoric about in the ‘white heat’ of change there was little evidence of that in boarding schools then.

dormitories, inadequate heating, poor food and pastoral care in the hands of prefects were common attributes.

Thank you BSA, and good luck as you plan your centenary!

Bilton Grange alumni (2009-2011) Professional development, expert Most notably, I was aware of how Rugby School alumni (2011-2016) advice, an increasingly strong voice to my time at school had encouraged Second-year Manchester University student Fast forward 50 years and what a government and journalists, information Tony Little me to be independent. Without the provider for prospective parents and BSA Honorary President 2015-2016 Picture courtesy St Mary’s, Shaftesbury


BSA MEMBER LIST Abberley Hall School

Campbell College

Frensham Heights School

Loughborough Grammar School

Abbots Bromley School

Cardiff Sixth Form College

Fulneck School

Lucton School

Abbey College Manchester

Abbotsholme School

Abingdon School Ackworth School

ACS Cobham International School Adams' Grammar School

Canford School

Casterton Sedbergh Preparatory School Caterham School

CATS College Cambridge

CATS College Canterbury CATS College London

Frewen College

Fyling Hall School Trust LTD

LVS Ascot

Godolphin School

Malvern College

Glenalmond College Godstowe Preparatory School

Chafyn Grove School

Gordon's School

Aldenham School

Chase Grammar School

Great Ballard School

Aldro School

Aldwickbury School

Charterhouse School Cheam School

Chelsea Independent College

All Hallows School

Cheltenham College

Appleford School

Chetham's School of Music

Ampleforth College

Ardingly College

Ardvreck School Ashby School

Cheltenham Ladies' College

Clayesmore Preparatory School

Clayesmore School

Aurora Eccles School

Clifton College Preparatory School

Clifton College

Aysgarth School

Cobham Hall School

Barnard Castle School

Concord College

Bath Academy

Cotswold Chine School

Beachborough School

Cranbrook School

Badminton School

Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School

Battle Abbey School Bedales School

Bede's Preparatory School

Bede's Senior School Bedford School

Bedstone College

Beechen Cliff School

Colchester Royal Grammar School Cothill House

Cottesmore School

Cranleigh Preparatory School Cranleigh School Culford School

Cumnor House School

Bellerbys College London

Belmont Preparatory School

Benenden School

Berkhamsted School

Bethany School

Dean Close School

Dean Close St John's Denstone College

DLD College London Dollar Academy

Dorset House School Dover College

d'Overbroeck's College

Bilton Grange School

Downe House School

Bishopstrow College

Dragon School

Bishop's Stortford College

Bloxham School

Blundell's School Bootham School

Downside School Dulwich College

Dulwich Preparatory School, Cranbrook

Bredon School

Brentwood School Brighton College

Brockhurst And Marlston House Schools Brockwood Park School

Edge Grove School

Edgeborough School EF Academy Torbay Ellesmere College

Elmhurst Ballet School Elstree School

Epsom College

Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools (ESMS)

Bromsgrove School

Eton College

Bruern Abbey School

Farleigh School

Bryanston School

Farringtons School

Brookes Cambridge

Bruton School for Girls Brymore Academy

Buckswood School Burford School

Burgess Hill Girls

Exeter Cathedral School

Farlington School

Felsted School (incl Prep) Feltonfleet School

Fettes College (incl Prep)

Foremarke Hall, Repton Preparatory

Caldicott School

School

Cambridge Tutors College

Framlingham College Preparatory School

Cambridge Centre for Sixth-form Studies

Hethersett Old Hall School Highfield School

Hockerill Anglo-European College Holmewood House School Holmwood House School

Forres Sandle Manor School

Marlborough House School Mayfield School

Merchiston Castle School

Mill Hill School & The Mount, Mill Hill International

Millfield Preparatory School Millfield School

Milton Abbey School

Moira House Girls School

Monkton Combe Preparatory School Monkton Combe Senior School Monmouth School

Monmouth School for Girls

Moor Park Charitable Trust LTD Moorland School

More House School

Moreton Hall Prep School Moreton Hall School

Moulsford Preparatory School

Holyport College

Mount Kelly School

Hurstpierpoint College

Mowden Hall School

Horris Hill School

Hurtwood House School Ipswich School

Jamea Al Kauthar & Abrar Academy Junior King's School

Mount St Mary's College Moyles Court School New Hall School

Northbourne Park School Northease Manor School Oakham School

Ockbrook School

Kent College Pembury

Old Buckenham Hall School

Keswick School

Orwell Park School

Kilgraston School

Kimbolton School

King Edward's School, Witley King William's College Kingham Hill School

Kings Bournemouth

King's College Saint Michael's King's College School

King's College, Taunton King's Hall School

King's School, Bruton King's School, Ely

King's School, Rochester Kingswood School

Eastbourne College

Brambletye School

Hereford Cathedral School

Eagle House School

Bournemouth Collegiate School Bradfield College

Heathfield School

Kingsley School

Durham School

Box Hill School

Heath Mount School

Dulwich Preparatory School, London

Bosworth Independent College

Boundary Oak School

Headington School

Kent College, Canterbury

Dean Close Preparatory School

Bellerbys College Brighton

Hatherop Castle School

De Aston School

Beeston Hall School

Bellerbys College Cambridge

Harrogate Ladies' College

Dallam School

Dauntsey's School

Belhaven Hill School

Handcross Park School

Kent College Nursery, Infant and Junior School

Cundall Manor School

Beechwood Park School

Beechwood Sacred Heart School

Hampshire Collegiate School

Hazlegrove Preparatory School

Ashwicke Hall School

Atlantic College

Haileybury

City of London Freemen's School Claremont School

Ashville College

Marymount International School

Gresham's School (incl Prep)

Harrow School

Ashford School

Ashfold School

Mark College

Great Walstead School

Christ College Brecon

Christ's Hospital School

Malvern St James Marlborough College

Hanford School

Ashdown House School

Maidwell Hall School

Gordonstoun School

Chigwell School

Christ Church Cathedral School

Ludgrove School

Giggleswick School

Al Jamiatul Islamiyyah

Albyn School

Luckley House School

Kingswood Preparatory School Kirkham Grammar School Kitebrook House

Knighton House School Lambrook School

Lancaster Royal Grammar School

Lancing College

Langley Preparatory School at Taverham Hall Lathallan School

Leighton Park School Leweston School

Leweston School Junior Department Lime House School

Lincoln Minster School Liverpool College

Liverpool College International Llandovery College

Lockers Park School Lomond School

Longridge Towers School

Lord Wandsworth College Loretto School

Old Swinford Hospital Oswestry School Oundle School

Packwood Haugh School Padworth College

Pangbourne College Papplewick School Perrott Hill School

Peter Symonds College Pinewood School

Plymouth College

Pocklington School Polam Hall School Port Regis School

Prestfelde School

Princess Helena College Prior Park College

Prior's Field School

QE Academy Trust (Queen Elizabeth's) Queen Anne's School

Queen Ethelburga's College Queen Margaret's School Queen Mary's School

Queen Victoria School

Queen's College Junior School Queen's College, Taunton Queenswood School Radley College

Ratcliffe College Reading School

Reddam House Bearwood Reed's School

Rendcomb College Repton School

Richard Huish College

Riddlesworth Hall Preparatory School

Rikkyo School in England Ripon Grammar School


Rishworth School

Stonar School

Westminster School, Westminster

Rockport School

Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall

Whitgift School

Rochester Independent College Roedean School

Rookwood School

Stonyhurst College Stover School

Strathallan School

Rossall School

Summer Fields School

Royal Russell School

Sutton Valence School (incl Prep)

Royal Alexandra & Albert School Rugby School

Ruthin School

Rydal Penrhos School

Ryde School with Upper Chine Rye St Antony School Saint Felix School

Saint Ronan's School

Salisbury Cathedral School

Sandroyd School

Scarborough College Seaford College

Sedbergh School

Sevenoaks School Sexey's School

Shaftesbury School

Shebbear College

Sherborne Girls

Sherborne International

Sherborne Preparatory School

Sherborne School Sherfield School

Shiplake College

Shrewsbury School Sibford School Sidcot School

Sir Roger Manwood's School Slindon College

St Andrew's Preparatory School, Eastbourne

St Andrew's School, Pangbourne St Catherine's, Bramley

St Christopher School St Clare's, Oxford

St David's College, Llandudno

St Edmund’s School Surrey

St Edmund's College Hertfordshire

St Edmund's School Canterbury St Edward's School

St Francis' College

St George's School for Girls Edinburgh St George's School, Ascot

St George's School, Harpenden Academy Trust St George's School, Windsor

St Hugh's School, Lincolnshire St Hugh's School, Oxfordshire

St John’s College School, Cambridge

St John’s College, Southsea St John's Beaumont

St John's International School

St John's School, Leatherhead St Joseph's College

St Lawrence College (incl Prep)

St Leonards School, Fife

St Margaret's School, Bushey

St Martin's Ampleforth

St Mary's Calne

St Mary's School, Ascot

St Mary's School, Cambridge

St Mary's School, Shaftesbury St Paul's School

St Peter's School

St Peter's School, York (incl St Olave's)

St Swithun's School

St Teresa's School

Stamford High School

Stamford Junior School Stamford School

Steyning Grammar School Stoke College

Sunningdale School

Swanbourne House School Talbot Heath School

TASIS, The American school in England Taunton Preparatory School Taunton School

Teikyo Foundation Terra Nova School

Terrington Hall School Tettenhall College

The Chorister School

The Downs Malvern College Preparatory School

The Duke of York's Royal Military Academy

The Elms

Westonbirt School

Winchester College

Winchester House School Windermere School

Windlesham House School Wishmore Cross Academy Witham Hall School

Woldingham School Woodbridge School

Woodcote House School

Woodhouse Grove School Worksop College Worth School

Wrekin College

Wychwood School

Wycliffe College (incl Prep) Wycombe Abbey

Wymondham College

Yehudi Menuhin School

The Five Islands School The Hammond School

The Harefield Academy

The King's School, Canterbury The Leys School

The Montessori Place, Hove The Mount School

The New Beacon School

EUROPE

Aiglon College

American Collegiate Institute

REST OF THE WORLD

Avi-Cenna International School, Nigeria British International School, Thailand

The Oratory Preparatory School

BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School

Bromsgrove International School, Thailand

The Park School

Cabella International Shaja School, Italy

Dulwich College Suzhou, China

The Oratory School

The Pilgrims' School

The Prebendal School

The Priory Academy LSST The Purcell School The Read School

The Royal Ballet School

The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe

The Royal High School, Bath The Royal Hospital School

Brillantmont International School Château de Sauveterre

College Alpin Beau Soleil College Champittet

College du Leman International School Ecole des Roches

Glenstal Abbey School

Institut Montana Zugerberg International School Eerde

John F Kennedy International School

The Royal Masonic School for Girls

King's College, The British School of Madrid

The Royal School Dungannon

Leysin American School

The Royal School Armagh

The Royal School Haslemere

The Royal School Wolverhampton The Skegness Grammar School

The Thomas Adams School Shropshire The Wellington Academy Thornton College

Tockington Manor School Tonbridge School Trent College

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts Trinity School

Truro High School for Girls Truro School

Tudor Hall School Twyford School

Uppingham School

Victoria College Belfast

Vinehall School

Walhampton School Warminster School Warwick School

Welbeck - Defence Sixth Form College

Wellesley House School Wellington College

Wellington School

Wells Cathedral School West Buckland School West Hill Park School

Westbourne House School

Westminster Abbey Choir School

Westminster Cathedral Choir School

La Garenne, Switzerland Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz

Midleton College, Ireland

Open Gate Boarding School, Czech Republic Robert College, Turkey

Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket, Sweden St Columba's College, Ireland

St George's International School, Germany St George's International School, Switzerland

St Gilgen International School GmbH, Austria Surval Montreux, Switzerland The Kings Hospital, Ireland

Day Waterman College, Nigeria Epsom College in Malaysia Frensham, Australia

GEMS Cambridge International School , Kenya Hangzhou Greentown Yuhua School , China

Harrow International School Bangkok, Thailand Hilton College, South Africa

Jerudong International School, Brunei Kincoppal-Rose Bay, Australia Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar, Malaysia Michaelhouse, South Africa

Miles Bronson Residential School, India North London Collegiate School, Jeju, Korea

Prem Tinsulanonda International School, Thailand Pymble Ladies' College, Australia

Regents International School Pattaya, Thailand St George's College, Argentina

St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Australia St Patrick's College, Australia The Doon School, India

The International School of Penang (Uplands), Malaysia

The International School, Bangalore

The Regent Secondary School, Nigeria The Regent's School, Thailand

Trinity Grammar School, Australia

United World College of South East Asia, Singapore Wellington College International Tianjin, China Woodstock School, India


Picture courtesy The Royal School, Dungannon

A warm welcome The following schools have joined the BSA this term and we would like to extend a warm welcome to: American Collegiate Institute, Turkey Buckswood School, East Sussex Cardiff Sixth form College Hereford Cathedral School Peter Symonds College, Hampshire richard Huish College, Somerset St george’s School for girls, Edinburgh St Patrick’s College, Australia In addition, the Boarding orchard continues in the uK and overseas. We would like to thank the following schools for taking part since September: St Bede’s School King’s College Taunton Queenswood School The royal School, Dungannon The Pilgrims School Burford School Mouldsford Preparatory School Trent College for more information on how to join the Boarding orchard, please visit our website boarding.org.uk

or email bsa@boarding.org.uk

HAPPy PlAnTIng!




Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.