Boarding is an integral part of life at Shiplake and our boarding ethos underpins the day-to-day life of each pupil at the school. Boarding is no longer seen as a momentous decision as the College provides the flexibility to satisfy individual family needs. Flexi-boarding and overnight stays are available from Year 9, giving parents and pupils the best of both worlds.
Flexi-boarding reflects an upfront inclusive rate for pupils who regularly board for up to two nights per week. This rate represents a discount of approximately 10% over the equivalent number of individual overnight stays. Overnight stays are available to day pupils on a regular or ad-hoc basis where there is availability.
Flexi-boarding and overnight stays are becoming increasingly popular for boys and girls for their convenience and flexibility. There are many reasons why these options might be ideal for families. Pupils who have long daily commutes to and from school might prefer to break up their travelling by spending a night or two in a boarding house during the week. It is also a useful and practical option for those who have high co-curricular commitments, in sport, music, drama or CCF. Many pupils, particularly as they progress into examination year groups, wish to dedicate more time to prep and revision, which being in school for longer periods allows them. Occasional boarding can provide convenient support for parents with busy work schedules or allow them to take short breaks or holidays during term-time, without disrupting their child's education.
There are of course many social benefits attached to boarding. Pupils benefit from living together and develop a range of interpersonal skills which will serve them well in life beyond school. We have observed that boarding, even on an intermittent basis, helps pupils to become more mature and self-confident and aware of the importance of teamwork. Most of all, Shiplake provides a fun, active environment where pupils thoroughly enjoy living.
Parents of flexi-boarders will be required to confirm before the start of each term which two nights of the week their child will regularly stay and an online form is provided for this purpose. Nights will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Flexi-boarders will not necessarily have their own dedicated bed. Senior flexi-boarders in Welsh, Burr, College and Gilson Houses will board in their own house but, depending upon numbers each year, other flexi-boarders may sleep in a house other than their own. There are currently no boarding facilities in Lower School, Orchard or Skipwith Houses.
Please note that in all houses, any unused nights in a given week may not be banked by flexi-boarders and carried over to future weeks.
For parents of day pupils wishing to book occasional overnight stays, or for flexi-boarders wishing to board more than two nights in a given week, this may be booked via their own Housemaster, but the place is dependent on space and may not be confirmed until 48 hours before the night requested.
Click here to view the current flexi-boarding and overnight stay prices.