5 benefits of prep school boarding that will last for a lifetime

Considering boarding options? For many it provides long-lasting educational value that you can’t put a price on. Here Ruth O’Sullivan, head of Holmewood House School in Tunbridge Wells, gives 5 key ways in which it can set your child up for life.

Holmewood House School in Kent building and grounds

Holmewood House is a co-educational, non-selective, day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3-13 years, of just under 480 pupils, situated in 32 acres of glorious grounds in Tunbridge Wells. With a strong academic reputation and pastoral focus, this school is also one of only a handful of preps in Kent that, alongside the day option, also offers the full spectrum when it comes to the boarding experience.

Full, Weekly and Flexi boarding has always been an integral part of Holmewood House School. It gives children a chance to make even greater use of the school’s glorious grounds (all 32 acres), extensive facilities and beautiful location. So we asked Ruth O’Sullivan, head of Holmewood House School for her top 5 benefits of boarding.

1. PREPARES PUPILS FOR LIFE

Holmewood House School Kent pupils with dog

Boarding gives pupils a true sense of independence while remaining safe in a supervised, structured environment. Within a diverse, yet close knit community children are able to discover who they are as individuals and become mature, resilient and resourceful as a result. This will certainly get them ready for senior school.

Ruth O’Sullivan says: ‘Those who have boarded with us at prep school age invariably settle into their new senior boarding schools with greater ease compared to those who haven’t had this experience.’

‘Within a vibrant and supportive community, where each child feels valued and supported, our boarders learn to live with others, forming close friendships and developing life skills that day schools are unable to offer.’

2. ABOVE ALL IT’S FUN

Holmewood House School Kent pupils playing

A busy and fun-filled activity programme throughout the whole week gives boarders time to enjoy each other’s company and build relationships that will stand the test of time.

Ruth O’Sullivan says: ‘From the benefits of the school facilities in the evenings to a fun-filled activity programme at the weekend, a quick glance at a boarder’s average weekly routine will give a good indication of the level of activities on offer.’

‘On weekdays pupils get structured homework time and then activities can include anything from Movie Night to Cooking. On Saturday mornings there are structured activities with a Head of Year (like music practice or swimming) and then trips take place on Saturday afternoons and Sundays which can range from a visit to a local historic castle to bowling or the cinema to trips further afield to London. So time is well spent and the benefits are far reaching.’

3. SPORTS FACILITIES, OVER SMARTPHONES

Holmewood House School Kent pupils playing sports facilities

Surprise, surprise. Research has proven that kids who spend less time on electronic devices are happier than kids who spend a small amount of time on screens and more time doing other activities. Boarding certainly provides the perfect environment away from the temptations of tech. And, most importantly, you have those wonderful grounds and sports facilities at your disposal.

Ruth O’Sullivan says: ‘Our pupils make daily use of our immaculate sports fields that include astroturf pitches, swimming pool and shooting range. Alongside numerous indoor and outdoor tennis, netball, rugby, cricket and hockey facilities.’

‘More importantly, we strive to provide a breadth of sporting opportunities to match every interest and ability. Offering as many opportunities for all to take part, as for those to excel across our sports programme. Perhaps it is as a result of this, that we were proud Finalists in the national Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2024 for Passionate About Sport.’

4. LONDON CHAPERONE TRAIN SERVICE

Holmewood House School Kent pupils in lesson

Holmewood House and Tunbridge Wells have long been a destination of choice for Londoners seeking to move out from the capital, and the school welcomes a number of relocating families each year.

For those remaining in the city, Holmewood offers flexible boarding options. With a chaperone train service, parent have peace-of-mind that their child can get to school safely by train. 

Ruth O’Sullivan says: ‘Holmewood boarding houses are home to children from a wide variety of nationalities who live alongside children whose families live in London, or more locally. Parents can book their children in for a single night, as a one-off, or regular nights throughout the week.’

 ‘We also offer a solution to families who would like this for their children yet may wish or need to remain in London. Our Chaperone Service offers supervised train travel between London to Tunbridge Wells, with your child enjoying weekly boarding at Holmewood, from Sunday to Thursday evenings. This solution will allow your child to enjoy all of the benefits of a high performing country boarding prep school with an excellent reputation for securing places at top senior schools nationwide.’

5. OUTSTANDING PASTORAL CARE

Holmewood House School Kent pupils playing pastoral care pupils with teacher

One of the best things about boarding of course is that pupils can enjoy their childhood surrounded by friends and with the support of specialist staff.

This means parents can enjoy quality time with their children at the weekends, rather than having to do all the nagging. And when they are at school, the environment should be like a home from home.

Ruth O’Sullivan says: ‘At Holmewood House School we firmly believe that the wellbeing of every member of our community, be they pupil or staff, should underpin every aspect of the school – and we do this by equipping everyone with the tools they need. Which is pupils have access to everything from a Therapy Dog to Wellbeing café drop-in sessions and a new Medical and Wellbeing Centre opening in November.

‘What’s more, our boarding staff – or House Parents as they are known – are experts in steering this age group through the day-to-day challenges faced by children. From pastoral care to homework the boarders are fully supported by our amazing team so that they leave Holmewood ready to face their next chapter at senior school.’

See for yourself at the Holmewood House Open Morning on Fri 11 Oct, 9:30am – 12pm or book your own private tour. 

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