F R E Q U E N T L Y   A S K E D   
Q U E S T I O N S

How many students share a room?
That depends on how old you are.  Usually,  younger boarders,  aged 11 to 14, live in a dormitory with three, four or five others of the same age.  From age 15 you will share a double room and in the Sixth Form (ages 16 to 18) you will have a double or a single room.

Can I have a single room?
There are some single rooms in each boarding house - they are usually reserved for the most    senior students and all rooms are allocated by the Housemistress or Housemaster.

How much pocket money do I need?
That depends on what you are going to buy.  Each House has a “tuck shop” where you can but snacks and drinks, and you can also go shopping locally. For this, £10 per week will be more than enough, but if you are going to buy clothes and gadgets you will need more cash.

Can I go to London at the week-end?
If you are aged 16+, in the Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13) and if you have the permission of the Housestaff AND the written permission of your parent you may go to London, missing one meal, on Saturday or Sunday, for a special purpose.  You must not go alone.

Can I stay in school during the holidays?
No. The school closes for long holidays at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. Most students return home for these holidays, although some people, with the permission of their parents, stay with a guardian or visit friends.  There is also a half-term holiday of about one week in the middle of each term.  The school is closed and students return to their parents or guardians.

Can I go away to visit friends for the week-end?
Yes, unless you have school commitments (playing for a  team, acting in a drama production, etc., you can visit friends or your guardian overnight, if you have parents’ permission and if the Housemaster or Housemistress are informed in advance.

What is a guardian and why do I need one?
If your parents live abroad you must have a “guardian” in the UK who acts on behalf of your   parents whenever necessary.  The guardian will monitor your school performance, give permission for visits, etc., and you may go to stay with your guardian during the short holidays.

Does the school give scholarships?
The Headmaster awards scholarships to excellent students from time to time.  These are granted for outstanding ability in certain areas (e.g. music, examination success).  Usually these scholarships are given to current students who do well - only occasionally are they given to applicants for places at the school.

Do I have to join in sports?
There are very many different sports available and almost everyone can find something they enjoy. Sports lessons are part of the curriculum until you join the Sixth Form.  At this stage you can join in sports (most people do!) or choose to study during sports’ afternoons.

What sports can I do?
More than 20 different sports are available, either in lesson-time or as an after-school or week-end activity. Most of these take place at school, in the sports hall, indoor heated swimming pool or on the outdoor courts and games pitches. A few sports (golf, horse riding, skating, etc.), involve visits to specialist centres away from the school.

What happens if I feel unwell?
The school has its own medical centre, with a nurse on duty at all times.  If necessary you will sleep at the medical centre.  The school doctor will visit as required and holds regular surgeries during the week.

Can I be met at the airport?
Yes. You can be met at the airport and taken to the airport by an authorised taxi company. This is arranged by the school, as necessary, for an extra charge.

What time do I have to go to bed?
This depends on your age and class group.  Younger boarders go to bed at about 21-30, older    students about 22-00 and Sixth Formers (aged 16+) before 23-00.  Housestaff decide on this.

What languages can I learn?
French and Spanish are taught as part of the curriculum, dependent on your age. Also, if necessary you will have tuition in English and E.F.L. (English as a Foreign Language).  Additionally, there are after-school clubs where you can learn Japanese, Mandarin and Italian.  You may also be able to take language exams in your own language, as an extra qualification.

Will I meet English students?
Yes, of course. There are British students (boarders and day students) in each boarding house and all classes contain a broad mixture of international boarders and local day students.