One of the main features of Royal Russell that makes it a very different school from others in Croydon is its co-ed boarding facilities. A really inclusive school, 24/7 is a reality rather than a mission statement where the “houses” physically exist rather than being an abstract name for student groups. Whilst the majority of students eventually go home to bed, there are a number for whom school is home during term time and here, two students explain their experiences:

“When I first started boarding, I sent my mum the following message, “I hate boarding!”. When I look back now, I realise just how silly I was. Now I like boarding a lot; boarding gives you the opportunity to practise your music and play football with your friends at any time [apart from prep time!] When you are boarding, keeping your area tidy is very important; if you don’t then you will lose things extremely easily and you will spend a lot of time looking for things.

The people who settle in quickest and board the best are always the people who keep their area tidy and organised not just throwing it in the cupboard and hoping that nobody looks there. It’s probably a good habit to develop!

When you are a boarder, you have to choose an activity to do to make sure you aren’t just asleep all weekend. Those range from sports such as badminton to extra learning in subjects such as Japanese and cookery. You also have prep time two hours each evening to do your homework that really helps.

Every second Sunday we have an evening service in Chapel. Usually we have Communion or a seasonal service.

Boarding also gives you an opportunity to go to all of the various activities without any bother about dinner and/or being picked up at the right time. All you have to do is sign on to take anything you need and go.

This is now my third year as a boarder and each year it has got better and better because of being with friends and my brother. I almost don’t want this to stop at all!