Boarding at Hatherop Castle School, A Closer Look

Boarding has long been a valued part of life at Hatherop Castle School. Set within our beautiful grounds in the Cotswolds, it offers children the chance to enjoy school life in a different way, building deeper friendships, learning independence and sharing experiences beyond the school day.

Day to day life in boarding

For many of our pupils, boarding simply feels like spending time with an extended family. Evenings are relaxed and sociable, whether enjoying games on the lawn, creative activities indoors or just winding down together. Weekends often include trips out, themed events or time spent enjoying the grounds with friends.

More choice with our new flexi boarding option

From September, we are introducing some new arrangements for flexi boarding, giving families more flexibility over how often their child boards. Our boarding voucher system makes it easier to book nights that best suit each family’s routine. Whether pupils board regularly each week or occasionally around busy periods, the aim is to keep the experience straightforward and adaptable.

We will also be moving supper earlier to 5,45 p.m., followed by a longer activity slot in the early evening. This small change gives boarders more time to enjoy a variety of activities after lessons. We are also looking at introducing year group boarding nights, so pupils can board with a familiar group of friends, something we hope will encourage even more children to give boarding a try.

The benefits of a smaller boarding environment

At Hatherop, our scale is an advantage. Being part of a smaller boarding community means pupils receive individual attention and support, helping them grow in confidence at a pace that suits them. It also allows staff to build strong, trusting relationships with children and their families, which is at the heart of what we do.

Many parents tell us that boarding has helped their child become more organised, resilient and socially aware, skills that are useful well beyond prep school.

Looking ahead

In September, we will be holding a coffee morning for parents to meet our new houseparents, Mr and Mrs Usher, and to hear more about daily life in the boarding house. It will be a chance to see how boarding works day to day, ask questions and share thoughts with other parents.

If you would like more information about our boarding options, or would like to arrange a time to visit, please do get in touch with us. We are always happy to have an open conversation about what might work best for each family.