Exciting New Chapter for Boarding at Hatherop Castle School
Hatherop Castle School is delighted to announce an exciting new vision for boarding from September 2026, designed to offer even more opportunities for pupils to enjoy the fun, friendship and independence that boarding provides.
The changes reflect the evolving needs of modern families and build on the areas of boarding that continue to be most popular with pupils. Across the country, many schools are seeing a shift away from traditional full boarding towards more flexible arrangements. In response, Hatherop is investing in a refreshed Monday to Friday boarding model, with an increased focus on weekly, flexi and ad hoc boarding.
The new approach will allow the school to concentrate its resources on creating an exceptional weekday boarding experience, ensuring that every evening is packed with opportunities for learning, adventure and personal growth.
More Opportunities to Experience Boarding
One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of a new boarding package that gives more pupils the chance to experience life in the boarding house.
From September 2026, pupils will benefit from complimentary boarding nights throughout the year:
- Years 3 and 4 will receive one complimentary boarding night each term.
- Year 5 pupils will enjoy two complimentary boarding nights each term.
- Years 6 to 8 will receive one complimentary boarding night every week.
Families will be able to choose from Monday to Thursday, offering greater flexibility while allowing children to experience the unique sense of belonging that boarding brings.
Popular Events Here to Stay
The much-loved themed Friday night events will continue every other week, with favourites such as Ghosts in the Garden remaining firmly on the calendar. The highly successful year-group boarding nights, introduced this year, will also continue to provide memorable experiences and strengthen friendships across each cohort.
A New Evening Activities Programme
Alongside the refreshed boarding structure, pupils can look forward to an enhanced programme of specialist evening activities led by Hatherop staff.
Examples of activities include:
- Monday: Creative Arts Evening
- Tuesday: Sports Night
- Wednesday: STEM and Lego Robotics
- Thursday: Performing Arts and Drama
The programme will rotate each half term, giving boarders the opportunity to develop new skills, explore different interests and enjoy a varied and stimulating experience throughout the year.
In addition, academic support sessions will be available for boarders, ensuring that pupils can balance their studies with the many social and enrichment opportunities on offer.
Looking Ahead
The new model represents an exciting evolution of boarding at Hatherop Castle School. By focusing on the evenings pupils enjoy most and enriching those experiences with high-quality activities, the school aims to create an even more vibrant, supportive and rewarding boarding community.
As Hatherop looks ahead to September 2026, pupils can expect more opportunities to stay, learn, laugh and belong, making boarding an even more integral and enjoyable part of school life.