Boarding Principles and Practice

Statement of Boarding Principles and Practice

To be read alongside the Aims of the College.

This statement covers the whole College Boarding Community, made up of staff and pupils in Grimwade House, Robert Pearce House, Rowe House, Young House and Trotman House. 

Grimwade, the Prep School Boarding House is co-educational. In the Senior School, Young House and Trotman House are for girls, Robert Pearce House and Rowe House are for boys.

At the College we have full, weekly and flexi boarders from the UK and overseas. Our aim is to provide each pupil with a safe, secure and stimulating second home. The experience of working and living together as part of a close-knit community means our boarders learn to understand other people’s needs, appreciate diversity and value compromise, which are hallmarks of Bishop’s Stortford College boarding.

Bishop’s Stortford Boarders are:

• Able to turn to any member of staff for help or guidance or our independent listener;

 • Helped to develop a degree of independence and self-reliance while being safe and secure;

 • Treated by other pupils and staff with respect and dignity;

• Given a voice in the running of their boarding house;

• Able to raise concerns or complaints without fear of penalty;

• Helped to realise their ambitions and goals to attain personal fulfilment;

• Treated as individuals.

Each House at the College has a dedicated live-in Housemaster or Housemistress and other resident staff, including, in the Prep School a resident Matron. There is also a team of Visiting Tutors for each House, whose pastoral work is essential to maintain the smooth running of the boarding community and to enhance the quality of life of the pupils whilst they are in school.

Each House has its own building and facilities, identity and ethos – but with a common framework for the pastoral support of the pupils. The ethos of the school is one of inclusion and support. We are very proud of the high-quality pastoral care given to all pupils at Bishop’s Stortford College and this is provided by the tutor team and specialist boarding staff in each House, who themselves, are an integral part of the school community. This provision hinges on the excellent working relationships established between staff and pupils which make each pupil feel supported, encouraged and known.