Many parents wonder whether boarding school is the right choice for their child, or whether they would do just as well at a day school. It’s important to consider the benefits of a boarding school education, such as the unique opportunities for personal growth, independence, and a supportive community.
Choosing a boarding school is a significant decision that requires careful consideration by both parents and children. It is essential to understand the numerous benefits of this type of education for the development and future career. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment is one of the essential components of a great boarding school, and a positive experience can have many advantages.
Boarding school is a collaborative effort between the school, parents, and students, with a focus on the best interests of each student. The right boarding environment can offer numerous benefits to your child and enhance their overall school experience.
Responsible for Self
Attending boarding school provides an opportunity for students to take numerous small steps towards personal growth and maturity. Learning to live within a community, adhering to an honour code, and being accountable for one’s actions all contribute to the valuable life lessons gained through this experience. The friendships established during boarding school are often long-lasting and create a network of individuals who care and support one another. This kind of community is essential to our well-being and personal development.
Self-Discipline
Developing a routine is an essential part of growing up.
Since not all children acquire self-regulation at the same pace, boarding schools provide a structured environment to support individual needs. The day is well-organised with set times for waking up, eating, and sleeping, fitting in with the academic schedule of lessons, homework, activities, and free time. Weekends have their own routine of mealtimes and scheduled events, with more flexibility. This helps students to exercise their judgement in finding a healthy balance and to develop their organisational skills with support.
With minimal stress and attention to healthy development, these vital skills become part of the toolkit for these young people. A balanced school calendar is also part of a structured life. Students at Preface enjoy longer holidays at Christmas, Easter, and summer, allowing them to spend valuable time with their families.
Co-curricular Activities
Boarding schools offer a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their interests, with exceptional sports and fitness facilities, performing arts centers, and art galleries. Students can choose from a vast array of sports teams, from hockey to basketball, and even equestrian facilities. The fitness facilities at many boarding schools are state-of-the-art, rivalling commercial fitness establishments. Students interested in theatre, dance, music, and the fine arts will find no shortage of opportunities to showcase their talents, with many schools boasting magnificent performing arts centres and museums. Gorgeous chapels with fine pipe organs and choirs are still common, and chamber music, bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles are just a few of the musical opportunities available. Art galleries and museums acquired by many schools offer another avenue for students to explore their artistic interests.
Friends for Life
When asked about the best part of being a boarding student, most people will likely answer – their friends! Boarding students share meals, living spaces, and accomplishments together, forging cherished memories of weekends and evenings spent in each other’s company. Even difficult times can transform into positive recollections when surrounded by close friends. Such meaningful connections provide a robust support system as they share in the formative experiences of young adult life.
Personal Growth
Living away from home in a dormitory setting at boarding school offers priceless opportunities for personal development. Boarding students have the chance to acquire life skills like time management, work ethic, and independence at an accelerated pace compared to public school students.
Although teachers, administrators, dorm parents, and families provide support and guidance, boarding students are required to take additional responsibility for their education. This growth helps many boarders feel more prepared to transition into college, where these skills are crucial for success.
The abundance of extracurricular activities and clubs means that students must make strategic decisions about time management to prioritise their commitments and create a balanced schedule.
