Boarding Opportunities

Around a third of pupils at Kent College are boarders, and the school has a long and honourable history of welcoming boarders from the international community, as well as from British families. Currently there are some 30 countries represented in our boarding population, and this brings great richness and diversity to school life, as well as helping all our pupils to understand and respect different cultural traditions.

Most are full boarders, staying at the school throughout the term, except at half term, weekly boarding is another option, as the child can enjoy all the stimulus of boarding life during the week, and still be at home with the family at weekends. There is also the opportunity for occasional boarding, when the needs of modern life require that parents are away for a short while.

There are two boarding houses for boys - School House and Guilford House - and two for girls - Wesley House and Austen House.  Recent investment has brought boarding accommodation here up to an exceptional standard.  All have houseparents who are responsible for the welfare of each boarder, assisted by resident tutors. For the houseparents the boarding house is their family home, and this helps maintain the friendly and tolerant atmosphere which was highly praised in the most recent Inspection report. A further benefit is the availability of the school's medical centre which is manned 24 hours a day.

Junior boarders are normally accommodated in small dormitories of up to 4 children, while 6th Form boarders are allocated a study bedroom of their own wherever possible. In each boarding house there are Common Room facilities for all pupils. These include TV rooms, kitchen areas and games areas. A wide range of activities is available at the weekend, and this can include trips to the theatre and to London, and shopping expeditions. 6th Form boarders are allowed into town after school and at weekends. Junior boarders need the permission of the houseparent.

There is a set time for prep each evening, which means that all pupils can get on with their work without distraction.

We aim to set just the right balance between close supervision to ensure the safety and protection of each child, and sufficient independence to allow them to enjoy the boarding experience to the full. Parents can choose boarding at Kent College with total confidence in their child's welfare.

Just as Kent College has a Mission Statement and a set of Aims and Values for the school as a whole, so our Boarding Houses have their own policies and objectives, closely reflecting those of the main School.

For full details of all our Boarding Principles and Policies follow the link below to the Boarding Handbook.

Boarding Handbook Document (Microsoft Word document, 637k)