Boarding at Kent College Junior School
Kent College Junior School offers a uniquely special boarding experience for children from all around the world. The children will be looked after in a family environment with their own individualised plan to ensure that they are happy, safe and challenged during their time with us at Prep School.
Sidney Cooper Boarding House
Sidney Cooper House is nestled away at the top of our historic building, looking over our stunning grounds. The beautiful outdoor area allows for the children to spend time in nature, playing with their boarding family. Flying on the zip wire, performing their own plays on our outdoor stage, swimming in the pool, bonfires, cricket matches, football are some of the activities they can enjoy. The young boarders also have access to the wider school facilities out of hours and will often be found in the Sports Hall, playing dodgeball, making clay models or painting in the Art Studio or getting in some valuable music practise in the Rehearsal Room.
The happiness and welfare of each and every one of our boarders is the most important to us. The children are nurtured and supported with excellent pastoral care from our dedicated team of boarding staff.
We pride ourselves on being a nurturing family unit; our small size allows us to really get to know the children well and support and encourage them to reach their full potential and develop lifelong skills that will stand them in good stead for years to come.
Staying in touch and keeping busy
Parents are encouraged to play a full part no matter the distance and children can stay in touch with their families in the evenings and weekends through their email addresses or via their own mobile phones. Alternatively, duty boarding staff always have a mobile phone which children can use to contact their families if needs be or through google meet video sessions. We are here to accommodate you by whatever means suits you best.
Children thrive in a caring, challenging community and with the variety of activities, trips and outings available after school and at weekends there will be plenty to keep students occupied. Boarding offers so many benefits for children to develop their social skills and lasting friendships as well as preparing them for the crucial skills they will need for their next steps as they start Senior School.
Whether they are with us for one night a week or seven, we will do our utmost to ensure that your children feel happy and build their self-confidence and independence in this home from home environment.
Parents and children can choose from a variety of flexible boarding options as follows:
Full-time boarding
Weekly boarding
Occasional boarding and Supper Club
If you have plans for the evening or need to work later than planned we have a flexible supper club or occasional boarding programme. Children can stay on with the boarding community after 6.00pm for an evening meal or for the night in our Boarding House.
We can also cover longer stays of a week or more if there is space available in the Boarding House.
Children staying for supper club or overnight can make their way to the Boarding House after their 6:00pm activity finishes.
Music, Sports and English Language Boarding Experiences
Our Junior School offers excellent standards in Music and Sports teaching and also provides experienced EAL teachers. For pupils who would like to benefit from specialist teaching in Sport, Music or English we offer one, two or three term courses that develop their talents.
Please contact prepenquiries@kentcollege.co.uk for more information about Boarding in the Junior School. You can also call 01227 762436
Boarders' Weekday Routine
Breakfast 7.50am
Normal school routine 8.40am-6.00pm
Supper 6.20pm
Boarders’ activities 6.45-7.45pm
Bedtime (onwards according to age) 8.15pm
Boarders' Weekend Routine
We have a diverse programme of activities and outings at the weekend from trips to the cinema or walks on the beach to ice skating at the Natural History Museum or visits to the theatre.
Saturday
Breakfast 8.30am
Morning: Sport or School Farm
Lunch 12.15pm
Afternoon: Sport/Activity or an outing
Supper 5.30pm
Evening: Activities e.g. movie night/swimming party Evening
Sunday
Breakfast 8.30am
Morning: Visit or outing off-site Lunch on the outing or at the Senior School
Afternoon: Outing off-site
Supper: 5.30pm
Evening: Activities/preparation for Monday
House Parent - Sidney Cooper House
A very warm welcome. My name is Miss Wood, I am the House Parent of Sidney Cooper House where I live with my two children and our cheeky cats Luna and Mowgli.
I am also Head of KS1 and teach in Year 1 at the Junior School. Having taught children from Reception to Year 6 in previous posts, I have lots of experience with children of all ages.
We want you to have lots of fun during your stay with us and want to give you lots of opportunities to grow and develop into the very best version of you.
We encourage everyone to continue to practise the school’s KORR values (Kindness, Openness, Respect and Responsibility) and expect you to display these qualities around the boarding house.
Kindness and respect for others and ourselves is at the heart of everything we do. We will also encourage everyone to be open and challenge themselves to try new activities and experiences.
While being a nurturing and caring environment, we encourage you to learn to take responsibility for yourselves and your belongings with our guidance and support.
I hope that you will see Sidney Cooper House as your home while you are at school and a place where you feel safe, cared for and comfortable to be yourself.
Questions about Junior Boarding?
Whatever you want to know, please send us an email and we will gladly answer all your questions.