EDUCATION
Surrey’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine
Considering flexi-boarding
Ash Vargas, Head of Boarding at St. John’s School in Leatherhead, explains why flexi-boarding is a viable alternative for busy parents.
For many parents the choice of whether to opt for boarding or day school is a tough one. Often parents are keen for their children to experience all the advantages that come with boarding: a sense of pride in their school, extended extra-curricular activities and long-lasting ties with friends. However, the disadvantages of rising fees and time spent away from families is often a drawback.
Twenty years ago, many predicted boarding schools were on their way to becoming obsolete. However, statistics from the Independent Schools Council have shown that, contrary to expectations, boarding is becoming ever more popular as an option for UK parents.
This doesn’t mean that the image of packing small children off to a far-flung location is an accurate representation of boarding today. Whilst many boarders remain full-time, increasing numbers of parents are now considering ‘flexi-boarding’.
St John’s School is the latest to introduce flexi-boarding as an option that the school hopes will appeal to parents with busy schedules, but for whom the cost of full-boarding may be prohibitive. The advantages for both students and parents are clear.
Students are able to dip a toe in the water to see if boarding suits, without the commitment and expense of full-boarding. Flexi-boarding can be hugely helpful for busy families where parents are working long days and often travelling on business. There is also often the capacity to cope with a short-notice family emergency.
Twenty years ago, many predicted boarding schools were on their way to becoming obsolete. However, statistics from the Independent Schools Council have shown that, contrary to expectations, boarding is becoming ever more popular as an option for UK parents.
This doesn’t mean that the image of packing small children off to a far-flung location is an accurate representation of boarding today. Whilst many boarders remain full-time, increasing numbers of parents are now considering ‘flexi-boarding’.
St John’s School is the latest to introduce flexi-boarding as an option that the school hopes will appeal to parents with busy schedules, but for whom the cost of full-boarding may be prohibitive. The advantages for both students and parents are clear.
Students are able to dip a toe in the water to see if boarding suits, without the commitment and expense of full-boarding. Flexi-boarding can be hugely helpful for busy families where parents are working long days and often travelling on business. There is also often the capacity to cope with a short-notice family emergency.
Our flexi-boarding option is increasingly popular because it gives children the best of both worlds in that they get to spend time with their families, and their friends. It breaks up the week for them, particularly if they too have a long commute.
There’s a rigid schedule for prep and additional support is available if required. There is also a strong social side and a wealth of educational and co-curricular activities to try: everything from sport to cinema to cake decorating. So no need to nag for prep to be done, and there’s even a school laundry service!
Pupils get a taste of independence, as they are responsible for themselves and their belongings away from home. There’s no doubt that some element of boarding enhances the education experience for all pupils in many ways and can be ideal preparation for their eventual move to university.
At St John’s, parents can sign up and pre-pay for an agreed time each term, but we try to be flexible and accommodate last-minute requests too.
There’s a rigid schedule for prep and additional support is available if required. There is also a strong social side and a wealth of educational and co-curricular activities to try: everything from sport to cinema to cake decorating. So no need to nag for prep to be done, and there’s even a school laundry service!
Pupils get a taste of independence, as they are responsible for themselves and their belongings away from home. There’s no doubt that some element of boarding enhances the education experience for all pupils in many ways and can be ideal preparation for their eventual move to university.
At St John’s, parents can sign up and pre-pay for an agreed time each term, but we try to be flexible and accommodate last-minute requests too.
Our flexi-boarding option is increasingly popular because it gives children the best of both worlds in that they get to spend time with their families, and their friends.