The boarding houses at Winchester House are a safe, happy and flexible home from home with a family feel. Pupils spend time with friends and take part in our broad activity programme which includes special themed events, discos, games, competitions, all sorts of outings (including shopping trips!) and opportunities to do something different.
We support and encourage all our boarders in learning to become more independent; from the routine of simple everyday tasks like making their beds and folding their clothes, to… everything is designed to help them flourish when they move on to senior school.
Drayton
Drayton is a happy and relaxed boarding house for girls. Together, the children and staff create a family atmosphere that is welcoming to all. There are three dormitories; Gray, Harwood and Wilson, and the girls take great pride in covering the walls with their own photos and pictures. The girls’ house is their home, so getting the right balance between work, play and relaxation is essential. In the evenings there’s plenty of time to relax and simply be with their friends, while games, activities and movie nights are organised across the week. Girls are also given the responsibility of performing certain tasks to keep the house running smoothly.
The House
The House is an excellent place for our boys to learn to be independent and sensitive towards others. Found on the top floor of the beautiful old Manor House, the best thing about it is without doubt its homely, family atmosphere. It is the boys’ home for several months of the year so we know the importance of making it a welcoming place with lots of fun! The extensive activity programme, inter-house competition and in-house tournaments are great ways to let off steam while table football, air hockey and quieter board games are also available.
The House also operates a very effective system with the oldest boys in the house appointed as Dorm Captains whose role is to support the younger boys. They are excellent role models who often become friends with the younger boys and help them through the various challenges of the day, which include learning how to make their own bed, sort out dirty clothes, look after their uniform and keep everything neat and tidy.
Boarding at Winchester House can be very flexible to fit the needs of modern family life. We offer trial, occasional and weekly boarding, and would be delighted to talk to you about the options available to children.
For those wondering what boarding is like but wanting to experience it, our trial boarding nights are an ideal way to try it out.
Occasional Boarding is for those who would like to stay in the boarding house on a regular boarding night, or nights, each week, and is available from Year 3 until the end of the Lent term in Year 7. Occasional boarders get to take part in all the fun and activities too!
Our Weekly Boarders are what you might think of as the more traditional boarders. They stay five nights a week are the core around whom so much of the houses’ success is built. Weekly boarding is available at any point from Year 3 onwards and is the only type of boarding available to children in their last four terms at the top end of the school.