Boarding is at the heart of the Brockhurst experience. The wide range of boarding options means our national and international full boarders are constantly surrounded by local pupils who enjoy the very popular flexi-boarding option. Everyone can thus feel that sense of belonging to a close-knit boarding family. It is a very special and positive experience.
The benefits of boarding at Prep School continue to be well recognised and children gain a sense of independence and personal responsibility. They learn organisational and social skills, partake in many extra-curricular activities and, through this experience, they develop strong friendships for life. Prep school boarding is also an extremely valuable experience for any child who may be considering boarding at their senior school and the time saved in commuting provides the opportunity for further academic, creative or sporting pursuit. Our extensive grounds and magnificent facilities mean that interests and talents can be nurtured and developed in whatever direction they may lie.
We want every boy to feel as much at home as possible. They can decorate the walls around their beds and keep toys and special bits they want to bring from home. In the evenings they will enjoy having fun with their friends – taking part in organised activities, playing games and relaxing.
Our Houseparents are the main link between School and home and communicate regularly with boarders’ parents. Especially sensitive to the needs of younger and first-time boarders, boarding staff are also regularly in touch with the children throughout the day. Whilst we restrict the general availability of pupils’ mobile phones so they aren’t playing games on them, we understand that even the briefest telephone call can mean the world to a parent of a child at boarding school and we ensure that pupils are able to contact home whenever they would like to.
Full boarders are a very important part of the school and great care and provision is given to ensuring their welfare and happiness.
Weekends are very busy and fulfilled and the House parents and his staff are available at all times to meet the needs of both the boarding pupils and their parents. Boarders have their own common rooms in which to relax and full use of the school’s outstanding facilities.
We have a flourishing system of flexi-boarding, which allows pupils to board for one or more nights a week including at weekends according to their choice. Our system of flexi-boarding gives pupils all the fun that is shared in a boarding community and enables them to take advantage of the many hobbies and activities provided for the boarders.
By living together, boys learn to share and to have consideration for others and, with encouragement, they learn to stand on their own feet and, increasingly, to shoulder responsibility.
Brockhurst and Marlston House has a long and close connection with the military dating back to 1884. It’s a connection and understanding that remains just as strong today.
We understand the unique challenges that military families face when choosing how and where to educate their children. At the School we aim to provide flexibility and support to ensure that your children receive the very best education and care, wherever you are posted.
Our staff understand the military community and know how best to support and nurture the children of military families. Within school they are always surrounded by a large number of friends and kept engaged with a range of academic and co-curricular activities both during the week and at weekends. At all times resident staff are always on hand to listen, guide and mentor each child to ensure their wellbeing and happiness. Our military families also enjoy the flexibility of midweek visits, time away together at weekends, and phased pick up for Exeat weekends. Travel arrangements at the beginning and end of terms can be arranged through staff at the school with flexibility where possible to suit your needs.
In recognition of the distinguished relationship between the School and the military, we are proud to offer the discounts below to boarding families. In addition to the CEA allowance, this discount can be combined with a means-tested bursary:
Discounts
| Army (all ranks) | Discount 15% |
| Navy (all ranks) | Discount 15% |
| Air Force (all ranks) | Discount 15% |
EVENING ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME
There is an extensive range of activities organised for every evening, which enhance the educational experiences available to the pupils. The programme changes according to the season but a typical week would like something like this:
WEEKENDS AT BROCKHURST AND MARLSTON HOUSE
The pupils have a busy week at Brockhurst and Marlston House, but there is plenty on offer at the weekend too. We have an exciting programme of excursions to adventure centres and places of interest such as London and Oxford. We ensure a good balance at weekends and recognise the importance of ‘down time’, where the pupils can spend time enjoying our expansive and beautiful grounds, with plenty of opportunities for an afternoon stroll in countryside or games on the front lawn with friends.
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