As we gradually start to move out of lockdown many are considering what the ‘new normal’ will be for themselves and their families. It is a time of reflection to assess what truly matters and the changes we wish to make and continue in our lives.
Looking after physical and mental health, maintaining close relationships and achieving a work-life balance are the most common priorities post-lockdown, and just as we want these things for ourselves, we want them for our children. A boarding education could give your child the balance they need to thrive.
Within the Trent boarding community, we understand the importance of pupil wellbeing and leading a fulfilling life beyond the classroom. Boarding provides the routine and structure your child needs to maximise their learning time, as well as the independence they need to become a self-sufficient young adult with their own interests and ambitions.
Living distance from school is no longer the primary reason families choose boarding, with 80% of the weekly and flexi boarders at Trent living within a 45 minute drive-time of school. There are many ways that boarding can help your child go further, whether you choose to board on a flexi, weekly or full-time basis. Here are some of the most important benefits.
ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Supervised Prep sessions take place after each school day has finished. These sessions remove distractions from study time and remain a mobile-free zone. A set study time helps boarders to establish a healthy separation between study and social time.
Many Trent teachers assist in Prep supervision, meaning pupils also have access to additional guidance on homework when required. During Prep, pupils also benefit from extended access to onsite facilities and learning resources, such as the Devonshire Library and Art Studio.
FULFILLING DOWNTIME
We have all been missing the opportunity for hobbies and socialising during lockdown. For young people this has been particularly hard. Joining a boarding community can help make up for lost time.
Just as boarding helps pupils to maximise their study hours, it also helps them make the most of their time beyond the school timetable. Although gaming and television can help young people to unwind in moderation, we aim to make boarders’ downtime as fulfilling as possible. During the week, this involves quality time with their boarding families and fun evening activities with other boarders their age, such as baking and swimming. Trips to local attractions and social events for the whole boarding community make sure every weekend is memorable.
ENHANCED LIFE SKILLS AND INDEPENDENCE
Living away from home provides many opportunities for boarding pupils to develop their independence and gain new life skills. It is an experience that will encourage them to venture outside their comfort zone, while in the security of a safe and familiar environment. Boarders have their own responsibilities, including keeping bedrooms tidy and following house rules. Learning to live harmoniously in a house full of different characters also results in stronger social skills. As pupils get older, they can also apply for a leadership role in their house such as House Prefect or Head of House.
HEALTHY FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
The constant juggling act of work and school commitments can make it hard for families to stay connected to each other. While some parents may worry that boarding will create distance between them and their children, we have found that boarding can have a positive impact on parent-child relationships and even bring families closer together. Boarding pupils are encouraged to maintain regular contact with their parents over the phone and families are also able to visit boarders at school. Boarding provides valuable breathing space for both parents and pupils during the turbulence of adolescence and a clear divide between work and family time, resulting in greater appreciation of quality time together.
COMPREHENSIVE AND EXCEPTIONAL CARE
Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of our first-class education. A positive mindset is essential for achieving the best possible academic outcomes and happy, confident pupils are more likely to reach their potential. Led by the Deputy Head (Pastoral), Mr Hallows, our excellent pastoral provision ensures boarding pupils receive the highest quality support from a team of experienced staff. In addition to the pastoral support every Trent pupil can access through school, boarding pupils have an additional support network inside their boarding houses.
Our boarding community is a home away from home where pupils become part of a close-knit family. Houseparents, matrons and duty tutors provide a constant and familiar adult presence in every house, while the shared experience of boarding brings together pupils from different year groups and diverse backgrounds. The relationships formed can last a lifetime and span the globe.
PERFECT PREPARATION FOR UNIVERSITY AND ADULTHOOD
Many day pupils begin their boarding journey in Sixth Form in order to benefit from the additional academic focus that the boarding experience can bring to this crucial stage in their education. Boarding can provide a helpful stepping stone between school and the future beyond Trent. For pupils with degree ambitions, it gives an early experience of the independence that comes with living at university, allowing them to prepare for life away from home. For pupils with other paths in mind, boarding can equip them with the life skills to build foundations for a successful future.
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