Education

The Benefits Of Boarding For 21st Century Learners

Boarding schools have a long, rich history in Britain; the concept is thought to have first originated in medieval times when boys were sent to be educated at a monastery or a noble household where a literate cleric was able to teach them. Over time the requirements for, and purpose of, boarding schools have of course changed dramatically, but what is the relevance of the long tradition of boarding in the modern world and what are the benefits for the modern day learner?

With many boarding schools today, the reality is that they are extremely forward looking. No longer is the objective to simply facilitate a student’s academic progression through suitable, safe accommodation; the aim goes way beyond this - to develop the ‘whole’ child, giving them the best overall school experience possible.

Boarding schools offer a unique sense of community for young people. Students are able to live, learn and grow among people of their own age, building life-long friendships and, particularly in international schools, they are able to interact and engage with other students from all over the world, building understanding, empathy, internationalmindedness and cultural awareness.

Many boarders see their boarding house like one big family, and that’s exactly what it should be - a home away from home, with a diverse range of siblings, but also with dedicated House Parents to seek guidance and support from. The provisions in place for student wellbeing in modern boarding schools are truly unparalleled and light-years ahead of what I imagine they were in Medieval times. Rigorous support systems are in place 24 hours a day – whether it’s an academic or personal issue or question. Reserving time specifically to check in on teenagers’ mental wellbeing is enormously valuable, and, however reluctant they may appear, many will flourish with this additional support.

On top of the sense of community and the advanced support, the activities boarders are able to take advantage of is really what makes boarding schools stand out from other educational settings. A rich boarding experience today must include a variety of fun and educational extra-curricular activities as an integral part of boarding life. Boarding students benefit from a wide range of activities outside of the classroom - this could include service and volunteering opportunities, cooking with friends in the boarding house, sports and performing arts clubs, or even trips to a local city or the countryside. These experiences - that go far beyond the classroom walls - are so important for the development of modern day learners who are well-rounded, resilient and ready to thrive in the 21st century world.

Of course, while the extra-curricular timetable is important, school is still school, and the key purpose of boarding is, as it has been for centuries, excellent education. For today’s boarders, the benefit of living amongst your peers as well as specialist boarding house professionals is that there is always someone to turn to for academic help. Boarding staff are required to work very closely with teachers to support and encourage each student to reach their potential, and extra help should always be available for those who need it. Boarding houses will also often provide plenty of quiet study spaces where students can work each evening with support close at hand.

In a world of frequent change, modern day boarding schools can provide muchneeded flexibility for families. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many families and students who live in London or other busy cities, and usually commute to school each day, are now turning to boarding as an alternative option. While the world is still navigating this new normal, the need to avoid public transport, coupled with a greater appreciation for green space, means families are placing a renewed value on escaping from the busy city and enjoying the spacious, rural environment that boarding school campuses can provide.

So, whether your child’s school is just down the road, or across the Atlantic, the modern boarding school offers a wide range of benefits. No longer is boarding simply a necessity that ensures a student can continue their education - it’s a way of life that provides so much more than just an academic education.

Barnaby Sandow, Head of School, ACS International School Cobham www.acs-schools.com/cobham cobhamadmissions@acs-schools.com +44-(0)1932-867251