St Chris boarding is a popular option offering a “home away from home” for students aged 11 to 18 years, who can choose to board on a full, weekly or flexi basis.
Boarding allows students to dedicate more time to their studies and the co-curricular activities that they enjoy most, together with their friends. With supervised prep time, access to extensive facilities across our 25-acre campus, in addition to a range of activities and trips, boarders can make the most of school life.
[Student written testimonials from boarders x3 – Harley, Rachel, Sophie – with headshots]
For those in year groups where coursework and exams are more central to their curriculum commitments, in particular Year 10 to 11 and Sixth Form, boarding is particularly attractive, affording the maximum possible time for additional prep and revision without the worry of commuting.
The boarding house comprises students from around the world, is co-educational, and is a place where students make friends for life, no matter where they live.
We find that boarders develop a distinct capacity for tolerance, self-sufficiency and independence that serves them well in later life. They learn through experience the important relationship between rights and responsibilities, and the balance between individuality and being part of a community.
Inside the Boarding House
Our Boarding House, Arundale, is located at the heart of the 25-acre campus, overlooking the sports fields and gardens, and close to all facilities and activities.
Each student will have a comfortable single bedroom or flex-boarders may have a shared room, with shared bathrooms and social areas, including sitting rooms, television and games rooms, and a kitchen to make hot drinks and snacks.
Students’ bedrooms are grouped together according to age, with younger boarders in the older part of Arundale, and Sixth Formers in a more recent extension with their own social areas which they can use separately if they wish to.
The Boarding Family
The team is led by houseparents Chris and Cecilia Drayton, who have been at St Chris for almost 20 years and whose three children attended the school.
The houseparents are supported by boarding lead, Joe Sapsford, resident tutor Angeles Ojeda, boarders’ welfare co-ordinator Emma Bennett-Jones, boarding assistant Connor Vincent plus international gap students who join us to support our boarders. Chris, Joe, Angeles and Emma also teach in the main school, providing a vital link between pastoral and academic areas.
Boarding School in Letchworth Garden City
Pretty, historic Letchworth is less than a ten-minute walk away from the school, with its own cinema, library, coffee shops, independent stores, and beautiful green parks.
It’s hard to believe the green and peaceful town is so centrally linked to airports and the national rail network with direct trains to London, Cambridge and beyond.
Isn't the independence
gained through boarding simply invaluable?
While this process can be exciting as you explore different options and avenues for your child, we also know that some parents find it challenging, particularly for key entry year groups.
In the Junior School, we welcome new students throughout the year from the ages of 5 to 11 years old. The main entry points in the Junior School are Reception, Year 3 and Year 5 and our admissions process can be found below: