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Original poster

Boarding schools - planning for Brexit?

158 replies

Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 13:14

My DD is at a UK boarding school. We are also in the UK, but hundreds of miles away.

We now have only 50 days to a likely no deal Brexit.
I've asked the Head what contingency plans are in place for the effects of a no deal. This is in the current context of expected serious food, medication and fuel shortages, the possibility of contaminated tap water, no facilities for disposing of waste, civil unrest and an increase in crime (eg looting / burglaries).
He has told me that the school has not made any plans in respect of Brexit. And that other schools haven't either (the school is in some kind of independent schools association). Apparently it is too early to be making any contingency plans. The school has not written to any parents (whether UK or international) in relation to Brexit. I imagine that some international parents will have little or no idea of what is going on in the UK.
Can I ask whether anyone else has a child at boarding school and is worried about what will happen, both in respect of the Easter holiday (shortly after Brexit), and in respect of the summer term? Have your schools made any preparations or even just plans to do so?

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Jess74 · 08/02/2019 19:16

Why would Brexit mean contaminated water?

To be honest OP, most of us will be so sick and tired of hearing about brexit by then we'll just be glad when it's over. As for civil unrest. Very unlikely really. Maybe a few months down the line when any affects kick in. Fuel, food and medication shortages if they happen will be short term and mostly due to people whipping up a frenzy.

Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 19:15

She can get the train pre-Brexit, obviously.
But my question is whether any other boarding schools have put any plans in place?

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Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 19:13

That's not at all reassuring, Derek.

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Jess74 · 08/02/2019 19:12

Well, you have plenty it time before now and then to drive there and get her. Would she have not broken up for Easter by then anyway?

derekthe1adyhamster · 08/02/2019 19:12

I work in a boarding school. This hasn't even crossed my mind. Stocks did start to run low 5 or 6 years ago when it snowed lots though.
Nah. Still can't get worked up

Windyone · 08/02/2019 19:11

If you are genuinely this worried then surely you’ll go and get her in plenty of time and have her at home with you.
Surely if you expect civil unrest/looting/burglaries plus contaminated water and food shortages you’d want your family to be together.

Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 19:09

The reason for her being at that school is irrelevant. But if you must know, we had to move and she wanted to stay at the school. Not so extraordinary.

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ThroughThickAndThin01 · 08/02/2019 19:08

is this post real

I doubt it. A Brexit super scenario. Very very strange,

Why would you send your dd to a boarding school 2+ days travel in the uk. Just why? There must be x amount of excellent boarding schools closer.

Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 19:08

Here's hoping that a friend's family will be happy to have her to stay for the 3 week Easter holiday just after Brexit day, if necessary. It's a big ask though.

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Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 19:06

They won't be able to live off tinned goods if they're not buying in any tinned goods. That's the whole issue. They're doing absolutely nothing.
Yes, if I drove non-stop, I'd be able to do it in less time than that. But I'm assuming rest stops and sleeping overnight and at least the usual traffic problems.

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1805 · 08/02/2019 18:51

That's a very long way from home. I'm intrigued now as the locations involved! Maybe Channel Islands??

But, no, I'm not too worried. I'm sure my DC's schools are more organised than me anyway, so I guess they'll be better off at school!

GaribaldiGirl · 08/02/2019 18:48

Is this post real? The UK is only about 880 miles in length. I think even a Reliant Robin could do that in less than two days.

And why on earth would the water be contaminated? Not heard that one...

One of my sons is a boarder. I’m sure he’s hoping there will be chaos and he’ll be allowed to live solely on Walkers crisps (from potatoes grown, cooked and bagged in the UK) and Kitkats (made in York) but I’m sure he’ll be disappointed.

errorofjudgement · 08/02/2019 18:47

I’m the parent of a boarder who will be sitting her A level exams starting in May. We have not had any specific Brexit info and I’m not expecting any. I assume the school will cope, just like the rest of us, though there may be a few weeks of more tinned goods than usual!
Presumably your DD has friends who live closer to the school than you? In the highly unlikely event the school had to close and you cannot get there I’m sure some kind Mum would take in your DD for a couple of days.
Was there a particular reason for your DD being in a school so very far from home? And how do you cope with weekend exeats?

Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 18:39

It is possible. I've done the trip several times. It's not Lands End to John O Groats but it's similar.

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Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 18:36

I'd love to hear from other parents of boarders?

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ThroughThickAndThin01 · 08/02/2019 18:36

2 days?? You’re in the uk and she’s in the uk? Sorry, but can’t see that’s possible.

Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 18:34

It takes 2 days to drive there and 2 days back. In a situation when there will likely be fuel shortages.

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Redskyandrainbows67 · 08/02/2019 18:27

But yes - she’s your daughter - you should be planning to pick her up.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 08/02/2019 18:27

Why can’t you pick her up to get her home?

Redskyandrainbows67 · 08/02/2019 18:27

I agree with you - the school should be making some contingency plans

The head probably voted leave!

People are completely underestimating the impact of a no deal on the uk.

Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 18:24

A lot of staples are imported.

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Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 18:24

I'm worried about whether she'll be able to get home, 1 week after Brexit day. And back again. And about food shortages, etc.

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anniehm · 08/02/2019 18:19

Other parents have raised this with DD's school - we have been told not to worry. As it's just before the Easter break they do have wriggle room and I believe that things won't be that bad - shortages will be in specific things rather than staples

Donmesswime · 08/02/2019 18:12

Have you a specific worry?

Original poster
Tonsilss · 08/02/2019 18:08

A lot of people are likely to experience, very soon now, that the UK needs the EU a hell of a lot more than the EU needs the UK. And it's not their job to save us from our own politicians.

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