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Boarding school

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Original poster

Any advice for a new boarder in Y7?

32 replies

mustardrarebit · 01/12/2024 10:13

My DD12 has unexpectedly been offered an earlier place at a specialist music school from January, so we are scrambling to prepare. DH only boarded at 6th form, so there's a vast difference between him and a pre-teen girl!

Can anyone pass on any pearls of wisdom, or advise on what she needs to take that I might not have considered?

She's getting a phone for Xmas, as the school likes them to have one.

Any tips or suggestions would be most welcome!

OP posts:
Siriusmuggle · Yesterday 08:15

Is she loving Chets? My ex Chets kid is just a few weeks away from his final degree recital now.

minisnowballs · Yesterday 09:16

@mustardrarebit - I wish mine had any desire to keep her dorm tidy. She's improved a bit but it's still chaos when she's busy.

@RosaMimosa let me know if I can help - mine is year 12 and this is her third year as a WCS specialist. Every year she takes more instruments, but fewer clothes.

RosaMimosa · Yesterday 11:59

mustardrarebit · 23/04/2026 22:39

She's at Chetham's. I imagine the requirements are quite similar though. So far only one concert dress, but we are on our third pair of shoes in a year! She has quite a good capsule wardrobe, because she likes to keep her dorm wardrobe tidy and hates having to bring stuff home if she can avoid it. One thing she finds essential is a hanging box for the side of her bunk (top or bottom, it's equally useful for having essentials close at hand).

Hope your child has a wonderful time at Wells.

Show quote history

Thank you very much, it is really helpful!

RosaMimosa · Yesterday 12:06

@minisnowballs, thank you and I am glad to hear that. I assume that musicians are quite busy at Wells (at least this is what my DD's music teacher keeps saying to her) so don't have too much time for hanging around/going into town. Do they mix a lot with other kids or they stay closer to their music bubble? Which instruments does your DD play?

minisnowballs · Yesterday 12:10

@RosaMimosa DD is very, very busy, yes. She's not strings or piano though, but woodwind, so I think there's less of a 'chained to a practice' room vibe. Lots of ensembles and choirs.

She usually makes it into town for a mooch around a couple of times a week - the lack of commute gives her some time back and it's literally a two minute walk from the boarding house. By Year 12 they can go out in the evenings which helps.

Lots of non-musician friends and she's very happy- we do miss her though.

How old is yours and what does she play? Hope she loves it.

RosaMimosa · Yesterday 12:18

minisnowballs · Yesterday 12:10

@RosaMimosa DD is very, very busy, yes. She's not strings or piano though, but woodwind, so I think there's less of a 'chained to a practice' room vibe. Lots of ensembles and choirs.

She usually makes it into town for a mooch around a couple of times a week - the lack of commute gives her some time back and it's literally a two minute walk from the boarding house. By Year 12 they can go out in the evenings which helps.

Lots of non-musician friends and she's very happy- we do miss her though.

How old is yours and what does she play? Hope she loves it.

My DD is twelve, she plays flute (main) and oboe, and wants to try harp and harpsichord. She's got her place from Sept in Y8 and I never considered boarding till Six Form, so it happened unexpectedly. Will see how it goes!

minisnowballs · Yesterday 12:51

@RosaMimosa they'll definitely meet then, v similar instrument profiles.

Feel free to DM me with any questions!

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