Tips for first time boarder in sixth form

[Padleygorge]

Any and all tips welcome for a child boarding in sixth form for the first time. We've got a guide from the school on what we're allowed to bring and so on, but very keen to hear any experienced parents views on what is a must to bring, what is not needed etc...

Any other more general advice very welcome too!

Mattress topper - never on the list but a must
Girls also like battery powered fairy lights

Sports kit - always loads on the list but sixth formers don’t need it all as they get more choice about what sport they do. Find out what they wear for the main sport your child wants to do in the first term (eg football/netball) and just buy the bare minimum for that to start with until you know the lie of the land.

The key is fitting in and until you get there, you don’t really know what you are fitting in to (eg which home clothes are popular) so don’t take too much at first and be prepared for an emergency shopping trip at first exeat…