Pros & Cons of boarding school

[piepuddingchips]

We are considering boarding school for dc1 in a couple of years (dc2 will follow).

Do your children enjoy it? Do you think the education is better than normal school?

What do you dislike about it?

My two both board/ed. One full boarded and the other weekly.
I would say we are close as a family. I loved watching all the teenage boys hug their parents at matches etc. And sitting down having proper conversations in the coffee shop afterwards. I'm not sure how 'cool' it is for a teenager to hug parents in public, but is perfectly normal at boarding schools.

Both mine can do their own laundry, and can cook meals. They do this at school as well at home.

Full boarder had his own room from yr 10, so could have alone time when needed.

Weekly boarder is in a room of 3, and does find the lack of privacy tiring.

Both DC asked to board, and like their schools. They like not having to travel to school, and having all the activities on their doorstep. Full boarder is academic and enjoyed being able to organise himself and his studying. The teachers often had groups of pupils round to their houses for evening discussions and cooking/watching football etc. Even the Headmaster did this too.

We discuss if they want to move schools at every academic point, and although Full Boarder wavered for 6th form, and secured a day school place, he choose to stay at boarding school.

Talk to your DC, explain the realities of boarding, and let them try it if they want to. It doesn't have to be forever, they can move schools/change to day if they prefer.

BUT IT DOES NEED TO BE THEIR CHOICE - NOT YOURS.