During the course of our academic year, we are asked many questions! Most of the answers can be found in our published literature (see Downloads). However here are the answers to a few Frequently Asked Questions.
House System FAQs
Boarding Houses
Who else is resident?
The Housemaster or Housemistress and their family, as well as the Assistant Housemaster or Housemistress and their family.
Can we specify a House?
Pupils are allocated to Houses by the Headmaster, although siblings are usually placed inthe same House. Individual preferences or requests will be followed where possible.
Do Houses have particular leanings, ie is one sporty, one academic etc?
All Houses have equal status in terms of their leanings - there is always lively competition in our inter-house sports/social competitions and debates but never a regular winning House!
How many are there in each House?
Boarding numbers range between 45 - 55 per House.
Do girls and boys visit each other's Houses?
Yes, they can visit the public areas of each other's Houses.
How do you handle homesickness or personal problems?
The Housemaster/Housemistress, House team and medical centre keep a close eye on all boarding pupils, with plenty of opportunity for chatting and resolving any worries they may have. The School is a very supportive environment, with both pupils and teachers looking out for one another - no one needs to feel alone!
Are rooms lockable?
Yes, pupils have areas that are lockable and study bedrooms have locks on the doors.
School Life FAQs
Can valuables like laptops, mobile phones and jewellery be brought into School?
Valuables can be brought into School but must be clearly marked and are the sole responsibility of the pupil. The School cannot accept liability for any damage or losses and recommends that parents take out their own insurance.
What happens if the children are hungry in between meals?
The School provides a balanced menu of three meals each day. Fruit and snacks are available in the Houses in the evening. The School also has its own Tuck Shop which is open during the day.
What is the School’s policy on . . . drink, smoking, drugs, internet access, mobile phones, bullying, cars/mopeds
Please see the Current Information Book and/or relevant Year Book (Year 7 - 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11) for answers to these questions.
Do I need to insure my child's belongings?
The School strongly recommends that all personal items of value should be insured.
What medical facilities exist? What if my child falls sick at night?
The School has a medical centre and provides 24 hour medical care. There is a nurse on site at all times in continuous pager contact as well as a school doctor within easy access.
Weekends
What are arrangements for pupils staying in/coming home at weekends?
On Chapel weekends we like pupils to stay in. On Exeat weekends pupils can go home, to a guardian or to someone's house with parental permission. On Leave weekends there are few if any who stay in the School.
Can parents visit freely?
Yes, we welcome visits from parents, but we would ask that the Housemaster/Housemistress is contacted first.
What are the arrangements for going into town?
Year 7 & 8 need their Housemistress' permission and are only allowed out in groups. Year 9 can go in on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday pm, in pairs and with Housemaster/Housemistress permission. Year 10 as Year 9 but do not need Housemaster/Housemistress permission. Year 11 as Year 9 & 10 but have more time on Tuesday. Sixth Form have the addition of spending two to two and a half hours in Cambridge from 8pm with Housemaster/Housemistress permission.