Many pupils at Pinewood choose to experience the benefits of boarding life. Living alongside other boys and girls, and learning to be part of a community, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the grounds, facilities and friendship of others away from the busyness of a regular school day, all contribute to children growing in independence and confidence.
We offer weekly and flexi (regular evenings a week) boarding for approximately 115 children, providing a flexible and supportive option from Monday through to Friday/Saturday. Children can board from Year 5 when they are aged 9 years. Our approach to boarding is not only a solution for busy families, but also a pivotal step in preparing children for their transition to full boarding senior schools after Year 8. Demand for boarding is frequently child-led, greatly anticipated, and a really marvellous part of school life. Central to our philosophy is a bespoke, child-focused approach where the wellbeing and happiness of each child are at the heart of everything we do. This ensures that each child can settle into boarding at a pace that allows them to thrive as an individual, while becoming part of a close-knit, supportive community where “friends become family.”
Our boarding house is defined by the joy and energy of children who love to explore and engage with the world around them. We are a screen-free environment that encourages outdoor play, exploration, and creative activity. Whether it’s building dens in the woods, swimming, baking, or playing sports like football, hockey or cricket, our structured activity programme provides endless opportunities for fun and personal growth. From early morning runs to jewellery making, there’s something for every child to enjoy.
Through this dynamic and nurturing environment, our boarders develop self-assurance, self-awareness, and most importantly, happiness. We believe that when children feel supported and content, they unlock their full potential, both academically and personally. Our commitment to this philosophy enables our children to flourish in an environment where they feel valued and empowered to take on the challenges ahead.
All children return to their local families each weekend, so no children are boarding over the weekend; however, weekly boarders are welcome to return on Sunday evenings.
Parents are encouraged to register their interest for boarding early, as places are limited; children can then have a taster evening before the decision is made to take up the place.
Older boarders are encouraged to take more responsibility for themselves in anticipation of their arrival at senior school. Many of our Year 7 & 8 pupils choose to weekly board, which helps to build established friendships and encourages independence, as well as focus during the school week. The arrival at senior school is much less daunting for our pupils who have been part of the boarding pattern.
Mr and Mrs Newcome, our dedicated boarding houseparents, seek to create a family atmosphere with the help of their young children. The Headmaster, Mrs Bailey and the Deputy Head are also closely involved in supervising breakfast and supper and undertaking boarding duties.
Weekly boarding encourages a child to become independent, with pastoral and academic guidance from the boarding staff, in preparation for their future years. It suits families where both parents might work away from home or who live further afield, but is popular throughout the school and especially in Year 8. Treats for weeklies such as ‘tuck shop’ and the summer BBQ evening all cement the feeling that they are a special part of the Pinewood community.
Regular boarding gives a child the opportunity to have a taste of boarding and to take advantage of the many activities arranged after school. Regular boarding involves committing to set nights per week (which may well tie in with an activity that finishes late). Many children increase their nights as they move up the school, graduating to weekly boarding in Years 7 & 8.
Boarders have free time after prep at 5.30pm. At this time the children can join in a range of activities and enjoy all the facilities in the grounds, including Treetops, Cricket Nets, the swimming pool, the Sports Hall, hard courts and Astro, as well as golf, art and crafts, and board games. Boarders are also able to make use of the Outdoor Classroom, toasting marshmallows around the campfire and playing games of 40/40 in the woods. Other activities include film nights, discos, and Pinewood’s legendary ‘Spotlight’. Evening activities are optional, and the children can decide to relax with friends and members of the boarding staff if they wish.
Supper at 6.30pm is a family affair and a time to discuss and look back on the day’s highlights or lowlights. Following supper, the evening boarding team takes over and leads evening activities, which continue until 7.40pm when the boarders assemble back in the Dining Room for an evening roll-call, followed by showers and staggered bedtimes according to age.
Special events are held throughout the year, with a particular highlight being the Christmas Feast, followed by a talent show in the Theatre. Once every half term the children can also look forward to the infamous ‘Friday Treat Night’. Treat nights have often been a surprise to the children, although boarders are also able to suggest suitable treats. Previous treats have included Scottish country dancing with our very own ‘pick and mix’ cart, a neon-themed silent disco, an inflatable bungee run, human whack a mole, and party games. Treat nights are a huge success with the boarders and are a lovely way to bring the boarding community together.
Boarding life is busy and fun, but when children inevitably have a difficult day, the family atmosphere helps to provide care, friendship and support.
| 7.10am | Wake up |
| 7.30am | Breakfast |
| 7.45am | Free time, music practice etc. |
| 8.15am | Registration |
| 8.15am – 5.30pm | School day |
| 5.30pm | Change into home clothes |
| 6.30pm | Supper |
| 7-7.50pm | Activities programme which includes catch up on Prep |
| 7.50pm | Cereal and staggered bedtimes |
To view our Boarding Principles and Practice and our policies on Bullying (including Cyberbullying), E-Safety and Complaints please go to our Policies page.