Reading School
Boarding
Boarding Life
'Our Boarders are happy boys and great all-rounders. They are supported by a team of dedicated and experienced staff and benefit from well-versed routines and activities, encouragement with their wider learning and accelerated opportunities for responsibility and leadership. We are proud of the young men they become.'
Rev Dr Chris Evans, Headmaster
The walls of our boarding houses resonate with an unparalleled sense of camaraderie and friendship. For new boarders, this quickly creates a strong sense of belonging and family. Our boarders often excel, learning the wider life skills accelerated by the shared sense of cooperation and collaboration which runs through the heart of boarding, from our smallest year 7s, to our sixth form leadership team.
Our boys work hard and play hard as they are quickly immersed in a variety of clubs, societies and activities. They are supported by highly experienced and caring staff, including our House Matrons, Masters and Tutors. What makes our environment special is the high level of care and expertise provided, which creates a unique and happy culture. This is supported by robust processes, clear expectations for prep and leisure and a daily rhythm which provides stability, variety and enrichment opportunities for all.
We talk to our boarders and they are encouraged to talk to each other. Mealtimes are extended family affairs, where everyone comes together to share this special family time. A sense of warmth and community pervades, from the first school bell and breakfast, to breaks and lunchtimes where Boarders are afforded the luxury of returning to their Houses to socialise and relax. The friendship, candour and warmth of this unique part of Reading School is somewhat revered by the wider school community - especially on cold wintry days.
Boarding Activities
After school clubs, trips and activities are a key part of boarding life. We offer a wide range of after-school clubs including Dodgeball, Cooking and Ultimate Frisbee, alongside Football, Swimming and access to our Fitness Suite for our senior students. We also run regular trips each term to venues such as Coral Reef Waterworld, bowling, lasertag and climbing centres, as well as the much anticipated end of term trips, such as our annual visit to Thorpe Park followed by our Boarders BBQ, or our much loved Christmas trip to a West End theatre.
A number of house competitions are held throughout the year which all boarders are expected to participate in and support. We find these clubs and activities are a great way for the boarders to learn how to support and communicate with one another as well as developing their team building and leadership skills, with many hours' effort put into planning the tactics and strategies required to win!
Let the Fun Begin - Team East Wing, Team South House, Team Talk with Matron and finally we're off!
Come Dine with Us - A chance for our boarders to celebrate their new talents in a display of culinary expertise to entertain our staff
Christmas time and our much anticipated trip to London and a West End show
