Why Boarding?

'Children are thoughtful of their peers and staff. They are respectful of each other, and from early in their boarding experience, learn how to live alongside each other in a shared community. Boundaries and expectations are clear but not rigid, allowing space for individual personalities to shine.'

Ofsted Report 2023

Boarding is at the heart of Reading School, with boarders experiencing both the benefit of being part of the whole school, but also being able to carve out their own special identity as boarders living within the striking Victorian buildings.

The boarding community is small, split across two houses with new arrivals joining either East Wing or South House, so all boarding students will have a ready-made community for them to settle into from their first day, as well as friendly rivals for a range of house competitions. Each house has six boarders in every year group, so they are quickly able to establish friendships. Both houses run from Year 7 to Year 13, so all of the youngest students also benefit from the wisdom and guidance of our senior students.

Boarders are always overrepresented in sports teams, house events and orchestras compared to day school students and benefit from the leadership opportunities and charity initiatives that boarding provides to develop their character and sense of service. Equally, the increased personal responsibility that boarding life inevitably requires brings a profound benefit to prepare boarders for university and life beyond school.

We feel strongly that boarding at Reading School is a transformative and enriching experience for the young people in our care and are immensely proud of the young people who make boarding such a vibrant and welcoming community.