Forces Families

Boarding - Home away from Home

“It is almost like being at home, but surrounded by friends, and with loads to do. “

“We love the ‘gaps’- they always make things fun.”

The decision to board is not an easy one for a family to take.  At Bruton School for Girls, we have a number of pupils from forces families and long-standing experience of the particular needs of children whose parents may have to move frequently, perhaps at short notice, perhaps some distance away and at times overseas.

“We felt the atmosphere was a happy one.”

Our boarding offers girls and their families a secure environment, where there is plenty going on and where they will feel supported, comfortable and happy.  Our teams of experienced house staff are complemented by one or two ‘gap year’ staff, whose energy and enthusiasm are especially appreciated by the youngest boarders.   With excellent facilities and dedicated and caring staff, we endeavour to create a home away from home for all our boarders.

Testimonials
Some of our parents and girls have written about their experience of boarding at Bruton School for Girls. Click here to read more.

Continuity
Ensuring continuity of education is often a high priority.  We provide boarding places from the Prep School through to the Sixth Form and so offer seamless continuity from the age of 8 to 18 years.  In each of our three boarding houses, we cater separately for the needs of individuals in different age groups: Junior (age 8 – 13), Form 4 (age 14-15) and Form 5 & Sixth Form (age 15 – 18).  Boarding staff monitor the completion of prep and exam revision and, for the younger boarders, prep is supervised in the boarding house.

To see more click here for Boarding

Settling In

“Everyone was so friendly that I didn’t miss home at all!”

Helping the girls, to settle in is important.  Here at Bruton we do all we can to ensure a smooth transition to boarding life.  We arrange for girls to have a taster sleepover in the relevant boarding house as part of their taster day experience.  This helps them to find out about the routines of after school activities, supervised prep, free-time, supper, lights out and breakfast as well as giving them the chance to meet other boarders and house staff.

Before arriving for the first day of term, our Registrar liaises closely with parents, providing information at every step of the way and answering questions about the practicalities of being away from home.  Together with the boarding house staff, she will deal with any concerns.   Upon arrival, boarding house staff make sure that a warm welcome awaits girls and families and they take care of helping the girls to settle in.  A friendly and reassuring start paves the way for a successful and happy boarding experience for all the family.

Boarding is Fun

“I can do more activities and after school clubs”

“ There is always something going on”

One of the most important things is for boarders to feel that it is fun to board.  With plenty going on and friends easily made, girls enjoy life in the boarding house even if there are the odd moments when home is missed.  There is always someone around and those moments are quickly dispelled.

Activities and Friendships

“I feel part of a larger family where the older girls look after me.”

Strong friendships are forged in the boarding house where there are girls of different backgrounds, ages and nationalities.  Support is always around if needed from other girls or from house staff.  Some of the older girls in the boarding houses often become like older sisters to the younger ones or those new to boarding.  The house staff ensure that there are many activities on offer in the evenings and at weekends.  The girls are encouraged to be involved and quickly make friends.

Food
Our excellent catering team provide a diverse, healthy  and nutritious selection of meals every day.  With plenty of choice on offer, there should be something to appeal to every palate and dietary requirement.  Firm favourites like spaghetti bolognese appear alongside less familiar dishes like thai salmon and rice and there is always a vegetarian option and salad bar.

Fees
We offer a 10% discount on fees to forces families with girls either full or weekly boarding. To find out more contact the Registrar, on 01749 814400.

Communication
Maintaining good communication is vital for the family leaving a daughter to board and for girls who are away from home and who may have a parent away from home too.  In all the boarding houses, boarders have access to the internet and telephone.  We welcome visits from parents at any time as well as at the many school events that occur throughout the year.

Transport
Should help with transport arrangements be needed, we are happy to assist, for example with transport to the railway station.

Guardians
If parents need to appoint guardians, the school is able to provide assistance in the form of a list of guardian agents.