Boarding

Boarder on the top bunk

Aysgarth is a haven where young people can find a set of values from which to live the rest of their lives

Robert Swan, O.B.E. and Old Aysgarthian. First man to walk to both poles and Special Envoy to the Director General of UNESCO.

Today’s boarding is comfortable, caring and above all fun. Parents are a lot more involved and the pastoral care is second to none. If you are new to boarding, please take time to consider how this environment will benefit your son. Boys love it!

At Aysgarth, day or weekly boarders often ask their parents to become a full boarder as they feel they are missing out. Sometimes it is difficult to keep them continuously entertained and stimulated at home, particularly if both parents are at work, so Aysgarth can provide that additional enrichment as well as preparing them to do their best academically. We believe strongly in the value of boarding as a means of developing a boy in every respect – to be happy, confident, courteous, independent and ambitious. Boarding can also strengthen family relationships.

Boys are introduced to a wide range of opportunities and encouraged to explore in a secure environment on their own. The key pastoral team includes the Headmaster and his wife who act as ‘parents’ to your son whilst at the School, the Housemaster and his team, the Matrons, the School Nurse and Form Tutors, almost all of whom live on site. The team are enthusiastic about running many activities for boys in the evenings and at weekends, most of them within our beautiful 50-acre grounds. All the dormitories are within our main building, providing a cosy, intimate home-from-home.

We make it easy for boys and parents to grow into boarding; it is possible to start as a day boy, a weekly boarder, regular boarder or full boarder. We welcome day boys as part of this boarding community from which they too can benefit, and there is no expectation that they have to convert to boarding.