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Welcome to Junior boarding

Westonbirt School has a long tradition of boarding, offering full, weekly and flexi boarding options for both boys and girls.  In 2023, we were included in the Fortune ‘World’s Leading Boarding Schools’ 2023 report with a five star review and also voted ‘Co-Educational Independent School of the Year’ in the Independent School Parent magazine awards.

Owing to increased demand, we are delighted to announce the opening of Sedgwick, a new dedicated Junior boarding house which will cater for pupils across both of our Prep and Senior schools in Years 6-8 (ages 10-13). Full boarding is available to Year 6 pupils, with ad-hoc and flexi-boarding options available to Year 5 pupils.

Located in the beautiful Cotswolds, only 90 minutes from London Heathrow Airport and close to major road links, Westonbirt Prep and Senior Schools together provide a unique, magical and nurturing experience and a ‘home from home’ for your child.

About Westonbirt

An inspired day and boarding community, set in a mansion house and 210 acres of stunning parklands. It has a flexible curriculum, a strong English as an Additional Language (EAL) department, wide sports and co-curricular programme and good achievements.  In 2023, university destinations  for leavers included Oxford and Edinburgh. Success is celebrated and talent nurtured; the ethos is greenhouse, not hothouse, and for our boarders, it really is a place where friends become family.

Our Prep School caters for children aged 4-11 (Reception to Year 6) whilst our Senior School takes children aged 11-18 (Years 7-13).

Sedgwick House Boarding House common room

Welcome to Sedgwick

Our new Junior Boarding House for pupils in Years 6, 7 and 8 opened in 2024 and is available to both boys and girls. This is the first time that the School will have offered boarding to Prep pupils; an exciting development for younger pupils who are able to gain greater independence ahead of the move to our senior school, immerse themselves in activities and enjoy the warmth and inclusivity of the boarding community. Full boarding is available to Year 6 pupils, with ad-hoc and flexi-boarding options available to Year 5 pupils. Sedgwick will have space for 22 boarders with one floor designated for girls and one for boys.

Please contact Admissions to find out more or book a personal tour.

 

Pastoral Care

We are mindful of the needs of pupils in these age groups; some are making the transition to the senior school and others are on the cusp of adolescence. Our residential team aims to ensure and maintain a stress-free, secure and happy community for them, whilst promoting and developing a positive school ethos.

Sedgwick’s House Parent is Ms Sarah Jane Rhead, and an Assistant House Parent resides next door. Pupils’ health, mental and physical wellbeing, and safety is of paramount importance and pastoral care is embedded throughout all aspects of both schools. We also have a Health and Wellbeing Centre to provide medical care, with access to doctors, counsellors and a physiotherapist.

 

Meet our Houseparent Ms Sarah Jane Rhead

Sarah has a wealth of experience in teaching and pastoral care, having taught in schools across the UK and being on our Senior Leadership Team for the last five years. Her intention is to create a homely atmosphere for the children in her care and one where they feel safe, settled and happy.

“We are in effect offering the children ‘a home from home’ here at Westonbirt, somewhere they feel supported in all practical ways but particularly emotionally, especially those boarding on a full basis. I intend to create a house structure that will work with pupils from both schools and across both timetables. Even within the age groups, the children’s needs are very different. I plan to provide an evening routine for them that will allow them a good meal; time for fun; time to relax after the day’s activities; and help with homework, where needed. There will be consistency over things like the use of electronic devices, and bedtimes, and above all, I will ensure that they get a good night’s sleep!”

What do our boarders say?

Ami from Japan:

“I have been able to improve my English and get to really know a different culture. In Japan, we don’t have drama lessons, dance class or gyms in school – and we have all those things here at Westonbirt, it’s so different! I also love art, and I receive one-on-one attention from my teacher and I feel like they really care about me.”

Sienna from the UK:

“I love spending time with all my friends at school and within the boarding house. It feels cosy and like a home from home.”

 

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