Meet our Head of Senior Boys’ Boarding

Following the successful launch of boys’ boarding in 2021 and the growth within our boarding community, we are excited to have opened additional boarding houses for boys and girls from September 2022, along with a newly refurbished, off-site Year 13 Boarding House.

As the academic year begins, Mr Giles Cuddy joins Westonbirt as the new Head of Senior Boys’ boarding. He shares with us how he creates an environment where students feel safe, welcome and included.

What is your previous experience of being a boys’ House master?
I have been in boys’ boarding for 6 years and I have been in boarding overall for 7 years at Stowe School. I just love the community and the opportunity to engage with so many different characters that come through. It is a very rewarding job and at times a challenging job, but it is something I am very passionate about.

How do you feel about coming to Westonbirt as a Senior Boys’ House master?
I think Westonbirt is an incredible school. There is so much history and so much character to the grounds themselves. The community that I have been welcomed into has been fantastic, from different colleagues to the staff around the grounds- everyone has made me feel very welcome. I am very excited as the school continues to grow and take new directions. Having the opportunity to be a leader and to help shape the future of Westonbirt’s boys’ boarding is something I am very excited to take on.

How do you think boarding can benefit a boy’s education?
Boarding gives each pupil the opportunity to be a part of a wider community and enrich their education. As a boarder you will spend more time outside of the classroom then you will spend in it but all of that time outside of the classroom, you are still learning. The educational benefits of being in a boarding community are huge because you learn to interact with each other, you learn to band together when times get hard and support your friends when they are struggling. You get to meet a wide range of people and learn to live with them and that is invaluable for each individual going forward.

What are you looking forward to most?
The different opportunities that Westonbirt offers for the students are vast and it is really exciting to be a part of that and to get out there and explore and enjoy the grounds and see everyone as the term starts.

What do you think is the most important part of your role as a boys’ House master?
The most important part is creating a community where everyone feels safe, welcome, included, that they have a voice and they can be heard. I want everyone to feel part of the community and encourage them to grow during their time at Beaufort House and at Westonbirt School.

What is your style of being a boarding parent?
I would describe my style as firm, fair and fun. I think if everyone is in a safe community where they understand what is expected of them, they have the opportunity to grow themselves. I really want to create a fun environment. Whether it is education, sport or any other activities, it is so much more enjoyable if you are having fun.