Boarding Life

We are a caring, kind community, celebrating diversity, with high expectations and ambition for students to flourish and achieve. Boarding offers a safe and homely environment to develop independence and build life-long friendships. The Boarding Houses all have their own unique style. All Houses have a range of bedrooms and places to study as well as kitchen and common areas where pupils can meet and relax.

The boarding campus is set in the historic town of Steyning. part of Britain’s newest National Park and stretches from Winchester to Beachy Head. Steeped in history, there are ancient hill-forts, barrows, a Roman road and deserted medieval villages. The area has a rich diversity of natural habitats including flower-studded chalk grassland, ancient woodland, flood meadow, lowland heath and the rare chalk heathland. This varied environment provides an excellent basis for students to enjoy outdoor pursuits, such as walking, running, cycling and horse riding.

Full, Weekly or Flexi Boarding Options

Boarders can choose to either board full time, weekly or flexi. Flexi boarding is a minimum of a 3-night stay. Weekly boarding includes 5 nights in residence between Sunday 6.00 pm and Friday 6.00 pm. Full boarders can opt to remain in boarding at weekends or visit family or friends. Flexi or weekly boarders can remain in boarding at weekends for which there is an extra charge.

For boarders who remain for the weekend, there is an extensive enrichment programme as well as mini bus trips to the local supermarket and Brighton for shopping. There are no exeat weekends which means that boarding remains open every weekend during term times, giving families peace of mind.

Provision is made for students with special educational needs or disabilities, particular religious, dietary, language or cultural needs. The Houseparent is the key point of contact and will communicate with the parents and child (and staff as required) and make the necessary arrangements.

Sussex Life

The beautiful West Sussex market town is home to more than 5,000 people and surrounded by the South Downs National Park. There are plenty of local groups and societies covering most sporting events, music and theatre as well as a local conservation group, Steyning Downland Scheme. See the Enrichment Page for more details of local activities.

Brighton, a seaside resort on the southern coast is approximately a 30 minute minibus drive away which is where students will find all the popular shops and eating establishments. Brighton is also home to the impressive Brighton and Hove Albion Football stadium a venue where students visit from time to time to watch league matches.