Boarding House

The Royal School's Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) boarding house was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1989.  

A home-from-home

For some boarders this may be the first experience of living away from home and we understand it can take some time to adjust to boarding life. Our experienced boarding staff are on hand to make this transition as seamless as possible, offering support and advice to pupils and parents alike.

We provide a secure and stable environment in which we support and encourage pupils. There is always plenty to do, friends to spend time with and events to look forward to. As with the rest of the school, the boarding house is underpinned by a strong pastoral ethos, with someone on hand for guidance, encouragement and support, just like home. Our boarding house is a warm, comfortable and happy environment where pupils thrive and develop skills for life. As soon as boarders join The Royal they benefit from a first-class onboarding programme including a ‘boarding buddy’ system to help them adjust to life at The Royal quickly and easily. Many of our boarders establish life-long friendships across the globe.

Facilities 

QEII comprises single and double study bedrooms and a few triple bedrooms for younger students. Each boarder has their own furnished area, including a bed, wardrobe, drawers and a desk. Kitchenette facilities (complete with a kettle, toaster, fridge, etc.) are available to make evening snacks with staff on hand to supervise where necessary. There is comfy common room and also a fully equipped gym within the building. 

The boarding house is divided by gender and age: 

• The boys are on the ground floor where the senior boys Year 7 – 11 share double or triple rooms. The Sixth Form boys are based in single or double study bedrooms. The two age groups have separate bathroom facilities.

• The girls are on the top floor where the senior girls Year 7 – 11 share double or triple rooms, with some single rooms for the older girls. The Sixth Form girls are based in single or double study bedrooms. The two age groups have separate bathroom facilities. 

All boarders are allocated a room for their first term. Subsequently, boarders may have some input into the arrangements made for sharing.  Sixth Form boarders are allowed into the boarding house after 1.30pm during the school day to study in their rooms or enjoy some downtime in the Sixth Form Cafe/Common Room. 

Boarding Staff 

In addition to Mrs Bartlett-Rawlings (Head of Boarding), there is a residential boarding houseparent and boarding tutors who support the boarding house, so there is always someone on hand to help with any concerns. The boarding house is open all day and is staffed from 07.00 to 22.30. There are both male and female boarding staff on duty throughout the evening, with residential staff on duty overnight.