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 houses are underpinned by a strong pastoral ethos, with someone on hand for guidance, encouragement and support, just like home.
Our boarding houses are 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.
Prince of Wales Boarding House
Our junior boarding house is located in Stoatley Hall, a majestic grade II listed building dating back to 1900. It is home to all our Year 7-10 boarders. Spacious rooms in Prince of Wales accommodate two to four pupils.
The boarding house is split into different areas for different age groups. Each floor has its own toilet and showering facilities and there is a common room on each floor as well as an equipped kitchen. Junior boarders from Year 9 can use the gym, supervised, in the evenings and at weekends. They can also use the kitchen in the Nelson Café to cook with our GAP students or the member of staff on duty at weekends. Boarders are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms with pictures, posters and photographs.
QEII Boarding House
The Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Boarding House was opened in 1989 by our late Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. QEII provides a home-from-home for Year 11-13 boys and girls that board with us. It comprises single and double study bedrooms. Each boarder has their own furnished area, including a bed, wardrobe, drawers and a desk. In addition, there is a large and comfortable common room where pupils can relax and socialise. 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 also a fully equipped gym onsite. It has captive weights machines, cross-trainers, Concept2 rowers, treadmills, barbells and bikes. Pupils can also make use of our tennis/basketball courts, and a full-size sports hall.
The girls’ rooms are on the top floor and boys’ rooms are on the ground floor.
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.