Boarding Options

Living in the QEII boarding house gives us easy access to the school.

Its beautiful open grounds sit on the edge of the National Park which offers the students an amazing opportunity to explore the natural surroundings. Our flexible facilities give us a place to learn new skills and hobbies. Supported and encouraged by caring boarding staff, a happy balance between work and relaxation is our goal. Lasting friendships and close bonds are formed which define our boarding community, it is a place where self-confidence grows and independence flourishes. It is an ideal environment to prepare for university or life beyond the school.  

We are just 40 minutes from the south coast beaches and in easy reach of Guildford, Portsmouth and London. We organise weekend activities covering sports, culture, shopping, and tourist attractions. Our boarders are encouraged to develop their own personality and talents, supporting and celebrating each other's achievements. 

Typical Boarding weekend activities 

We offer a variety of activities for all ages at weekends. Saturday activities are compulsory for all boarders until Year 10, unless they are going home for the weekend. These include activities such as: 

• Beach / coast

• Cycling

• Ice skating / Bowling / Laser Quest

• Theme parks

• Shelter building

• Outdoor activity centres

• Camping

• Cruise on the River Thames

• London (museums / galleries / Covent Garden)

• Zoo

• Theatre / Cinema Trips

• Shopping venues

Weeknight activities 

There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities available to all pupils during lunchtimes or immediately after school. Additional activities are offered to the boarders which include sports, film nights, board games and craft based sessions. Some of these sessions are based in school and others are in the surrounding area.  

One boy and one girl are appointed to be the Heads of the boarding community, they hold weekly House meetings, where the boarders have an opportunity to contribute to the workings of the House and raise any suggestions for improvements.     

Sixth Form students are actively encouraged to put themselves forward as prefects and contribute to the running of the house and other wider areas of school life.  The boarding house has pupils from a broad range of backgrounds. Pupils can nominate national holidays they wish to celebrate and work with the house staff on decorations and menu choices. This offers all boarders the opportunity to learn about other cultures and traditions. 

Weekly boarding can offer a happy balance of home and school life. Pupils board Monday to Friday and return home for the weekend, although some opt to stay for the weekend depending on sporting and social activities taking place at school. 

Weeknight activities 

There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities available to all pupils during lunchtimes or immediately after school. Additional activities are offered to the boarders which include sports, film nights, board games and craft based sessions. Some of these sessions are based in school and others are in the surrounding area.  

One boy and one girl are appointed to be the Heads of the boarding community, they hold weekly House meetings, where the boarders have an opportunity to contribute to the workings of the House and raise any suggestions for improvements.     

Sixth Form students are actively encouraged to put themselves forward as prefects and contribute to the running of the house and other wider areas of school life.  The boarding house has pupils from a broad range of backgrounds. Pupils can nominate national holidays they wish to celebrate and work with the house staff on decorations and menu choices. This offers all boarders the opportunity to learn about other cultures and traditions. 

Flexi-boarding is an increasingly popular option with Senior School students of all ages, allowing support for busy parents or the chance for pupils to spend time with their friends.  

Students can flexi-board at any time of the school year and some stay on the same nights every week, some for an extended period while their parents are away or some stay just for the occasional night. Students who plan to board in the Sixth Form may find it helpful as the first step to being away from home in preparation for university. Availability is dependent upon the number of full and weekly boarders in residence at the time of enquiry so please give us as much notice as possible to avoid disappointment. An initial inquiry can be made directly with the boarding house, simply email us at boarding@royal.surrey.sch.uk