Boarding life at NPS is a natural extension of family life at home; our accommodation and pastoral care are of the highest standard and we are actively committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children at the School.

All pupils are under the care of the Boarding Team, their boarding mentors and guides, who are responsible for looking after them throughout their time at the school. As part of this team there are Matrons and GAP students.

Boarding is integral to Northbourne Park life and children can choose to board here from the age of 7 years old. 

The entire boarding community lives together, supported by an experienced and dynamic boarding team, enjoying a rich programme of activities, building enduring friendships and learning to develop their own skills of responsibility and independence.

Accommodation
The dedicated boarding team provides sensitive guidance and pastoral care of the very highest quality, supporting pupils as they begin Prep School. It is here that we lay firm foundations for the future, so that the confidence of the boys and girls is enhanced as they establish their own identities within the freedom and space of a home environment.

Both the separate boys’ and girls’ houses provide a comfortable and homely environment where children can relax with their friends in the evening. Drinks and snacks are available in the boarding houses at all times with treats (tuck) one or two nights a week. 

Our boarding children are not just from the UK, we have many international children who choose to board with us from France, Spain, Japan and other countries and our boarding houses provide a space for all nationalities to mix and to share traditions and cultures with ease.

Girls’ House is an innovative, purpose-built house catering exclusively for girls who join NPS from the age of 7 years old, located in a brand new purpose-built boarding house a few metres from the main school buildings. The girls sleep in en-suite dormitories of five to six pupils and enjoy spacious areas for relaxation, socialising and unwinding.   

Boys’ House located in the grade 1 listed mansion house. The boys sleep in various sized dormitories enjoying the space of the first floor. Satellite Television, snooker, SKYPE are all available in the evenings.    

Three Boarding options for your child!
There are three types of boarding on offer: 

Full boarding
Northbourne Park is unusual in that it runs a full boarding service throughout term time. We do not believe in ‘exeat weekends’, (compulsory weekends when pupils have to leave the school during term time).

Most of our boarders are full boarders and enjoy a wide range of fun activities throughout the week  and at weekends.

Weekly boarding (Monday to Friday Week A and Monday to Thursday Week B).
Some of our boarders board only for the weekdays during term time, returning home for weekends.

Sleepovers
These are particularly popular with local families.  With increased work schedules, busy lifestyles as well as complicated family dynamics, the flexi-boarding facility gives parents a safe and secure alternative / option knowing that their children will be well looked after while they are away.

Many of our children begin their boarding experience by staying once a week, and as they gain confidence the number of nights then increase.

Activities
Each evening after supper there are a variety of evening activities scheduled:  film nights, outdoor and indoor games, sports, ICT and study sessions.

Boarding at Northbourne Park develops

• Self-confidence, fun and happiness

• independence, organisation and punctuality.

• community values, empathy and respect for others

• teamwork and leadership skills

• languages and communication skills

• a stimulating and diverse family life.

Taster Evenings
To encourage other children to sample boarding life at Northbourne Park, the current boarders are encouraged to invite a friend to sleepover for a night as a boarder once per term free of charge.

Communication with home
Boarders enjoy easy communication with home through Email, Skype, Letters home and Telephone.

Boarding Routine