A home from home where friendships flourish
Boarding at Windlesham House School — for children in Years 3 to 8
At Windlesham House, boarding is about so much more than staying overnight. It is about belonging. It is about becoming part of a warm, supportive community where children feel known, valued and cared for as individuals. For many families considering the school, the strength of that community and the happiness of the children are among the most important reasons they choose us.
Walk through the boarding houses on any evening and you will sense it straight away. There is laughter, friendship and a genuine feeling of home. Relationships between staff and pupils sit at the heart of boarding life and children know there is always a trusted adult to turn to for encouragement, for reassurance or simply to share their news with. We know our children exceptionally well and we take real pride in creating a place where every child feels safe, supported and free to be themselves.
Why families choose boarding
Boarding plays a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing. By living, learning and growing together, they develop confidence, independence and resilience in a nurturing environment. They learn to manage responsibilities, build lasting friendships and navigate challenges, all while feeling supported by a community that celebrates individuality and kindness. Our older pupils naturally become role models for younger children, helping to foster a culture of respect, empathy and mutual support.
What makes Windlesham House distinctive is that boarding is woven seamlessly into the life of the school. The same warmth, encouragement and breadth of opportunity that shape the school day continue into the evenings and weekends, whether children are enjoying activities, spending time with friends, playing sport, getting creative or simply relaxing together. With more than 120 extra-curricular activities on offer and no commute to eat into their time, boarders make the most of everything Windlesham House has to give.
Our boarding options
We offer flexible boarding for children in Years 3 – 8, so families can choose the pattern that suits them best. Whatever they choose, children enjoy the same warm welcome and the full boarding experience.
Full boarding – five nights or more each week
Full boarders make the very most of everything on offer at Windlesham House and avoid time spent travelling to and from school. They complete their prep here and can spend the weekend either at home or with us where there is always an array of activities to enjoy.
Weekly boarding – four nights, usually Monday to Thursday
Weekly boarders enjoy all the benefits of boarding during the week while still spending their weekend nights at home. And if they would like to stay an extra night, that is never a problem.
Flexi boarding – between one and three nights each week
Flexi boarding is a gentle way to begin. We encourage younger children who are curious about boarding to try one night a week to start with; by Year 7, most are happily boarding a few nights each week.
Occasional boarding is also available for day pupils who would like to board for the odd night, for a special event, an early start or simply when it helps the family.
Our boarding community
Windlesham House is a vibrant, diverse and welcoming boarding community. We have two cosy boarding houses, one for girls and one for boys, each with comfortable, homely rooms. The juniors (Years 3 – 6) and seniors (Years 7 & 8) have their own shared bathrooms and their own bedtimes but come together for house activities such as games and house assemblies.
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100+ REGULAR BOARDERS |
65+ FULL BOARDERS |
20 GIRLS’ AND BOYS’ DORMS |
What happens in the boarding house
After ‘little tea’ at 4.30pm, boarders can join a wide range of activities alongside day pupils, or head to the dorms for ‘boarders’ chill’ before prep. After activities, boarders attend prep to complete the homework set by their teachers.
Supper is served at 6.00pm, followed by more activities, everything from textiles and t-shirt printing to badminton and fun in our wonderful school pool. From 6.30pm to 8.00pm there is free time under staff supervision, depending on age.
Food matters at Windlesham House, so every boarder is offered cereal before bed. A couple of nights a week there is tuck and on Fridays there is treat night, snacks and a film. There is always fresh fruit available too.
After cereal, it is time to relax in the dorms, playing cards or board games, chatting with friends, reading or knitting. The boarding team is on hand to check how everyone’s day has gone and to make sure each child has what they need for the next day.
Bedtimes are staggered by age and the dorms listen to a story tape before lights out. Our boarding staff are on call all night for any child who needs them, just like at home.
Settling in
Most children settle into boarding life very quickly and happily. For those who need a little longer, we introduce boarding gently, pair new boarders with an experienced buddy, keep in close touch with home and give plenty of individual attention. A busy, engaging programme of activities helps new boarders feel at home in no time, and any natural homesickness is met with warmth, patience and understanding. A dedicated medical centre with qualified nurses is on duty from 7.00am to 7.00pm.
Keeping in touch
Although most children settle in quickly, we know how much families love to share the day’s news, so we actively encourage regular contact. There are telephones around the school that children can use at any time. As well as evening calls to the boarding houses to say goodnight, video calls and emails home keep everyone close, wherever in the world families may be.
COME AND SEE BOARDING FOR YOURSELF
The best way to understand the power of boarding at Windlesham House is to visit, meet our boarders and feel the atmosphere for yourself. Book your visit whsadmissions@windlesham.com · +44 (0)1903 874700
