Deborah Roberts-Barter explains the merits of a small boarding school experience
It is often easy to assume that a big boarding school equals a better boarding experience. However, this is not necessarily the case and it is certainly not always the right option for all children.
So, why should you choose a smaller boarding school" The reasons are many and varied. At Farlington School, a day and boarding school in West Sussex, we have a strong tradition of catering for the individual needs of the girls ? in the classroom, on the sports field and, not least, in the boarding houses. The small class sizes ensure that no girl goes unnoticed, and this is mirrored in both the houses, with small numbers of boarders from each year group. Smaller Community
There is an excellent staff-to-boarder ratio, giving girls the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of trips and activities. The smaller community means that girls won?t get lost in the crowd ? their suggestions are taken on board and implemented wherever possible. Whether it is as simple as choosing the next DVD to buy, or perhaps suggesting a specific weekend trip or outing ? the girls? opinions really count.
Fishponds, the junior boarding house, is exactly that: a house. This gives the younger boarders ? ranging from Year Four to Year Eight ? a real sense of ?coming home? at the end of the school day, and eases them into the boarding experience gently. They share smaller bedrooms, that are similar to a bedroom ...