Boarding

Boarding

Boarding at Hall Grove provides young people with a warm, supportive environment where they can grow and flourish. With core values at the heart of everything we do, we foster the traditions of a typical family home, where thoughtfulness, kindness respect for others and their property are all highly valued within the House. We want all young people in our care to make the most of the extraordinary experiences on offer here when boarding at Hall Grove. We further understand, how skills for life, build a successful future: we, therefore, support academic study, create opportunities for social and individual growth, and encourage independence, maturity and responsibility. In doing this, we hope that every child can reach their full potential, whilst having an enjoyable time in our care. We are proud of what we offer at Hall Grove Boarding, that any new member to the boarding community, will very quickly, feel happy, secure and completely at home. As Houseparents, we feel, that any pupils, who come to board, immediately join a warm and caring boarding family, which includes our two friendly dogs - Willow and Tink. 

The Boarding House itself, is a cosy home from home environment, situated on the top floor of the Hall Grove Manor House. There are six comfortable inviting dormitories in our smart, re-designed Boarding House, as well as a communal common room. The dormitories are organised in friendship groups and our senior boarders, along with Mr and Mrs Roddis, are always on hand to help anyone new to boarding through any initial worries they may have.  

Why Boarding?

Boarding is a wonderful addition to compliment day schooling. It helps to foster a child’s sense of independence and self-confidence. Our boarders have full access to our site, including music, art, dance, sport and ICT facilities, after lessons and late into the evening.  During a typical week, over 50 activities (extra-curricular) clubs are available, offering boarders the chance to explore interests, broaden horizons and develop social groups and self-esteem. Each week, we hold special theme-nights, such as: Bake-off, Face Art, Laser Tag, Ball-mania, Hunt the Headmaster, My Form’s Got Talent, Lotions & Potions, Spotlight, Bingo and Arts & Crafts, which are always very popular. Ever mindful of achieving a balance between fun and quality sleep, our enriching activities, lead up to a calming bedtime routine: older pupils are encouraged to enjoy quiet reading, whilst the younger community can enjoy a bedtime story being read.  

Arguably, the greatest feature of a boarding school education, is that it creates lasting memories that often help positively and permanently shape a young person’s life.  Hall Grove friendships, experiences and triumphs stay with Hall Grove boarders for life. 

As parents we can worry about our work-life balance and perceived lack of ‘quality time’ with our children. Boarding at Hall Grove can help give parents and children the best of both worlds. Here are some of the reasons our parents have told us about why boarding at Hall Grove works for their family: 

• Quality family time 
  Boarding removes the pressure of juggling children’s different activities and prep each evening, enabling time spent as a family at home to become real quality time. 
• Children of different ages 
  Boarding older siblings, helps not having to turn out with younger siblings (collected earlier) late into the evening – especially in the wintertime. 
• Value for money 
  The boarding fee includes quality after-school activities, supper, boarding activities and breakfast- it is great value and affordable 
• No daily commute 
  Work commitments make it difficult to get children to and from school each day. It is easier for children to stay on at Hall Grove for a sleepover to enjoy the fun boarding activities instead – especially if there is an early morning start!
• Parent Battery Recharge
  Being a good parent takes a lot of time and energy. Being able to board children at Hall Grove, enables parents to have much needed and deserved time away together, with the added peace of mind, that their children are having fun.

Boarding at Hall Grove is open to anyone in Year 3 – 8

We welcome: 

• Regular Weekly Boarders: Our weekly boarders enjoy the best of both worlds – the array of social activities on offer with their friends Monday to Thursday, and quality time with their families at the weekend.
• Flexi-Boarding: Many of our boarders commit to a regular boarding night, or nights, each week. They prefer the regularity of this option, as it ensures they are boarding with their friends on the same night or nights each week. 
• Occasional boarding: Occasional boarding gives parents the flexibility to vary the night when their child boards to suit their family. This option is popular with parents who may have varying work commitments. 
• Trial Nights: Just come and give it a go! We are happy to receive any child, on any of our boarding days.  

Any of the above options can include participation on our fun and exciting inclusive theme nights. 

Bookings can be organised months in advance, or at the last-minute, as we realise situations can change at the drop of a hat – we are always happy to accommodate. Please click here (link to My SchoolPortal) to complete a boarding request form. 

What our parents say: 

Lucy really enjoyed her few nights at Hall Grove, and I really appreciate you making it so welcoming and fun for her. - Jo  

Hi Nick and Denise, You have both clearly made a great impression on Holly! (And also, me to be honest 😀).  To think that she has gone from being worried about having an ‘unknown, male form teacher’ to now… being desperate to BOARD - this coming Wed (25 Sep)!  Thank you both in advance!! - Phil  

Good Afternoon,  

I just wanted to thank you for looking after Fraser and Harry so well on Monday night. They both came back raving about what a wonderful time they had and are desperate to be booked in again.  This was particularly welcome for Harry, who is usually reluctant to leave his home comforts overnight and has perhaps endured rather than enjoyed previous boarding. They both mentioned how kind you both were … Our eldest Rory is eagerly anticipating his night in a couple of weeks! Best wishes and welcome to Hall Grove. - Heidi  

We love and appreciate the energy and interest you both bring to boarding at Hall Grove.- All best, Mike 

You’re both doing a fabulous job running the boarding house and the children can’t get in quick enough! Well done. - Best regards, Lorna 

I would like to also take the opportunity to thank you ever so much once again for providing such an excellent service for the kids and giving them this opportunity to become stronger, more organised and more confident individuals. Warm regards, Tim

Thank you so much !  … Thomas absolutely loves staying over with you, your dogs and his friends every time. Sam

If you are interested in finding out more about boarding at Hall Grove, and would like to discuss boarding in more detail or arrange a tour of the Boarding House. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our home. Please contact Houseparents: Nick and Denise Roddis by emailing boarding@hallgrove.co.uk 

Mr Nick Roddis (Head of Boarding) &  Mrs Denise Roddis (Houseparent)