Life Skills Beyond the Classroom: How Boarding School Prepares Pupils for the Real World

Is there a benefit to boarding school? Yes, says George Masters, Senior Deputy Head at Felsted School, who explains the advantages and disadvantages of a boarding school for your child.
 

George Masters, Senior Deputy Head

Boarding school education is a really thorough preparation for adult life and global careers. As well as focusing on their studies and achieving academic qualifications, pupils who board benefit from many opportunities for personal development at school, acquiring life skills that are vital for success in the modern world.

The boarding school experience promotes independence. Felsted offers a choice of boarding arrangements – traditional full boarders stay every night of the week, but others stay three nights or more on a flexible basis. Weekly boarding is popular with families who live in London, an hour away from Felsted. The school is close to both Stansted and London City airports, which non-UK-based families find very convenient. One of the greatest boarding school benefits is the chance to build confidence and resilience.

Boarders during evening study time

Boarders use the school’s facilities in the evenings to take part in activities including sports, arts, design technology, and public speaking, which fosters openness and self-regulation. These skills are invaluable later in life, particularly in leadership roles, on the sports field, in business, and in charitable endeavors. This is the reason parents often say children who go to boarding school are more successful in later life.

Boarders have plenty of time to build friendships and socialise. Living and working together, boarders are happy to chat to anyone and this is another reason many parents send their children to boarding school.
At Felsted, boarding houses are a mix of nationalities and pupils develop international understanding that is hugely beneficial for future global careers.

A benefit to boarding school is the additional time boarders have to focus on their studies, with academic subject teachers on hand to help in the evenings.

There are very few disadvantages to boarding. Some boarders initially suffer homesickness, but are well supported by caring, experienced house staff. Fees for boarding schools are generally higher than for day schools, but parents who weigh up the benefits of boarding school often decide that boarding school is a sound investment in their child’s future
 

 

divider-logo

Visit Felsted:

To learn more about the award winning boarding provision at Felsted School, book an individual visit or register for one of our many Open Mornings held throughout the year.

Visit our Open Mornings page