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The radical aspiration underpinning boarding at Stoke is that it is an extension of the individual student’s family.  Essential to this is that we accept students who really want to board; and that we foster close contact with their parents.  The latter is so that we can get to know all that there is to know about an individual student which will enable the Boarding House staff to give the right academic, social and emotional support.

Achievement of this might beg the question – why board?  Firstly, on the academic side – there’s homework.  Both House Parents are experienced teachers who are keen and willing not only to structure homework time but to give the support and encouragement needed for the true value of homework to be realised.  For this to be really effective, the House Parents can liaise readily with other specialist tutors.

On the pastoral side – there is the development of social skills, self-confidence and independence.  This consists of learning to live and get on with other people; learning how to look after yourself and your possessions; learning a sense of self-responsibility, collective responsibility and, importantly, a sense of responsibility for others.

Boarding at Stoke endeavours to create the right structure and atmosphere in which the above senses and skills can develop.  Fundamental to this is the old adage – it is easier to respect others if you yourself have been shown respect!

To facilitate the development of these social skills and to make boarding fun – the House Parents organise trips out in the school minibus.  Trips could be to a theatre, cinema, bowling alley, ice-skating rink, swimming pool, sporting event, church service – specifically Harvest Festival in our local community church, restaurant; and we are open to other suggestions. 

After homework in the Boarding House we can avail ourselves of the College’s facilities – the Sports Hall for badminton, 5-a-side football, basketball, table-tennis, fitness gym, indoor cricket; and the spacious grounds with its cricket nets, outdoor swimming pool, football pitch, tennis courts, fishing, croquet, golf and camping facilities.

We are also able to use the music practice rooms.  Boarders’ parties are fairly regular and formal dinners, to which adults – school tutors and their partners and some parents are invited.  These occasions not only give the students an opportunity to develop their social skills but also give us insight into the preparation and serving of food.

The Boarding House has some common sense rules for the protection of the individual student and the community as a whole.  These are promulgated and explained to students before they start boarding.  It should be pointed out here that the Boarding House has zero tolerance of smoking.

The Boarding House encourages close contact with home.  There are school phones available and a coin-operated phone – although most students have their own mobiles.  The College is now wireless and so laptops are widely used in the Boarding House.  The Childline numbers are readily available as is the number of an Independent Listener.