Boarding Options

In Boarding

There are many reasons why families choose boarding for their child and here at Ryde School we offer several options - either in Millfield or Centenary House, our two boarding houses.

Full Boarding

Full boarders benefit from a range of activities and experiences, giving them the opportunity to develop skills and interests beyond the academic curriculum. Full boarding develops confidence, social skills, independence, self-motivation and cultural awareness. The full boarding environment encourages a firm sense of community and helps to develop skills and talents for life whilst forming friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime. Unlike many schools, boarders are able to stay during one week half-terms and there are no exeats.

Weekly Boarding

Weekly boarders may go home directly after school on Friday, returning to the boarding houses on Sunday evening. Alternatively, they may choose to return directly to school on Monday morning. This option relieves any arduous daily commute, allowing more time for studying and involvement in extra-curricular activities. After an intensive week, boarders can go home to relax with family and friends. Weekly boarders have their own living space where their possessions remain.

Flexi Boarding

Flexi boarding is increasingly popular nationally, and is there to help accommodate the busy lifestyle of the modern family. Your child is guaranteed a cosy bed and quality time spent with their boarding friends. Flexi boarding offers the benefits of a boarding education for part of the week and is also useful for pupils with additional sporting, music, drama or other extra-curricular commitments. Parents can book for a single or multiple nights, billing is per night.

Day pupils are also encouraged to try flexi boarding to see if full boarding may be something which suits their needs later as they progress through the school.

Pupils From Overseas

Overseas pupils should have a sufficient level (age appropriate) of spoken and written English to enable them to follow the school curriculum. Our Learning Support department offers specialist support to pupils who have English as a second language. For most pupils these are incorporated into the normal curriculum but we may ask some pupils to have extra one to one lessons which incur an additional charge; should this be necessary, we would inform parents when making the offer. Entrance tests in Maths and English are also required, together with a satisfactory report from your child’s current school.

We strongly recommend a visit to the school and boarding houses in order that you and your child can see what we offer but we realise this is not always possible. Skype interviews are normally conducted with the Head Master if a school visit is not possible and this will enable you to get a better feel for school and boarding life at Ryde.

Sixth Form Boarders

Most of our boarders have sufficient language skills to join Sixth Form A Level and International Baccalaureate programmes. However, if more confidence or knowledge is needed, or if GCSE qualifications are required, we also offer a one year pre-Sixth Form GCSE programme to equip students with the linguistic skills required for Sixth Form. Students will typically have passed around 7 GCSEs in that year and have confidence and study skills appropriate for entry into the Sixth Form. Please ask the Registrar for details.