Page 2 - Millfield Senior Boarders - FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE DO STUDENTS STAY IN THE SAME
HOUSEMASTER/MISTRESS (HSM)? HOUSE FROM YEAR 10 TO UPPER SIXTH
The role of the HsM is to have academic and pastoral AND ARE THEY IN THE SAME TUTOR
oversight of all the students within their house. They will be GROUP THROUGHOUT?
the regular contact for parents and along with their staff Students reside in the same house from Year 10 until they
team within the house, will support students in all areas of leave in the Upper Sixth. Students will usually have the
their lives. same group tutor for Years 10 and 11 after which they will
move to a different group tutor for their Sixth Form years.
WHO ARE THE OTHER STAFF IN THE
HOUSE AND WHAT ARE THEIR ROLES? HOW DO YOU MAKE NEW STUDENTS
Within the boarding house there is a resident assistant HsM, FEEL WELCOME AND HELP THEM
who shares the running of the house with the HsM. SETTLE IN?
Alongside the resident staff there are also House Managers, There is an induction programme which will aim to
who oversee the house during the day. There are also gradually introduce school systems and house rules, and
non-resident evening tutors, who support students with ensure each student is effectively integrated into the busy
prep work and evening activities. All students also have a life at Millfield. There will be daily house meetings to
group tutor, who meets them every day to update them on provide the opportunity to get to know the staff, the head
the day’s schedule and planned events. of house, the other students and to talk through any issues
and concerns.
WHO IS THE MAIN CONTACT
FOR PARENTS? HOW DO YOU ALLOCATE ROOMS?
The HsM has an overview of all aspects of your child’s life HOW OFTEN DO STUDENTS CHANGE
and is therefore usually the primary point of contact ROOMS OR ROOM BUDDIES?
although for academic matters, you might wish to contact The HsM and house team put a lot of thought into the room
the Group Tutor first. allocation, to ensure room buddies are well suited. Students
share a room with a peer from the same year group. Room
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY IN THE allocation is on a termly basis; student preferences of room
HOUSE? buddy are taken into consideration. Every effort will be
07.00 Wake-up made to accommodate sharing preferences, however
07.30 – 08.00 Roll call (time depending on year group) compromises will have to be made from time to time, and
07.30 – 08.30 Breakfast at school dorm allocations change each term. It is important that
08.35 Registration with group tutor tolerance, understanding and acceptance is always
08.55 Academic lessons begin paramount in a shared boarding community.
17.30 – 18.45 Supper
19.00 Roll call/house meeting/prep begins WHAT SHOULD BOARDING STUDENTS
20.45 Snacks and recreational time BRING TO SCHOOL?
22:00 – 22.30 Bedtime (time depending on year group) Suggested Packing list
• An iPad is a school requirement (please see separate
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE details)
IN A HOUSE? • School uniform and sports kit
This varies between houses although most houses have • Mobile phone/charger
around 60-64 beds. • Passport if required, to be handed in and locked in the
HsM’s safe
HOW DO WE ARRANGE TRANSPORT TO • Casual clothes and shoes for evenings and weekends
GET OUR CHILD TO AND FROM THE • Nightwear
AIRPORT/TRAIN STATION? WHERE ARE • Dressing gown and slippers
THE NEAREST ONES? • Warm coat for winter
Our nearest airport is Bristol (50 min drive) and our nearest • Hand towels
train station is Castle Cary (25 min drive). HsMs can assist • Bath towels
you by arranging taxis to Castle Cary train station for exeats • Bedding is provided by the school, but you can bring your
and also for travel to airports at the beginning and end of own bedding if preferred – single size
term. This is coordinated by our transport office. For more • Bag
information please contact the Transport Office on 01458 • Photographs/posters to decorate your room
444351 or email transport@millfieldschool.com • Toiletries/hairdryer/toothbrush including any medications
required
Parents are required to complete a travel form for each • Personal reading books
half-term and at the end of term via the Parent Portal.

2 INFORMATION FOR SENIOR BOARDERS