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St Andrew’s Life (A to Z)
Boarding, Occasional Boarding and Flexi Boarding
Boarding is the perfect way for children to grow in confidence and become more independent, taking responsibility for themselves during their time here.
For those moving on to senior boarding schools, boarding at St Andrew’s is an excellent preparation for the next stage in their educational journey.The recently refurbished boarding house has spacious bright rooms that allow each child their own personal space.The boarding house caters for children from all nationalities, as well as local children,
so there is a very healthy cultural balance. Our international pupils benefit immensely from boarding at an English
prep school.They experience a different culture, while improving their English with specialist EAL teaching. Our local children benefit from boarding with students from a great range of backgrounds and cultures.
For children inYears 7 and 8 in particular, the boarding experience is highly valuable, whether they are choosing
a boarding school or a day school to move on to. Boarding gives a greater sense of independence, being part of, and enjoying the homely atmosphere, as well as taking advantage of the school’s facilities in the evenings.
The school offers a full range of boarding opportunities for children from Year 3 (age 7), including flexible and occasional boarding.
Our flexible boarding is useful if your child has an after- school activity or if you are away from home for an evening, a weekend or a holiday.Weekly boarding is a popular option for parents who may live some distance from Eastbourne or work long hours. Flexi boarding is extremely popular
as it improves self awareness, independence, social and emotional intelligence. Some children will board one night or more each week. Some parents also find occasional or weekly boarding useful during the run up to examinations when all boarders are given an individual and structured revision programme in the evenings.
The boarding house is run by MarkTomsett and his wife Trudy.They live in the house with their two young sons and daughter and along with two resident house tutors and a resident matron have created a very caring and homely atmosphere.Volunteer students also live in the boarding house and complement the family atmosphere.
A full programme of activities (see Saturday activities) and trips are organised for boarders at the weekends. The school takes advantage of the many local attractions as well as organising trips further afield to places such
as London, Chessington,Thorpe Park, Brighton and Bluewater Shopping Centre as well as educational trips.
Parents can book their child in on the day with only a few hours’ notice (subject to availability). We can also provide all toiletries.
Chapel
St Andrew’s is proud of its heritage and seeks to embody Christian values in all that we do.The school is fortunate to have its own beautiful Chapel on site.The Chapel plays host to a range of weekly services involving children from both the Pre-Prep and Prep departments of the school.These are usually led by the Headmaster or by visiting speakers.
In addition there are a range of special services throughout the year including for Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas and Easter. Community services are also held to which members of the local community are invited to attend. Parents are often invited in to join their children in
these services.
Food
For children the importance of good food within their
day cannot be overstated, be it for academic or sporting endeavour as they go about their school day.The food served at St Andrew’s is prepared on site from fresh, quality, locally sourced ingredients by highly trained chefs, with the ability to keep menus relevant and appropriate for each
age group.
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