Boarding
Our boarding programme is run on modern and student-friendly principles for the safety and happiness of the students. The boarding experience is fundamental to the student's overall acculturation and ultimate academic success. We are intensely aware of the possibility of loneliness and homesickness in children who are far from their homes and families, and all our efforts are directed to helping the students to settle in and form part of a cooperative, creative learning community.
Our facilities
- Up-to-date ensuite study bedrooms offer privacy and comfort
- High-speed broadband helps students keep in touch with their families and the world
- Common rooms equipped with TV, microwave, kettle and fridge
- Weekly laundry service for bed linen and uniform
- Key cards, CCTV and door alarms provide security
- Boarding staff sleep on the premises
Fitting in
Throughout the student's stay members of staff will be available to discuss their concerns and any worries, needs, or problems that they have, and to find solutions. The size of the school means that every student will get to know every member of staff and every other student in a very short time. This helps to build a sense of identity and a feeling of belonging, which in turn helps to foster confidence and self-esteem. After lessons finish, the student's academic needs continue to be supported by a small team of teaching assistants who are on hand to advise with homework.
There is an obligatory homework hour each evening and an additional quiet hour during which students may continue to study if they have still not completed their homework. Students are allowed to leave the school between the end of lessons at five o'clock and the beginning of homework hour at seven, to go shopping in Newbury. During this period, and also after homework hour is finished, there is a programme of activities in the school for details please see the after school page.
The first few hours and days
On arrival, every student is greeted by the housemistress and shown to his or her room. They are then left in peace for a short time to arrange their things and to settle in. The first week is devoted to staff and students getting to know each other and to working out the details of the student's study plans. During this time we seek to discover the student's interests and talents so that we can help them to construct for themselves a programme of extra-curricular interests and activities.
Student Health
There are several trained first-aiders on the staff and the students are able to access domestic medicines such as paracetamol and throat sweets when needed. All students are registered at the local health centre and can receive an appointment for any more serious symptoms within a day or two. Newbury Hall School's student insurance covers all emergency treatment, accidents, and third-party liability. Full private health insurance, if required, must be taken out by the family in the country of origin. Regrettably Newbury Hall School is not able to offer advice on insurance, under the terms of the Financial Services Act.