It’s an ‘Access All Areas’ opportunity for boys and their families who are interested in boarding!

For many families, especially those who are serving forces families, the prospect of sending a child off to boarding school can be daunting.

Staff and parents at Hazlegrove Prep School have worked together to create a day which is specifically targeted at making that initial step easier for both parents and children by holding an 'Open Door to Boarding' day - especially those for whom boarding school is an unknown land.

Head of Boarding, Regan Schreiber said, 'Boarding is not an easy decision to make and this event is very much the brain child of our own boarding mums who feel that it is a great benefit if parents and children can start to connect with the Houseparents and the school ahead of when a family is about to make the move. It also helps to break down any of those concerns or questions for those who are not familiar with the boarding set up, especially for first time boarding families'.

The morning is very informal with parents being welcomed for coffee and a chance to meet with the various people who are responsible for caring for the children in school. This includes Houseparents, matrons as well as academic staff. Parents and children can then enjoy a morning which includes a range of activities alongside some of current boarding boys, whilst parents can join a Q and A session hosted by boarding parents as well as tour the boarding houses and school.

Regan added, 'Gone are the days when families who are looking at boarding are automatically second or third generation boarders. Instead, we have parents for whom boarding is a necessity in the face of the alternative of moving children frequently from one school to another. It shouldn't be underestimated what a challenge to the family unit that this can be. It is very much our job as educators and as a boarding school to ensure that the decision is one that parents feel completely comfortable with in terms of finding the right fit for their child. The plus side is that whilst the prospect can loom large, the reality is happy children thriving in a supportive, caring and fun environment’.

The Boys' Boarding Event takes place on Saturday 6 November, for more information, contact [email protected] / 01963 442 606