BOARDINGFrequently Asked Questions
General Information
| What are the boarding options at Sherfield School? |
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We have full-time, weekly and flexi-boarding options. Full-time boarding is available for students who stay with us throughout the term, while weekly boarding allows students to stay from Monday to Friday and return home for the weekends. Day and flexi-boarding is offered to students either on an ad-hoc basis (availability allowing) or regularly less than 5 days per week, e.g. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night every week. Day boarding is until 9pm and includes dinner. Flexi-boarding is overnight and includes dinner and breakfast. |
| What is the age range for boarding students? |
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Boarding is available for students aged 9 to 18 years old. |
| What facilities are available for boarding students? |
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Each room is designed with comfort and functionality in mind. It features internet access, a study area, a comfortable bed, bedside cabinet, chest of drawers, wardrobe, and a spacious en-suite bathroom. Each floor of the boarding house has generously sized common rooms equipped with living, dining, and kitchen facilities. These common rooms offer comfortable seating, video and digital TV, board games, and books, creating a welcoming and homely atmosphere. When the weather is fine, the terrace is popular with shaded tables and seating. Our boarders have use of all of the school facilities, from sports pitches and the sports hall and gym to music practice rooms and art studios. Of course, much of this is dependent on adult supervision. |
Admissions & Applications
| How do I apply for a boarding place at Sherfield School? |
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| To apply for a boarding place, please complete the online enquiry form on our website. Our admissions team will then contact you to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. |
| What are the entry requirements for international students? |
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International students are required to submit their academic records/latest school report and proof of English proficiency. For all prospective international students, we conduct a virtual interview with a member of our Senior Leadership Team. This meeting is an important opportunity for the student to learn more about Sherfield and for us to gain a sense of the prospective student's character and aspirations, as well as their academic potential, interests, and talents. For students where English is their second language, they undertake a PASSWORD Maths and English test to gauge their levels in both subjects, under exam conditions, invigilated by their current school or where applicable, an Agent. |
| Is there a deadline for applications? |
| While we accept applications throughout the year, we recommend applying as early as possible due to the limited availability of places. |
Academic Support & Integration
| What support is available for international students? |
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| International students receive comprehensive support, including English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes, academic tutoring, and cultural orientation sessions to help them integrate into school life. |
| How does Sherfield School help new boarders settle in? |
| New boarders are paired with a buddy, an experienced student who helps them navigate their first few weeks. Our pastoral care team and boarding staff are also available to provide support and ensure a smooth transition. |
| Are there any special programmes for international students? |
| Yes, we offer tailored induction programmes, language support, and cultural activities to help international students adapt and thrive in their new environment. |
Living Arrangments & Daily Life
| What is the daily routine for boarding students? |
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| Boarding students follow a structured routine that includes timetabled lessons with the day students, study periods (for sixth formers), extracurricular activities, meals, evening study time and free time. Weekends often feature trips, activities, and time for relaxation. |
| Are boarders allowed to go out? |
| When boarders arrive, they are familiarised with the school site and local area as part of their induction. Boarders do have ‘free time’. Year 9 and above can sign out independently on Wednesday after school and on weekends (parental permission will be sought if their destination is other than Basingstoke). Boarders have access to the local village in small groups. |
| Can boarding students go home during weekends? |
| Weekly boarders go home every weekend, while full-time boarders can go home during designated half-term breaks and school holidays. Full-time boarders may also visit home with prior arrangement. |
| What is the food like at Sherfield School? |
| Our dining facilities offer a variety of nutritious and balanced meals, catering to different dietary requirements and preferences. Special themed dinners and cultural cuisine nights are also organised regularly. For more information on our food and menus, please click here. |
| Are boarders allowed their own food? |
| All meals take place in the dining hall every day where a healthy and wide range of food is offered. We also stock snacks and treats in the boarding house. Each common room in Archer’s Lodge has a kettle, microwave and toaster so that boarders can make supper or hot snacks. Boarders are not permitted their own cooking appliances. |
| Can boarders do their own laundry? |
| We have washing machines and dryers so senior boarders can sort their own laundry and iron clothes should they wish to do so. |
| Can boarders keep things in their room over the holidays/over summer holidays? |
| Boarders are allowed to keep all of their possessions in their rooms over the holidays apart from the long summer holidays when we prepare for the new academic year. |
| Do boarders swap rooms each term or each year? |
| Generally, boarders stay in the same room throughout the year. However, it may be necessary for the House Master to move boarders from time to time and this is at his discretion. |
| Can boarding students go home during weekends? |
| Weekly boarders go home every weekend, while full-time boarders can go home during designated half-term breaks and school holidays. Full-time boarders may also visit home with prior arrangement. |
| Do new boarders share with new or existing boarders? |
| Where possible, new boarders are buddied up with existing pupils so they can benefit from their experience in their first few weeks at the school. |
| If boarders have specific hobbies which they want to pursue at the weekend how is this managed – e.g. horse riding or golf ? |
| Some do pursue hobbies at the weekend. This is managed within the activities programme and should be discussed with the House Master. |
| What is the best way to receive mail at the school? |
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When sending items to boarders, please include the child’s full name and post to the following address: Archer’s Lodge, |
Safety & Wellbeing
| How does Sherfield School ensure the safety of boarding students? |
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The safety and wellbeing of our students are our top priorities. Our boarding houses are supervised by experienced staff, and we have strict security measures in place. Regular fire drills, first aid training, and health and safety protocols are also implemented. There are coded locks on boarding house entrances and external doors are kept shut at all times. Boarders are reminded in their induction that these codes must not be shared with third parties. All pupils should make sure that their property is marked with their names or other identifiable mark. Archer’s Lodge has a safe to store passports, BRP cards and pocket money and this may be withdrawn as needed. We strongly advise all pupils to hand in passports and money for safe- keeping as the school cannot accept responsibility for their loss if they are not handed in. Other safety and security information such as out of bounds areas and signing in and out procedures are covered in the boarders’ induction. Each boarder has a drawer in their rooms which can be locked with a small padlock. |
| What health services are available to boarding students? |
| We have a qualified nurse on site (during the school day) and access to local healthcare services. Boarding staff are trained in first aid, and there is always someone available to assist with medical needs. |
| How does the school support students' mental health and wellbeing? |
| Sherfield School offers a range of support services, including counselling, pastoral care, and wellbeing programmes. We encourage open communication and provide resources to help students manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle. |
Packing
| What should boarders bring with them? |
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At Sherfield many things are provided for the boarders ranging from pillows and duvets, to exercise and text books. Laundry is done for all the boarders by the house staff. Year 10 and above may access the laundry rooms themselves if they prefer. A list of things that boarders need to bring (such as items of uniform) is available from the House Parents or Admissions. We do ask that boarders are limited to three large boxes of personal items each so that they can make appropriate use of storage and keep their bedrooms tidy. |
| Do boarders need any money? |
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Most expenses are already covered in the boarding fees but many of our boarders have money to spend on goods at the local shops or to buy souvenirs on trips. A pocket money service can be arranged through the House Parents where we will hold their money safe but cannot arrange transfers or draw petty cash from the school. All money should be signed in on arrival and it is strongly recommended that large sums of cash are not brought into the boarding house. We would recommend our boarders use prepayment debit cards such as 'Go Henry' rather than cash. For overseas students the boarding team can help to arrange bank accounts and cards to assist financial management. |
| What is the school’s policy on electrical items? |
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All items will need to conform to British Safety Standard and display the CE safety marking and are subject to Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) in Autumn term. The following items are permitted:
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Rules
| When can boarders call or contact home? |
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On weekdays, the most sensible time to be in touch with family is between the end of Prep and lights out. This time is usually free time and we encourage regular communication with friends and family. There is much more time at weekends and we are, of course, understanding that some of our overseas boarders have substantial time differences between them and their parents. Alternative times can be arranged in these circumstances with the member of staff on duty. |
| Can boarders take driving lessons once they are 17? |
| Pupils of 17 or over may arrange driving lessons, which should be done in discussion with the House Master. |
| Can boarders keep a car at school? |
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In general, boarders are not encouraged to keep cars in school. If there are circumstances when it becomes necessary for a boarder to keep a car on site, this must be discussed and agreed with the House Master and the keys must be held by House Staff at all times when the car is not being used. Boarders must not carry other students as passengers without written permission from the driver’s parent or guardian and the passenger’s parent or guardian. |
| Can boarders decorate their rooms? |
| Each room has a pin-board and we encourage boarders to bring pictures or posters to decorate their rooms to make them feel more like home. |
| What are the school policies on relationships, smoking, drugs and alcohol? |
| Cigarettes, alcohol, drugs or other illegal, anti-social or dangerous items must not be brought into school or the boarding house under any circumstances. There is a firm disciplinary framework (see the school behaviour policy on the website) in place for dealing with pupils who do not adhere to these rules. Relationships between pupils should be of an appropriate nature. |
| How do boarders celebrate their birthdays? |
| Boarders’ birthdays are always celebrated in the boarding house. Parents should liaise with the House Master to discuss any special arrangements that they would like to request. |
Our Boarders' Top Tips
Our boarders have compiled a list of useful tips based on their boarding experiences:
- Make sure all your items are labelled so that they don’t get mixed up!
- Don’t worry if you have forgotten anything, you can buy things in the village
- Wake up early enough to avoid a rushed morning
- Don’t worry too much about settling in, everyone here is very welcoming
- Don’t be afraid to mix with anyone, everyone will be happy to get to know you
- Try to spend time in the common rooms to get to know people and have fun together
- If you struggle to find your way around, everybody will be happy to help
- Mix with different year groups, everyone is very friendly
- Talk to us, we have been here a while and will be happy to help you
- Make the most of your time as a boarder. It’s great fun!
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our admissions team at admissions@sherfieldschool.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you to Sherfield School!