Boarding FAQs

Yes, we offer weekly, flexi-boarding and occasional boarding. We are not a full boarding school.

Children can embark on their boarding journey from Year 4. Many begin with one or two nights a week and increase to 3, 4 or 5 nights by Years 5,6, 7 and 8.

The natural surroundings and grounds at Cheam are available for you to enjoy. Children take advantage of being outdoors, especially in the lighter months, or taking part in the various activities which staff run in the evenings. There is nothing better to help clear the head at the end of a school day! There is a huge range of activities on offer. If you’re feeling energetic, you might like to play football, laser tag, dodgeball or vortex golf. Other activities include cookery, print-making, yoga, calligraphy, gardening, DT club, board games and film club. The Sports Hall, computer rooms, Library and Mountbatten are in use until late evening. There is very much something for everyone and if a child would just like to ‘chill out’ they can!

The dorms on average have 6 beds. There is a boys’ floor and a girls’ floor. Rooms are organised by Year group. There are also communal areas for relaxation.

What fun! As a boarder children are given a special birthday tea. Parents can bring in a small selection of goodies for a group of friends, to be shared at a birthday tea during normal supper time. The Matrons will then set the table up and organise the mini-party. For overseas boarders, the Matrons will liaise with parents and can buy the food on their behalf.

Children do not have to bring their own bedding, although some like to bring their own pillow. Bring as many soft toys as you can carry!

7.10 – Wake up

7.10 – 7.30am

You need to wash, get dressed, make your bed and tidy up your area. Pop the magazines back on the racks. Once your dorm is ready, a matron on duty will send your dorm to breakfast.

7.30am – Breakfast

7.50am – 8am – Brush your teeth and then head downstairs.

It will be explained to all children about how they contact a house parent or matron after bedtime. The boarding staff will assess and contact parents as necessary.

In Year 3 the whole year group are invited for a taster night together in the summer term. Children are also welcome to come for individual taster sessions at any point from Year 4. Each year group also enjoys a themed boarding experience evening annually.