THE HOUSE is a basic building block of life at Haileybury. Unlike a pupil's year group, members of their House vary in age and so present a different but complemetary experience. Being a member of a House means being part of and getting along with a group of diverse personaliies and characters, developing crucial qualities such as respect, co-operation and loyalty.
Which House? Sometimes recommendations influence the decision, or there is a desire to follow in a parent's footsteps. Haileybury always gives consideration to parental preferences and seeks to met them to dicuss options. Wherever a child is placed, the House provides a sense of continuity in a pupil's life a Haileybury.
This website is not designed to persuade you to favor Kipling but just to give you an insight into boarding life at Haileybury in general. If you are able to come and visit the school do contact us if you would like to look around our house, or just mention to the admissions team that you would like to see Kipling.
THE BENEFITS OF BOARDING
Some people claim that boarding develops an independent mind. Others quote the wealth of after-school activities and the boarding community. Whatever your child's experience while boarding at Haileybury, you can guarantee it will be a positive one.
In fact, boarding is at the heart of Haileybury life - it provides an ideal environment for reguar private study, here pupils are well cared for and learn to live with - and show consideration for - others.
The school admits boarders as well as a controlled number of day pupils offering an all-round educational experience to each and every pupil. However, we believe this is best delivered via the boarding experience, encouraging as it does social skills, creating camaraderie and promoting a greater sense of maturity and self-reliance.
Many parents and prospective pupils ask us whether younger children find boarding
intimidating or impersonal. Meeting our welcoming, approachable staff and looking around the house should help to dispel any fears. Nothing like the austere institutions of the traditional public school, our boarding houses are lively, self-contained communities with excellent leisure facilities and a warm and convivial atmosphere.
Naturally, boys and girls have separate boarding houses, although social interaction is encouraged in the common rooms at designated times. For those few pupils who find the transition to boarding difficult, there is always someone on hand to answer a question, provide, company or simply be a good friend. A structured day provides ample opportunity to work, revise and sleep, but also plenty of free time in which to enjoy everything our campus can offer.
On most weekends, boarders may return home after Saturday lessons and afternoon games and school matches, while those who choose to stay may enjoy a variety of optional weekend excursions and activities. Meanwhile, non-exeat weekends are always a highlight in the termly calendar - marked by special events such as discos, a school ball, cabaret evenings and outward-bound trips.
DAY PUPILS
Day pupils are fully involved in all the different aspects of school life, and are welcome to board overnight on special occasions. All day pupils must complete first prep from 5:30-6:30pm, after which they are welcome to join the boarders for supper and second prep, departing after 9pm.
