Millfield Senior School for pupils aged 13-18

Boarding at Millfield

"Based on mutual respect and trust, boarding staff offer an outstanding quality
of pastoral care to the members of their houses."
2009 ISI Inspection Report

The boarding environment at Millfield encourages pupils to live their lives to the full, in as many spheres as possible, allowing individuality to flourish. Each year new boarders are welcomed by older members of the house and are given help whenever they need it. The houses are the focal point of the pupils' lives at school; boarders are highly supportive of each other's achievements and enjoy going to sports matches, concerts and plays where friends are performing.

There are 19 boarding houses in total situated either on or within easy distance of the campus with separate houses allocated for boys and girls. Three houses are ‘off campus' and the accommodation in these matches the standard of the campus houses; they also benefit from extensive grounds and gardens. Each house is run by a team of resident houseparents, assistant houseparents, matrons and non-resident tutors, providing boarders with a warm and supportive atmosphere.

Beyond the resident house team is a network of tutors and staff who take particular care of their pupils' well-being and development. Boarders and day pupils also have access to a well-staffed medical centre, a school counselling service and the school chaplain.

The houses are equipped with excellent facilities including kitchens, common rooms, indoor and outdoor leisure areas. There is ample access for boarders to learning resources and work spaces for prep. Common rooms are cosy, with plenty of soft seating, books, DVDs and play equipment; quiet areas are attractive and inviting and dorms are personalised. Boarders are justifiably proud of their ‘house'.

Boarding houses are grouped together with day houses for competitive and social events. This helps to engender and maintain the strong sense of community throughout the school. Inter-house competitions include all major and many minor games, debating and choral singing.

Pupils are allocated to houses by a staff committee led by the Head of Pastoral Care, which seeks to ensure an even distribution of pupils' talents and interests.