When the school was first established in 1959 every pupil attended as a resident. Over the years things have changed and there is no longer a requirement for a pupil to be resident although we offer the facility for those who we think would benefit the most. All pupils can potentially become resident at the school. A place is agreed after discussion between pupil, parents and staff to identify why residence would be beneficial. Residence is open for four nights per week and pupils reside on a flexible boarding basis – this enables pupils to stay at school to develop their personal, social and independence skills for between one and four nights per week depending on needs. Wednesday currently has a focus on Y7 pupils. The residential provision is not an alternative to care and exists to support a pupil’s wider learning and personal development, residence is only open during normal school term time. It serves as a further extension of the extended day provision which all pupils are able to participate in.
Our two buildings are very different in layout.
Elemore Site
On the Elemore site, residence occupies the top two floors of the main building utilising what were the original bedrooms of the Grade 1 Listed Hall. Due to it’s historic nature we are limited in the changes that we can make to the building, consequently we can currently only offer 25 places for resident boys on the this site.
Windlestone Site
The Windlestone site has a specially designed residential provision in a single storey building that is separate from the rest of the school. Up to 20 pupils of any gender can be accommodated on the Windlestone site due to most of the rooms being singles and every room being en-suite. The Windlestone site is also accessible making residence easier for any pupil who might have a mobility need.