Boarding School Pupils Are Never Bored!

History teacher Jessica Smith was appointed as the new Housemistress of St John’s Boarding House in September. We asked her to tell us what life is like in our most junior Boarding House.

The first thing that strikes you when you walk into St. John’s Boarding House is the warm and friendly atmosphere. It is a happy place where the children are able to relax with their friends after a full day at school. There is a wide range of after school activities for St. John’s children including swimming, dancing, baking, and of course they can enjoy all the fantastic sporting facilities on site including shooting and golf.

The boarders at Ellesmere College also benefit from lots of extra support with their prep from the duty teachers, after which there is plenty of time for fun and socialising. Our kitchen was newly refurbished over the summer and the children now really enjoy spending time in there, making themselves a hot drink and toast or even having a party or chocolate fountain on special occasions!

We have children from Year 5 through to Year 8 in St. John’s. It is a mixed boarding house with shared communal areas, but separate floors for the boy’s and girl’s. There is a real sense of family and community making St. John’s a ‘home from home’ for the children who live here. I am well supported by our resident tutor, Cathy Allen, and full time Housemother, Sandra Millard, who undertake duties throughout the week.

The resident tutor’s flat adjoins the dormitories, ensuring that all pupils have around the clock access to a familiar member of staff. I feel very lucky to work with this fantastic group of young people. It is incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to watch them developing into well rounded young adults.

Our key aim is to ensure that boarding is a happy and fulfilling experience for every one of our students.