Boarding

Adams ' Grammar School is one of very few state grammar schools in the country to have a boarding facility – often referred to as the ‘best kept secret.’  Around one hundred of our pupils are boarders (boys only) and boarding contributes much to the ethos of the school. 

Why Board? 

Boarding has advantages in a number of situations.  Where parents have frequent changes of location with their work, here or abroad, or where both parents work long and unpredictable hours, boarding ensures stability and continuity of education.  It also allows more parents the opportunity of a first class education for their son.  Boarding provides a structured environment, but also one where the boys have fun and are involved in lots of activities.  They have the companionship of boys their own age, learn independence and tolerance.  For boys living some distance from the School, boarding should be considered as a positive option, allowing them greater time to become fully involved in all the out of school activities which are on offer.  Boarding has changed a great deal from the days when parents (even young ones!) may have been boarders themselves.  Every effort is made to make each House into a secure and happy home, albeit with a large family!

Adams ’ boys start their boarding life at Longford Hall, a beautiful Georgian mansion set in one hundred acres of grounds, with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.  They are cared for by a Boarding Housemaster and his team of Matrons and Tutors who know each boy personally.  They enjoy a warm atmosphere and a comfortable environment.  Senior boys continue their boarding life in eighteenth century town houses on the main school site. As at Longford, there is a Boarding Housemaster and his family in residence, Matron and Boarding Tutors.

Developing the Whole Personboarding dorm

At Adams' Grammar School we have a long tradition of academic excellence; however, we also emphasise the importance of developing the whole person, if boys are to be fully prepared to take on important and leading roles in society. Pastoral care is therefore very important. To this end each boy has a Personal Tutor who provides a link between boarding, school and parents and who is concerned with all aspects of a boy's education, personal development, welfare and happiness. Progress within school is monitored closely, and parents receive twice-termly reports on effort and achievement and a comprehensive annual record of achievement. Boys are encouraged to develop a wide range of interests. Experience shows that they all find something from which they can gain enjoyment and achievement and this soon builds confidence. The experience of boarding at Adams' is itself a significant benefit in a boy's development.

Since no charge is made for education at Adams ’ Grammar School boarders pay only for the provision associated with boarding.  This makes boarding an attractive and affordable option for many families.

All applicants (or their parents/legal guardians) must be entitled to hold a full UK or EU passport, or have other residential status in the UK in order to be eligible for admission. All boarders from overseas must have a guardian in the UK .  For families which may not have a UK contact we have formalised relations with a Guardian Agency which can offer help if needed. Similarly we are able to offer English as an additional language (EFL) for boarders from overseas who might need additional support.  This is done by special arrangement. 

Flexible Boarding Arrangements

During term time our boarding houses are open seven days a week, closing only for exeat weekends (one per half term) when  all boys return home to their parents or guardians.  However, since boarding is flexible, boarders may also return home on any other weekend, leaving after school on Friday and returning on Sunday evening or Monday morning.  There is a range of weekend activities organised for those who choose to stay.

Boarding Open Evenings

Families who may be interested in boarding for their sons are welcome to visit either Longford Hall (junior boarding) or our Senior Boarding House at any mutually convenient time during the school day, by appointment. However, in addition, we organise each term a Boarding Open Evening. This offers families the opportunity to experience Longford Hall when the boarders are in residence. Boarders themselves conduct tours of the boarding house and the Boarding Housemaster is also available for discussions. For details of the next open evening keep an eye on the home page of this site or telephone the School Office, who will be happy to help you.

Boarding Fees from September 2007

Adams' Grammar School is a state school and all tuition is free with parents paying only for boarding provision which is currently £2,530 per term.

Paper roomBoarding snookerLongford

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