Boarding
Set in fifty-seven stunning acres and overlooking the World Heritage City
of Bath, Prior Park offers an exceptional environment for students to study, play and live.
There are two boarding houses at Prior Park, boys are located in St Paul's, and girls in St Mary's. Up to 150 full, weekly and flexi boarders live in the family atmosphere provided in these 'homes'.
Each boarding house has a dedicated live-in House Parent and a team of residential tutors to ensure the pastoral care and organisation essential to the community and to every individual.
“I love the sense of community across all year groups - it's very hard to feel lonely in boarding”
A Prior Boarder
explore areas of the boarding houses by taking our Virtual tour
Our boarders are made up of British and international students from approximately 25 countries. For our British boarders, and indeed our day students, the benefits of making friends amongst our international community are extraordinary, broadening horizons and cultural knowledge. All students are members of a House, ensuring our boarders are fully integrated with our day students throughout each school day.
Our boarding houses remain open during each half term holiday to allow, particularly long haul students or those with upcoming exams, the opportunity to remain on-site. Our House Parents supervise students during this period and arrange a variety of activities for them to enjoy. There are no Exeat weekends.
Younger boarders sleep in their own areas within the houses. The junior boarding apartments contain shared bedrooms, a communal room and their own bathroom facilities. Whilst it is important Year 7 and 8 boarders have their own space within the boarding houses, they are also encouraged to take a full part in the House life.
At Sixth Form, most boarders have their own bedrooms.
Boarding life at Prior is happy and vibrant. In the evenings and at weekends, boarders have access to many of the on-site facilities, and trips or activities are frequently organised for students which range from cultural and active experiences to opportunities for retail therapy!
Weekly and flexi* boarding are very attractive options for an increasing number of families. This arrangement dispenses with the daily grind of commuting, while allowing family time at the weekends. It also helps generate many of the life lessons that full boarding does – fostering independence whilst learning about respect, flexibility and tolerance. We firmly believe that a boarding environment enhances life experiences.
All boarders joining the College will be supported, encouraged and very much welcomed.
*Please note, flexi boarding can only be offered when rooms are available. Contact Admissions for further information.