Inside The Best (and Homeliest) Boarding School Accommodation

British boarding schools have traditionally held the reputation of bleak, lifeless places where children are sent away for misbehaving. But today, thanks to changing laws and an understanding that happy children are happy learners, dormitories have blossomed up and down the country. The art of a cosy, relaxing room is especially important for young children dipping their toes into boarding for the first time – so which British prep schools have the best accommodation and facilities? Read on for some of our top picks.

The Homeliest Prep Dormitories In The UK

All-girls’ prep Hanford is a countryside haven

Hanford School, Dorset

Nestled at the foot of Hambledon Hill in Dorset, all-girls’ prep Hanford is a countryside haven. Girls are encouraged to make rooms their own with posters and photographs, while the cosy dorms are named after famous English literary figures such as John Donne and William Shakespeare. Warm and caring houseparents add to the home-from-home atmosphere with a turn-down service in the evening, much like a parent might do at home. ‘We shut the shutters and pull the curtains before bedtime so the room is ready for them,’ says head Hilary Phillips. ‘If the day’s been a hot one, we’d have kept it cool and vice versa. They know someone has bothered.’

Hanford is also the perfect place for any girl who can’t bear to be without furry friends. The school’s on-site stables house up to 18 ponies – girls are invited to bring their own horses from home – and there are guinea pigs and dogs aplenty, from tiny dachshunds to bouncy labs and lurchers. Girls often take the dogs for walks, adding to the feel of a close-knit environment filled with pets, friends and loving company.

Hazlegrove’s boarding houses are warm environments with sofas, beanbags and welcoming social areas

Hazlegrove Prep School, Somerset

An important process for new boarders at Hazlegrove is spending time at the school well in advance of starting. As head Ed Benbow explains: ‘They spend the day with a buddy and a timetable and get used to the evening routine. When they get here, they’ve already done it; there’s no scary unknown in terms of friends and teachers, where your bed is and what home clothes you need.’

In contrast to Benbow’s own dire memories of boarding school, Hazlegrove’s boarding houses are warm environments with sofas, beanbags and welcoming social areas. ‘What really blew me away when I arrived at Hazlegrove was the huge amount of choice of activities after supper,’ he says. These include swimming, tennis, basketball, cycling, pool and skateboarding, as well as showing films in the art room.

Every fortnight there is a prize for the best (and tidiest) dorm at Ludgrove

Ludgrove School, Berkshire

All-boys’ prep Ludgrove in the market town of Wokingham is always working to keep its pupils entertained. Camping, outdoor games, carpentry, pottery and golf are just some of the activities on offer at weekends and in the evenings; the head’s labrador, Quila, is always up for cuddles and company too. Every boy looks forward to Sundays, when each week they enjoy the Pinchin’ Mix, a charming sweet shop run by husband-and-wife houseparent team Jon and Tory Pinchin-Hughes. Dorms are highly personalised by pupils, who move rooms three times a year and are able to request who they would like to live with for the next term. Every fortnight there is a prize for the best (and tidiest) dorm, culminating in a coveted overall prize at the end of each term in the form of a fun outing.

All boarders at Old Buckenham Hall live in a historic country house split into boys’ and girls’ dorms

Old Buckenham Hall School, Suffolk

At Old Buckenham Hall, a coeducational prep school in the village of Brettenham, weekend activities and events are key to making young pupils feel at home. A dedicated weekend housemaster is responsible for organising weekend outings; these might include punting in Cambridge, going to the local beach, visiting Clacton for pier attractions and even visiting London to climb the O2. All boarders live in a historic country house split into boys’ and girls’ dorms, each decorated with vibrant patterns and art to help pupils feel relaxed and inspired. There are common areas too, where pupils of all ages can play with puzzles and games when not outside riding bikes, climbing trees or playing sports (the school has a no-screens policy).

Cosy areas for well-deserved R&R are in abundance at Port Regis

Port Regis School, Dorset