Welcome to Boarding

Thank you for your interest in boarding at Leweston. As Director of Boarding, I’m proud to lead a community where every child is truly known and supported. Our boarding houses are more than just places to sleep—they are vibrant, caring environments where young people grow in confidence, independence, and friendship. Whether your child is with us for a few nights a week or full-time, they’ll find a second home here.

A Way of Life, Not Just a Place to Stay

Boarding at Leweston is built on warmth, trust, and a deep sense of belonging. Whether your child lives 5 minutes or 5000 miles away, is joining us part-time or full-time, they’ll become part of a close-knit community that feels like family.

We would be delighted to welcome you for a visit and to talk more about which of our flexible boarding options could be right for your family.

Mrs Simkins-Smith, Director of Boarding
BA (Hons) Reading

Why Families Choose Boarding at Leweston

We understand that every family’s needs are different but here are some of the things that our boarding families value most:

Emotional reassurance, strong pastoral care, and flexible options that support busy family life.
A modern take on traditional boarding, with excellent facilities and a strong sense of community.
A safe, structured boarding experience with full support for international students.
Independence, a vibrant social life, and a Sixth Form experience that feels grown-up and empowering.

What Makes Leweston Unique

Small, friendly boarding houses led by experienced Houseparents
An ‘upstairs downstairs’ approach with boarding houses nestled within the main school building
A natural flow between academic and residential life reinforcing the sense of community
Seamless integration between boarders and day pupils
A culture of kindness, confidence, and curiosity
A beautiful rural setting with space to grow and breathe
A school that knows every child personally

Excellent Results

Boarders can study in the evenings without the distractions of home and have access to the academic boarding tutors, or Florins, in the evenings. Analysis by the Boarding Schools Association shows that 90% of boarders proceed to their university of choice.

Confidence and Independence

Boarders gain in self-confidence and learn to cope for themselves in a community of peers. For Sixth Formers boarding can offer the opportunity to experience independent living before plunging into the world of university.

Responsibility

Boarding helps pupils take their first steps towards maturity. Boarders learn to be responsible for their actions and understand how they may impact on those around them. They learn to be considerate and to respect the differences in those living around them.

Convenience

For busy families flexi and weekly boarding can assist family life. With the children looked after at school in the week and no Saturday school, they can come home on Friday with their work done for quality family time through to Sunday night or Monday morning. Though counterintuitive, many boarders say they grow closer to their parents as a result.

Community

Pupils living in rural communities with limited public transport can be isolated from their school friends when they go home. Boarders have a ready-made group of same-age friends with which to share interests and activities. Boarding brings with it social interactions and the friendships formed in the boarding houses are often life-long.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Boarders can access the full range of after-school and weekend activities and, as a result, develop more of their potential. With almost constant access to the school’s facilities and staff and no daily commute, their days are longer and experience often broader.