The Boarding Houses

Martha House is a vibrant, welcoming and safe place for boarders aged 4 to 8.

Named after St Martha, the patron saint of servants and cooks, the house reflects her spirit of warmth, care and community. Its emblem is a dolphin which appears on the Leweston family coat of arms and symbolises swiftness and diligence. Its use as a house emblem is a reminder of the school’s heritage and the values that continue to shape our community today. 

The house is a fun and lively place, and all boarders are encouraged to involve themselves fully in the life of the School and the large variety of activities that are on offer. With dog walks, hide and seek, movie nights, bikes and go karts, the boarders in Martha House have little time to get bored, and each boarder is encouraged to involve themselves as much as they want and need to.

Weekends provide the opportunity to venture outside of school and enjoy trips to the coast or local attractions. Important ‘down time’ is also encouraged, and a Martha House favourite are the regular ‘sleepy Sundays’ which offer the pupils a much needed lie in and relaxed breakfast in house. Birthdays and special events are eagerly anticipated and celebrated too.

When we asked members of Martha House what was best about being a boarder they said ‘to help others, be kind, learn how to share, how to get along with different people and how to be a little more organised!’

Miss Robinson is Houseparent to Martha and Cecilia house, click here to contact her.

Cecilia House is a welcoming, supportive and sociable place for boarders in Years 9 and 10.

Named after St Cecilia, the patron saint of music, the house reflects her qualities of creativity, resilience and harmony. Its emblem is an anchor, a symbol of hope and steadfastness, and a reminder of the school’s heritage. The anchor appears in the crest of George Hamilton Fletcher, who purchased Leweston Manor in 1906, and remains part of the estate’s history today, including two anchors left on the grounds by the Royal Navy during our Second World War acquisition.

Life in Cecilia House is friendly, busy and full of opportunity. As senior pupils, boarders are encouraged to immerse themselves in the life of the School and to enjoy these important years of academic, social and emotional development. They are supported to explore their interests, follow their enthusiasms and develop the independence that comes with greater responsibility.

Boarders live in colourful and spacious dormitories of four or five within the main school building. Each pupil has their own bed, and a well‑equipped common room provides a comfortable space to relax together. Study is completed downstairs in the school library to create a clear sense of separation between academic work and boarding life.

Miss Robinson is Houseparent to Martha and Cecilia house, click here to contact her.

Eleanor House is home to Leweston’s Year 11 and Sixth Form boarders.

Eleanor boarders live in the South Wing where each pupil has their own bedroom equipped with a desk, allowing them to work and live privately and independently. They have access to two Common Rooms, offering flexible spaces for studying away from their room or spending time socialising with friends. Access to a laundry room and a common room kitchen on the weekend support pupils in developing the independent living skills they will need for life at university and beyond.

Eleanor House is named after Mother Eleanor, who was Headmistress when the school moved from Sherborne to its present site. Its emblem features three broad axes, taken from the crest of John Leweston, the last of the Leweston family and signify the execution of military duty. The emblem serves as a reminder of the school’s rich heritage and the historical figures who shaped its story.

As senior pupils, boarders in Eleanor House enjoy both the company and support of their peers on the Senior Wing while remaining very much involved in the wider boarding community. Sixth Formers are role models for younger boarders and take on responsibilities such as helping to organise social events, supporting charitable initiatives and contributing to duty rotas.

Boarders in Eleanor House also have greater freedom over their free time, with opportunities to go out of school at the end of the day and at weekends. They may also invite guests into the social areas of the house, helping them balance independence with community life.

Mrs Simkins-Smith is Houseparent to Eleanor House, click here to contact her.

Antony House is for boys age 8 to 18.

A comforting home from home with limitless potential where full, weekly and flexi boarding boys can grow and flourish in a twenty-four-seven community. While academics are a key focus of their time spent at Antony House, all boys are encouraged to participate in the extensive variety of extra-curricular activities available at Leweston.

Antony House is named after the school’s original name, St Antony’s and St Antony of Padua is Leweston’s patron saint. Their emblem is three arrows which signify readiness for battle. The three inward facing arrows are from the coat of arms of George Hamilton Fletcher, who purchased the manor in 1906. The full coat of arms can be seen on the front façade of the manor house.

Antony House is the newest member of the Leweston boarding community, opening in 2019 when the school went co-educational. It is based at the heart of the school in an area known as the North Wing. Antony House’s location provides students with easy access to all areas of the school while also offering a quiet environment for study and rest. Antony has single and double bedrooms depending on the boarder's age, and a common room.

Mr Cunnane is Assistant Housemaster to Antony House, click here to contact him.