Life in Boarding
- Boarding
- Life in Boarding
A Home from Home
Leweston has four boarding houses, each with its own character, traditions, and dedicated pastoral care:

Martha House - Girls, Years 4 to 8
A vibrant, welcoming and safe place for younger boarders, Martha House is full of energy and warmth. Named after St Martha, its emblem is the dolphin, symbolising swiftness and diligence, drawn from the coat of arms of John Fitzjames, who once lived at Leweston Manor. Boarders enjoy a lively environment with dog walks, hide and seek, movie nights, bikes and go-karts. Birthdays and special events are celebrated with enthusiasm.

Cecilia House - Girls, Years 9 and 10
Cecilia House offers colourful and spacious dormitories for older girls. The House has a strong sense of community and independence. Named after St Cecilia, patron saint of music, its emblem is the anchor, symbolising hope and steadfastness, two of which can be found in Leweston’s grounds. House meetings and informal gatherings foster cooperation and social development, helping pupils explore their interests and grow in confidence.

Eleanor House - Girls, Year 11 and Sixth Form
Located in the South Wing, Eleanor House is home to senior girls preparing for life beyond school. Named after Mother Eleanor, a former Headmistress of Leweston’s relocation, its emblem is three broad axes, representing military duty and legacy. Boarders have individual study bedrooms, access to laundry and kitchen facilities, and enjoy increased independence. Sixth Formers take on leadership roles, organise events, and act as role models within the boarding community.

Antony House - Boys, Years 4 to Sixth Form
Antony House is a home-from-home for boys aged 8 to 18. Named after St Antony of Padua, Leweston’s patron saint, its emblem is three inward-facing arrows, symbolising readiness for battle, taken from the coat of arms of George Hamilton Fletcher. Antony House is located in the North Wing, and divided into two levels, one offering small dormitories and social space for younger boys with the other providing older boarders with a quiet environment for rest and study.
Daily Life
Weekdays
Boarders are woken at 7.00am, with breakfast at 7.30am. After preparing for the day, they head to registration at 8.20am. Sixth Formers have their own study bedrooms and follow a slightly different routine.
The school day ends at 16.25, followed by tea and evening activities in two sessions:
- 16.45 – 17.45
- 19.30 – 20.30
Activity sign-up is termly, with minimum participation requirements for Years 7–10. Supervised homework sessions are built into the schedule. After supper, Houses gather for House meetings followed by time to relax and connect with family and friends.
Bedtimes are year-group specific, with quiet time beginning 15 minutes before lights out.
Weekends
With no Saturday school, weekends offer a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Saturday mornings are for rest and homework. Afternoons may include:
- Sports fixtures
- Trips to Sherborne
- Outdoor fun with bikes and go-karts
Evenings feature:
- Cinema or bowling trips
- DVD nights with popcorn
- Socials for older students
Sundays include full-day activities such as:
- Go-karting
- Caving
- Ice-skating
- Theatre or beach trips
Sixth Formers may go out on Friday evenings with permission, and senior boarders can arrange their own outings. Day pupils are welcome to join weekend activities, strengthening friendships across the school.
Read our latest Boarding Newsletter