What Our Boarders Say
There is a special, homely feel to the boarding community at New Hall. Our team of boarding staff is committed to providing a happy, settled and safe family environment for every child,
where confidence, intellectual curiosity and independence are fostered. Please click on the tiles below to read testimonials from our current boarders.
Katerina
(Full Boarder, Dennett House)
“I have enjoyed many years of boarding at New Hall, and I look forward to a similar sense of community and atmosphere at my first-choice university, Warwick. I started flexi-boarding in Year 3, despite living so close to the School, as I liked taking part in the various activities around the School and I wanted to build closer bonds with my friends, as well as have the opportunity to make new ones. One of the best aspects of boarding is meeting people I would not normally get the chance to meet, especially across year groups. Trying all of our different countries’ food and discussing differences and similarities has also been a highlight, since I am very interested in different cultures and views. Recently, I have also had the pleasure of having multiple boarding staff members being language teachers, which has helped me to develop my Spanish for A Level, keeping me motivated and passionate.
Although I had a small break from boarding after Year 8, I always knew I would return and did so in Year 11. The joy and benefits grew as this was a more demanding time but boarding meant that I could get a better work-life balance as I could knuckle down during my GSCEs without feeling isolated and bored. The boarding staff support us incredibly well and continuously give us much-needed encouragement. I am incredibly grateful for the relationships we have with the boarding staff, and I admire their ability to understand and care for us. They listen to us and go above and beyond in creating activities. For example, we have tag rugby on Mondays, aerobics on Tuesdays and have lots of socials. I have also appreciated the growing independence that we have been given, which has personally meant that I can open the library and use the facility in the evenings. This mutual respect means that, as a house, we have flourished as we are in an enabling environment with a whole house to support us, and this is the best feeling.”
“I have enjoyed many years of boarding at New Hall, and I look forward to a similar sense of community and atmosphere at my first-choice university, Warwick. I started flexi-boarding in Year 3, despite living so close to the School, as I liked taking part in the various activities around the School and I wanted to build closer bonds with my friends, as well as have the opportunity to make new ones. One of the best aspects of boarding is meeting people I would not normally get the chance to meet, especially across year groups. Trying all of our different countries’ food and discussing differences and similarities has also been a highlight, since I am very interested in different cultures and views. Recently, I have also had the pleasure of having multiple boarding staff members being language teachers, which has helped me to develop my Spanish for A Level, keeping me motivated and passionate.
Although I had a small break from boarding after Year 8, I always knew I would return and did so in Year 11. The joy and benefits grew as this was a more demanding time but boarding meant that I could get a better work-life balance as I could knuckle down during my GSCEs without feeling isolated and bored. The boarding staff support us incredibly well and continuously give us much-needed encouragement. I am incredibly grateful for the relationships we have with the boarding staff, and I admire their ability to understand and care for us. They listen to us and go above and beyond in creating activities. For example, we have tag rugby on Mondays, aerobics on Tuesdays and have lots of socials. I have also appreciated the growing independence that we have been given, which has personally meant that I can open the library and use the facility in the evenings. This mutual respect means that, as a house, we have flourished as we are in an enabling environment with a whole house to support us, and this is the best feeling.”
Katherine
(Flexible Boarder, Dennett House)
“I have enjoyed many years of boarding at New Hall, and I look forward to a similar sense of community and atmosphere at my first-choice university, Warwick. I started flexi-boarding in Year 3, despite living so close to the School, as I liked taking part in the various activities around the School and I wanted to build closer bonds with my friends, as well as have the opportunity to make new ones. One of the best aspects of boarding is meeting people I would not normally get the chance to meet, especially across year groups. Trying all of our different countries’ food and discussing differences and similarities has also been a highlight, since I am very interested in different cultures and views. Recently, I have also had the pleasure of having multiple boarding staff members being language teachers, which has helped me to develop my Spanish for A Level, keeping me motivated and passionate.
Although I had a small break from boarding after Year 8, I always knew I would return and did so in Year 11. The joy and benefits grew as this was a more demanding time but boarding meant that I could get a better work-life balance as I could knuckle down during my GSCEs without feeling isolated and bored. The boarding staff support us incredibly well and continuously give us much-needed encouragement. I am incredibly grateful for the relationships we have with the boarding staff, and I admire their ability to understand and care for us. They listen to us and go above and beyond in creating activities. For example, we have tag rugby on Mondays, aerobics on Tuesdays and have lots of socials. I have also appreciated the growing independence that we have been given, which has personally meant that I can open the library and use the facility in the evenings. This mutual respect means that, as a house, we have flourished as we are in an enabling environment with a whole house to support us, and this is the best feeling.”
“I have enjoyed many years of boarding at New Hall, and I look forward to a similar sense of community and atmosphere at my first-choice university, Warwick. I started flexi-boarding in Year 3, despite living so close to the School, as I liked taking part in the various activities around the School and I wanted to build closer bonds with my friends, as well as have the opportunity to make new ones. One of the best aspects of boarding is meeting people I would not normally get the chance to meet, especially across year groups. Trying all of our different countries’ food and discussing differences and similarities has also been a highlight, since I am very interested in different cultures and views. Recently, I have also had the pleasure of having multiple boarding staff members being language teachers, which has helped me to develop my Spanish for A Level, keeping me motivated and passionate.
Although I had a small break from boarding after Year 8, I always knew I would return and did so in Year 11. The joy and benefits grew as this was a more demanding time but boarding meant that I could get a better work-life balance as I could knuckle down during my GSCEs without feeling isolated and bored. The boarding staff support us incredibly well and continuously give us much-needed encouragement. I am incredibly grateful for the relationships we have with the boarding staff, and I admire their ability to understand and care for us. They listen to us and go above and beyond in creating activities. For example, we have tag rugby on Mondays, aerobics on Tuesdays and have lots of socials. I have also appreciated the growing independence that we have been given, which has personally meant that I can open the library and use the facility in the evenings. This mutual respect means that, as a house, we have flourished as we are in an enabling environment with a whole house to support us, and this is the best feeling.”
Bosco
(Full Boarder, Campion House)
“Hi, my name is Bosco, and I’ve been part of the boarding community for the past 6 years. In boarding, we stick to a schedule where we can balance all our academic work, co-curriculum activities and social life; this allows us to embrace everything New Hall has to offer.
In my opinion, the best part of boarding is that there’s not a moment you feel alone. Friends become family, and they are a reliable source of support – something that is especially comforting during exam time.”
“Hi, my name is Bosco, and I’ve been part of the boarding community for the past 6 years. In boarding, we stick to a schedule where we can balance all our academic work, co-curriculum activities and social life; this allows us to embrace everything New Hall has to offer.
In my opinion, the best part of boarding is that there’s not a moment you feel alone. Friends become family, and they are a reliable source of support – something that is especially comforting during exam time.”
Aidan
(Flexible Boarder, Campion House)
“Being my home for the past five years, New Hall has been the perfect environment for me to learn and grow. The friendships I’ve made in the boarding community are ones that will last a lifetime. The structure that boarding provides has been truly invaluable, allowing me to strike a perfect work-life balance.
Staff are incredibly supportive and have genuinely made boarding feel like home. In Campion House, we’re treated with respect and given a number of freedoms, which has really helped my confidence and made me more independent.”
“Being my home for the past five years, New Hall has been the perfect environment for me to learn and grow. The friendships I’ve made in the boarding community are ones that will last a lifetime. The structure that boarding provides has been truly invaluable, allowing me to strike a perfect work-life balance.
Staff are incredibly supportive and have genuinely made boarding feel like home. In Campion House, we’re treated with respect and given a number of freedoms, which has really helped my confidence and made me more independent.”
Albert
(Flexible Boarder, Campion House)
“Having boarded at New Hall for three years now, I have been continuously impressed with the level of academic support I have received across both boarding houses. With evening revision sessions, one-to-one tuition, and help from my friends, boarding has significantly improved my grades and work ethic.
Outside of studying, living in a boarding house has been fantastic for my social life. The staff are really funny and always there to help you. I would definitely recommend boarding to anyone who would like to try it.”
“Having boarded at New Hall for three years now, I have been continuously impressed with the level of academic support I have received across both boarding houses. With evening revision sessions, one-to-one tuition, and help from my friends, boarding has significantly improved my grades and work ethic.
Outside of studying, living in a boarding house has been fantastic for my social life. The staff are really funny and always there to help you. I would definitely recommend boarding to anyone who would like to try it.”
Wendy
(Flexible Boarder, Hawley House)
“In Hawley House, we all support each other and develop strong friendships that we’ll keep for life. We all look out for each other and there is always someone there to talk to. With evenings structured around studying and socialising, boarding really brings out our academic potential and forges friendships that will last a lifetime.”
“In Hawley House, we all support each other and develop strong friendships that we’ll keep for life. We all look out for each other and there is always someone there to talk to. With evenings structured around studying and socialising, boarding really brings out our academic potential and forges friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Eva
(Full Boarder, Hawley House)
“Since starting boarding in September, I have really enjoyed my life here at New Hall; we go on exciting trips every weekend and take part in lots of sports activities throughout the week. The boarding staff in my house are really nice, they are always very helpful and supportive if we are struggling with our studies or feeling homesick.”
“Since starting boarding in September, I have really enjoyed my life here at New Hall; we go on exciting trips every weekend and take part in lots of sports activities throughout the week. The boarding staff in my house are really nice, they are always very helpful and supportive if we are struggling with our studies or feeling homesick.”
Felicia
(Flexible Boarder, Hawley House | Magdalen Wing)
“Boarding is a great experience and a safe environment to learn and grow as a person. It’s filled with trustworthy people who will always be there if you need them. I started boarding at New Hall in 2016 and there isn’t a single thing I don’t love!”
“Boarding is a great experience and a safe environment to learn and grow as a person. It’s filled with trustworthy people who will always be there if you need them. I started boarding at New Hall in 2016 and there isn’t a single thing I don’t love!”
Mazvita
(Full Boarder, Hawley House | Magdalen Wing)
“I’ve been a boarder for two years now and it’s the best decision I’ve made. My favourite thing about boarding is how I get the opportunity to interact with lots of different people. I’ve learnt a lot about different cultures and made loads of friends!”
“I’ve been a boarder for two years now and it’s the best decision I’ve made. My favourite thing about boarding is how I get the opportunity to interact with lots of different people. I’ve learnt a lot about different cultures and made loads of friends!”
Haris
(Full Boarder, Petre House)
“My name is Haris, and I am currently in Year 9. I’ve boarded for 7 years now and I’ve loved every second of it. There isn’t a dull moment in boarding! I love waking up every morning with my friends, and being in a friendly environment where I can be myself. Boarding has given me so much more confidence and independence, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities it has and continues to give to me.”
“My name is Haris, and I am currently in Year 9. I’ve boarded for 7 years now and I’ve loved every second of it. There isn’t a dull moment in boarding! I love waking up every morning with my friends, and being in a friendly environment where I can be myself. Boarding has given me so much more confidence and independence, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities it has and continues to give to me.”
Zachary
(Flexible Boarder, Petre House)
“My name is Zachary and I am a boarder at New Hall School. From Year 7 to Year 9, I was adamant that boarding wasn’t for me. After going for a taster session, however, I quickly changed my mind and realised it would be fun to always be with my mates.
Wednesday nights are Petre Cup nights. The four subdivisions, named after our Patron Saints battle it out in various events from cracker-eating to Mario Kart to gain house points. Whoever wins overall gets to seize the coveted Petre Cup. Mondays are Chicken Club – the clues in the name: 10 kilos of chicken lovingly prepared by Mr Meakin before relaxing in a hot oven for us all to enjoy. Fridays and the weekends are for relaxing and trips (with a little study on the side!). We’ve recently enjoyed Go-Karting, trips to London and Top Golf.
Boarding has been a big step up for me: organisation has improved (something I was never good at); homework is easier to get done and the support of your friends and staff is invaluable. I wish I’d done it sooner!”
“My name is Zachary and I am a boarder at New Hall School. From Year 7 to Year 9, I was adamant that boarding wasn’t for me. After going for a taster session, however, I quickly changed my mind and realised it would be fun to always be with my mates.
Wednesday nights are Petre Cup nights. The four subdivisions, named after our Patron Saints battle it out in various events from cracker-eating to Mario Kart to gain house points. Whoever wins overall gets to seize the coveted Petre Cup. Mondays are Chicken Club – the clues in the name: 10 kilos of chicken lovingly prepared by Mr Meakin before relaxing in a hot oven for us all to enjoy. Fridays and the weekends are for relaxing and trips (with a little study on the side!). We’ve recently enjoyed Go-Karting, trips to London and Top Golf.
Boarding has been a big step up for me: organisation has improved (something I was never good at); homework is easier to get done and the support of your friends and staff is invaluable. I wish I’d done it sooner!”
Rafferty
(Flexible Boarder, Petre House | Earle Wing)
“My name is Raffy and I am in Year 4. While I’ve only boarded since the start of September, I absolutely love it! The staff are super kind and generous and really help us to learn (well, 98% fun and 2% serious when they really need to be!). At first I was worried about boarding, but the friends I’ve made and the support I received from the staff have made life much easier – I really look forward to my time in the Boarding House. Boarding has been a great experience for me and I have settled in really well.”
“My name is Raffy and I am in Year 4. While I’ve only boarded since the start of September, I absolutely love it! The staff are super kind and generous and really help us to learn (well, 98% fun and 2% serious when they really need to be!). At first I was worried about boarding, but the friends I’ve made and the support I received from the staff have made life much easier – I really look forward to my time in the Boarding House. Boarding has been a great experience for me and I have settled in really well.”
Josiah
(Full Boarder, Petre House | Earle Wing)
“For anyone who isn’t a boarder – you’re missing out! I have boarded for four years and really enjoyed the range of activities that we get to do, from inter-house sports competitions to staff making us drinks every ‘Milkshake Monday’. While having lots of fun is an important part of boarding, the best part is the level of support we each received from the staff. Whether it’s helping us with our homework or cheering us up if we feel down, the staff treat us like family and are really lovely!”
“For anyone who isn’t a boarder – you’re missing out! I have boarded for four years and really enjoyed the range of activities that we get to do, from inter-house sports competitions to staff making us drinks every ‘Milkshake Monday’. While having lots of fun is an important part of boarding, the best part is the level of support we each received from the staff. Whether it’s helping us with our homework or cheering us up if we feel down, the staff treat us like family and are really lovely!”