Boarders at Oswestry School make up about one third of our community. They come from both the UK and overseas, with 14 nationalities represented. This international presence enriches the lives of those at the school, bringing a new dimension to the educational experience of our students and offering them a greater understanding of other cultures and religions.

Boarders are encouraged to play a full part in the life of the school, thereby developing their skills and interests and becoming confident young adults, ready to take their place in the world of university and work.

Oswestry School values the dignity of each individual and promotes the development of character and learning through a commitment to high standards within a caring community. We recognise that all pupils have different talents and strive to ensure that every pupil has an equal opportunity to find and develop the talents they do possess. We believe that the development of character, creativity, intellect and spirituality are the primary aims of education. We work together to create a happy and caring School community which is engaged in our local community and the wider world.

We pursue high standards in every area of School life. The Boarding Ethos is at the heart of all practice and relationships within the Boarding Houses as we strive to provide the very best for the young people within our care.

Daily life

Each boarding house is run by houseparents who lead a team of dedicated staff to care for the pupils in their charge. The staff are supportive and understanding, providing ongoing guidance throughout the students'  time at the school and ensuring that new boarders soon settle in with the existing pupils.

From Monday to Friday the boarding day starts at 7.30am when students prepare for the day ahead and go for breakfast in the school’s award-winning dining facility. From there they go to their form room for registration and to join with the day pupils. This is followed by assembly and lessons from 8.40am to 4.30pm. After school there is a variety of after-school clubs, activities and training sessions available, followed by the evening meal in the dining room. The evening is devoted to supervised homework sessions and an evening break when house staff provide supper for the students; the older students are responsible for this themselves. Finally the students have some free time and prepare for bed at a set time, appropriate to their age.

Click here to view the Oswestry School Boarder's Handbook

Weekends and social events

Each house organises its own social events during the week and at weekends. These can vary from in-house sporting competitions, quiz nights, theme food nights to barbecues and parties, also on a fortnightly basis throughout the year all the boarding houses join together for social events; these include trips to places of interest, Skiing at Chill Factore, Martial arts session, circus skills session, Crocky trail experience, Alton Towers, Shrewbury, Chester and many, many more.

OFSTED inspection

Theoverall judgement of the last inspection was that the provision of service is good and that measures to help boarders achieve well and enjoy and make a positive contribution are outstanding:

“The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. This is evidenced by inclusive written policies, a living environment where difference is respected and used for social learning and aspects of different cultures, such as food, being introduced into daily living situations. The school makes welcome its community of overseas and British students.”

“The accommodation provided for boarders is comfortable, well-heated and lit. Boarders can choose to decorate their bedrooms, which helps them take pride in their surroundings as well as helping them to develop ownership of the environment.”

“Boarders are actively encouraged to contribute to the running of the school and boarding houses because their views and opinions are valued.”

To view the latest ISI report please click here

We consult the boarders once each half-term on boarding and the activity programme. This is an ideal time for pupils to express their opinions, make suggestions and also to help organise future events and help us to develop boarding. Student input and feedback are really important!

We welcome all helpful suggestions as to how the boarding experience can be improved. The questionnaires are confidential and ensure that each pupil voice is heard. Both the Headmaster and both Deputy Heads are given access to the questionnaires once they are completed. If there are some things which cannot be changed, we will explain why.

Boarding Council meetings are held to provide students with information and to discuss any ideas or concerns which they may have. Here, representatives from each Boarding House are given the opportunity to meet a member or members of the Senior Management Team to discuss issues that concern them.

To view the Boarders' Code of Conduct please click here.

If you feel that a matter has not ben dealt with to your satisfaction, you may make a formal complaint. Please click here to view the relevant policy or contact the School Office

All new students will be assigned to a current pupil who will look after them whilst they are new to the school. Pastoral care in the boarding houses is excellent, with each member of staff taking a personal interest in all their pupils. During the school day the pupils’ immediate care is provided by their Form Tutor. Class sizes are small, averaging 16, so each pupil is well known to all staff.

Students joining the Sixth Form are offered a structured two week programme of induction when guidance on subject choices, exercises in team building and leadership and general familiarisation will take place. During their time in the Sixth Form all students will be offered excellent support and guidance at many levels, not least with university/course applications, career guidance, interview technique, and understanding personal finance with qualified speakers coming into the school on a regular basis.

In each Boarding House fortnightly academic and pastoral meetings take place where by the boarders are allocated to a house parent or assistant house parent to hold a one to one discussion; this allows an opportunity for pupil voice as well as providing a much needed foundation on which positive relationships between staff and pupils are built.

From such meetings, an inter-house competition programme has been established allowing for all pupils to gel and forge friendships. As a direct result, the pupils in the house feel part of a larger family. At the end of each meeting if the boarder has no school or boarding house debits then they are asked to choose from a list of rewards. These meetings are recorded and documented and were highly praised by the ISI Boarding Inspection in January 2012, this initiative was considered as outstanding practice.

All overseas students require a guardian with whom they can stay during the half term breaks. Students are also encouraged to leave the school over exeat weekends, but this is not compulsory. The school is able to provide information of agencies who offer a guardianship service, though this is an agreement which should be entered into between the family/agent and the guardianship provider.