“Pupils are bound together by the warm, friendly and inclusive ethos of the community.” Independent School Inspectorate
For us, boarding is far more than just a place to sleep; it is the heartbeat of our school. Pupils enjoy welcoming social spaces, a full programme of evening and weekend activities, and a lively and inclusive term-time home that allows them to thrive and become fully involved in school life.
It is here, in our vibrant co‑educational house, that friendships deepen, confidence grows and the true spirit of Sedbergh Prep shines.
Living within a single co-educational boarding house allows strong relationships to develop naturally across year groups. Younger pupils quickly gain confidence, older pupils develop leadership and responsibility, and staff come to know each child well.
Natural friendships across the Prep School
Just as they do at home, boys and girls share social spaces, dining times, and evening activities, which fosters a lively community in which friendships develop easily across ages and interests.
Brothers and sisters in the same community
Brothers and sisters belong to the same house community, providing a vital sense of security, continuity and reassurance for families.
Consistent pastoral care
A unified boarding structure allows pupils to be supported by familiar adults who understand them well and oversee both school and boarding life.
While social life sits at the heart of the house, the boarding environment is carefully organised to ensure pupils also benefit from privacy, routine and age-appropriate space.
Shared spaces that bring pupils together
Large, welcoming common rooms and social hubs serve as the centre of house life, where the whole community relaxes and plays together.
Comfortable and age-appropriate accommodation
While social life is shared, sleeping accommodation is clearly separated and appropriately organised to ensure privacy and age-appropriate comfort for every pupil.
Safe, structured evenings
The physical layout allows for robust supervision and a staff presence that remains consistent throughout the evening and overnight.
Right from the off, the school and the staff are very welcoming and warm…You feel at a deep level that, unquestionably, your child will be looked after.
Parent/Carer
Led by Head of Boarding, Mr Bunday, our residential and house tutor team plays a central role in daily boarding life. With five residential staff members living within the house, pupils benefit from consistent adult support and strong pastoral continuity throughout the week.
Boarders are supported by familiar adults who oversee prep, activities, routines and evening life, helping pupils settle quickly and develop confidence and independence over time.
The shared nature of boarding at Sedbergh Prep allows staff to build strong relationships across year groups and to understand each child as both a pupil and a member of the house community.
Whether supporting prep, encouraging friendships or simply providing reassurance at the end of a busy day, there is always a trusted adult face nearby.
“Because our staff live within the house, pupils see the same familiar adults throughout the day and evening. That consistency helps children settle quickly and feel secure.”
— Mr Bunday, Head of Boarding
We recognise that children develop confidence and independence at different stages. While some pupils choose full boarding from an early age, others prefer to begin with weekly, tri or flexi boarding before increasing their time in house over the years.
Sedbergh Prep therefore offers a range of boarding options, including full, weekly, tri (where children stay three nights a week) and flexi boarding (where children can stay on a flexible basis). Families can choose the pattern that best supports their child.
Whatever their boarding pathway, pupils remain fully involved in the wider life of the Prep School, from early morning sports clubs and supervised music practice to evening activities and weekend adventures.
You can find out more about boarding routines, family dining and communication with home on our ‘A Typical Day’ page.
Each morning, before school, boarders (and day pupils) can take part in early morning sports clubs including running, netball, swimming, football and cricket . Those who play musical instruments also have supervised practice time scheduled each week. Our weekend adventures are a popular part of the week and are open to all pupils to attend if boarding the night before.
What can I say about boarding? Well we are just one big family! It is just like living at home but with your friends, and it is far more exciting!Emilia, Year 8
It really is like a big sleepover with all your best friends, but I get to live with them every day. We have busy timetables in the evening as well as during the day so I am never bored.Max, Year 7
I love boarding, I enjoy the way it works. It feels like my second home because of all the facilities we have in house. We do so many evening activities and we also get free time after that to relax so you get the best of both worlds really.Arthur, Year 8
Arrange a visit to discover the boarding opportunities at Sedbergh Prep. Please complete the form below and a member of our admissions team will contact you.
