National recognition for our Senior School’s full boarding community
Choosing the right Senior School is one of the biggest decisions families make. Sedbergh Senior School has recently been commended in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards in the category of Independent Boarding School of the Year, recognising the strength, depth and distinctiveness of its full boarding community.
The commendation follows the School’s most recent Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection, in which boarding was identified as a “significant strength”. Together, these independent endorsements highlight the environment many Sedbergh Prep School families already know well: a community where boarding is central to pupils’ education, friendships and personal growth.
Why full boarding matters
Sedbergh is one of the few schools where boarding is genuinely full, lived and shared. Around 98% of pupils are full boarders, creating a seven-day community where everyone takes part in the same rhythm of school life.
For pupils joining from Sedbergh Prep School, this means becoming part of a House that quickly becomes a second home. Houses are far more than places to sleep. They are communities where friendships are formed, support is always close by and pupils develop confidence and independence as they grow.
Rather than watching the School empty at weekends, pupils enjoy a rich programme of sport, music, drama, outdoor education, societies, leadership opportunities, service and House activities together.
A setting that helps pupils grow
Sedbergh’s location is an important part of the Senior School experience. Surrounded by the Howgills, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, pupils benefit from a childhood that is active, adventurous and connected to the outdoors.
The landscape is not simply beautiful; it encourages resilience, perspective and confidence. Whether walking on the fells, competing in sport or taking part in outdoor education, pupils learn to embrace challenge while developing a strong sense of belonging.
A seven-day education
At Sedbergh, education continues well beyond the classroom. Houses remain the anchor of pupils’ lives, with House staff supporting them academically, socially and pastorally.
The School’s 500th anniversary has strengthened that sense of community still further. Events including the choral celebration at York Minster and the anniversary concert at Bridgewater Hall brought together pupils, staff, families and Old Sedberghians. For pupils living away from home, experiences like these create lifelong memories and a strong sense of belonging.
Character that Counts
Life at Sedbergh is shaped by the School’s values of Humility, Ambition, Resilience and Kindness. Living together gives pupils daily opportunities to practise these values: learning to manage busy weeks, support one another, recover from setbacks and contribute positively to their community.
The impact can be seen in the young adults pupils become. Recent leaver Tilly Gilraine, now completing a finance degree apprenticeship in London, said Sedbergh prepared her for life “9.5, if not a 10”. She identified communication and resilience as two of the most valuable skills she took with her, adding that “sometimes the hard way is the best way.”
For many families at Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School, moving to Sedbergh Senior School is a natural next step. The recent national commendation and ISI inspection recognise what pupils experience every day: a full boarding education that develops confidence, independence and Character that Counts.