Good to know
Flexible arrangements to suit parent and pupil alike. The following information is provided to all boarders before they start at Longridge.
Casual Clothes
A small amount of casual clothing is needed for after school and weekend activities. This should also be clearly named. One reasonably smart outfit is needed for school outings.
Communication
Full boarders are encouraged to contact their parents weekly. All boarders have access to payphones and may collect their personal mail during the course of the school day. House Staff can be contacted via the school office or via the telephones listed in the Handbook for Boarding Pupils. Computer facilities within the Boarding House provide e-mail and Internet access.
Evenings
Boarders are normally expected to be on the premises during the evenings on weekdays except under exceptional circumstances and with the Houseparent's specific permission by arrangement with the parents or guardians.
Guardians
For boarders whose parents are living abroad it is required that a relation or responsible adult is appointed as guardian to act on behalf of the parents. The guardian should liaise closely with the House and School staff in matters such as travel arrangements, exeats and parents' evenings. Should a guardian be unavailable at any time, an alternative point of contact should be supplied.
Insurance
The School Insurance Policy does not cover pupils' personal belongings. Parents are strongly recommended to include all personal belongings in their own personal insurance and ensure that they are adequately covered.
Laundry
The boarding fees include all laundry but not dry cleaning. A uniform and clothes list is supplied to all new boarders' parents. All items must be named.
Music Practice
Although House Staff are not necessarily musically qualified, they will encourage boarders to complete their music practice and facilities are always available.
Pocket Money
This will vary depending on age. Boarders may have a bank account or deposit an amount with the Houseparent. Weekly boarders need only bring a small amount of money each week.
Prep
All boarders have a minimum of one hour's supervised prep each evening. Books are checked by the Houseparents who liaise with subject and form staff.
Recreation
Boarders are encouraged to join in activities that take place in the evening. The Sports Hall is available most evenings and all activities are fully supervised.
Rules
During the school day the same code of conduct applies to both day and boarding pupils. Copies of the school rules are sent to all pupils on acceptance at the School.
Safety and Security
The Boarding House is regularly inspected by Fire Safety Officers and fire drills and practice evacuations are held and form part of an active Health and Safety Programme
Travel
The School can arrange transport to and from the nearest airports (Newcastle upon Tyne or Edinburgh), or railway station (Berwick-upon-Tweed).
Valuables
Boarders are strongly advised not to bring valuable items to School unless required for school use. Such items may be deposited with the house staff for safekeeping. Passports must be deposited with the Houseparent for safekeeping at the start of each term.
Visits to Berwick
With the permission of the Houseparent, boarders may go to Berwick on Saturdays in small groups. Older boarders may go unaccompanied.
Weekends
Full boarders may be granted a part or whole weekend exeat at the discretion of the Houseparent. A telephone call from a parent or guardian is required to confirm the details not later than the Thursday prior to the exeat. It is recommended that new boarders should not take the first weekend of the School Year as an exeat. A full programme of events is organized to help them keep busy and make friends with others.
Weekly boarders
Weekly boarders return home on Friday evening (Or Saturday morning if involved in Games) and return to school on Sunday evening one hour before bedtime or on Monday morning in time for lessons. Weekly boarders may stay for weekends by arrangement, especially if involved in school events.
| Weekdays |
| Weekends |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Breakfast |
08.00 |
Brunch |
10.30-11.30 |
School |
08.50-16.20 | ||
Drinks |
16.25 | ||
Prep |
16.50-17.50 | ||
Supper |
18.00 |
Dinner |
18.00 |
Summer Activities |
18.30-19.30 | ||
Senior Prep (summer) |
19.45-20.30 | ||
Senior Prep (winter) |
18.45-19.30 | ||
Winter Activities |
19.45-20.30 | ||
| Bedtime depending on age | Bedtime depending on age |
I am interested in sending my child as a boarder. What do you offer?
We regard our boarders as part of a large family, and they are looked after by non-teaching House Parents. The Boarders enjoy fairly spacious accommodation which has recently been updated. In addition they have their own common rooms, one of which is a large kitchen/family room which is the centre of Boarding House Life. We have a programme of weekend outings and visits and we consult the pupils about their preferences. We also encourage anyone thinking of boarding to look around the school and meet the House parents for themselves.