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Children’s Mental Health Week 2026
This Is My Place A Year 10 Boarder’s Perspective 💛
When people hear the word boarding they often think it is just about sleeping somewhere that is not home. But for me boarding is so much more than that. It is a place where I feel safe understood and supported. It is where I belong. That is why this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme This Is My Place feels especially meaningful.
Living in the boarding house means being surrounded by people who become part of your everyday life. We do not just share corridors and bedrooms. We share meals laughter late night chats stressful exam weeks and the small moments that really matter. There is always someone around whether you need help with homework someone to talk to when you are feeling low or just a friendly face after a long day.
One of the best things about boarding is the sense of community. Everyone looks out for each other. The boarding staff play a huge part in this. They help us settle in check in on us when we are tired or stressed and are always there to listen. They notice when something is not quite right and make sure we are okay. Knowing there are adults who genuinely care about how we are feeling makes the boarding house feel safe and supportive.
The boarding house also feels like a second family. It is a place where you are accepted for who you are where friendships grow naturally and where you are never really alone. Even when you miss home there is comfort in knowing you are surrounded by people who care about you and want the best for you not just academically but emotionally too.
For me this is my place because it is where I feel I can be myself. It is where I have learned how important belonging is for mental health and how feeling safe supported and understood can help you face challenges with confidence. During Children’s Mental Health Week it is a reminder that having a place like this a community a family a home away from home really does make all the difference 💛
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Boardington Bear Adventures: Frozen Magic, Proud Paws and a Night to Remember
Hello everyone,
It’s me, Boardington Bear, and I simply must tell you about one of the most magical evenings I have ever experienced in the boarding house. It was opening night of Frozen, and our boarders and staff were lucky enough to attend. Oh my paws, what a night it was.
From the very moment we arrived, the atmosphere was electric. There was excitement in the air, hushed whispers of anticipation and that special feeling you only get when something truly wonderful is about to begin. When the lights went down, the magic began.
The lighting and visual effects were absolutely incredible. Ice sparkled, colours shifted beautifully and the stage transformed before our eyes. The costumes were stunning, with so much detail and care clearly poured into every single one. It was obvious that an enormous amount of time, effort and love had gone into the production, and it showed in every scene.
The music, the stage production, the movement and the storytelling all came together perfectly. Frozen is a complex and demanding show, but the dedication of everyone involved paid off completely. The performances were confident, emotional and full of energy. I could hardly stay still in my seat. I clapped my paws as hard as I possibly could and felt unbelievably proud.
Our boarders who attended said it was the best show they have ever seen at the school. They spoke about how magical it was, how special it felt and how they will remember it always. Hearing that made my bear heart feel very full indeed.
I also know just how hard the boarders who were part of the show have been practising. Long rehearsals, lots of commitment and real determination went into preparing for this moment, and it has so clearly paid off. Every single person involved should be incredibly proud of what they achieved.
It truly was a night of Frozen magic, unforgettable performances and a whole lot of pride.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
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Boardington Bear Adventures: Rehearsals, Rainbows and Responsible Routines
Hello everyone,
It’s me, Boardington Bear, back with another weekly review from our ever busy boarding house. It has been a week full of creativity, colour, learning and a few very tasty moments too.Rehearsals have continued at full pace for the school musical Frozen, and oh my paws, everyone is working incredibly hard. Each day brings more polish, more confidence and more magic. Lines are being perfected, songs are growing stronger and the stage is coming alive piece by piece. I have been popping in to rehearsals whenever I can, sitting proudly at the side and watching the dedication unfold. It has been amazing to see how much effort everyone is putting in and how it all starts to come together.
Over in the Prep Department it was Numbers Day, and it was wonderful to see so much excitement around maths. There were numbers everywhere, problem solving activities and lots of creative ways to make maths fun. I wandered past feeling very impressed by the enthusiasm and concentration on display.
We also celebrated Funky Sock Friday, which is always one of my favourite days. The boarding house was filled with bright colours, stripes, spots and some truly bold sock choices. I made sure to admire as many pairs as possible, and I must say my favourite socks of all were covered in rainbows. A bear appreciates good sock confidence, especially when it comes in every colour.
Another highlight of the week was World Nutella Day, which is always a favourite around here. There were smiles, happy faces and plenty of excitement whenever Nutella was mentioned. I may have hovered nearby just in case a spoon was left unattended. Quality control is important.
Behind the scenes, the electrician visited to carry out PAT testing on all the electrical items in the boarding house. While it was all very official and important, I must admit that I learnt a lot watching the process. I discovered why checking plugs, leads and appliances matters so much and how it helps keep everyone safe. I feel much wiser now. A safety aware bear is a happy bear.
So with rehearsals continuing, socks getting funkier, Nutella being celebrated, numbers being enjoyed and safety checks completed, it has been another full and productive week in boarding.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
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#BoardingNotBoring
By a Year 10 Boarder
When people hear the word boarding, they usually imagine strict rules, silence, and missing home all the time. I’ll be honest, that’s what I thought before I started too. But now that I’m in Year 10, I can confidently say one thing: boarding is definitely not boring.
A normal day in boarding actually feels quite balanced. After school, we all head back together, which is nice because you’re never on your own unless you want to be. There’s always someone to talk to in the common room, whether it’s about homework, what happened in lessons, or something completely random. Even homework time isn’t as bad as it sounds. Having everyone around makes it easier to focus, and if you’re stuck, there’s always someone who can help.
Evenings are one of my favourite parts of boarding life. Some nights are chilled, watching a film, chatting, or just relaxing, and other nights there are activities like baking, games, crafts, or sports. Whether it’s a kickabout, a fitness session, or just being active with friends, it’s a great way to unwind after a long school day. It’s really up to you how involved you want to be, which I like. There’s no pressure, but there’s always something going on if you’re in the mood.
Weekends are when boarding really comes alive. Sometimes we go on trips, sometimes we stay in and do activities, and sometimes it’s just nice to have a slow morning and brunch with friends. It doesn’t feel like school at the weekend. It feels more like being part of a big house where everyone knows each other.
Of course, boarding isn’t perfect. You do miss home sometimes, especially when you’re tired or stressed. But what makes the difference is the people. Your friends become like family, and the boarding staff genuinely care and notice when you’re not yourself. There’s always someone to talk to, even if you don’t realise you need it at first.
Being a boarder has helped me become more independent and confident. You learn how to manage your time, look after yourself, and support others too. And honestly, the memories you make, the shared meals, the sports sessions, the late night laughs, and the random conversations, are the things you don’t forget.
So if anyone asks me what boarding is really like, my answer is simple.
Busy, fun, supportive, and full of moments that make you feel like you belong.#BoardingNotBoring
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Boardington Bear Adventures: Chocolate Cakes, Caring Causes and Conversations
Hello everyone,
It’s me, Boardington Bear, back again with another weekly update from our very busy boarding house. It has been a week full of baking, big conversations, thoughtful fundraising and quite a lot of rain. My fur has been permanently fluffy from the damp, but my spirits have stayed high.The week began on a delicious note as we celebrated Chocolate Cake Day, which of course meant there was plenty of baking going on. The boarding house was filled with the rich smell of chocolate, mixing bowls appeared everywhere and I took my role as chief taste tester very seriously. Watching cakes rise in the oven is one of my favourite activities and I am pleased to report that there were many successful bakes and very happy boarders.
We also hosted Year 10 Parents Evening this week. The students spoke confidently about their learning and progress and I sat nearby feeling very proud of them all. It was lovely to see the positive conversations and the growing maturity of our Year 10s.
This week we were delighted to welcome another new student to the boarding house. I made sure to be on duty for welcoming smiles, friendly waves and a reassuring bear presence. Settling in can feel a little daunting, but it has been wonderful to see new friendships forming already.
Our Boarders Council meeting also took place, giving students the chance to share their views on food and life in the boarding house. There were thoughtful suggestions, honest feedback and some very sensible ideas. I listened carefully, nodding along like a very serious committee member. A bear believes strongly in listening to everyone’s voice.
We also celebrated International Lego Day, which brought creativity, concentration and some impressive builds. I inspected the Lego creations closely and resisted the urge to sit on any stray bricks. That takes great self control.
One of the most impressive moments of the week came from our Year 9 students, who took part in a sponsored silence to raise money for WWF. They showed incredible commitment, self control and determination. The house felt very quiet, but very powerful, and I was extremely proud of them all for supporting such an important cause.
All of this took place during a very rainy week, with umbrellas appearing everywhere and puddles forming faster than I could avoid them. Still, the rain did not dampen our enthusiasm and the boarding house remained warm, busy and full of life.
A week of cake, conversations, creativity and compassion. This bear is already looking forward to what comes next.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
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My Time as Deputy Head Girl (Boarding)
My year as Deputy Head Girl (Boarding) has been a really positive and memorable experience for me. It is a role that helped me grow in confidence and taught me a lot about leadership, responsibility, and supporting others.
One of the parts I enjoyed the most was being involved in boarding life throughout the year and helping to support the boarding community. Boarding is always changing, and I enjoyed being someone students could turn to if they needed help, advice, or reassurance. I found it rewarding to help students feel comfortable and supported in the boarding environment.
Being part of the Boarding Council was also an important part of my role. It allowed me to listen to students’ ideas and concerns and share them with staff. I liked working together to help improve boarding life and make sure students felt heard.
I also had the opportunity to give speeches throughout the year. At first this felt challenging, but it helped me become more confident speaking in front of others. Through these speeches, I was able to reflect on shared experiences and represent the boarding community.
Throughout the year, I tried to help wherever I could, whether that was supporting events, checking in on younger students, or being approachable and supportive. This role showed me how important kindness, communication, and teamwork are.
Overall, being Deputy Head Girl (Boarding) has been a great experience that I am very grateful for. It has helped me develop skills I will take with me into the future, and it is something I will always be proud of.
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Boardington Bear Adventures: Ropes, Rambles and a Returned Bear
Hello everyone
It’s me, Boardington Bear, back with a weekend tale that involves trees, teamwork and a very unexpected solo adventure.
This weekend we headed off on an exciting trip to Thetford Forest to take on Go Ape, and oh my paws, what a place it was. Tall trees, wobbling bridges and ziplines stretching through the forest canopy made it feel like a proper adventure playground. I joined in with the climbing, cheering everyone on and bravely tackling a few obstacles myself. I gave it my best bear effort, but after a while my paws decided it was time for a gentler activity.
So I joined the Head of Boarding and her dogs for a peaceful walk through the woods. The forest was calm and beautiful, with crunchy leaves underfoot and birds singing above us. I trotted along happily, enjoying the fresh air and feeling very outdoorsy indeed.
Somewhere about halfway around the walk, however, something unexpected happened. In all the excitement of woodland exploring, I was accidentally left behind. One moment I was enjoying the scenery and the next I realised I was on my own. I stayed very calm, of course. A sensible bear always waits.
Luckily, a very kind stranger spotted me and made sure I was safe. They carried me all the way to the car park and thoughtfully placed me on the school minibus, where I sat patiently waiting. When everyone returned from their adventures, there I was, sitting proudly on a seat as if nothing unusual had happened at all.
After such an exhausting day, once we were finally all together again, I curled up for a well-deserved nap with the dogs on the journey home. The gentle hum of the minibus, the warmth of friendly paws beside me and a day full of fresh air made it impossible to keep my eyes open. It was the perfect ending to a very big adventure.
It was a weekend full of laughter, fresh air, brave climbing and a little bit of bear mischief. I may have gone on my own mini adventure, but all was well in the end, and I was very pleased to be reunited with my boarding family.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
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The Top 10 Best Things About Boarding
By Year 9 Boarder
Boarding isn’t just a place where you sleep during term time. It becomes your second home. It’s where you build friendships, learn independence, and make memories you’ll genuinely never forget. Here are the Top 10 best things about boarding (in our opinion!).
1. Sharing a room with the best roommate
Having a roommate means you’re never alone. Whether you’re chatting before bed, laughing over silly things, or supporting each other after a long day, roommates often become like sisters. It’s one of the fastest ways to make strong friendships.
2. Baking and cooking in the kitchen
One of the best parts of boarding is getting to cook and bake together. From cookies and cupcakes to noodles and snacks from home, the kitchen is always full of good smells, great conversations, and lots of laughter (and sometimes a little mess!).
3. Learning practical and necessary life skills
Boarding teaches you real life skills that you’ll need forever, like staying organised, managing your time, doing laundry, keeping your space tidy, and learning independence. These are skills that help you feel confident now and later in life too.
4. Going to the gym and doing exercise
It’s much easier to stay active in boarding because there are so many opportunities for exercise. Going to the gym, joining sports sessions, or working out with friends can be really fun. It’s also great for physical and mental health.
5. A wide variety of activities on weekends
Weekends in boarding are never boring. There are always activities to choose from, including trips out, crafts, games, baking, sports, movie nights, and more. There’s something for everyone, and it helps us relax and enjoy our free time.
6. Playing piano and singing with friends
Music is a huge part of boarding life. Whether someone is playing piano, singing in the common room, or practising for performances, music brings everyone together. It’s one of the best ways to unwind and share talent.
7. Staff members caring about students’ daily life
Boarding staff don’t just supervise. They genuinely care. They check in on how you’re feeling, help you when you’re stressed, support you when you miss home, and celebrate your good days too. It feels reassuring knowing there are adults around who really want the best for you.
8. Celebrating birthdays for boarders
Birthdays are always special in boarding. Even if you’re far from home, boarding makes sure you still feel celebrated, with cake, a present, singing, and lots of birthday wishes. It’s one of the nicest parts of being in the boarding community.
9. Recognising everyone’s achievements
Boarding is a place where success is noticed and celebrated, whether it’s academic progress, kindness, effort, leadership, or improvement. It’s a great feeling when people recognise what you’ve done and encourage you to keep going.
10. Fun competitions to help students stay active
Boarding competitions make everyday life more exciting, such as corridor challenges, team games, step competitions, tidy room awards, and more. They’re fun, bring everyone together, and keep us motivated in a positive way.
Final Thoughts
Boarding is full of moments that become memories, from late night chats to weekend adventures, from cooking together to celebrating achievements. Boarding doesn’t just give you a place to stay. It gives you a community.
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Boardington Bear Adventures: Baking, Blow dries and Best Behaviour
Hello everyone,
It’s me, Boardington Bear, back again with another cosy weekly update from our busy boarding house. This week has been full of new beginnings, delicious baking, a little bit of pampering and lots of positive boarding energy, and of course I was right in the middle of it all.
The biggest news of all is that we welcomed a brand new Year 7 boarder into our boarding family. She has moved from being a day student to becoming a full boarder, which is a very big and brave change. I made it my personal mission to help her feel at home. I stayed close by during her first days, showed her the best spots in the house and even demonstrated how to do a proper boarding house wave. I also sat proudly on her bed for a moment to test the comfort level. Very important bear business.
This week in baking club we made rocky road, and I did not simply watch, oh no. I supervised the mixing carefully and made sure the chocolate was stirred with full dedication. When it came to adding the biscuit pieces, I was extremely helpful. I also inspected the finished tray very closely to make sure it was safe and ready to eat. It passed my bear test beautifully.
We also enjoyed a fabulous pampering session, where the girls had their hair blow-dried and styled. The boarding house was suddenly full of shiny hair, big smiles and the sound of hairdryers whirring away like little winter winds. I sat in the centre of it all, feeling like a true salon assistant. One student even placed me on the table so I could watch properly. I think I may have become the official pampering mascot.
Another highlight was our English conversation group, and this one had a brilliant Countdown style theme. I joined in as an honorary team member, listening carefully and trying to look very thoughtful whenever a tricky word appeared. I even offered some inspiration by sitting next to the letters like a fluffy dictionary. There was lots of laughter and some very impressive vocabulary from the students. I was extremely proud.
This week also brought the exciting introduction of the new Corridor Reward Programme, and I took it very seriously. I made sure to keep my bed perfectly made and my room tidy at all times. I gave my pillow a proper fluff every morning and kept my room looking neat and organised. I even did a little tidy patrol now and then, peeking into rooms as if I were a corridor inspector. A bear must lead by example, and I wanted our corridor to earn every point possible.
With a new boarder settling in, rocky road enjoyed, pampering complete, conversation flowing and corridor rewards to aim for, it has been a brilliant week in boarding. I cannot wait to see what next week brings.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
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I Was Nervous to Start Boarding… Here’s What Helped
Written by a Year 7 Student
When my parents first told me I was going to start boarding, I actually felt really happy at first… because they said that if I boarded, I would finally be allowed to have a phone!
But after that first moment of excitement, something suddenly hit me.
If I’m boarding, that means my mum and dad are going back to China.
And then I started to feel really nervous.
I kept thinking about everything that could go wrong.
What if I can’t make any friends?
What if I’m not used to boarding life?
And the biggest thing of all… what if I miss my parents too much?The next day, I told my best friend in my class how I was feeling. She listened to me and then said something I’ll never forget:
“Don’t worry. I’ll always be your best friend and I’ll be with you.”
That made me feel so much better, like I wasn’t doing it alone.
When I first started boarding, I brought loads of things with me (probably too much!). I wanted to make sure I had everything I might need, because I didn’t know what boarding would be like.
And now, I’m halfway through my first week of boarding, and I’ve already realised something really important:
Boarding isn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
It’s actually really fun. Everyone has been so kind to me, and I’ve already made friends. It feels more like a community than I expected, and there’s always someone around, whether it’s to talk, laugh, or just spend time with.
If you’re feeling nervous about starting boarding, I completely understand; I was too.
But now I can honestly say I’m glad I gave it a chance.
About the Blog
Welcome to the Boarding House Blog, your inside guide to life in our vibrant boarding community. Join us as we share stories, adventures, and the everyday magic that makes boarding life so special.
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