Boarding FAQ

Phone use is regulated inside of the House. Boarders will have access to their phones between the end of school and the start of prep time (3.45-5.15pm), then after the dinner and before lights out prep (~7.30-9.00pm, depending on year group). Their devices are locked up overnight. 

Timings will differ on weekends, but the House operates by the general principle that boys should spend their time socialising and doing activities where possible.

It is generally recommended that boarders do not leave the school site. They are allowed a certain number of visits (in pairs) to the local area per term. 

There is a House tuck shop that carries snacks, drinks, and daily items (toothbrush, deodorant, etc) for them to purchase. 

Parents can visit boys and sign them out for an occasional meal/special event (provided a suitable leave request is put in ahead of time) but it is generally recommended that these are kept to a minimum.

There is security staff on-site around-the-clock.

During the school day, boarders are fully immersed in life at Whitgift and are treated no differently to day students. 

Students can arrive at the House (prefereably after 12pm) the day before the start of term and will need to leave the House by 6pm on the last day of term. For safeguarding reasons, no exceptions will be made. Term dates can be found here.

All boarders will need to leave the boarding house on exeat weekends. The dates for the 2025-26 academic year are: 

• Friday 21 November to Sunday 23 November 2025
• Friday 1 May 2026 to Monday 4 May 2026

It is the parents' responsibility to inform the House staff and the school Medical team of any dietary and medication requirements. Any medication brought into the House should be handed in to the Matron team upon arrival. This will be dispensed according to the boarder's prescription by the Matron or Housemaster on duty. 

You can find a sample menus here.