Boarding

Dauntsey's School is very much a family school, one of the strongest elements of which is the boarding house. In these boarding houses, even for as short a time as two Sixth Form years, the total immersion into a vibrant and kaleidoscopic mixture of house staff (frequently with their own young children) and young adults is one that very few regret and none forget.

The boarding house provides a stable, secure and friendly 'home' for young people, many of whom are likely to lead increasingly mobile lives, and boarders develop a strong sense of belonging, self awareness and an understanding of the need to conciliate and compromise in a community life. Boarding staff recognise the importance of a balance between work and social life. Academic support, which emphasises independent learning, is offered as are a range of fun weekend activities which encourage friendship. Boarding in a co-educational environment, especially from a young age, allows boys and girls to develop life-long friendships based on mutual respect and trust. Despite the many weekend activities, boarders may go home if they wish, and parents are frequent visitors both on formal and informal occasions.

Dauntsey's has a thriving boarding community, which makes up some 50% of pupil numbers in the Upper School. There are five boarding houses; one for the Lower School (pupils aged 11-14) and four for the Upper School (14-18).

Boarding Developments

Dauntsey's recognises the importance of first class facilities in contributing to and enhancing the overall boarding experience. A dynamic and ongoing development programme has been underway since 2004, starting with the construction of a new senior girls' house. Accommodation at the Manor has been re-vamped to include new bedrooms, the provision of new bath and shower rooms and a new sanitorium. Fitzmaurice House (senior boys) was greatly extended in 2007; this provided additional living space, with an extra 12 bedrooms, the expansion of the existing Fourth Form accommodation, as well as a comprehensive refurbishment of much of the existing house.