Boarding at Godstowe
At Godstowe, boarding is more than just a place to stay—it’s a warm, welcoming community where girls build independence, lifelong friendships, and a true sense of belonging. From the age of seven, girls can join our vibrant boarding family; around a third of our Prep School pupils choosing to board, including many from overseas.
We provide a home-from-home experience in our dedicated boarding houses: Highlands House, a nurturing environment for our youngest boarders, plus Walker and Turner House, designed for our senior boarders in their final three years.
We offer full, weekly, and flexi-boarding, as well as occasional ad-hoc nights, allowing families to choose the option that best suits their needs. Many of our boarders live locally, or in London, and we have a number of international and forces families as part of our boarding community.
“Our daughter joined in Form II at age 8 as a full-time boarder and had never been away from home. She has blossomed into a confident, responsible, happy and kind young lady. We will always cherish the lifelong friendships made and the priceless memories of the years spent at Godstowe.”
Why Board at Godstowe?
- Friendships & Fun – Girls enjoy an extended social life, making friendships that last a lifetime
- Confidence & Independence – Boarding nurtures self-reliance, resilience, and teamwork
- Exceptional Pastoral Care – Our staff ensure every girl feels safe, happy, and valued
- Exciting Activities – From weekend trips to watersports, talent shows, and wellbeing sessions
- More Time for Learning & Play – With everything on-site, girls can enjoy co-curricular activities without the rush of travel
Boarding gives our girls the time and space to enjoy the wealth of co-curricular opportunities offered on site at School, as well as to simply enjoying extended time with their friends. Living in the boarding houses, girls learn to be independent and to value and support others. Most importantly, it is huge fun!
Settling in and Support
We know that joining a boarding school is a big step, and we ensure that every girl feels welcome and supported from day one. Girls who want to board are invited to sleepover and the following morning parents will be invited to attend a talk by the Headmistress and an informal chat with staff. This will give each girl and her parents the opportunity to feel comfortable and confident about the very significant move to becoming a boarder.
“Pupils who board spoke confidently about how the boarding experience has strengthened their self-confidence”
ISI Report 2018
We also invite all new boarders to a special induction day in the summer term before they join. This will be on a Sunday with a BBQ or lunch, afternoon activities and a chance to meet existing boarders. And on joining, each new boarder is paired with a buddy from her boarding house and a pupil guardian of her own age to help her settle in.
Many girls arrive already feeling comfortable, excited, and part of the Godstowe family.
Weekends Full of Adventure
Boarding life at Godstowe is busy, fun, and full of variety! Weekends are packed with activities, from sports fixtures and creative workshops to shopping trips, theatre visits, and theme park adventures.
All full boarders stay with us at weekends, while weekly boarders are more than welcome to stay for activities or trips at no extra boarding cost. Part-time boarders may also join in, space allowing! Some sports fixtures take place on a Saturday morning. Once prep and necessary tasks, such as music practice, are completed, Saturday afternoon is usually relaxed with either an on-site activity or a walk to the local shopping centre.
Some activities take place on-site using the school’s fantastic facilities ie. water polo, kayaking, sports hall games, rounders, ‘Godstowe's Got Talent’ or Masterchef. Trips are usually on a Sunday and have included Brighton Pier, ice skating at Canary Wharf, Thorpe Park, county shows, wildlife parks, theatre trips and Bray Lake for watersports. Each term boarders are asked what they would like the following terms activities to include. We also offer a programme of wellbeing activities, including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, pampering. Church, when possible, is offered to those who would like to attend. Boarders fundraising events have included a 'swimming the channel' event, danceathons and cross-country walks.
Birthdays are extra special at Godstowe, with our much-loved Birthday Suppers, where girls celebrate with friends and enjoy a delicious cake!
Holidays and Exeats
An Exeat is a weekend holiday when the School and Boarding Houses close, and girls go home to their family or guardian. Girls are often collected from school, however they can be taken by train to London Marylebone, accompanied by members of staff, if needed.
Join Our Thriving Boarding Community
With a great mix of British and international pupils, our boarding houses reflect a richly diverse and inclusive environment. Whether your daughter is new to boarding or transitioning from flexi to full-time, she’ll find a warm, supportive, and inspiring place to call home at Godstowe.
Discover boarding at Godstowe today – Contact us to arrange a visit!
