Matthew Purssell, aged 17, joint Head of Abingdon School has been a weekly boarder since starting at Abingdon. He talks about the pros and cons of boarding.
"Boarding was a big change for me, previously I had lived and been at school in the same village, Combe in Oxfordshire. When it came to secondary schools my parents and I liked Abingdon and we decided to try weekly boarding, as the journey was far enough to take a sizable chunk out of my day. Other boys do go to Abingdon daily from the area but I welcomed the opportunity to try boarding, although it was a far cry from living and going to school in the village.
As I face the prospect of my last few terms at Abingdon I can, without doubt, say I am glad I have boarded. The few bouts of homesickness in the early years have been far outweighed by the fun, enjoyment, friendship and overall experience of being at the heart of the Abingdon School community.
I cannot say that the first few weeks were easy, I did feel homesick at times but there was always someone there looking out for me, whether it was my housemaster or matron or my new friends. Now the tables have turned and, as a sixth-former, it has become my responsibility to look out for the new boys. I realise just how much time is spent by all concerned in making sure the new boys are happy and settled. Each house has a network of approachable people, whether housemasters, matrons, prefects or peers. There is always someone to talk to.
As my friends who are day boys leave school to sit in traffic, my fellow boarders and I plan our evening activities over tea, we really can enjoy the extra time that boarding affords. As a keen sportsman, it’s fantastic to have the new sports centre where we have access to activities everyday. I can use the gym, play football, squash, karate, go for a swim – the choice is mine, plus I’m surrounded by friends and everything’s on the doorstep. Where else could you do that so easily and every day of the week if you want to?
By boarding I think I save about an hour and a half a day from travelling time, the equivalent to almost an extra working day a week, so it takes away the rush and means I have plenty of time to do the things I want to do, as well as fitting in the homework. There is so much to do at Abingdon with over 80 Other Half (extra-curricular) activities and being a boarder means you really do have the time to get the most out of everything.
Boarding adds its own dimension and culture to the School with just about every continent represented in each of the boarding houses. Over the years amongst my friends, number a Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Ghanaian as well as the more ‘local’ boys. There is no ‘them and us’ between boarders and day boys, we all mix in all activities throughout the School.
The friendships I have made are very strong. Through living with people you learn to be tolerant, to compromise, to judge moods, when to joke and when to leave well alone. You share highs and lows. It also makes you appreciate your home-life and your parents.
There is routine. You have set times for meals, homework, waking up and going to bed. These may be more rigorously enforced than at home but there is flexibility, especially when the football is on TV! Having a routine, particularly when you are younger, makes sure you get the work done, as prep just becomes part of your day. There is plenty of time to manage work and play and with great facilities, from the library and sports centre to games rooms, TV rooms and kitchens, literally on your doorstep. And, being a boarder doesn’t mean there is no social life. As you move up the School your freedom increases and, as long as you abide by the rules, you are free to go out and to meet friends.
There are some bits of home that I miss and I am always glad to have the holidays but I really do think that boarding gives you the best of both worlds."