Boarding Handbook

Boarding 1
Health and Wellbeing 6
Please ensure any significant medical conditions are communicated to both the Health Centre and your child’s Head of House before they join us. 6
Health Centre contact details and opening times 6
The experienced Health Centre team is made up of: 6
Registering with a GP 6
GP Referrals and Hospitals 6
Medication and holiday care 7
Consent and confidentiality 7
Medical consent 7
Confidentiality 7
Cars for Sixth Formers 9
As a general rule, boarders are not permitted to keep cars at school. However, we understand that unique situations arise. In exceptional circumstances, you may request permission from the Head of House. If approved: 9
Term times and travel 10
To help you plan your travel and ensure your child is well-supported during transitions, please use the following guide for the start and end of our school terms. 10
Start of term arrivals 10
Am I able to arrive before 5pm? 10
What happens if I am delayed? 10
Leaving at the end of term and at half-term 10
Can I access the House over the holidays? 10
Exeats and Bank Holidays 10
If you feel a bit quiet or miss home, please know that almost everyone else does, too - even the people who look the most confident. At Abingdon, you aren’t just joining a school; you’re joining a family. 11
We understand that entrusting your child to us is a significant step. We see ourselves as your partners in your child's growth. 11
Day One: Arrival Sunday 11
The first few weeks: Our induction programme covers timetables, weekend routines, school layout, and uniform standards. Students are introduced to our medical, spiritual, and pastoral support teams. We take a trip to Oxford so boarders become familiar with the local area. 11
Wake up 12
Third Year 12
@abingdonboarding 14
Wake up 15
Life in the Houses 16
Each of our three boarding houses has its own unique character and history. We are proud to have recently completed extensive renovations (2023) on two of our houses, with exciting plans for the third to follow. In every house, day students and boarders integrate fully, creating a vibrant, inclusive community. 16
Your personal space 16
The Heart of the House: the kitchen 16
Relaxing and socialising 17
Food and dining: A seat at the table 17
Digital life: staying safely connected 17
Our duty of care 17
Safety and security 20
We want our boarding Houses to be a place where your child feels entirely safe and at ease. To ensure a secure and happy environment, we have put in place a few sensible measures and routines. 20
Keeping the House secure 20
Fire safety and electricals 20
General Wellbeing 20
Community, conduct and care 21
Living together in a boarding House is a wonderful experience, but we know that sharing a home requires patience, consideration, and a little diplomacy, too. We view our Houses as families, and our approach to behaviour reflects that. 21
Our approach to rewards and sanctions 21
Supporting positive relationships 21
Health and safety boundaries 21
Last updated: August 2026 24

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