A School That Is Also a Home
Boarding is at the heart of The Great Duke. Our houses are warm, well run and full of life, and every boarder is looked after by people who know them well.
Independence, Friendship and Time Well Spent
Boarding gives young people something that is hard to find anywhere else: a close community of friends, a structured day and the chance to grow up a little more independently, with expert care close at hand.
Boarders learn to organise themselves, to live alongside people who are different from them and to look after one another. Evenings are used well, with supervised study followed by time for activities, friends and rest. Without a long commute, there is more time for everything that matters.
Many of our boarders tell us the friendships they make in their house are the ones they expect to keep for life.
Ways to Board
Families can choose the pattern that suits them, and many pupils move between options as they grow.
For families who live further away, including overseas.
Boarders live in school throughout term, with a full programme of activities and trips at weekends. They go home for half terms and holidays, and families are welcome to take them out on exeat weekends and at other agreed times.
For families within reach of Cheltenham who want weekends together.
Boarders stay from Sunday evening or Monday morning until Friday after school or Saturday commitments, then spend the weekend at home.
For day pupils who want some of the boarding experience.
Pupils board for one to three regular nights a week, subject to space, joining evening study and activities with their house.
Boarding is available from Year 7. Fees for each option are listed on our fees page.
Who Looks After Your Child
Every boarding house is a team, led by people who live on site and know each boarder as an individual.
Houseparents
Experienced teachers who live in the house with their families. They set the tone of the house, oversee every boarder's wellbeing and are the main point of contact for parents.
Assistant Houseparents and Tutors
Resident and non-resident staff who supervise evening study, run activities and share the evening and night duties, so there is always an adult on hand.
Matrons
The practical, caring presence in each house: laundry, routines, minor ailments, and a listening ear when it is needed most.
Health Centre
Qualified nurses provide care around the clock, with access to the school doctor, counsellor and local NHS services. More About Health and Wellbeing.
“[Quote from a current boarder about life in their house, to be collected.]”
Explore Boarding
Where boarders live, what the rooms are like and how houses are organised.
From the morning wake-up call to lights out, hour by hour.
Trips, sport, activities and proper rest.
Round-the-clock nursing care, counselling and support.
Fresh, home-cooked meals with choice for every diet.
Guardianship, travel, visas and settling in.
Try Boarding Before You Decide
Our Boarding Taster Nights let children aged 11 to 13 spend an evening and a night in a boarding house, with supper, activities and breakfast the next morning. Older pupils can arrange a taster stay as part of a visit.