Boarding Daily Life
Boarding allows pupils to live and work in a nurturing family-like environment, sharing lessons, meals and activities. It provides a sense of routine and stability and allows boarders the chance to grow in independence. Learn more about the daily routine at Fyling Hall below. Many boarders comment that boarding helps them to focus and get the most out of school. Often it allows pupils more free time than they would have at home as there is no commute to school, and of course there is access to numerous extra-curricular activities and the school facilities. Each weekend there are excursions and activities with a varied programme throughout the term.
As a boarder you are part of a community and can expect to make friends for life from all around the world. Fyling Hall has boarders from many countries and across the UK. Over the past 100 years countless life-long friendships have been forged – a few even leading to marriage!
Boarders share comfortable bedrooms in groups of 2 – 4 similar aged students. Learn more about the boarding houses here.
You eat your meals with other pupils and will always have a choice of food, including vegetarian (special dietary and religious requirements can be catered for as long as it is discussed in advance.). Read more about dining at Fyling Hall here.
Weekday Routine
The school day begins with a 7:15am wake up and self-service breakfast in the dining room at 7:45am, just next to the boarding houses. Boarders have some time to get ready for the school day and then join day pupils for registration in their form rooms at 8:30am.
The school day runs from 8:30am to 4:20pm with 6 lessons, a morning break, 1 hour lunch break and regular sports lessons. The lesson timetable is provided at the start of each academic year. Boarders have free time between 4:30pm and 5:30pm and may choose to take part in enrichment activities, relax, study, play pool, games or fussball in the common room, exercise or contact friends and family.
An evening meal is served at 5:30pm followed by prep at 6:30pm. Prep is supervised by teachers, who are able to help with work if required. After prep, there is free time and boarders can use the school facilities such as the sports hall, art studio or computer room, watch a movie, relax and spend time with their friends. Bedtime varies by age group.
There is no prep on Friday evenings, instead it takes place after dinner on Sunday.
Weekday After-School Activities
Activities are set each term and may include things like football, hockey, choir, board games, Duke of Edinburgh, and much more.
Weekend Routine & Activities
Weekends at Fyling Hall are relaxed. Boarders may sleep in longer and breakfast takes place between 9am and 9:50am. Lunch is served at 12:30pm and dinner at 5:35pm.
There is a comprehensive programme of weekend activities that changes each half-term. Boarders can sign up for as many as they like. Activities are not compulsory but it is recommended that boarders join some activities. Those not on a trip will often visit the nearby towns of Whitby or Scarborough.
On Sunday those that choose to attend church will do so. Catholics leave earlier at 8:30am and have breakfast on return.
At the weekend there is plenty of free time and boarders may choose to; walk down to Robin Hood’s Bay, play sports on the astro pitch, relax in the school grounds, use the school facilities, go shopping in Whitby, visit the beach … the choice is yours.
On Sunday there is prep time at 6:30pm (there is no prep on Friday evening.).
Some examples of weekend activities include;
- Visits to York (historical sites or shopping)
- Water activities on Wykham Lakes
- Golf
- Paintballing
- Trampoline Park
- Coastal walks and beach trips
- VR Centre
“I‘m already really thankful for the memories and friends I’ve made and I‘m excited for the upcoming weeks. “
(Current Boarder)
Support
Fyling Hall is a special place and those that work here are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment. As a boarder you are supported by highly experienced, on-site boarding staff including teaching staff, house-parents, a head-matron and support matrons. The house staff and head matron will ensure that boarders feel settled and that they are guided throughout their stay. We do our very best to make sure the experience is happy and fulfilling.
Communication
It is important to us that both student and parent feel relaxed and secure and can ask questions at any time. House staff are approachable and available at all times. If there happens to be any problems within the boarding houses pupils should must speak directly to the house staff who will deal with it promptly and efficiently. There is a 24 hour contact number for emergencies. Boarders will have a school email address and there is wi-fi throughout the school allowing you to stay in touch with friends and family. Mobile phones are allowed subject to some controls.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are allowed but there are use restrictions during the school day to ensure students focus on their studies and engaging with their peers and teachers. There is also a house phone. Mobile devices and anything that has a screen is handed to the house staff each night. This to ensure that everyone gets a good night’s sleep. Devices are returned each morning after dorms are tidy and everyone is dressed appropriately for the school day or weekend.
Travel
At the beginning, middle and the end of the school terms transport can be provided for your child. This includes being picked up from, and taken to, the airports and train stations. There will be a cost for this service which will be added onto the end of term invoice. In order to arrange transport we will need to receive travel arrangements three weeks prior to departure date. The costs are per vehicle and subject to change but the following is an approximate guide:
AIRPORTS |
4 Seater Car | 8 Seater |
| Manchester | £260 | £500 |
| Newcastle | £170 | £340 |
TRAIN STATIONS |
||
| York | £100 | £200 |
| Scarborough | £50 | |
Unaccompanied Minor Service can be arranged at an additional charge and this will be added onto the end of term invoice.
Valuables & Money
All boarders are provided a locker for their valuables. It is recommended that large amounts of money be handed in to the house staff, it can be locked away safely and given out as needed or as advised by parents.
Laundry
All clothing is laundered at the school on a weekly rota and this is included in the boarding fees. Pupils will be advised which day to prepare their laundry for washing and you should ensure that all clothing is labelled and that the head matron is advised of any clothing that cannot be tumble dried.