PROSPECTUS - BURFORD SCHOOL BOARDING DEPARTMENT
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1 BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures
D S
OM
INE NO
DIRIGE
BU RF ORD SCHOOL
B OA R D I N G D E PA R T M E N T
PROSPECTUS
Living at the boarding house is a lot of fun.
I get to be with my friends and enjoy the social
aspects and activities, especially at the weekends.
As a boarder, I have learned so much about other
cultures and lifestyles. I have been able to develop
and realise that I can be independent and take
care of myself.
Sanna (Norway)
BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures 3
W EL CO M E T O
BURFORD SCHOOL
Situated in the picturesque Cotswolds, Burford School is set in just under forty acres of rolling
just 20 miles from Oxford, Burford countryside, and provides a wide range of opportunities beyond
School has been delivering an the curriculum to all our students, be it on the sports field, in
outstanding standard of education to the music rooms, through Duke of Edinburgh Awards, or within
day and boarding students since 1571. the local community. The Boarding House is situated in the heart
This year we are very excited to be of Burford in Grade 1 listed buildings which housed the original
celebrating the 450th anniversary of Grammar School. They offer a wealth of character and beauty to
the founding of our school. Today we support the high quality boarding provision.
provide a home to just over a hundred
boarding students from around the The warmth and stability of the Boarding House gives our
world and from the UK. students the opportunity to succeed in their academic
studies. The Boarding Staff have a commitment to support the
The Boarding School Association states that ‘There has never boarders to achieve the best possible grades enabling them to
been a better time to become a boarder at a British boarding realise their potential and move on to the next stage in their
school. Standards in education and in pastoral care have lives successfully.
probably never been higher.’ Certainly we see in all our boarders
the development of a range of essential qualities such as The best way to see our school and the Boarding Department is
independence, confidence and self-motivation. by visiting and I would encourage you to make an appointment
to see the school on a normal working day. Burford is a school
Run with very much a family feel, our Boarding House is warm, where students are both happy and successful. We look forward
caring and supportive. Students who join us develop deep and to welcoming you.
lasting friendships across the age ranges and across nationalities.
Long after they have left Burford they remain in touch with one M Albrighton
another and benefit from the strengths of these ties.
Mr M Albrighton — Headteacher
This school nurtures well-rounded, well-
behaved children who are accepting
of each other and set off for adult life
with a positive attitude.
Boarding Parent May 2018
BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures 5
Kendyll
(Mauritius)
When I arrived at Burford I
immediately felt like I had known the
other boarders for years. Everyone was
so warm and welcoming and it seemed
like everyone was part of a big family.
My brother boards here which is really
nice so I have been able to become
independent yet still have a family
member close by.
A HOME FROM HOME
A family approach House, across year groups and nationalities, remain strong and
Happiness is essential to the educational success of any child firm long after the students have moved on into adulthood.
and so, whether from the United Kingdom, from an Armed Forces
family, or from further afield, we believe that providing a safe, Developing independence
happy and secure environment is our first priority. On school days students are helped to organise themselves with
their sports kit, musical instruments and school books before they
We promote a family feel within the Boarding House and, with a leave in the morning. After breakfast they walk up the hill through
high ratio of staff to students, are able to take the time to get to the town to the main school buildings and at the end of the day
know each student individually and build positive and supportive they come back ‘home’ again in the same manner. If they stay at
relationships with each one. Like any ‘family’, we understand school to take part in one of the many clubs or sports matches
the importance of knowing at all times where our students are, open to them there is always someone to walk back down to tea
whether staying on after school to use the library or art studios, with once activities are over.
taking part in an after-school activity or shopping along the
High Street. We know the whereabouts of every student at any A home to come back to
given time and always ensure that staff duty mobiles are also A comfortable home environment is essential for all students.
manned around the clock so students can easily contact duty staff Each student has a single bed, wardrobe and desk, with lockable
if necessary. sections for personal effects. They are encouraged to bring their
own duvets and pillows, should they wish, and to make the space
Settling in their own with photos and posters – small things to help them feel
When students first arrive at Burford we are sensitive to their at home. Students are allowed into their own dorms at any time
needs and understand how daunting it can be to move away from when not in school.
home and get used to a different pattern of life; particularly in a
different country. Our Boarding House Team is extensive and Common rooms, quiet areas for reading or music practice, kitchens
there is always someone to turn to to sort out any problems. to cook up a favourite recipe from home, a gym and large prep
room, complete with computers and printers, all contribute to
The residential pastoral staff, duty staff, medical team, office making the boarding house a ‘home’ to come back to at the end
team, and administrative staff all have a wealth of experience in of the day. Wi-fi is available across the house and we also have
the boarding environment and everyone plays a significant role Sky TV and a range of games consoles. In good weather the walled
in ensuring the ongoing success and happiness of every student. garden is ideal for quiet reading or weekend barbeques and the
Each year group also has two mentors assigned to it – one for large central courtyard and orchard enable students to enjoy
boys and one for girls and they are often the first member of staff a range of recreational activities.
to whom students turn.
Students who have been boarding for some time are always keen
to support new arrivals. Friendships made within the Boarding
6 BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures
The boarding provision is welcoming
and feels homely. Students appear
relaxed and happy.
Boarding Ofsted 2018
You can just be
yourself here.
Boarding student.
May 2018
BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures 7
Orlando
(Gloucestershire)
I have been here since Year 7 and it has been
amazing. The people I have met have been, and
are still, really friendly and comfortable to live
with. Every time I have been in doubt or felt
homesick there is always a member of staff
who looks out for me or comforts me.
T H E B OA R D I N G
EXP ERI ENCE
Part of the wider school every year. Each prefect takes responsibility for a specific aspect
Although the boarders make up fewer than 10% of the total number of Boarding Life, such as Pastoral, Co-Curricular, Household and
of students at Burford they are an integral part of our community Academic matters. Together, they form the Student Council and
and bring a maturity and cultural diversity to the school. For our meet regularly with the Head of Boarding. In recent years they
international students, total immersion within English society and have contributed ideas to changes within the dormitories and
subject teaching through the medium of English sees them making bathrooms, common rooms and kitchen facilities and made
significant strides with their language acquisition and their IELTS suggestions for weekend trips and evening activities.
scores rise accordingly. In addition we prepare students for the
Cambridge FCE course. Preparation for moving on
Sixth Form students enjoy an increased level of independence and
The boarders are fully integrated into the life of the school and responsibility. They are able to stay in the Boarding House during
enjoy getting involved with our Open Evenings, Parents’ Evenings, block release prior to exams or can return home, if this is feasible.
drama and music events, proving themselves to be outstanding In addition some learn to drive whilst they are with us.
representatives of the school on these occasions.
We believe that alongside settling in to boarding there are a
Alongside the strong friendships which develop within the number of transitions that students face as they move through
Boarding House, they also make friends amongst the day school school. One of the most significant for many senior students is the
students within their tutor and year groups, through sports preparation for university. To help with this the Boarding House
teams, within the orchestra etc. They are regularly invited out by provides advice with UCAS applications and also runs special
their day school friends and are also able to invite friends to the cookery lessons at weekends to equip them with the skills they
Boarding House. may need to cater for themselves.
Influencing life in the Boarding House
The students play a key role in the development of the Boarding
House and a team of Senior Prefects, along with a Head Girl
and Head Boy, are democratically elected by the student body
Parents and students can identify the
effect boarding has on progress, both
academically and socially. Students are
more confident, independent and achieve
in their education. Academic results are
higher for boarders when compared to the
rest of the school.
Boarding Ofsted 2018
BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures 9
Nadia (Zambia)
Being a boarder has certainly made
me more confident. We have access
to amazing resources, and the staff
are always available and ready to
help and support, even without you
asking for it. This means I feel much
happier asking for help and I’m much
more confident that my future career,
in Medicine, is definitely within reach!
AC H I EV I N G
ACA D EM I C E XC ELLEN C E
Throughout the school the teaching and facilities for students are Music Scholars:
first class and all students are encouraged and supported to reach
their full potential through tailored curriculums which stretch and ● receive a 5% reduction in boarding fees.
challenge them. ● play a significant role in the musical life of the school –
internal concerts/Broadway Musical/Charter Day.
The strong level of academic care, evident in the day school, is
carried through into the Boarding Department. Each year the ● take part in external performances - Tower of London/Sheldonian
boarding students perform particularly well in school and national Theatre/Gloucester Festival.
exams, achieving significantly above target and enabling them to
● receive a 30 minute weekly instrumental lesson (Rising to
gain places at prestigious academic institutions. This is due in part
45 minutes in Year 13).
to the support and assistance of staff within the Boarding House
and the atmosphere of commitment and motivation within the ● are sponsored to participate in the Oxfordshire Schools
house. Students have daily prep times which are monitored and Symphony Orchestra or the Oxford County Youth Orchestra.
teaching staff are on hand to assist and guide students with their ● receive free Music Theory lessons.
studies to ensure that they succeed.
● gain free entry to the Lenthall Concert Series; a season of events
Boarders go on to a wide range of academic institutions such as given by visiting professional musicians.
Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities. They often come back to ● have opportunities to perform as a solo artist.
visit us and it is encouraging to see how the life skills developed
● play at events run by the Boarding House – eg Open Days,
whilst boarding at Burford have set them firmly on the path
Community Lunches, Outreach programmes.
to success.
● promote music participation within our partnership schools.
Music Scholarships ● gain experience of composition and public performance through
the Advanced Musicianship Programme.
Music is an integral part of our school. As such, the Boarding
Department offers one Music Scholarship each year for students Full details of the selection criteria can be found on our website.
offering Orchestral instruments at the required grade. Students (https://tinyurl.com/BIMscholarships)
who meet the criteria and are successful in their application for a
boarding place become part of The Burford Institute of Music.
10 BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures
Students are involved in a
vast array of extra-curricular
activities. They regularly
access the community and
feel that they belong.
Boarding Ofsted 2018
Activities for boarders include:
Cinema Theme Parks Church Groups Music Lessons
Swimming City Visits Golf English Classes
Ice Skating Theatre Visits Shopping Trips Activity Weekends
Trampolining Horse Riding Dance Quiz Nights
Rock Climbing Football Boxing Movie Nights
Orienteering Cricket Martial Arts Rugby Trips
Mountain Biking Rugby Table-tennis Basketball
Gym Board Games Air Training CorpsBURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures 11
Matthew (Nigeria)
There are lots of ways to keep active
in the boarding house. In the week I
train with the local football club and
play fixtures at the weekend. I also
enjoy the inter-house competitions
such as table tennis, volleyball and
basketball. I still get time to relax
with my friends as well as staying on
top of my academic commitments.
T I M E T O R EL AX
During their free time students can relax in their own common Building links with the community
rooms and kitchens, all of which are fully equipped with cookers, The students take the lead in organising regular lunches and charity
microwaves, kettles, fridges and ironing facilities. Wi-Fi is provided events for the local community. There are a number of churches
throughout the house and students are free to bring tablets within the town which some attend and a local youth club. In
and phones. International Language Week the international students are invited
into one of our partner primary schools where they spend a morning
Times are set for tea and prep to enable the students to make the sharing something of their culture with the children. This can range
most of the extensive variety of extra-curricular activities available from learning how young Vietnamese dancers are trained and
after school. In addition, a range of activities are provided within the discovering how difficult it can be, to practicing French or Spanish in
Boarding House itself. Some are organised, such as quiz evenings, a ‘classroom café.’
movie nights, creative clay and chess matches; others, such as
football, pool and the gym, can be enjoyed at any time. We celebrate Residential activity weekends
Christmas before the end of term, enjoying a weekend of ‘Christmas
Residential weekends to Woodlands Outdoor Education Centre in
Day’, with lunch attended by the Headteacher and Governors, and
Wales take place during the year. The Sixth Form students go away
‘Boxing Day’ at which everyone takes turns to entertain. At the
together and this is an ideal opportunity for them to get to know
end of the school year we hold a Leavers’ Fair – a day of fun and
any new boarders and spend time together as a senior group. The
celebration as we wish those who are moving on every success in
second weekend for Years 7-10 is towards the end of the summer
the future.
term and is a popular way to end the year. The Centre is located in
beautiful countryside on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National
Activities within the week are locally based but at weekends Park and the Black Mountains and the students enjoy a range of
students can sign up to join trips further afield. Shopping trips, activities including high ropes, climbing and canoeing.
cultural outings and sports activities all take place regularly and
many pursue individual interests such as golf, riding, ATC and dance.12 BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures
Students have a strong voice in
boarding and they have many
opportunities to put their views
across. Transitions into boarding are
well managed and sixth formers
enjoy privileges and are well
prepared for their next step in life.
Boarding Ofsted 2018BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures 13
Mrs Sandi Kaaber
(Head of Boarding)
My aim in the Boarding House is to create a warm
and nurturing family environment in which students
can develop holistically, preparing themselves for
an independent and enriched life after boarding.
I have 16 years experience in both independent
and state schools and I am an accredited Level 4
BSA practitioner.
T H E B OA R D I N G T E A M
The Pastoral Team The Medical Team
The environment we strive to create is one in which students feel Mrs Shelley Holden is the Boarding House Matron. She is a full-time
safe and happy; enabling them to thrive and develop as individuals. member of staff. A high standard of medical care is provided within
Mrs Kaaber, the Head of Boarding, takes the lead on managing the Boarding House. All of the boarding staff are trained in First Aid,
the day to day running of the house, overseeing the pastoral care and there is always a specified member of the Medical Team on
and welfare of the students, as well as monitoring academic duty to deal with minor medical matters should they arise around
progress and peer relationships. She is supported in this role by the clock, seven days a week. As well as a dedicated medical room,
the Deputy Head of Boarding, Mr Kaaber-Gore and a pastoral team there is a Sick Bay, where students who are unable to attend
of residential and duty staff. school are able to recuperate.
Alongside the residential staff is a team of non-residential duty All students are registered with a local doctor and there is a
staff; some of whom are members of the teaching staff. They qualified Children’s Nurse on hand in the Day School during
oversee prep, mealtimes and leisure activities and also accompany school hours. The Medical Team provide a caring, consistent
the students on day trips and the Woodlands Activity Weekends. and effective role within the Boarding House, all delivered with
They are all trained in pastoral care and safeguarding and keep an a reassuring smile.
eye out for any issues with schoolwork, friends, eating etc.
Should a student feel the need to talk to someone outside the
Boarding House for any reason there are two Independent
Listeners to whom they can talk in confidence. One or other of
them is accessible at all times.14 BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures
B OA R D I N G P R OV I S I O N
Full boarding after leaving the school. Structured prep times and the support of
The majority of new students join us in Year 7. They live with us pastoral and academic staff during the A-level years is one of the
on a full-time basis during term time and are, therefore, able to reasons new students join us in Year 12.
benefit from all the trips and events that are organised for them in
the week and also at the weekends. Burford Plus
During the week (Monday - Thursday) we offer after-school care
We have an exeat weekend in November when the school has an between 3.00pm and 8.00pm for day school students. This is of
additional day’s holiday. The Boarding House closes for this and all use to parents who may work late or simply have an event which
students either go back home, to their host families or to friends. prevents them from being able to collect their child at the end of
We also have a ‘Christmas Weekend’ and a ‘Leavers’ Weekend’. the school day.
On these weekends all students remain at the Boarding House
and everyone shares in a range of celebrations. Students are partnered with a boarder to walk down to the
Boarding House where they are given tea and benefit from
Armed Forces supervised prep. After supper they can enjoy the on-site evening
Situated as we are next to Brize Norton, the biggest RAF base in activities until they are collected by their parent or guardian.
Europe, students from the Armed Forces are an important element For details of costs and availability the Boarding Department
of both our boarding department and the day school. As a school should be contacted in the first instance.
we understand the pressures surrounding students who may
have moved a lot during their school careers, or who have the Fees
worry of parents away on postings. Keeping in touch and knowing Students are eligible for free tuition (paid for by the UK
that there are many students around them who share similar Government) if they hold a UK passport, settled or pre-
experiences is one of the reasons why many Forces children join settled status or a BNO visa. Parents are only required to
us at Burford. Parents like the consistency and structure that the pay boarding fees.
boarding environment gives their children whilst they are away or
when they are posted to another base. A deposit of £1,000 is payable on acceptance of a boarding place.
This is held until the student’s final boarding term.
Boarding in the Sixth Form
Students often come to us in Year 12 as a result of the wide Current boarding fees are £10,395 per annum. (Due for review
range of A-levels on offer (Currently 25) and also for the extensive 2022-3). These are invoiced on a termly basis or, if requested,
Enrichment and Extension Programmes which are provided in the can be paid for annually, in which case a discount applies.
Sixth Form.
The emphasis in the Sixth Form is on achievement, independence
and enjoyment, and there is a great camaraderie across the years,
resulting in the creation of friendships which remain strong longBURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures 15
ARRANGING A VISIT
We welcome visits at any time from parents and students interested in boarding at Burford School. We hold an Open Morning in February,
an Open Afternoon in September and an Open Evening in November. (Please see the website for times and dates.)
If you would like to arrange a visit on a normal school day, please contact the Boarding Department in the first instance (01993 823 283)
to check the availability of a boarding place. Tours take place at the Day School (OX18 4PL) and then at the Boarding House (OX18 4RP).
The boarding section of the website (www.burford.oxon.sch.uk) contains further information.
River Windrush
She
ep
St
Burford
Boarding House
The Hill
A40
Burford
School
London
Burford
A40
A361
School
Burford School Boarding Department
Lenthall House
Church Lane Tel: 00 44 (0)1993 823283
Burford Email: boarding@burford.oxon.sch.uk
OX18 4SA Headteacher: Mr M Albrighton
Reception via Lawrence Lane: OX18 4RP Website: www.burford.oxon.sch.uk16 BURFORD SCHOOL » Unlocking Potential; Inspiring Futures
• High quality, affordable boarding in a safe, rural environment
• Wide range of GCSE, A-level and BTEC courses
• Outstanding academic achievement
• Extensive range of extra-curricular activitiesYou can also read
