Boarding Life for UK Students | Lila’s Story

You might think boarding school is just for international students, but more and more UK students are discovering the benefits of boarding life too. From gaining independence to enjoying more time for study, activities, and friendships, there’s a lot to love about boarding, and with flexible options like weekly boarding, students can get the best of both worlds!

In this blog, Lila, one of our Sixth Form students, shares her experience of becoming a weekly boarder here at Sidcot School and how boarding has become one of her favourite parts of school life.

Lila's Boarding Experience 

My name is Lila, I joined Sidcot in Year 12, at the beginning of my A Levels, and since September 2024, I’ve been a weekly boarder at Sidcot School. This means that I stay at School during the week but go home during the weekends.

At first, I was definitely a bit nervous about the whole idea of being away from home during the week and adjusting to a completely new routine. It felt like a big step, especially with the added pressure of starting new subjects and settling into Sixth Form life. But surprisingly, it didn’t take long for things to start feeling normal.

The boarding staff and other students were so friendly from the beginning, and that really helped me feel comfortable straight away. Everyone at Sidcot is incredibly welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of community that runs through everything, whether it’s in the classroom, the boarding house, or even just during dinner. There’s always someone around to talk to or help out, and the atmosphere feels calm, supportive, and genuinely caring, and now boarding has become one of the best parts of my week.

Why I Chose Boarding School

I chose to board because the daily journey to and from school was too much, and boarding gave me more time to focus on school, get organised, and be more independent. The facilities, like the gym and proper study spaces, make such a difference, and having a routine during the week helps keep everything balanced. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people. I’ve made some amazing friends, and there’s always something going on, even if you’re a weekly boarder.

A Typical Day as a Boarding Student at Sidcot

A typical day starts with breakfast at 7:30am before heading off to lessons. School finishes around 3:50pm, and after that there’s loads of time to do your own thing. You can head to the gym, chill in the common room, or walk down to the local village with friends. Dinner’s at 5:45pm, then we’ve got quiet study time from 6:45 to 7:45pm, which is actually really useful for keeping on top of A Level work. Evenings are pretty relaxed; we usually watch a movie, or I hang out with my friends in their dorms. For Year 12, lights out is at 11:00pm, and Years 10 & 11, lights out is at 10:30pm.

Why Sidcot’s Boarding Community Stands Out

What makes Sidcot so special is how international and open-minded it is. You’re surrounded by people from all sorts of countries, cultures, and beliefs, and it makes the whole place feel really unique. In class, during activities, or just hanging out in the boarding house, you’re always learning from others and seeing things from different perspectives. It’s a really open, friendly environment where everyone’s encouraged to just be themselves.

Equally, the atmosphere at Sidcot is what really makes it feel different. It’s calm, welcoming, and there’s always someone around if you need help. It’s a place that feels safe and supportive, and over time, it’s honestly started to feel like a second home during the week. I can focus on my studies, enjoy time with friends, and just be myself.

Discover Boarding at Sidcot

Lila’s story highlights how boarding at Sidcot offers the perfect balance of independence, community, and care, helping students make the most of every opportunity both inside and outside the classroom.

If you’d like to see what makes Sidcot such a special place to live and learn, we’d love to welcome you for a tour. Explore our boarding houses, meet our staff and students, and discover why so many UK families are choosing Sidcot for their child’s boarding experience.

Find out more about Boarding at Sidcot today!