A Second Family: How Boarding Staff Create a Home Away from Home

By Antonia & Fides, International Head Students

Starting at boarding school for the first time is a huge step for many students. Leaving behind home, family, and everything familiar can be thrilling, but it’s also a little scary at first. What makes this big transition easier is the support we get from the boarding staff. Thanks to them, the boarding house quickly starts to feel much more like home. 

Boarding staff do so much more than just keep an eye on us. They are the people who create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and cared for. Whether they’re helping us solve little everyday issues, checking in after a tough day, or just being there to listen, their support makes a real difference. It’s often those small, thoughtful gestures that help boarding life feel friendly and less overwhelming. 

Another key part of living in a boarding house is the structure that the staff helps create. Having routines, such as eating meals together, evening study sessions, and group activities, gives our days a sense of rhythm and balance. These things might seem simple, but they provide the stability many of us need while living away from home. Over time, sharing these experiences helps us feel more settled and connected to everyone around us. I (Antonia) remember joining Sidcot in September 2024, originally planning to stay only 6 months, and I loved the sudden routine that became embedded in my life. As I made lovely friendships, the time went by so quickly, and I cannot believe I am graduating in a few months.  

At the same time, boarding school is a great place to learn independence. Living with people from all sorts of backgrounds teaches us how to manage our time, take responsibility, and look out for each other. The boarding staff is there to guide us, offering help when we need it, but also giving us space to develop on our own. Fides joined Sidcot 4 years ago and calls it his second home because here he grew into an ‘independent individual’ with new interests, friendships, and an overall sense of respect for the people he lives with.   

Maybe the best thing about boarding life is the sense of community that forms. With every shared meal, conversation, and everyday moment, the boarding house becomes much more than just a place to stay. It’s where friendships develop and where we feel truly supported. Organised activities by the boarding staff, such as visits to the cinema, bowling trips, or the upcoming SHG easter egg hunt, make us look forward to something after a stressful week of school, emphasising the importance of the boarding staff in making our time here a perfect balance between fun, relaxation, and study. 

Because of the care and dedication of the boarding staff, many of us start to see the boarding house as more than just somewhere to live. It becomes a place where we feel understood, supported, and at home: a second family. 

Thank you for everything you do, dear boarding staff!

This World Boarding Staff Day, we would particularly like to highlight Head of Boarding, Amandine Smilevich, who has been at the heart of Sidcot Boarding for 25 years. As Head of Boarding, Amandine has built an inclusive international community where students from around the world have found a second home. With a unique skill set, including speaking 7 languages, Amandine has ensured that every boarding student receives the highest-quality care and guidance, helping them thrive both personally and academically. One boarder shared:

"Boarding at Sidcot has been life-changing for me. I’ve made amazing friends from around the world, taken part in exciting new activities, and even learnt how to cook – none of which would have been possible without Ms Smilevich!"

Amandine’s supportive leadership has shaped a generation of students into confident, curious, forward-thinking individuals prepared to make an impact on the world. Thank you, Amandine, for everything you bring to our boarding family!