Full, Weekly or Flexi Boarding? A Parent’s Guide

Full Boarding

Full boarding at Luckley House School is ideal for families seeking a complete residential experience where students can live on-site throughout the term. Our full boarders enjoy a supportive, welcoming environment where they can fully immerse themselves in school life, build lasting friendships, and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Full boarding offers a home away from home. Located in Wokingham, Berkshire, just 40 miles from London, Luckley House School offers the perfect setting for a nurturing, academic-focused education. With excellent transport links to the capital and surrounding areas, our boarding provision suits families from London and beyond, as well as international students looking to experience a British education. With a small but diverse boarding community, pupils at Luckley House benefit from individualised attention and care, ensuring that they develop both academically and personally. Boarding staff live on-site and work closely with students to ensure they feel comfortable, engaged, and supported throughout their time at school.

The holistic approach to education at Luckley means that students are encouraged to grow in confidence, try new activities, and embrace opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone. From sports and the arts to leadership opportunities and academic clubs, full boarders have the chance to participate in everything the school has to offer, giving them a well-rounded and enriching experience.

Full boarding is a great option for parents seeking continuity, structure, and a stable environment for their child, as well as for families who live farther away or overseas.

Weekly Boarding

For families who want the benefits of boarding during the week but value time at home on the weekends, weekly boarding is the perfect compromise. Pupils who opt for weekly boarding stay at school from Monday to Friday, enjoying the full range of school activities and the sense of community that comes with living on campus. They then return home on the weekends.

One of the key advantages of weekly boarding at Luckley House School is its flexibility. Our dedicated boarding staff, who reside on-site, offer weekly boarders the choice to return home on Friday evenings or stay at school for weekend activities and trips alongside full boarders. This flexibility accommodates the diverse needs of pupils and their families, providing the best of both worlds: an engaging school experience during the week, with the option to enjoy weekend events at home.

Weekly boarding is particularly popular among families based in London due to the excellent transportation links between Wokingham and the capital. By boarding during the week, pupils eliminate the time-consuming daily commute, allowing them to focus on their studies, build friendships, and take part in extracurricular activities without the stress of travelling back and forth each day. With no Saturday lessons at Luckley House, weekly boarders have the freedom to make the most of their weekends at home, whether it’s spending time with family, catching up on hobbies, or attending social events.

Weekly boarding is also an excellent option for Sixth Form students, particularly those focused on preparing for A Levels. During these crucial years, weekly boarding allows students to fully immerse themselves in their studies from Monday to Friday, without the distraction of daily travel. This gives Sixth Formers the opportunity to dedicate more time to academic work and revision while still enjoying their weekends at home. With boarding staff on hand to support with coursework and exam preparation, weekly boarding provides Sixth Form pupils with the structure and encouragement they need to excel in their studies. Additionally, Sixth Form boarders can take on leadership roles within the boarding house, gaining valuable experience that helps prepare them for university life and beyond.

For parents with busy professional lives, particularly those who travel frequently or work long hours, weekly boarding provides a practical solution. It ensures that their child can remain focused on their education during the week while still enjoying the comfort and familiarity of home on the weekends.

Flexi-Boarding

Luckley House School recognises that families have varying needs, which is why we offer a highly flexible boarding option. Flexi-boarding allows day pupils to stay at school for one or more nights each week, depending on their family’s requirements. This is a great solution for families who may need occasional overnight stays but do not require full-time boarding.

Flexi-boarding is often favoured by parents who have work or social commitments that may extend into the evening or for pupils who are participating in late-night school events or sports matches. It’s also an excellent option for students during exam periods. Staying on campus during these times allows pupils to benefit from a quiet, focused environment to revise, without worrying about the logistics of travelling to and from school. Additionally, parents have peace of mind knowing that their child is already at school, rested and ready for the day of their exam.

Many families also find flexi-boarding a useful tool in helping their child transition into full or weekly boarding later on. By spending one or two nights at school each week, pupils can become comfortable with the boarding environment, making a potential move to full or weekly boarding easier and less daunting.

Which Boarding Option is Right for You?

Deciding between full, weekly, or flexi boarding depends on your family’s unique circumstances and your child’s needs. Full boarding provides a complete immersion in school life, ideal for international students or families living farther afield. Weekly boarding offers a balanced approach, allowing pupils to enjoy school life while still spending weekends at home. It is also particularly beneficial for Sixth Form students preparing for exams. Flexi-boarding, on the other hand, provides the ultimate flexibility, accommodating occasional overnight stays to suit the demands of modern family life.

For more information on the different types of boarding, visit The Good Schools Guide.

No matter which option you choose, your child will benefit from the exceptional education and pastoral care that defines the Luckley experience.

Why Choose Luckley House School?

Whether you opt for full, weekly, or flexi boarding, Luckley House School provides a safe, supportive, and vibrant environment where pupils can thrive. Our diverse and inclusive boarding community offers students the chance to forge meaningful relationships with their peers and the dedicated boarding staff. Boarders benefit from modern, comfortable accommodation, with shared common rooms and kitchen facilities that create a home-like atmosphere.

Our location is a key advantage for both UK-based and international families. Close to London and Reading, with easy access to major transport links, Luckley House School offers the perfect setting for a nurturing, academic-focused education. With excellent transport links to the capital and surrounding areas, our boarding provision suits families from London and beyond, as well as international students looking to experience a British education.

At Luckley House School, we pride ourselves on our holistic approach to education. Boarders are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, from sports and music to drama and leadership programmes. This ensures that pupils not only succeed academically but also develop the life skills they need to flourish beyond school.