"Boarders receive good-quality and coordinated support when they need it most."
Ofsted Inspection, March 2020
The pastoral system, revolving around the House system, is at the heart of the boys’ experience of Beechen Cliff. There are around 800 boys in the lower school. Each boy is placed into one of five Houses: Byron, Chaucer, Kilpling, Milton and Shakespeare. In this way the boys across the school begin to know each other and contribute towards the family atmosphere which marks out Beechen Cliff and upon which so many visitors comment.
Each house is supervised by a Head of House, appointed from experienced teachers at the school. Within each House there are nine Tutor Groups led by a Tutor. The Tutor’s role is to oversee and guide the development of each boy in his or her charge and to provide academic and pastoral support. The school nurse and the boarding matron provide another strand to the pastoral care system and another point of direct contact for parents.
Academic and sporting competition between the Houses is fostered – as is charity fundraising activities. At each of the three whole school end of term assemblies a House winner is announced, the House flag is raised and all members of that House have certain privileges.
The Head of Boarding and the Boarding Team play a key part of and work closely with the Pastoral Care and House system at Beechen Cliff. Care and attention is given to every boarding student - the wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance.
Parents
We recognise that parents are at the centre of our work in achieving success with our boys. To help parents support their sons we provide clear information on academic performance and potential, guidance on support for reading and even an online programme to help parents be clear about every homework which has been set for the boys. Excellent communication takes place between Parents and Boarding Staff - it is an essential part of the running of the Boarding House.
All payments which are made in addition to boarding fees are made online. Such payments could include departmental trips to enrich learning or larger trips such as skiing or cricket tours. Your unique online account can be topped up for smaller items such as break time snacks in the refectory.