The school that’s just like a home from home
WHEn Hannah Francis first went to her state boarding school seven years ago, she already knew one pupil — her older brother Oliver.
the 18yearold sat her economics, biology and Physical Education Alevels this summer at Gordon’s school, a coeducational state boarding school in Woking, surrey.
While Hannah enjoyed the activities put on by her house parents during weekends, it is her friendships that she cherishes the most. she says: ‘I loved it ever since I got here. Living with my friends — it’s like a big sleepover. My best friend is like a sister. We have lived in a room together for seven years. ‘Gordon’s is a home from home. there is a difference, but the school felt like home because I lived there most of the time. It’s nice to have two places where you feel like that. It’s because of the community spirit and social side of living with friends.’
now planning to study economics, Hannah says she is better prepared for university life after boarding. ‘I know how to wash and cook — a lot of people living at home will struggle,’ she adds.
Her father, steven, a colonel in the Royal Marines, and her mother, Kristin, who live in West Byfleet, surrey, opted for state boarding due to an overseas posting. the couple wanted their children to be settled instead of having the upheaval of changing schools.
Colonel Francis says: ‘In our circumstances it was the right thing to do and so it has proved. One thing you want to be assured of is that your kids have continuity and support.’
He would recommend that other service parents send their children to boarding schools. ‘state boarding schools are the best kept secret in education,’ he said. Mrs Francis agrees, adding that both her children have benefited from boarding. Oliver is now 20. ‘they have become more independent,’ she says. ‘Compared with children at their primary school, when mine started boarding school there was a big change. they had more confidence, and could have a conversation with an adult and not be shy.’
Gordon’s, which was established in 1885 at the behest of Queen Victoria, gives priority to military families when it comes to applications for places. More than 50 per cent of the residential boarders come from service families.
the school employs counsellors to support children, as well as tutors to plug any gaps in their education when they join. All Year ten students join the Combined Cadet Force, which offers training in the Royal navy, Army and Royal Air Force. Many continue this into the sixth form, as well as completing gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. n FOR more information, visit gordons.surrey.sch.uk