How state boarding helps the next generation thrive
ELLA-LOUISE BROWN believes boarding has helped develop her independence.
The 13-year-old, who comes from a military family, is a Year Eight boarder at Royal alexandra & albert School in Reigate, Surrey.
The school is among 38 state boarding schools in the country, where parents pay only for the cost of their child boarding.
The prices are a fraction of independent school charges, which make them appealing for parents, along with the high standards of education and vast array of extracurricular activities.
Ella-louise says: ‘i love the afterschool clubs because it gives you something to do with your friends. My f avourite i s drama, because you also get to see behind the scenes of a show.
‘i also enjoy army Cadet Force because you are trained in exciting things such as first aid and shooting.
‘ i deal with homesickness by keeping myself busy and try not to think about it. i also speak to my parents regularly and tell them about all the new things i’m doing.’
She adds: ‘i feel boarding has prepared me for life. it helps with new situations in life because i am planning my time well and am independent. i learn new skills every day.’
Her parents, Sarah and David, both 38, f r om Hadleigh near ipswich, believe the school gives Ella- louise vital continuity. Mr Brown, a staff sergeant in the army, is being posted abroad.
Sarah says: ‘Coming from a military family, the need for Ella-louise to have a stable education meant boarding became a necessity rather than a choice.’ She adds that communication has never been a problem while Ella-louise has boarded.
‘ Ella- louise has always had a mobile phone, and although pupils were allowed restricted use of them in the junior house, we still managed to speak every day. now that she is in senior house, i speak, text or email her numerous times a day.’
Headmaster Paul Spencer Ellis, who i s chairman of t he State Boarding Schools association, says: ‘State boarding occupies an interesting middle ground, in that it is cheaper than boarding in the i ndependent sector and most state boarding schools are very high-performing.’