DAY VS. BOARDING: WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

Choosing between day and boarding school is a key decision for many families considering an independent education. Both options are available at Repton School and crucially, both offer the same high-quality experience. 

Day pupils are fully integrated into the boarding house structure, sharing the same facilities, routines, and pastoral care as their boarding peers. Boarders, meanwhile, benefit from an immersive residential environment with 24/7 support from staff who live and work on site. Repton Prep has flexible boarding arrangements that can benefit day pupils – including weekly and flexi boarding options.  

What is the Difference Between Day and Boarding? 

In practical terms, day pupils attend school during the day and return home each evening. Boarders live on-site during term time. At Repton, pupils are either day or boarding status, whereas Repton Prep has flexi and weekly boarding options where pupils can stay for part of the week or on selected nights. This is ideal for those easing into boarding life before starting senior school. 

At Repton, all pupils (regardless of boarding status) belong to a House and enjoy access to the same facilities, timetable, and support systems. The result is one cohesive school community. 

Common Myths About Boarding Schools 

  • “Day pupils miss out” 
    Not at Repton. Day pupils are embedded in House life from the start. They have access to the same activities, dining, co-curricular opportunities, and pastoral support as boarders and benefit equally from our close-knit community. The only difference is that boarders sleep over! 

  • “Boarding is old-fashioned and cold” 
    Modern boarding prioritises wellbeing and connection. At Repton, pupils are known and supported by House teams and pastoral care staff, all of whom are based on-site. This creates a tight-knit community where every child is cared for around the clock. Regular House events foster healthy competition and strong house spirit that forms lifelong friendships.  

  • “Boarding is not accessible for all” 
    Repton offers a number of scholarships and bursaries, helping to widen access to boarding and ensure that financial means are not a barrier to gifted pupils who would benefit from the boarding school environment. 

Considerations for Day Pupils  
Advantages: 

  • Daily time with family 
  • Familiar home environment 
  • Potentially lower cost 

Considerations: 

  • Commute and logistics may impact daily routine 
  • Pupils miss out on evening residential life 
  • Some parents may find work-life balance easier with boarding 

Considerations for Boarders
Advantages: 

  • A consistent, structured environment 
  • Greater independence and time management skills 
  • Lifelong friendships formed through shared living 
  • On-site pastoral care 24/7 - all Repton staff are based on-site 
  • A great introduction to life at university and beyond 
  • Easy access to facilities – for example, elite swimmers benefit from being close to the pool for training.  

Considerations: 

  • Time away from home can be a challenge for some 
  • Greater financial investment 
  • Suitability depends on personality and readiness for independence 
  • Some families initially express concern over homesickness or peer dynamics but most pupils thrive with the stability, support, and community boarding offers. 
A Balanced Option: Flexi and Weekly Boarding  

Repton Prep’s flexible boarding options provide a ‘best of both worlds’ experience. Whether staying for a few nights each week or during busy family periods, flexi boarding allows pupils to: 

  • Enjoy evening and weekend activities 
  • Participate in boarding house life 
  • Benefit from the care of live-in pastoral staff 
  • An ideal stepping stone for families new to boarding or those looking to ease the transition 
Key Questions to Help Parents Decide 
  • Would my child benefit from more independence? 
  • Do they enjoy a structured, sociable environment? 
  • Are we close enough to commute twice a day as a day pupil? 
  • Would flexi-boarding better support our family logistics? 
  • Does the school provide an equal provision for day and boarding pupils? 
  • Can we change between day and boarding options later? 
  • What are the financial implications of each model? 
Choosing the Right Option for You 

What matters most is choosing a model that supports your child’s happiness, growth, and success. At Repton, 70% of the pupils are boarders but all pupils share the same boarding houses, routines, support structures and facilities. Whether your child joins us as a day pupil or as part of our full boarding community, they’ll be welcomed into the same nurturing environment. 

Next Steps 

We encourage families to visit Repton and experience the community first-hand. If you’d like to speak with our Admissions Team, contact us - we’re here to help you explore what’s right for your child. 

 

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