At Vinehall a dedicated team works hard to make boarding an extremely attractive option. In addition to academic support, the children also benefit enormously from a wide range of activities and opportunities at a well resourced school located deep in the heart of the Sussex countryside.

Vinehall has a well-established boarding community of boys and girls. It is very much the heart of the school. A few of our boarders are from overseas or other parts of the country. Most are local children. Boarding is ‘full’ rather than on a weekly basis although there are regular exeat weekend breaks and boarders may go out for special occasions. Families are welcome to visit.

A team of matrons, laundry staff, tutors, duty teachers, Gap assistants and house parents ensure that our boarders are happy. There are plenty of activities laid on in the evenings and at weekends. The children can enjoy playing with friends and making full use of the excellent resources. Golf, bike riding, roller blading, swimming and games in the sports hall are all on offer. In addition, there are art and drama workshops, visiting entertainers, discos and all manner of other social activities to keep the children cheerful and busy. Prizes are awarded to dorms throughout the year and the dorms themselves are comfortable, bright and offer super views of the surrounding countryside.

The boarders have plenty of support academically. There are regular supervised prep sessions and staff offer individual help with reading, times tables, spellings and so on. A tutor system has also been introduced to help children with their studies. We aim to guide the children through their busy week and at the same time look to encourage more independence and initiative so that the children learn how to prioritise their various activities and studies. Above all we aim to ensure that a balanced programme is reached so that the boarders are well rounded individuals who can approach their senior schools with confidence.

Boarders enjoy access to a range of wonderful facilities and many of our boarders have been successful scholars.

What do the children say?

I love boarding. I can see my friends and I learn to live with other people ready for my next school. The routine is helpful. Boarding makes sure that I do my work! The best thing about boarding is playing with my friends and having tuck on the weekends.
(Jamie Banks)

Boarding is really fun because you get to be with your friends, and it helps you to study. The house parents are awesome too.
(Sophie Whaley and Lucy Wylie-Carrick)

On 7th September I arrived at Vinehall School. I was very nervous because I didn’t know anyone and I hadn’t been in that school before.

The first few days Marie looked after me and that really helped because I didn’t know where to go, who were my teachers etc and also they looked after me at boarding time. At Vinehall School we play loads of sports like hockey and netball. I really like hockey because I’ve played before and I know how to play it.

I think the idea of boarding school is very good and fun. The first few days you miss home but then you have fun and you can stay with your friends all the time. The food at Vinehall School is different to Spanish food but I like it, especially the desserts!

The people are very nice and helpful to you. I think that Vinehall School is a wonderful place and I am having a great time.
(Ines Martinez-Fresneda, age 12 )