Vinehall Pre-Prep, Nursery School, Kindergarten, independent, private, day & boarding Prep School, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JL. Telephone: 01580 880413

Introduction

At Vinehall the boarding house is run very much as an extended family. The Housemistress Quelli Coles lives in the middle of the boarding house with her husband Gideon, 17 year old daughter Alice and Lily the dog! The boarding house is in the heart of the main school building. Upstairs, alongside the housemistress' flat, you will find dormitories and washrooms, the School Nurse, Dispensary and SANS, the laundry, boarding house office and a large sunny common room. Mrs Coles is supported by a dedicated team of boarding staff including Mr Reid the Assistant House Master, Matrons, a Boarding assistant, boarding tutors and 3 resident Gap students.

Vinehall has a well-established boarding community of boys and girls. Currently, about three-quarters of the boarders are local children. The majority of older pupils at Vinehall choose to board. Boarding is ‘full' rather than on a weekly basis although there are regular exeat weekend breaks and boarders may go out for special occasions. Most boarders describe the weekends at Vinehall as the highlight of their week with a wide range of trips and activities on offer. On week nights there is a growing community of temporary boarders . These boarders are predominantly from Year 6 and Year 7, but temporary boarding is offered to children from Year 3 onwards.

Vinehall boarders receive academic support from their teachers and tutors and develop independence and self-reliance both academically and personally. They develop close friends, and have unparalleled opportunities for sporting, cultural and leisure activities at their well resourced school in beautiful Sussex countryside. The ethos is very much one where children are allowed to be children, and are encouraged to play outside, indulge in hobbies, and make the most of being with their friends. Boarders at Vinehall are cheerful and busy. They learn to be tidy and organised, to earn weekly and termly prizes for their dorm. Staff 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 they 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. Many of our boarders have achieved 13+ scholarships.

Boarding at Vinehall is made easier for non-local families in many ways. Staff organise transport to airports and offer an escort on the train to and from London at exeats and holidays. Matrons can provide a special packing service and can also arrange for any boarder needing haircuts, new shoes, dental appointments or extra storage over the holidays. Children can contact their parents by email, on skype, or in the evenings on their own mobile ‘phones, in addition to the traditional weekly letter home. Individual and small group lessons in English are offered to children for whom English is not the first language.

For more information about boarding at Vinehall, please contact the registrar, Ms Bridget de Havilland.

Discover more about boarding at Vinehall

Ofsted Boarding Inspection Report – our recent inspection report judged boarding to be  Outstanding 

Vinelines – the weekly electronic newsletter – see the back page for all the boarding news and photos. Access here or email mjh@vinehallschool.com to be put on the mailing list.

Handbooks – all the practical information about being a boarder at Vinehall. These are only available for those that will be boarding and you will need a password from office@vinehallschool.com

Temporary boarding information – If you are an existing Vinehall prep school pupil, you can enquire about a temporary boarding bed (for one night at a time, or for a longer period of time) by using this direct email link to houseparents@vinehallschool.com

Photo gallery – we provide lots of photos and video footage of our boarders for the front screen at school, but you may find more here.

Boarding Schools Association (BSA) website – if you are new to the idea of boarding, you may find some useful information about boarding here.

Leaving home at 8 – Mum finds it hardest: click here to read a recent article written by Helen Caithness, former houseparent at Vinehall, about the children's own perspective on boarding (BSA Magazine, Issue 31, Page 39)

What do the children say about boarding at Vinehall?

"I think boarding has helped me become independent and more caring and thoughtful towards others." Charlotte

"I started boarding in the summer term of year seven, and I have enjoyed it ever since. I have especially enjoyed the discos, the waterslides and dancing in the dorm!" Claire

"Saturday clubs are a highlight of boarding; I did history club and sailing. History club involved walking at speed around historic monuments in Mr. Whitehead's wake. Sailing was another story…. This usually meant ‘sailing' at many different locations; the choppy channel, a shallow lake in Eastbourne or on one occasion the school pond!" Andrew

"I came to Vinehall from Mexico for Year 8. While I was a boarder I had a great time with all my friends. Boarding has always been one of the most important things in my Vinehall career. One of the boarding highlights is Red Barrel and swimming at Tenterden. I also enjoyed the free time where we played Cricket or rode bikes. I will never forget this boarding experience and would recommend it for future pupils." Alvaro

"At the age of nine, my parents finally got sick of me at home and sent me away to the most remote place that they could think of, Vinehall School. Their plan backfired, as I have had some of the awesomest times of my life here." Josh

"I chose to board for my last two years at Vinehall. As a boarder you are never short of things to do or people to see. One of my favourite things is always being with my friends, and once you've learnt to live with each other, you become even better friends." Ellie

"A thing I like is that you can do your prep without distractions, like brothers or TV. Saturday and Sunday were the best days of the week at Vinehall." Antonio

"After many arguments with my mum she finally gave in and let me board. I have loved every minute. I have had great dorms and have even been lucky enough to be dorm leader of one." Archie

"I loved boarding from the moment I started with the laid back weekends and the great activities like red barrel and American football and sports hall sessions. Also I was able to be with my friends all the time. One weekend we went canoeing on the school swimming pool." Radley

"One of the best things about boarding is our specially designed "hoodie" – we wear them all the time because they're so warm and they look cool. All the non-boarders want one too." Peter

"I now know to hand in my clothes for washing rather than leave them on the floor, and I'm better at keeping my area tidy. I never even used to make my own bed!" Michael

"I temporary board one night a week, and I want to stay more often. The food is amazing, especially the breakfasts. There's lots of choice." Ellie

"I'm a local full time boarder. On Sundays there are lots of things to do in a group that you just couldn't do at home." Maddie

"I've been a boarder at Vinehall for two years. It's easier to study at school because there are less distractions and everyone else is working too. Plus there are teachers to help you if you get stuck." Ollie

"At first it was difficult because I didn't know anyone. I missed my family. But everyone here is very friendly and once I got to know them and spend time with the girls in my dorm, I have found it easier. They all look after me if I feel sad. There is always someone to talk to, or something fun to do. I love my ballet lessons." Ines

"I have been boarding for four years, and I have been happy every single day here. What will I remember? Mr. Caithness setting up the big screen so we could watch the international rugby matches, especially the time we all dressed up, played "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" on our instruments and painted our faces too." Arthur

"You make lots of friends in the boarding house, older and younger, and the weekends are so much fun. If I didn't board I don't think I would be able to fit all my work and my other activities in – swimming squad finishes quite late at night." Octavio

"On Saturday nights, after club activities, we usually watch a film in our dressing gowns, and eat loads of tuck. Sometimes, Mrs. Caithness has girlie nights with huge bowls of chocolates!" Lily

"Boarding has been a fantastic experience and even though I did not fully board, I have enjoyed temporary boarding twice, sometimes three times a week. I feel as if I have had more time to spend with my friends. The boarding house is so friendly and has such a homely atmosphere that boarding is something that I prefer to do, as I find I can do better work here and could achieve a good amount of revision as there are no distractions like there are at home!" Romilly

In our ISI inspection in February 2008 a boarder said:  Nobody is really bullied at Vinehall School because we have such a strong community. But if someone is there is lots of support to get someone to stop bullying that person. 

Another boarder said:  Vinehall has a very happy boarding community and many people board because they want to rather than have to.