Boarding

Every pupil is part of our extended family

Julianne Pennycook

Introduction to Boarding

Boarding is at the heart of St Leonards, and we provide a unique Scottish boarding experience that is rooted in tradition, but international in outlook, continually adapting and evolving to meet the needs of today’s young people. We provide a ‘home from home’ for 155 pupils, with full, flexi, and occasional boarders joining us from age 10 upwards.

Full-Time Boarding

Full-time boarding provides a comprehensive living and learning experience during term time, fostering independence and a strong sense of community among students.
Weekly Boarding

Weekly boarding offers the balance of immersive school involvement during the week with the comfort of family time during weekends.
Flexi/Occasional Boarding

Occasional boarding allows pupils to stay overnight when they need and want to. It is designed to accommodate busy families, removing extended travelling times to create a work/life balance, providing a ‘home from home’ for your child to maximise opportunities at school, whilst relaxing in a safe and caring environment with their friends.

Award-winning Boarding

St Leonards is proud of its achievements as a centre of excellence for boarding research, with a particular focus on supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing. St Leonards was named winner of the Boarding Schools’ Association [BSA] Boarding Research Award 2022 and 2023, and also in 2022 was named the UK’s Independent School of the Year for International Student Experience. There is much to celebrate as boarding at St Leonards continues to go from strength to strength.

Renovation

Our boarding houses have recently undergone an extensive project of redevelopment, transforming the stately buildings into state-of-the-art residences complete with everything young people could want for 21st century living, and learning.
Social Spaces

Social spaces are bright and airy, kitchens are spacious and stylish, forming the heart of each house and providing the ideal setting for bake-offs, relaxed weekend brunches and evening activities.
Modern Living

There are quiet areas for prep, modern study bedrooms range from singles to twins and dormitories in our younger, co-educational boarding house.
Pastoral Support

Each house is led by an experienced and dedicated team of pastoral staff and overseen by the Housemaster or Housemistress. Our dedicated Head of Boarding leads on all residential activities, and ensures a St Leonards boarding experience is the best available.
Weekend Activities

Weekends and evenings after prep are spent participating in house activities and trips, whether it’s a sunset walk on the beach, basketball in the sports hall, karaoke night or marshmallows toasted over the fire under the stars. Scoops of ice cream from the gelateria nextdoor are a favourite treat.

Excursions can range from a day of culture and shopping in Edinburgh to watersports, ice skating or treetops adventures. Day pupils are welcome to join house trips, too!

We do not have exeat weekends at St Leonards, however boarders are welcome to go home at weekends or stay with day families in the local area with permission from parents.

Golf Academy

Our state-of-the-art boarding facilities play a crucial role in supporting our leading Golf Programme, providing daily bus transfers to the Golf Academy making access effortless. We also own in-house fitness equipment and have access to the University of St Andrews Sports Centre to provide pupils with ample opportunities for physical conditioning and development. This integrated approach ensures that our students have a holistic support system to hone their skills and achieve excellence in golf.

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