Boarding at Heathfield

The boarding ethos is central to the Heathfield community. Boarding comes with a built-in social life and enables the development of close and life-long friendships.

Living and working together teaches empathy, respect, independence and self-confidence. And, in the 24/7 boarding environment, learning in the broadest sense never stops. When the school day finishes, there is time for the many co-curricular opportunities and staff are always on hand to help with Prep.

At the weekends, there is a busy and well-structured age-appropriate programme of sports and activities.

Boarding has changed beyond recognition but there are many misconceptions about the meaning of full boarding. Today, flexibility is required to accommodate the many demands and complexities of modern family life. Optional leave weekends are frequent, there are four such weekends in the Michaelmas Term, two in the Lent Term, and three in the Summer Term.

Students can benefit from additional time at School if they wish, by the introduction of the Optional Leave weekends replacing previous Exeats. This is an opportunity for boarders to stay in and experience some wonderful outings and for our day students to trial an introduction to boarding.

Education is a partnership between the family and the school. Communication is essential, Heathfield staff are accessible and always ready to provide information, advice and reassurance. Families are encouraged to support school events and to take part in school life. We regularly welcome friends and family to drama productions, concerts and sporting fixtures. Parents are welcome to take their children out for meals.

We believe that the quality of family relationships is enhanced by getting the balance right between school and home on an individual basis. In Forms I and II we offer increased boarding flexibility where needed, and for other year groups, additional flexibility is at the discretion of the Housemistress.

What they’re saying about Heathfield

“The school believes in bringing joy and happiness so that girls of all abilities can fly academically.”
TALK EDUCATION

“Heathfield…a strong reputation for concern about its pupils’ welfare”
FINANCIAL TIMES

“A big thank you to everyone at Heathfield for making my daughter's first month boarding at Heathfield such a success. She has a home from home that she loves. When we drop her back on Sundays she says "I will miss you but I'm excited to be going back" and off she goes with confidence and a skip in her step down the corridor towards Bronte Boarding House. A happy girl is a happy mummy!”
NEW 2020 FORM I PARENT

“Pupils consistently demonstrate positive attitudes to learning and achieving their best.”
ISI INSPECTION 2018

“The best thing about Heathfield is the support of the staff and the warm welcome pupils always give the new girls.”
PUPIL

“Pupils grow into young people who make a difference to the world and live their lives boldly.”
ISI INSPECTION 2018

“The best thing about Heathfield is the quality of the teachers and the fact that they always have time for you.”
PUPIL

“Pupils non-academic achievements are outstanding.”
ISI INSPECTION 2018

“The school looks to what the child does best not what is best for the school and helps foster a belief that they can achieve in whatever they do.”
PARENT

“Pupils have extremely well-developed decision-making skills and are able to determine targets for themselves in academic and extra-curricular activities.”
ISI INSPECTION 2018

“Heathfield does what it says on the tin and celebrates every girl’s unique qualities, encouraging effort and uncovering talent. It is a jewel of a school.”
PARENT

“Pupils are happy, articulate and confident.”
ISI INSPECTION 2018

“I have seen a number of schools and met a number of heads but I have never walked into a school and almost wanted to become a child again so I could attend it myself! ”
PARENT