Boarding: A Place to Belong
A Home Away from Home
For many of our students, boarding is one of the most rewarding aspects of life at The Hammond. It is far more than simply a place to stay—it is a welcoming, supportive community where lifelong friendships are formed, independence is developed and every student is encouraged to flourish.
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Whether joining us from elsewhere in the UK or overseas, our boarders quickly become part of a vibrant community united by a shared passion for the performing arts. Living and learning alongside like-minded young people creates an environment where students support, inspire and encourage one another, both inside and outside the studio and classroom.
Our experienced boarding team provides exceptional care, ensuring every student feels safe, valued and supported. We understand that living away from home is a significant step, and we work closely with families to create an environment where students feel confident, secure and able to achieve their full potential.
Our Boarding Ethos
Boarding at The Hammond is much more than accommodation during term time. It is an integral part of our educational community, providing students with a safe, supportive and nurturing environment in which they can flourish academically, artistically, socially and personally.
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As a specialist performing arts school, we recognise that our students balance demanding academic study, intensive vocational training and the experience of living away from home. Our boarding community is designed to provide the stability, care and encouragement that enables every student to thrive in all aspects of school life.
We aim to create a true "home from home" where every boarder feels safe, respected, valued and known as an individual. Relationships between students and staff are built upon kindness, trust, mutual respect and high expectations. Safeguarding and student wellbeing underpin every aspect of boarding life, ensuring that students feel confident to seek support whenever they need it.
We believe that boarding offers exceptional opportunities for personal growth. Through daily life within our community, students develop resilience, independence, confidence, responsibility, leadership, teamwork and respect for others. These qualities prepare young people not only for success at The Hammond but also for life beyond school.
We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and welcoming boarding community where every student is treated with dignity and respect. We celebrate individuality and seek to ensure that every boarder, regardless of background, identity, ability or personal circumstance, feels that they belong and can participate fully in boarding life.
We value the partnership between students, parents and staff, recognising that open communication and shared aspirations are central to a positive boarding experience. By working together, we create an environment in which every student can achieve their full potential while feeling supported, encouraged and inspired.
Above all, our boarding community exists to enable every young person to flourish—academically, artistically and personally—within a caring environment that promotes wellbeing, friendship, independence and a lifelong love of learning.
More Than Accommodation
Boarding is an important part of the Hammond experience.
Alongside exceptional academic and vocational education, boarding helps students develop the confidence, resilience and life skills that will benefit them long after they leave us. Living within our community encourages independence, responsibility, organisation and teamwork, while also fostering kindness, respect and consideration for others.
Students enjoy a varied programme of social, recreational and wellbeing activities, helping them build friendships, explore new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.
Preparing Students for Life
Living away from home gives students the opportunity to grow in confidence and maturity within a safe and supportive environment.
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Through everyday experiences, our boarders develop valuable life skills including:
Independence and self-management
Confidence and resilience
Leadership and teamwork
Communication and interpersonal skills
Time management and organisation
Respect, empathy and responsibility
These qualities prepare students not only for success at The Hammond, but for university, professional training and life beyond.
A Community Where Everyone Belongs
At The Hammond, every student is valued as an individual.
Our boarding community is built on kindness, inclusion and mutual respect. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents of our students, creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, supported and able to be themselves.
We are committed to ensuring that every boarder has equal access to the full boarding experience. Whatever their background, culture, identity or individual needs, every student is encouraged to participate, contribute and thrive within our community.
The Team
Our boarding houses are run by a professional team who strive to provide a warm and homely environment for all boarding students. All staff are continuously updating their training with the Boarding School Association and other recognised training agencies.
All are trained in the safeguarding of children and first aid. Senior house staff are also qualified in Boarding Management.
International Boarders
We currently have pupils from around the world as part of our boarding community and welcome a small number in each year group, ensuring pupils integrate and make the most of the opportunity to live alongside pupils from different backgrounds and cultures.
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Every pupil whose home is overseas or whose parents currently live or are posted abroad must have a nominated guardian for the duration of their stay at The Hammond. This guardian must be resident in the UK and, ideally, within a reasonable journey of the school.
In the event of an emergency, the guardian will be the first point of contact. Parents will, of course, also be contacted, but the guardian will act in their absence ‘in loco parentis’ which will include attending school meetings and parents evenings.
Boarding FAQs
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Every room has a bed, wardrobe, desk, set of drawers (one lockable) and a full-length mirror.
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We arrange for a member of our team to stay with your child in boarding. If your child requires medical attention, we will arrange that and accompany your child to the GP or hospital. Any prescription will be collected by the team and medication and administered as requested by the doctor.
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We offer a range of visits and trips which are usually suggested by the students. Check out our blog to see what we've been up to so far this year:
http://thehammond.wixsite.com/boardingblog
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The school day usually finishes at 6pm. You will eat dinner in The Oasis then return to boarding by bus around 7pm. All students complete 45 - 1 hour of homework/prep (dependent on age). If you are in Y7 and Y8 you then have free time until lights out. If you are an older student, you will be given a curfew time if you so wish to go out with friends.
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All students own their own mobile phone. They can be contacted at any point during the evening until their phones are collected in 15 minutes before lights out. After which time, parents can contact boarding and speak to a member of staff via the duty phones.
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There is always a range of staple foods available at both houses ranging from fruit, snacks to full meals. We ensure the food order includes specific food types to cater for a whole range of dietary needs and preferences. Every day, the students are catered for at school and a selection of food is served in The Oasis. Every weekend, requested meals are provided and students have the opportunity to help with the preparation and cooking of these meals.
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Dance kits are laundered every day for all students. In addition, each year group is allocated a day when casual clothing, uniforms and bedding/towels will be laundered.
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Less than a 10-minute walk away we have two sports centres - Northgate Arena and Total Fitness. Some students attend a local church each Sunday and in the town centre there is a cinema, theatre and a range of shops and supermarkets.
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Not at this time.
