Boarding at Plymouth College fully supports our school’s ethos, fostering personal development, courtesy and respect. We offer full, weekly and flexi-boarding options to suit diverse family needs and pupil experiences.
Boarding Options
Supportive Boarding Community
Our primary aim is for every boarder to feel at home and well supported from the moment they arrive. New pupils are warmly welcomed by our dedicated boarding team and often supported by experienced Sixth Form pupils, with many being paired with a fellow boarder of a similar age to help them settle in. This nurturing approach is central to our boarding ethos.
We cultivate a caring, small community where important qualities like resilience, honesty, kindness and respect for others are actively encouraged. Staff are available throughout the day and evening to assist with homework or simply offer a listening ear. Weekly house meetings and accessible information ensure all pupils are informed and feel part of an extended family, with many people to turn to for help or advice.
Full Boarding Experience
Our Full Boarding option provides a complete immersion into the vibrant life of Plymouth College, creating a genuine ‘home away from home’. Pupils benefit from a consistent, supportive environment seven days a week, with a full programme of activities and pastoral care extending throughout the term. This option is popular with pupils from across the UK and internationally.
Plymouth College is easily accessible from local international airports at Exeter and Bristol, as well as Heathrow.
For international pupils there is a short-stay, full boarding option giving them the opportunity of experiencing life in an English school while improving their language skills, typically for one or two terms. Many enjoy their time here so much that they stay on to complete full GCSE or A Level courses.
International pupils and their families will need to appoint a Guardian, who will support them in many ways – from assisting with travel to and from the school, to attending school productions, events and organising the student’s holiday accommodation with local host families if not travelling home.
Flexible Weekly Boarding
Weekly boarding at Plymouth College offers an ideal balance for pupils who wish to immerse themselves in school life from Monday to Friday and spend weekends at home. Weekly boarders are fully integrated into our boarding houses, receiving the same high level of care, support and access to opportunities as our full boarders, becoming an integral part of our boarding family.
This popular option eliminates the daily commute, allowing for a more relaxed start to the day. Available on a term-by-term basis, weekly boarding includes a dedicated bed for five nights a week, evening meals and breakfasts, a laundry service and participation in enriching evening activities, ensuring a productive and enjoyable week for our pupils.
Convenient Flexi-Boarding
Our Flexi-boarding option provides families with a highly adaptable solution for occasional overnight stays. Pupils can stay for up to 14 nights per term, with the possibility of arranging additional nights through negotiation with the Head of Boarding. This choice is perfect for families requiring occasional support due to travel or work commitments, or for day pupils wishing to experience a taste of boarding life.
Parents find flexi-boarding particularly advantageous, as it allows their children to enjoy the supportive and enriching environment of our boarding community on an ad-hoc basis. Due to its popularity and the limited number of flexi-boarding places available, we highly recommend booking well in advance to secure a place.
Come and See Us
We warmly invite you to visit Plymouth College to experience our welcoming community and view our boarding facilities firsthand. To arrange your visit, please contact our admissions team using the details provided below. Alternatively, click the “Arrange a Visit” button, fill out your details and a member of our team will get in touch promptly to help schedule your tour.
Email: admissions@plymouthcollege.com
Telephone: 01752 505120
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our community.
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