3 Reasons MONKTON Was Named Independent Boarding School
of the Year 2025

Families looking for the best independent schools in Bath often want to understand what sets one school apart from another. In 2025, Monkton Combe School was named Independent Boarding School of the Year, recognising its exceptional boarding experience, outstanding pastoral care and
innovative approach to integrating day pupils and boarders.

Below are three of the reasons why Monkton received this national recognition.

An Integrated Boarding Community Where Day Pupils Belong

At Monkton, boarding is the heartbeat of school life. With the majority of the Senior School
boarding, the campus is alive seven days a week. Boarding here is not just about where students live,
but how they live: with purpose, connection and joy. Our houses are run by Houseparents who
create genuine home environments, where pastoral care feels like family life.

Monkton is distinguished by the way boarding influences every aspect of school life. Day pupils
regularly stay until 9.30pm, making the most of ‘In House’ evenings. They often journey into
boarding, drawn by the richness of the experience. The weekends are a highlight: Saturday nights
vary from Bonfire to Band Night and each weekday student opt to come in or stay at school to join
the fun. Sundays are for rest but some choose for that to look active, with trips to Thorpe Park, Bath
Rugby, Ice Skating or Paintballing. Boarding life is packed with tradition, spontaneity and fun. Pupils
don’t just attend these events - they lead them, giving students ownership of their community.

Monkton’s culture of inclusion, mentorship and celebration ensures that every boarder feels known,
valued and empowered. The result is a community where students thrive in every way.

A Boarding Experience That Evolves With Pupils

Monkton’s boarding provision has flourished because it continues to listen to the evolving needs of
our pupils. With Saturday and Sunday programmes ranging from formal dinners and Year-group balls
to student-led band nights and quiz evenings, boarders of all ages find something to connect with.
Notably, our calendar included popular highlights such as Rodeo Night, Outdoor Cinema, house
Christmas parties, and the spring and summer balls, all of which were shaped by student feedback.

Trips to Thorpe Park, go-karting, and paintballing were used to build teamwork and resilience, with
staff-led reflections giving them deeper purpose. The Christian Union Big Day Out, organised around
students’ interests, combined adventure with meaningful discussion on identity and values. For Prep
boarders, events like Pancake Night with houseparents and winter ice skating were designed to ease
their transition, fostering routine, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging. Every activity was
planned not just for fun, but to support student development in lasting ways.

One of our proudest indicators of success is the number of day pupils opting to stay in over
weekends is one of our proudest indicators of success. It shows a boarding culture so engaging, so
welcoming, that it draws in the entire school community - not just those who sleep on site.

An Inclusive, Global Boarding Community

Monkton’s boarding community is defined by its inclusivity, warmth and global outlook. With boarders from across the UK and around the world, the school is a vibrant cultural mosaic where difference is welcomed and celebrated. From Lunar New Year feasts to international community events, students learn not just about one another’s traditions - but how to live in a world that values empathy and perspective.

Every new boarder is paired with a dedicated mentor - an older pupil who helps them navigate campus life, understand routines and settle in socially. This system builds strong vertical relationships and ensures no student feels alone. For our international pupils, many of whom are far from home for the first time, this support is transformational.

By living, learning and leading together, Monkton boarders grow into adaptable, emotionally
intelligent young adults. They leave us not only with strong academic results, but with a deep
understanding of community, resilience and what it means to thrive in a diverse, interconnected
world.

Being named Independent Boarding School of the Year 2025 reflects Monkton's commitment to
creating a boarding experience where every pupil is known, supported and inspired. From its
integrated House system and exceptional pastoral care to its vibrant community and student-led
culture, Monkton continues to offer one of the UK's leading boarding experiences.

For families searching for an independent school in Bath where boarding is about much more than
accommodation, Monkton offers a community where young people flourish academically, socially
and personally.