Life As a Day Pupil
At Monkton, the day pupil experience is so much richer than in many boarding/day schools
Rather than having the more typical “day house” that closes at 5.30pm, our houses are integrated, bringing boarders and day pupils together, and enabling our day pupils to enjoy the same opportunities as our boarders.
The day can start with breakfast at school and continue till bedtime any day of the week. Breakfast, supper and evenings are an included part of the day provision. Most of our day pupils will stay for the evening at some points in the week, whether it is for “in house” nights, play rehearsals, clubs, academic lectures, the Christian Union or just to spend time with friends. This safe community, full of fun and engagement, is highly valued by our day pupils and parents, forming part of the wraparound community that Monkton offers.
As a result our day pupils feel a deep sense of belonging. The provision is extremely flexible, and the decision around how often and when pupils stay beyond the school day sits with each family. This enables you to find the right balance between allowing your teenagers to grow in independence and keep family connections deep.
Prep in the House
Each day pupil is welcome to stay for prep, utilising support from the teaching staff on duty in the houses, or accessing the Music and Art departments to work on subject-specific prep.
“In-House” Nights
These are highlights for many of our pupils. Twice a week each house enjoys “in house” nights, either gathering as a whole house, or in smaller year group gatherings, with Houseparents and house teams, to play games, share food and have fun together. These weekly moments help build deep connections, between boarders and day pupils, both with peers and the older and younger members of each house.
Weekends
At weekends, following Saturday school and matches, day pupils are always welcome to join in the fun of Saturday evenings, whether that is our own football world cup competition, bonfire night, Sixth Form parties, balls for years 10-13, house dinners, the Eddy BBQ and many more. Equally, they have the flexibility to head home and spend time with family.
Included boarding nights
We want every day pupil to have a taste of boarding, so the day fee includes nine boarding nights per year, taken in 2 x 2 night blocks and one 5 night block. Occasional boarding is also available, where space allows.
I had an amazing 5 years at Monkton. I found the community to be welcoming with staff who truly cared. I loved my house, as even though I was a day pupil, I spent many evenings there joining in with activities and having fun with my friends.
I left Monkton with confidence, belief in myself and my abilities, fantastic A-level results and friends for life.
- Gemma, OM 2024
