Boarding schools of the past invoked images of rigid, inflexible dormitories ran by strict matrons churning out exam results. Luckily, times have changed and so have boarding schools. Today, they act as a home away from home where the students are nurtured as they mature into resilient, independent young people. They graduate into a world of opportunity in which they are equipped to succeed. Nowadays a boarding school offers a diverse community made up of students from all around the world that thrive and grow in a nurturing environment. Here at Rochester Independent College, we pride ourselves on taking the old style of boarding schools and turning them on their head, our students not only receive a top-quality education they compete in a range of sports, have a packed social calendar and an independent university-style experience.
An unrivalled approach to education
Boarding schools are renowned for their standard of teaching, which reflects on the quality of grades that the leavers receive. In contrast to a standard day school, boarding allows the student to be immersed in their education 7 days a week. Placing them in an environment that prioritises their emotional well-being gives our students the opportunity to fully focus on their studies.
This standard of excellence is reflected in our A level results in 2020: 42% A*A 73% A*-B. As Rochester is not academically selective we take great satisfaction in fostering an environment that our students can achieve results that they never previously thought possible. Furthermore, we have an average class size of 8, meaning every student receives an unparalleled amount of attention, leading to a broader and deeper understanding of the curriculum and beyond. The smaller class size means that students are far less likely to be overlooked or poorly supported.
Maximise the amount of time to focus on school
Stay at school overnight cuts the time wasted on travelling to and from campus, maximising the amount of time available for sports, homework or extracurricular activities. This enables students to excel at whatever they put their mind to, be it sports, music or academics there is around the clock support and care to nurture their talent.
Here at Rochester, we take this seriously. There are academic tutors living in each of the halls to provide expert homework help in the evenings meaning that the support doesn’t stop when the school day is over.
Excellent opportunities
The nature of a boarding school allows for more opportunities for students. Lifelong friendships are made within the classroom and then are cemented on the weekends when there is a variety of weekend trips and activities. Moreover, boarding school campuses will often be home to state-of-the-art facilities, which will facilitate and nurture your child’s interests and abilities.
At Rochester Independent College, as well as common rooms and study areas, boarding students have access to the College’s sports pitch, fitness centre, on-site cinema, art studios and award-winning wildlife gardens. Outside of lesson time, you’ll find lots of exciting things to do. Weekend activities and trips are numerous and varied and we always ask students what they want to do and try and make it happen. In the past, weekend activities have included trips to Bath, a graffiti tour around Shoreditch, East London, a hiking trip to the Brecon Beacons, a day at Brands Hatch Racing Track, Harry Potter World, Edinburgh, Brighton, Stratford Upon Avon and Cambridge. Theatre, art gallery and museum trips are always popular.
Fostering independence
A key benefit of boarding school is the natural step-up in independence. One day your child will leave home and enter the world, our priority is preparing them to be mature, resilient young adults that will succeed in whatever they apply themselves to. The natural progression of your child maturing is aided by boarding, giving them a safe environment to make mistakes and choose their own decisions.
At Rochester, our style of boarding aims to mimic university life (with the care and nurturing of a school). All our boarders have their own single rooms all equipped with wifi, additionally, at the weekends there is no supervised prep aiming to encourage independence. Our students are free to sign out in the evenings as long as they return by agreed times, this gives the students the confidence to enjoy their school life with the knowledge someone is looking out for them.
Pastoral care
The main concern for parents when sending their child to boarding school is will they be safe and happy? All a parent wants is a happy, fulfilled and well-adjusted child and here at RIC that is our priority too. We aim to make the transition as smooth as possible. For international students, this means they picked up from the airport, welcomed and shown around Rochester and the College. They are introduced to current students who act as friends and buddies on first arrival. We help with all the practical details of becoming a student in the UK such as opening a bank account and using public transport. Additionally, our nurse ensures that all students register locally with a doctor and have access to medical care and students also have access to an independent listener.
Throughout the school year, tutors file regular reports on students and these are emailed to parents giving constant feedback. An end of term report should never contain surprises for either students or their parents. The College operates an ‘open door’ policy and parents feel free to come and see, telephone or email Personal Tutors and the Principal to discuss any issue concerning them. Our student’s safety and welfare is our highest concern and we do everything we can to ensure this through a system of pastoral care.
Does Rochester seem like the place for your child?
The first step is to contact us to arrange an informal visit, interview and campus tour.
Call 01634 828115 or click here to book. Alternatively, learn more here.
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