Boarding Principles
The aims of Boarding at The Leys School are:
- Within our House system, to make sure that every pupil feels part of that community; valued as an individual, supported, encouraged, understood and properly and safely looked after by appropriate adults at all times.
- For every pupil to feel safe and secure in their House environment and for their rights to privacy, warmth, food, comfort and rest to be reasonably met. There should be tolerance and acceptance of individuality and difference, with no discrimination as regards age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and religious beliefs. and sexuality. Bullying is to be dealt with swiftly and firmly, offering support to both the bullied and the bully.
- To ensure that each pupil comprehends and follows a system of communal rules and regulations which allows everyone to live happily side by side in the knowledge that decent values are being promoted – honesty, respect, unselfishness, reliance, whilst working in a team of both pupils and adults.
- To ensure as far as possible that our pupils will grow through this system to be well-balanced, independent young adults, having learnt to work with and for others, in a socially responsible manner.
Inter-House Events
There are many inter-house competitions, ranging from sport to house singing (the famous ‘House Shout’ at the end of the Christmas term) to Chemistry, debating and the inter-house quiz. Inter-house sports take place every half term and range from indoor sports such as football, to swimming, to athletics. The idea is to have fun and relaxation whilst representing the House. It’s great to win, but part of the fun is making new friendships and sharing experiences whilst competing.
There are also many other activities and societies on offer at The Leys and pupils should not be afraid of trying some, especially in the periods before supper. Boarders are expected to attend at least three different activities per week.
Heads of House
The Head of House is a very important senior member of each Boarding House. He/she is responsible for the House Prefects and is the main person to communicate general matters concerning the House to the Housemaster/mistress (Hsms as we call them). The Head of House is chosen because they relate well to other members of the House and because they care about the welfare of others. The prefects are supported by a Deputy Head of House and sub-prefects.
Further to this there is a team of prefects who are elected each year by members of staff and fellow pupils.
