Boarding Life
St Catherine’s was founded in 1885 as both a boarding and day School. Consequently, Boarding is both an intrinsic part of the School and is fundamental to the ethos of St Catherine's. Boarding fosters respect and concern for others and a collegiate spirit, yet gives the girls the confidence to develop their independence and their own individual character and style. Boarding also creates a strong sense of community from which Day Girls also benefit.
Boarding at St. Catherine’s is in age-specific groups:
- Junior (Age 11-13)
- Senior (Age 14-16)
- Sixth (Age 16-18)
Boarding Aims and Principles
Boarding at St Catherine’s offers a unique environment where students live, learn and grow together. It is more than accommodation—it is a community built on care, respect and opportunity. Our boarding experience is designed to support each student’s personal journey, helping them to flourish academically, socially and emotionally while developing the independence and resilience needed for life beyond school.
This document outlines our Boarding Aims—what we strive to achieve—and our Boarding Principles—the core values that shape everyday life in our houses.
Our Boarding Aims
- Promote wellbeing through kindness
We aim to create a safe, nurturing environment where every boarder feels happy, supported, and valued, enabling them to thrive emotionally and socially. - Build a strong sense of community and connection
We aim to foster a boarding community where students feel a genuine sense of belonging, form meaningful relationships, and engage positively with others from diverse backgrounds. - Develop independence and prepare for the future through forward thinking
We aim to provide opportunities for boarders to grow in confidence, resilience and independence, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed for life beyond school. - Encourage responsibility and positive contribution
We aim to empower boarders to take ownership of their actions, decisions and environment, contributing positively to both their house and the wider school community. - Support academic success alongside personal development
We aim to provide a structured and supportive environment that enables boarders to achieve their academic potential while maintaining a healthy balance of study, rest, and enrichment.
Our Boarding Principles
Kindness
- We treat everyone with respect, empathy and compassion
- We create a welcoming, inclusive and supportive boarding environment
In boarding, kindness means creating a true “home from home” where everyone feels safe, valued, and understood.
Connection
- We form meaningful friendships across year groups, cultures and backgrounds
- We contribute to a strong sense of house identity and community
- We stay connected with family whilst building independence
In boarding, connection means feeling that you belong and that you are never alone.
Forward Thinking
- We take part in a wide range of activities that develop our confidence and skills
- We are open to new ideas, cultures and perspectives
- We prepare ourselves for life beyond school through independence and responsibility
In boarding, forward thinking means developing into confident, capable and adaptable young people.
Responsibility
- We are accountable for our behaviour and contribute positively to the boarding community
- We look after our personal belongings and shared spaces
- We make safe, healthy and respectful choices
In boarding, responsibility means learning to live independently while contributing to a safe and respectful community.
Boarding Overview
We offer weekly, occasional, flexi and full boarding, overseen by resident Housemistresses and a team of staff who live on-site. The School is situated in Bramley village three miles outside Guildford town centre (the train takes just over 40 minutes to London Waterloo from Guildford) and is also conveniently located for both Gatwick and Heathrow airports. For more information click here.
Our global boarding community includes over 19 different nationalities from across the globe. We are also a popular choice for girls from both the local Surrey, Hampshire and Greater London areas along with girls from across the UK.
If you are considering joining at 11, please do look at our guide to Boarding Beginnings in Junior House (click on image).
Why Board?
I am often asked ‘How will my daughter benefit from boarding?’, in response I say there are numerous valuable ways in which your daughter will gain from joining the St Catherine’s boarding community.
- Boarding offers girls a transformative experience that helps to prepare them for life ahead.
- Girls develop a strong sense of independence allowing them to gain confidence and independence.
- Your daughter will quickly develop life skills, learning how to give or take, when to follow and when to lead and how to deal with individuals of different temperament and character.
- The girls have access to the wonderful School facilities and array of activities from early in the morning to late in the evening.
- Girls make strong and global lifelong friendships and experience the camaraderie of a big 'family'.
- With no commute, girls have greater flexibility and more time to pursue extra-curricular activities.
- Girls are encouraged to try new activities in the boarding environment and become more resilient.
- They enjoy a full and stimulating weekend boarding activity programme.
- And, critically, parents benefit from greater flexibility in managing their professional and home lives.
As a boarding parent, you are provided with a unique login where you are able to see each week the variety of activities that your daughter and fellow boarders have completed, providing you with a true insight into boarding life. Your daughter’s housemistress will be your first point of contact and will communicate with you to regularly share updates, achievements and discuss any concerns you may have. For more information about our boarding staff and boarding houses click here. All our major events such as Concerts, School Plays and Speech Day are live-streamed - making it possible for parents across the globe to share in their daughter's School journey.
We hope you’ll come and visit us at St Catherine’s soon.
Senior Boarding Prefects
