We welcome pupils from expatriate families into our boarding community. With 300 pupils, small class sizes and an excellent standard of pastoral care we cater for the requirements of children separated from their families and provide them with the continuity and stability of education that they need. Our size means that we have established a secure, family orientated community.
Boarding at St. Bees
We have five Boarding Houses; Bega and Abbots for the junior boys and girls aged 11-15. Lonsdale for the senior girls aged 16-18 and School House and Grindal for the senior boys aged 16-18. All our Housestaff are very experienced, caring and dedicated individuals – well used to dealing with the particular needs of pupils living away from their families.
Each Boarding House is welcoming, friendly and homely and pupils are encouraged to develop both academically and socially, in a caring, family atmosphere. The House structure encourages pupils to become more independent as they grow up and to take responsibility both for themselves and others. In School, pupils are prepared for entry into the adult world through a balanced programme of academic, physical and cultural opportunities. Our extended family creates an atmosphere of trust, tolerance and respect for others in a safe environment.
The School believes that its boarding experience offers many valuable opportunities including:
- Friendship.
- Independence.
- Tolerance.
- Self discipline.
- Teamwork.
- Stability.
- Academic support outside the classroom.
- Extra-curricular opportunities.
- Leadership opportunities.
- Preparation for life at university and onward into the adult world.
Successful boarding is a partnership of excellent co-operation between parents, pupils and Housestaff. Consequently, all our Housemasters and Housemistresses have regular and open contact with parents over the full range of educational, emotional and welfare issues.
Academic Life
Academic achievement is the focus for all pupils at St. Bees. Each pupil is urged to exceed his or her own expectations. Our curriculum has been developed to promote a breadth and depth of academic study, whilst encouraging independent learning and self-discipline. We aim to provide the following:
- A high level of staff support to promote, monitor and guide pupils in academic study.
- A personal Tutor for each individual pupil to discuss academic progress and related matters.
- Individual support for those with learning difficulties through our specialized Learning Support Unit.
- The opportunity for all pupils to access education beyond the classroom through lectures, visits, outside speakers and subject-specific events.
- Clear, realistic advice and guidance on the options for Higher Education.
- A well structured, varied, workable and balanced timetable, ensuring that all pupils leave St. Bees computer literate.
- A challenging programme of extra curricular activities.
- A varied, well-organised sporting programme and an opportunity for taking part in our Outdoor Pursuits programme.
- The opportunity to partake in the rich musical tradition of St. Bees School.
Parent Contact
Parents are welcome to visit their children any time and just need to contact the Houseparents to confirm the details of their visit. There is plentiful accommodation for visiting parents in the village as St. Bees is the starting point of the famous Coast-to-Coast walk.
Pupils are able to telephone and e-mail parents during their free time and in-coming calls are welcomed on House.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose St. Bees School?
We pride ourselves on being able to offer a holistic approach to education. We value a pupil’s personal happiness, just as much as the quality of education they receive: always ensuring that every aspect of your child’s wellbeing is catered for.
Where is St. Bees, won’t it be difficult to get there?
St. Bees is located in the North West of England, and can be reached easily by rail or road. The nearest international airports (Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow) are approximately two and a half hours drive away, and we are able to collect students from these airports and transfer them safely to School. We are also on the West Cumbrian coastal railway line and St. Bees railway station is located in the heart of the village in the middle of the School.
What is the nearest town/city to St. Bees?
The nearest city is Carlisle, which is located approximately 40 miles away. This can be reached easily by train (the station is located in the centre of the village). The closest town is Whitehaven, which can be reached in 5 minutes by train.
How does the School take care of its new pupils?
Every new pupil receives a welcome letter and House Handbook from their Houseparent, and introducing them to life on their new boarding house. At the start of each term, pupils are allocated a “shadow”- who is an existing pupil responsible for showing them the ropes. If a pupil or parent has any worries or concerns before they arrive, they can e-mail the School Registrar or their new Houseparent, to ask them any questions about boarding or the School.
How does a typical boarding week work?
Other than the usual school day of lessons, there is so much going on in the life of a St. Bees boarder. There are planned programmes of weekend activities i.e. trips to the local cinema, sporting fixtures or visits to local towns and cities. There is always the opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful local countryside, (opportunities for adventure training and outdoor pursuits are integrated into the boarding experience.)
Will my child find it easy to make friends?
St. Bees is set apart from other large, city based schools and starting school does not come with that typical feeling of being overwhelmed at the sheer magnitude of joining a new school. By creating a close knit environment where pupils feel comfortable, the initial friend making and integration process happens smoothly and quickly.
How is the normal School day structured?
There are nine lessons of 35 minutes each, with breaks throughout the day Monday to Friday. From 4:10pm to 5:00pm each day pupils take part in a range of activities which take place after lessons every weekday except Friday.
How many pupils share a room?
Upper Sixth pupils have a room to themselves. In the Lower School, most pupils share a room with one other boarder.
Where will I go during half term?
Parents must arrange for a guardian based in the UK for their child. We are happy to provide help with this should it be needed.
What is the staff: pupil ratio?
The ratio is 1:8. Class sizes are small with, on average, around 16 pupils in each class, this means that pupils receive individual attention and their progress can be effectively monitored.
What are the main areas of specialisation at St. Bees?
St. Bees particularly excels in the fields of Mathematics, Science, Art and Music. Results in external examinations in these subjects are particularly impressive, and the School takes a keen interest in promoting these subjects to the wider local community.
Do children have access to the internet and telephones?
Pupils have access to the internet on the Boarding Houses through networked computers. There are restrictions in place in terms of site availability and times of day when access is permitted. Payphones are available on house for which phone cards can be bought. Mobile telephones are also allowed.
Does the school cater to certain dietary requirements?
Yes, our catering staff are happy to accommodate a range of dietary requirements, just so long as they are notified in advance.
What kind of sports are on offer?
Sport is a very important part of life at St. Bees, and pupils are encouraged to take full advantage of our extensive playing fields, golf course, Sports Hall and Swimming Pool. Sports available include: rugby, hockey, tennis, cricket, badminton, squash, basketball, football, Eton fives, athletics, swimming, archery and golf.
How do I go about applying for a bursary or remission of fees?
Any family can apply for a bursary. Bursaries range from £500 up to 100% of the fees. Application forms can be obtained directly from the Bursar’s office. Academic scholarships are awarded in recognition of an outstanding performance in the 11+/13+ Entrance Examination and Interview and, subject to good conduct and academic progress; academic scholarships are tenable throughout the holder’s career in the school. Entrance examinations normally take place at the end of February.
Are there any strict deadlines with regards to applications?
We recommend that applications are submitted at least ten months prior to the entry date. However we are happy to consider late applications.