Middle School Boarding

Boarding at West Buckland

Learn all about our boarding options for middle school pupils in Years 7 – 11. Enquire with admissions today.

Welcome to Boarding

As Head of Boarding at West Buckland School, I’d like to offer a warm welcome to all our boarders.

The aim of myself and my team of Houseparents is to create a warm and happy ‘home life’ in a relaxed and safe environment.

As well as full boarding, we have many students who flexi or weekly board, working around busy schedules and family lives.

My team of houseparents look after students outside of the normal school day. Because they are not teachers, they can establish close and trusting relationships outside the classroom setting.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Richard Boyle, Head of Boarding

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Year 7 Parent Testimonial

"Our daughter switched from another school after one term. She has been overwhelmed with the kindness shown by both the students and teachers. The school has already been significantly more supportive for both our daughter and us as parents. I cannot say strongly enough how much she has become her happy, confident and outgoing self again. We are absolutely thrilled!"

Year 10 Parent Testimonial

"Our daughter has been with you since Year 7. Having had over a year of homeschooling during Covid, we were concerned her maths skills had taken a hit. Now in Year 10, she is achieving a level 8 and has high hopes of studying Maths, Physics and Chemistry in Sixth Form. She has transformed at West Buckland School and flourished academically. All three of us are happy we made the decision for a WBS education.'

Boarding Activities

So much to enjoy

There are numerous opportunities to take part in activities outside of the normal school day and at weekends.

Some boarders will be involved in sports fixtures on a Wednesday or Saturday. Every weekend has activities on offer, including trips to nearby cities, a full weekend schedule in London, surfing and coasteering on our stunning coastline, paintballing, cooking, bowling and regular shopping trips to Barnstaple, just 10 miles away. The main activities are scheduled for a Sunday, so that those involved in Sport do not miss the opportunity to join in with the full program.

Weekday evening activities include dance, volleyball, basketball, art, singing, movie nights, football, keep fit, as well as two early-morning swim opportunities. When demand allows, we also arrange horse riding on Exmoor.

Boarding Houses

For middle school pupils

Boys aged 11 to 16 are housed in Boyer House; Girls aged 11 to 16 enjoy Bamfylde House. There are shared rooms for students in Years 7 to 9, and new for September 2025 there will be a limited number of single rooms for students in Years 10 and 11, as well as shared options.

Both houses are integrated within the campus, just a short walk from the dining hall, classrooms and all day facilities. The two houses provide space for up to around 40 boarders each, under the supervision of caring House parents who live connected to the houses and are on duty from early evening until the following morning.

We welcome pupils from all over the world, as well as our own UK boarders, creating a thriving and lively, multi-cultural boarding community.

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Boarding options

Flexi Boarding

Full Boarding

Weekly Boarding

£42 per night (inc VAT)

Subject to availability

Flexi-boarding is an ideal option for students with busy schedules or those looking to transition gradually into full boarding. Booking is for a minimum of one term, with regular nights stay, from 2 – 4 nights a week. Please email [email protected] to book your place.

Occasional Boarding (Must be booked by 7pm the day before on the Portal. Subject to availability) £42 per night, (inc VAT):

We understand that modern life can be demanding, so we offer occasional boarding to support families with parental work commitments or to give pupils access to additional study sessions or extra-curricular activities they wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate in.

7 nights a week

The full boarding experience

Students stay at the school seven nights a week during term time. Students can stay one extra evening before and after each end of each term and half term. These students also have an additional extra-curricular programme option for weekends. Both UK and International students board with us on a Full Board basis, enabling focussed study, access to visiting performers and speakers in the evenings, additional sports, and weekend activities with friends.

5 nights per week

Boarding for busy lives

Designed for relatively local students that wish to partake in everything school has to offer. Students have the option to return to school on Sunday evening and take the bus home Friday after school or take the bus to school Monday morning and leave for home following sports fixtures on Saturday. Bus transport is free for weekly boarders.