We know that life as a boarding school student or parent has been greatly affected by the impact of COVID-19. No one could have imagined just a few months ago that boarding schools across the world would be shut, thousands of young people would face the stress and struggle of trying to get home, and pupils would be getting their learning online at home instead of enjoying life in their residence halls at school.

It is natural to be worried at this time. Not just about the health and welfare of family and friends, but also the uncertainty of when schools will reopen and “normal” boarding life can begin again.

Until the danger and impact of COVID-19 has truly passed, it is difficult to answer these questions. Yet despite this uncertainty, there are some things about boarders and boarding schools around the world that we DO know.

Photo courtesy of Cate School

First
Being a boarder means exuding confidence, supporting your friends and community, and being resilient. These are all incredible character qualities that thousands of boarders will be drawing upon to help themselves and others through this challenging time.

Second
Boarding schools were amazing places before this crisis began, and will continue to be when it’s over. No global pandemic will ever daunt the worldwide community of boarding!

And finally…
Boarding school staff care deeply about the young people they look after and support. They remain dedicated to parents and students during this crisis, and look forward to welcoming back their boarders as soon as possible.

We are so proud of our students, faculty and parents who have remained vigilant during this time. Stay safe and healthy. We will see you soon.

Yours,

Dee, Robin, Richard and Pete

Dee Guillemot-Rodgerson, National Co-ordinator, New Zealand Boarding Schools Association, Christchurch, New Zealand 

Robin Fletcher, Chief Executive, Boarding Schools’ Association, London, England 

Richard Stokes, Chief Executive, The Australian Boarding Schools Associations, Australia 

Pete Upham, Executive Director, The Association of Boarding Schools, North Carolina, USA