With approximately 75% of our students boarding, The Purcell School truly feels like a home away from home. Our boarders lead exceptionally full and enriching lives, benefiting from reduced travel time that allows for more practice, academic excellence, participation in a wide range of musical and co-curricular activities, and the building of lifelong friendships. Boarding at Purcell also prepares students for the independence they will experience in further education.
The Purcell School has three welcoming and well-appointed boarding houses – Avison, Sunley and Ellington – each run by a dedicated team of warm and caring boarding and pastoral staff. These professionals are committed to ensuring each student’s welfare and wellbeing, taking great care to make every student’s stay safe, productive and, above all, enjoyable.
Boarders share meals together in the main dining hall, fostering a strong sense of community. Additionally, each corridor in the boarding houses features common rooms and small kitchens, creating cosy spaces for students to relax and socialise. Our vibrant boarding life is complemented by regular weekend activities, evening events and social gatherings. Students also have the opportunity to travel into London to attend the junior departments of the capital’s prestigious music colleges and conservatoires or to enjoy concerts and events.
Boarders enjoy access to school facilities, such as practice rooms, recording studio and gym, during evenings and weekends, allowing them to pursue their passions and studies with ease. There is also one exeat weekend each half term, providing a balanced routine.
Thanks to the support of our boarding staff, students quickly and effortlessly adapt to boarding life. Whether it’s knowing where to leave their washing, getting up for early morning practice, or finding out which day brownies are served in the dining hall at break, our students settle in seamlessly and thrive in their new environment.
