From Year 9, all pupils, whether boarding or day, belong to one of 13 Houses. Each House is a physical building where pupils meet, relax, eat endless snacks and form lasting friendships. It is the bedrock of the pastoral care your child receives, a tight-knit community of friends, peers and staff and a place that your child can call their own.
The Benefits of a Boarding Routine
Epsom runs a traditional Boarding School model, with longer days and Saturday school. This allows our pupils the time and space to develop friendships, interests and discover themselves as they move through their teenage years. All our pupils benefit from this system – regardless of whether they are a boarder or a day pupil.
All Houses are structured the same – with Matrons, Housemasters/Housemistresses and their Deputies, plus a team of Tutors. The only difference is that day pupils have study rooms, while boarders have bedrooms.
Around 60% of our pupils are day pupils. The 40% who board are comprised of weekly boarders and full boarders. Full boarders are usually students from overseas, and account for just under 20% of the total student population.
The school day runs from 8.20am to 6pm, and provides a rich and broad mixture of academic lessons, games, co-curricular activities, clubs, societies, Duke of Edinburgh, CCF and charitable service in the community. To make room for everything we provide, we also run Saturday school, with three lessons on Saturday mornings, followed by sporting fixtures in the afternoon.
A Day In One of Our Houses
Start of Day
Boarders have breakfast in the Dining Hall, while Day pupils start arriving from 8am. All pupils start the day in their House, catching up with friends and meeting with their Tutor - a crucial part of the pastoral care we provide.
Mornings
After assemblies, Chapel, or dedicated time with their Tutor, your child's lessons begin. Each period is 50 minutes in length.
Breaktime
Your child will return to their House for break time. The toasters and kettles go into overdrive, as pupils refuel and catch up with friends.
Lunch
All pupils eat lunch in the Dining Hall, with mealtimes staggered by year group, with the rest of the time spent around the College grounds or within the House - resting, studying, or socialising.
Afternoons
Afternoons start with registration in the House before heading off to lessons or games (depending on the day).
Afternoon Tea
Pupils head back to their House for a final chance to refresh and regroup before a couple of hours of co-curricular activities, clubs or societies. On Wednesday, in Year 10 and above, pupils take part in CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, or Service in the Community.
School Day Ends
The formal school day ends at 6pm, with registration in Houses. Day pupils are then free to leave, with College buses departing at 6.15pm. Supper is available in the Dining Hall until 7pm.
Lights Out
With prep out of the way, and relaxation and socialising complete, bedtimes begin. For Year 9, this is at 10pm; Year 10, 10.10pm; Year 11, 10.20pm; and for Sixth Form, 10.30pm.
