Creating a great boarding experience (for international schools)

🏷️ From £135
🎧 Deputy heads, heads of boarding, boarding staff, pastoral leads
📍 Online
✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass

Course outline:

This interactive seminar will explore current trends and best practices in boarding house design, offering valuable insights into how schools can enhance their residential provision in a practical and cost-effective way. Whether you are planning a full refurbishment or seeking small improvements, this session will help position your boarding environment in line with sector expectations and pupil needs.

Key topics:

• The role of the physical environment in wellbeing, recruitment, and retention
• Room-by-room review, including entrances and welcome zones; corridors, walls, and noticeboards; social spaces and communal areas; bedrooms and bathrooms
• Creative, budget-friendly suggestions for enhancing existing spaces
• Cost-effective suppliers and reliable products suited to boarding schools.

Learning outcomes:

• Greater awareness of sector-wide boarding facilities trends, standards, and expectations
• Practical ideas for upgrading boarding houses with minimal investment
• An improved ability to assess your own school’s provision and identify key areas for development
• Access to recommended suppliers for good value furnishings, materials, and equipment.

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Speakers:

Gaelle Sullivan, Director of Research, Inclusion and IELA

Gaelle is Director of Research, Inclusion and IELA and joined the BSA in January 2023. She is an experienced senior leader and has worked in a range of state and independent schools. She is a qualified SENCO and holds a Masters Degree in Inclusive Education. Prior to joining the BSA, Gaelle was Deputy Head Pastoral, DSL and Head of Boarding at an all-girls independent school in the South-East.

Dale Wilkins, Executive Director, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance

Dale joined the BSA in 2017 to lead safeguarding, inspection, and compliance across the UK, building on his experience as a course tutor since 1998. He works closely with ISI, Ofsted, and DfE, and oversees the Group’s work in Scotland and Wales. A trainer and consultant for BSA and SACPA, Dale is Vice Chair of SAFCAB. Previously, he was a boarding practitioner for 31 years, including Housemaster and Deputy Head at Old Swinford Hospital. He also trains for the Methodist Church, is a trustee of the National Youth String Orchestra, chairs a performing arts charity, and volunteers in sport and Scouting.