Shapwick School

The academic life of the school is complemented by a boarding environment that promotes a structured and purposeful framework for the social and emotional development of pupils. Boarding is new to many pupils when they first join Shapwick, but children quickly adapt and learn to love their adventures with fellow boarders, and make many lifelong friends. Over two-thirds of Shapwick Senior pupils board. The school recommends that any prospective boarding pupils spend one or two taster nights at a house to experience the fun for themselves!

Boarding is divided into two groups (senior and sixth form) with full and occasional options. Full boarding is full-time; these boarders stay in school every night of the week including weekends with the exception of two exeat weekends per term when all pupils go home. However full boarders may go home or stay with friends any weekend (after the end of lessons at 12.35pm on a Saturday) providing the school is notified and parental permission given.

Occasional boarding is offered on a nightly basis and is available any night of the week, however places are limited and the school does not guarantee to meet all requests.

Boarding houses are run as family units. Each has its own distinctive character and run by experienced and caring resident staff.

There are five houses for Shapwick Senior and Sixth Form pupils, some of which are in Shapwick and others are situated in neighbouring villages.

The Manor.

The Manor is home to over 25 boys aged between 13 and 17 years. The boarding house occupies the first and second floors of the Manor and the boys benefit from use of the school’s Sports Hall, Games Room and Tennis Courts during the evening (even during the winter months as the area is lit by floodlight). There is a large communal lounge where the boys enjoy watching TV and practicing for the next series of X Factor on the karaoke machine.

The Lakes.

This house can accommodate up to 21 senior boys, and is situated in the village of Meare which is approximately 5 miles from the school campus. The boys travel to and from school by minibus. The house boasts a computer room, games room, TV lounge, kitchen area and a large garden with the River Brue at the end of it. The boys often go on rural country walks and fishing with the houseparents; plus enjoy barbeques in the summer. The Lakes has been refurbished and decorated during the 2009 summer vacation.

Greystones.

Greystones Cottage is situated directly opposite the Shapwick Senior campus so the girls only have to cross the road to get to school. Greystones benefits from an impressive purpose built extension which is due to be complete at the end of October 2009. This new area of the home will boast a large lounge area with oak beam ceilings, en-suite facilities and a kitchen area. The old part of Greystones has lots of character with a very homely atmosphere. All Senior and Sixth Form girls live in this house.

Little Lawn.

Little Lawn is right in the heart of Shapwick village, about a five minute walk from the Senior campus. This house is home to Sixth Form boys and has a very homely feel.

The Old Vicarage.

This house is based on the Shapwick Prep campus in Burtle and home to 14 Sixth Form boys. The Old Vicarage has benefited from an extensive refurbishment programme during 2008-09 and now boasts en-suite shower facilities and newly-decorated rooms. The boys travel to college each day via the school minibus.

A Poem

Sue Pouncy from Greystones wrote the following poem:
A houseparent I
That is my trade
Checking rooms are kept tidy
That beds are well made
That shoes are polished
So bright that they shine
That all girls are clean too
And showered by nine

At nine thirty each night I send them up the stair
To put on pyjamas, brush teeth and hair
At a quarter to ten I turn out the light
And bid them all a peaceful ‘Goodnight’
At seven the next morning they groan as I say
‘Good morning girls’ as we start the next day
After giving out meds, checking they are following all the rules
I send them down the road for breakfast at school

Pupil Comments

Here is a selection of comments from Shapwick boarders:
“It’s a comfy and a relaxing place. Everyone understands if you have a problem, everyone makes you feel at home” Year 9 girl
“I think boarding is such a fun and exciting experience for those have not boarded before. It’s fab” Year 10 girl
“I think the boarding house is a lovely place to live. It is my second family. I love boarding at Shapwick” Year 9 girl.
“I had never boarded before I came to this school and was really worried. But it is such a loving and caring place. You feel safe and comfortable. It’s just like a second home. It’s absolutely great fun!” Year 9 girl.