Boarding 

Boarding life at Clifton Nottingham Road offers an idyllic boarding experience where children can flourish, surrounded by the natural beauty of lush fields and fresh mountain air. Here, pupils are given the freedom to explore, grow, and immerse themselves in a lifestyle rich in outdoor adventure and lifelong friendships. The boarding experience at Clifton is truly vibrant, with Sutcliffe and Usher Houses at the heart of a community built on camaraderie, joy, and mutual support.

The beginning of the school year often brings a blend of excitement and nervous anticipation, especially for new boarders. But thanks to the dedication of our resident staff, each pupil quickly feels at home. Our staff go above and beyond to foster a welcoming environment, particularly over weekends, when their infectious enthusiasm fills the boarding houses with joy and activities. This commitment creates a special sense of belonging, helping our pupils build confidence and independence in their “home away from home.”

As we progress through the year, we take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to those staff members who will be leaving us: Mitchell Steenkamp, Morghan Flanagan, Beth Colepeper, Shaun Khenyeza, and Megan Geier. Their warmth, dedication, and tireless contributions have left a lasting impact on our pupils and community, and they will be dearly missed.

One of the highlights of the year was our Closed Weekend, which took place early in the first term and is a cherished Clifton tradition. This weekend allows new and returning boarders to settle into the Clifton way of life with a series of exciting activities that introduce them to the campus and each other. Exploring treasures like the “Five Finger Tree” and Devil’s Backbone, along with sports fields named by generations of Cliftonians, pupils bonded over the unique history of our school. Dressing up, friendly competitions, and enthusiastic cheering brought the Clifton community spirit to life, giving each boarder a taste of the fun and unity that defines our boarding experience.

In the third term, we hosted the X-Factor Closed Weekend, a special event that allows prospective boarders to experience life at Clifton. It was a weekend designed to showcase the Clifton Way, where pupils and visitors alike enjoyed all the adventure, warmth, and traditions that make Clifton unique. After an energetic weekend filled with exploration, teamwork, and laughter, we proudly reflected on the community we’ve built. We are grateful to every staff member and pupil who contributed to making the X-Factor weekend a wonderful, memorable experience for our visitors.

Since settling in, our boarders have fully embraced the Clifton way of life, diving into academic commitments, sports, and friendships with renewed enthusiasm. The sports fields are alive with energy, as pupils train, compete, and cheer each other on, displaying the Clifton spirit in every stride. Whether pushing themselves academically or competing for team spots, our boarders bring their best selves to each challenge, embodying the resilience and dedication we hold dear.

As we look forward, we are eager to see the continued growth of our pupils. Each term at Clifton brings new friendships, exciting challenges, and the personal development that defines the Clifton experience. We remain committed to providing an enriching boarding environment, where each child feels valued, supported, and inspired.

Here’s to another exceptional year at Clifton Nottingham Road, where every boarder is part of a vibrant family—making memories, embracing new adventures, and discovering their unique place in our community.