What to pack

•   Toiletries: While there are several shops to purchase toiletries, you’ll need to bring some toiletries for the first few weeks. This is because you’ll still be settling in, and you don’t want to be worrying about having to go shopping.

•   Medication: You’ll want to bring any prescription or other medication that you take at home with you. It’s important that you let the school know about the medication on your arrival, as we keep it in a safe place for you.

• School supplies: These include pens, pencils, stationery, highlighters, a calculator, and other essentials you’ll need in class.

• Chargers: Make sure you bring a charger and the right cable for any electronic devices you have, like phones and tablets. If you’re coming from overseas, make sure you bring a few UK power adaptors too.

• Overnight bag: This is essential for school trips and short stays with your UK guardian.

• Alarm: You’ll need an alarm to help you get up in the morning, we take phones away from younger boarders at bedtime. Even older pupils may want a separate alarm clock as a backup.

• Towel: You’ll need a large towel for showering, swimming or other water-based activities.

• School bag: This will help you carry your books to class or between classes, we recommend a rucksack as they’re more comfortable than across-the-body bags.

It’s important that you don’t pack too many clothes, both to enable you to t everything in your luggage and in your room. Pack the daily essentials like underwear, socks and pyjamas.

Clothes

• For the classroom: Depending on the year group, you have a uniform that all pupils must wear. You need to have at least 5 white school shirts (long/short sleeve). Make sure you’ve ordered this before you arrive. Other than for casual clothes days and sport, you won’t need any other clothes for the main school day. For the boarding house: Bring comfortable clothes to relax in, you’ll be wearing these before and after school every day. T-shirts, hoodies and sweatpants are the default for most boarding pupils.

• For the evening events/weekends: Pack some smarter clothes for this, like smart shirts, jeans/trousers, skirts, dresses and sweaters. This doesn’t mean you have to bring a suit or tuxedo though, just bring what you’d normally wear to go out to a restaurant when you’re at home.

•  For sports: You will have a sports kit that is part of your school uniform. Make sure you’ve ordered your kit with the school before you arrive. If not, pack some breathable T-shirts and shorts, sports socks and tracksuit bottoms.

Shoes

• For the classroom: The most important pair of shoes you bring with you are your school shoes, you’ll be wearing them all day, every day. Pick a pair that are good quality, comfortable, matches your new uniform and meets the school’s uniform rules (black, lace-up shoes - not trainers/sneakers!).

• For the boarding house: Slippers, an old pair of trainers or ip ops are perfect for the boarding house. Whatever you choose, they should be comfy and easy to get on and off quickly.

• For sports: One pair of general sports trainers will be enough for your first term. Unless you already have specialist footwear for sports like rugby, football or running, don’t buy them until you’ve tried the sport and know you like it. If you decide you do need a pair, just visit a local shop and purchase them.

• Headphones: You’ll need headphones to listen to your favourite games, videos and music without disturbing your fellow pupils.

• Torch: A torch is useful to get to the bathroom without turning all the lights on, especially if you’re in a shared room or dormitory.

• Dressing gown/bathrobe: This is useful for trips to the shower and to keep you warm in colder months. A great book: A hard copy never runs out of battery and won’t keep you awake before bed. Once you’ve read it you can swap it with your friends or get another one from the school library.

• Formal wear: We have at least one formal event during the academic year. Pupils normally wear a black suit, tuxedo or other black tie attire to these events. If you’ve already got some formal wear, bring it with you to avoid having to buy them in the UK. If you are arriving in the Lent term, this will not be needed until the Midsummer or Michaelmas terms.

• Passport: If you’re coming to the UK from overseas, you’ll definitely need your passport. Double check before you set off on your journey.

• Travel tickets: Whether it’s by plane, train or boat, your journey to the UK will likely include some tickets. Make sure you have them in your hand luggage, and if they’re digital, print a copy for backup. 

• Visa documents: If you’ve arranged a visa to study in the UK, make sure you have a copy of your visa printed out, just in case the UK border agents request to see it.

• Other documents: When travelling to the UK we recommend that you have the school’s o er letter, your UK guardian’s details and your travel insurance documents printed out too.

Most UK shops and restaurants prefer contactless bank cards. Almost all places now accept Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or Google Wallet. Most boarders find that paying with the mobile wallet on their mobile phone is the most practical way to manage their money. 

We recommend that all cash be stored in the boarding office safe at all times. Pupils can access/deposit money into the safe 7 days a week. 

Please note that the school cannot help/facilitate any bank cards/debit cards/travel spending cards - get them before arriving. 

Some options to consider:

• Revolut (banking card for under 18s)

• Nimbl (banking card for under 18s)

• HyperJar (banking card for under 18s)

• Prepaid MasterCard options

• A pillow or your favourite blanket: The school provides all of your bedding and duvets, but an extra bit of comfort from home always helps.

• Printed pictures of your pets, family and friends: These can be used to decorate your room, desk or notice board and make it seem more familiar.

• Your favourite cuddly toy: No matter if you’re 4 or 17, everyone has a favourite soft toy, even if you hide them away from your friends, knowing they’re with you makes all the difference.

• A diary or notebook: If you’re feeling homesick it can help to record your ideas, thoughts and feelings on paper, plus it means you won’t forget what an adventure you’re having.