Pre arrival

Is a guardian required for all boarders ?

All students whose parents are resident abroad must have a suitable guardian living in this country. The guardian must be at least 25 years of age and live close enough to the school to carry out their responsibilities. Prior to student arrivals, the school will collect the information of guardians from parents and then establish contact with them. This communication will set out their responsibilities following their nomination, and asks them to confirm in writing that they accept the arrangements. For parents who are unable to appoint a guardian from their own family or acquaintances, we suggest that they refer to the AEGIS website (www.aegisuk.net) as a starting point. We do not, however, arrange for guardians to be appointed. Parents are therefore responsible for the welfare of their children while staying with the guardians concerned.

Who will collect my child from the airport when they first arrive?

All new students arriving at airports are met by a member of the College team who will support their transport to the College via taxi or minibus. Students who arrive with parents are welcome to this service or can arrive at the College unescorted.

What information does the school need prior to arrival?

We will require information concerning dietary requirements, allergies, consent for trips, travel arrangements, access arrangements and a full medical declaration.

These forms can be found on the Road to RIC page.

Does RIC offer weekly boarding?

Yes we do offer weekly boarding, weekly boarders should depart the College before 19:00hrs on Friday and return after 19:00hrs on Sunday evening.

EXEAT/ Pass FAQs

Do most boarders go home on weekends?

No, weekly boarders will travel home at the weekends but many of our boarders are from overseas. They may choose to stay with school friends, local family or stay in the house. Trips are on offer every weekend, but many students stay in College, visit London and the surrounding area, catch up on work or just relax! Those who stay in College over the weekend are, of course, supervised during this time with boarding staff and Resident Tutors.

There are no compulsory Exeat weekends!

When do students have to go home?

The only formal closure of the College is during the Christmas holidays and during the Summer holidays once the term has ended.

Do my parents have to email the College for my exeat/ pass?

At RIC we utilise a system called ORAH that is a live platform, allowing students to submit passes on their phone and parents, guardians and agents are immediately notified and can approve with the click of a button. This is also how students sign in and out during the evenings and weekends to visit the local area.

Can the College organise transport for students?

Yes. We are proud to work with a local taxi and transport company who provide a tailored service to all students, mindful of the sorts of travel requirements our international and domestic students have. Early or late airport runs, live alterations for delayed flights and domestic long distance travel are all easily managed. For students who fly as unaccompanied minors, the experienced staff will even support them all the way to check in.

Boarding House FAQs

How many boarding houses are there?

We have a collection of boarding houses, Gordon House, Star Hill boarding houses (17,19,25,27,29,33,35), Dickens House, Finland House and Victoria.

How many students share a bedroom?

There are no shared bedrooms at RIC and all students enjoy single rooms, with a small number of these rooms being en-suite. If you share a bathroom, it will usually be with two people.

Do students have to clean their own room?

We expect students to keep their rooms tidy and free of mess. Cleaners will clean rooms, common areas, bathrooms and kitchens daily. Room checks are carried out at least once a week to check for tidiness, cleanliness and for damages.

Can students bring bicycles?

Unfortunately, we do not have the parking space for bikes on the College site. If you require a bike for transport to and from the College on weekends or participate in cycling as a sport, please speak to boarding staff before arriving.

Do students need to bring bedding and towels?

All bedding and hand towels are provided though students are welcome to bring their own if preferred. All beds are single. Students will need to bring at least 2 bath towels with them.

What ICT access is provided, and how is it monitored?

Each of the houses has a wireless network. Boarders can connect to the school network in order to access the internet from their rooms. Naturally the school blocks unsuitable websites, and restricts access to websites of an unsuitable nature. The wifi in the boarding houses is turned off between midnight and 6pm during the week as students are expected to be sleeping at this time.

What access to food do students have?

All students at RIC will have access to either a communal kitchen or a kitchen within their boarding house. Kitchens are replenished with cereals, breads, yoghurts, fruits, snacks, drinks and other light options three times a week and students can place order forms for their house as a group.

There are three meals a day Monday - Friday of breakfast, lunch and dinner with a collection of hot snacks and fruits available from 09:00 - 13:00. On weekends there are two meals, a brunch and a dinner. Students are welcome to order takeaways on Friday and Saturday nights.

Can students bring their games console?

There is a Playstation, Nintendo Wii and several smart TVs in various common rooms around the boarding site. We ask that students do not bring tvs or games consoles as they are not permitted in rooms. You are welcome to bring your own games or sign into your account on our devices.

Do students need to do their own laundry?

You do not have to do your own laundry as we have an on site laundry facility that is operated by our Housekeeping team. You will drop your laundry off on your specific laundry day in the bags we provide at the start of term and collect it two days later. Those who are over 16 and wish to do their own laundry can be taught how to safely use the College facilities and, with supervision, wash their own clothes.

Can parents visit boarding houses?

If parents, guardians or agents wish to visit, we would ask that they communicate this in advance with members of the boarding team as they will need to be escorted around the site. During September arrivals, this is not required as we have a plethora of staff in all boarding houses throughout the period.

Can students collect pocket money?

Yes, parents can deposit a reasonable amount of money with the school Finance department. We recommend no more than £20 per week and instances where larger amounts are requested, the College can support the opening of UK bank accounts.

How do students keep their items safe?

All students have a lockbox in their room that they can use to store items. We would suggest that students take out personal item insurance before arriving into boarding to protect against accidental damages and unforeseeable circumstances.

Do students change rooms each term?

No, students remain in their rooms for the duration of the academic year unless there is a reason that they are required to move. Students who will be returning for a successive year may request a specific room and house, although these are not guaranteed but we do try or best to accommodate all requests.

Academic FAQs

Is there a prep time?

We do not have a formal prep time, though there is a Study Club available Sunday - Thursday with one of our Resident Tutor team who are all teachers during the school day. In instances where students are identified as requiring additional academic support, they may be directed to Study Club as a requirement during the evening.

What is the Study Club?

Study Club takes place Sunday to Thursday evenings for over two hours in an area with access to two of our MAC suites, the art room and also communal working areas. Study Club is supervised by one of the Resident Tutor team who are on hand to provide study support and subject matter expertise to students that they may teach during the school day. Some organised study sessions are arranged at various intervals to help with study skills, UCAS prep, essay writing etc.

Pastoral FAQs

What is the boarding induction process like?

Students will be greeted upon arrival by a member of the boarding team, take some time to get to know each other and then shown to their room. Depending on the day you arrive, you will meet several members of staff including our independent listener, College Nurses, heads of 6th form and lower school, IT staff and many more. We try not to overload you with information and the full induction process will be spread out over a full week to make sure you understand the College, your boarding area and expectations.

What pastoral support is provided in the house?

Boarding house staff provide very strong support and an individualised approach to each student. House Parents are always around before and after school, know every member of the house and some pupils have another member of staff as their personal tutor within the academic team. Alongside boarding staff you will find Residential Tutors who are academic staff who work in boarding during the week, the safeguarding team who are available to call and also our Independent Listener who is available. Additionally as part of Dukes Education, we have a Student Assistance Programme that is available to students 24/7.

What is the role of a Personal Tutor?

Personal tutors for boarding students are members of the academic staff who have a well versed understanding of the boarding environment or also work in boarding as a Residential Tutor. The Personal tutor is the bridge between all areas of the College and has responsibility for the overall wellbeing, development and academic success. Students will meet with their PT once a week to discuss the week gone, look ahead to any upcoming events, exams, holidays and support them in the journey at RIC. They will have an individual rapport with all students and understand their individual needs, aspirations and are the main point of contact with parents and guardians.

How do you allocate children to a house or tutor group?

At entry, we deliberately mix pupils from different backgrounds and with different interests, so our houses and tutor groups are not known for certain ‘types’ or cliques. All students will have a similar experience. We regularly check with new students to ensure they have settled in, communicate with parents and agents and provide termly reports.

How does the College make sure students are joining in?

Prior to arriving, the College will have a good understanding of all students including their interests, individual drivers and their subject choices. With this information we are able to cater to interest and support engagement in familiar and unfamiliar activities during time outside of the classroom. We will buddy students up with those in the same boarding house or courses so that there is always a friendly face who they can turn to and someone who has either lived the same experience is currently at the same point in their boarding journey. We do have a small number of compulsory activities that all boarders re expected to attend such as Induction, Christmas party, the school production and the Summer party. Staff give assistance to those that find it difficult connecting initially, and all boarding students are encouraged to take an active part in the boarding community in one way or another.

What medical support is available?

The College has a medical team with at least one Registered Nurse, one Nursing assistant, a Counsellor and a robust safeguarding team. All students receive a medical check upon arrival and will have declared all medical needs prior to arrival. If required, students will have a bespoke plan designed to support them during their time in boarding. This may include support in administering medication, mobility assistance, attending external support and more.

How does the College cater for dietary requirements?

Prior to arrival, parents and students will receive our dietary and allergen form to complete that will provide the opportunity to feedback on these matters. Upon arrival we will identify the student to the catering team and, should it be necessary, arrange a meeting with one of the head cooks to discuss how best they can cater for their individual needs.

Do all students need a laptop and mobile phone?

We require all students to have a mobile phone so that they can be contacted and also contact the boarding team at all times. For academic purposes, a laptop is strongly suggested though access to school computers is available during the school day and during Study Club in the evenings.

Extracurricular activities

What evening activities are available?

We host a variety of evening activities and look to have a blend of internal and external providers into the College to make use of facilities. As standard students will have access to Study Club, the onsite gym, Yoga, a variety of sports teams, visiting workshops, TED talks, drop in clinics and more.

What cultural events are offered?

At RIC we celebrate a wide variety of cultures, religions and communities on a regular basis. In the past year we have seen an Asian fusion street food dinner, a Ukrainian food night, Mid-Autumn festival, Shakespeare’s 12th night at the Globe, Brighton day trips, Lunar New Year, Rochester Sweeps festival and so many more.

What weekend trips are available?

Our weekend trips are largely dictated by the students that we have in residence as we look to the wants of our community. Our most popular events over the past year have included trips to the West End, Thorpe Park, Laser tag, new cinema releases, day trips to London and Brighton, candlelight ballet, afternoon tea, Go-Ape, Turner Contemporary, indoor snowboarding and much, much more.

My child is part of a team at club/ regional/ national level, are you able to support this?

Those students who have existing weekend or evening commitments to clubs or would like to explore one, are welcome to discuss this with their Houseparents and PTs to ensure that this is possible alongside their study.