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Our boarding houses are vibrant communities that reflect the school's non-hierarchical, student-centred values. Mixed-age dorms help erode social boundaries, enabling boarders to form friendships across year groups. Sixth formers play an active role in supporting younger students as Dorm Mentors, setting a tone of respect, inclusion and leadership. The scale of our houses at the Senior School also ensures boarders are more likely to find like-minded peers – instead of a handful of students per year group, each house has around 30 students, which helps students to forge strong friendships. It’s a truly communal environment that celebrates individuality and collective care.
At Bedales, the evenings are all about creativity, connection and fun. Whether it’s musicians writing in the Music School, artists sketching in the Art Studio, or impromptu cooking and board games in the kitchen, students are encouraged to unwind in ways that feel authentic and enriching. Weekends balance rest and adventure: from London gallery trips to woodland games, and from Petersfield town visits to crafting in the design studios. Facilities remain open for student use, and boarders enjoy the flexibility to relax, pursue interests or just take a well-earned lie-in with breakfast served on flat.
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Dunhurst, our refurbished co-educational boarding house, is located within the main Prep School building and provides a welcoming home-from-home with dedicated staff and beautifully designed communal spaces. We offer full, half and flexi boarding to meet the diverse needs of families. Evening life is a blend of fun and structure, with activities ranging from cooking and games to animal care and creative crafts. ‘Homely Time’ each evening allows children to wind down and engage in the things they love – whether that’s Lego, reading, baking or time outdoors.
Our emphasis on care, community and independence means that children thrive emotionally, socially and academically. Whilst mobile phones are not generally permitted in the Prep School, boarders are given time each day to phone loved ones outside the school and to maintain great relationships with home.
Our students in the Dunhurst boarding house benefit from a well-considered structure that supports personal growth. Dorms are cosy and small (max four beds), with dedicated spaces for belongings and personal touches. Communal areas include comfy lounges, games areas, and kitchens where boys and girls can mix during social time. Weekends are a mix of downtime and discovery – trips include beach outings, cultural excursions, escape rooms and more.
Boarders are welcome to stay at school or go home (even full boarders), with a popular accompanied train service to and from London Waterloo ensuring safe travel. The boarding team includes residential staff, matrons and tutors who also teach, ensuring consistent, familiar care. Their approach is nurturing yet empowering, helping students develop confidence and resilience while still feeling very much part of a family.
Our nurturing boarding environment provides the perfect introduction to independent living, combining academic support with fun activities and flexible options that suit every family's needs.
Since 2023, our co-educational Boarding house, has provided a thoughtfully designed space that brings together boys and girls in a nurturing and inclusive environment, with shared social areas and separate dormitory wings.
Families can choose full, half or flexi boarding depending on their needs. Our popular London train service also adds flexibility and convenience for weekend travel.
Boarders enjoy ‘Homely Time’ every evening, where they can cook, craft, play games, care for animals or just relax – replicating a cosy family atmosphere away from home.
All of the boarding houseparents are also part of the Bedales Prep teaching team, which ensures that our boarders have continuity in care and the team have an excellent overview of the boarders’ pastoral care. There are also two resident matrons, Alex and Sue, a medical matron, Kirsty, and an emotional support matron, Kath, who have overall responsibility for the physical wellbeing of the boarders.
For general enquiries, please get in touch with School Reception. Also find contact details for Admissions, Safeguarding and Media enquiries.