Boarding

Boarding at MPW London offers our students a unique opportunity to pursue a personalised academic programme, whilst enjoying the parks, galleries, shops, theatres and other cultural features that only London can provide. Living in the heart of London means that boarders have access to a diverse range of co-curricular activities and trips, as well as a wide range of work experience opportunities in business, finance, media, medicine and law. We aim to help boarders acquire personal independence and life skills, which are excellent preparation for university and beyond.

Students join a small and caring boarding house of approximately 70 students, designed to give them a sense of community, security and well-being. The boarding house is co-educational and accommodates students from a wide range of countries. The experience of living and working together in an international community fosters respect for different cultures and students join a friendly, inclusive and welcoming extended family where they have positive life-changing experiences and form life-long friendships.

Boarders will live and work together in high-quality fully-furnished individual rooms, all of which have en-suite bathrooms and Wi-Fi access. Meals and nutritious snacks are available throughout the day in the student dining room and café on the first floor. Boarders’ safety is of paramount importance to us, and the boarding team ensure that a balance is struck between boarders’ privacy and ensuring that all students feel safe, comfortable and at home.

The experience of boarding teaches students to be resilient and community-minded, as well as to become independent learners with good working habits and self-discipline. Students will be directly supported by House Parents and their Directors of Studies (pastoral tutors) but also have access to college counsellors, the college nurse and an Independent Person to act as an external listener if they have difficulties. Our boarders will acquire values of tolerance, self-reliance and mutual respect that are at the heart of the MPW ethos.

Boarders’ views form an important part of our development planning. All boarders have the opportunity to be involved through offering their views via the School Council, the Boarders’ Council and the Food Committee, as well as through the welfare reporting app Whisper, focus groups and regular surveys.  These allow students to have a meaningful voice in how boarding operates at MPW, which enables the college to respond quickly to resolve concerns.  Open dialogue and the strong pastoral care system at MPW mean that each individual is known and valued, and that there is no place for harassment, discrimination or bullying.

Boarding is formally monitored and supervised by a Vice Principal, who is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead, reporting to the Principal and the Board of MPW.