Come and see what makes boarding here feel like home – a close, family-style community near Windsor, where more than 40% of our pupils board, proudly supported by Eton College.
We’d love to show you around. Book an individual visit and meet the House Parents, staff and boarders who make Holyport such a warm place to grow up.
The UK's first state boarding school free school
Near Windsor & Maidenhead, Berkshire
More than 40% of pupils board
A real family feel, not an institution
Proud partner of Eton College
Why board at Holyport College?
There’s something special about coming home to Holyport at the end of the day. Boarding here means being part of a close, family-style community where every child is known, valued and looked after – not just as a pupil, but as a young person finding their feet.
Our House Parents and pastoral staff become a bit like extended family: there for the everyday moments as much as the big ones. Add in a packed programme of sport, clubs and adventures – many made possible through our partnership with Eton College – and you’ve got an environment where children don’t just settle in, they genuinely thrive.
Who is this for?
Considering Holyport College boarding?
Curious what boarding here is actually like day to day? The best way to find out is to come and see it. Book an individual visit, meet the team, and get a real feel for the community.
State / affordable boarding families
Holyport is a state boarding school, so there’s no tuition fee to worry about — you only ever pay for boarding itself. It’s what makes an experience like this possible for so many more families.
Local families near Windsor & Maidenhead
Just down the road from Windsor and Maidenhead, Holyport is close enough for a Sunday visit and far enough to feel like a proper adventure. Come and see for yourself.
Out-of-catchment families
Love the idea of Holyport but live outside our usual catchment? Boarding might be exactly the route that makes it work. We’re always happy to talk it through.
Military / Forces families
Postings, deployments, sudden moves — we understand how disruptive military life can be for children. Boarding at Holyport offers steady ground: familiar faces, routine, and people who genuinely care, whatever else is changing.
A home away from home
Boarders share small, family-style houses with Holyport College staff who really get to know them.
Boarders share small, family-style houses with House Parents who really get to know them, offering the steady rhythm of routine alongside plenty of fun: clubs, sport, trips, movie nights and lazy Sunday afternoons. It’s this balance – busy but never overwhelming – that helps children settle in, grow in confidence, and genuinely enjoy boarding life.
- Small, family-style boarding houses
- House Parents and pastoral staff who know every boarder by name
- A full programme of evening and weekend activities
- A steady routine that helps children settle in and thrive
The right kind of support, at every age and stage
Whether your child is starting with us in Year 7 or joining for Sixth Form, our boarding houses are set up to support them exactly where they’re at.
Year 7 & 8 – Settling in
Our youngest boarders live in their own part of the house, close to House Parents who help them settle in quickly. Extra pastoral support in those first few weeks means homesickness is met with familiar faces and plenty of reassurance.
In fact, Years 7 and 8 can start by boarding as little as two nights a week while they settle in, building up gradually as they’re ready.
Year 9 to 11 – Growing independence
As boarders move through the middle years, they take on a bit more independence – balancing academics, activities and friendships – while still having House Parents and pastoral staff close at hand whenever they’re needed.
From Year 9, most boarders move to boarding four nights a week, with rooms shared between three and four students rather than the larger Year 7/8 dorms.
Sixth Form – A corridor of their own
Our Sixth Formers have their own dedicated corridor, reflecting the greater independence and responsibility they’ve earned — a natural stepping stone before university or the next chapter.
Their corridors even have their own lounge and kitchen – it feels a lot like university halls, which makes the step up afterwards feel that much smaller.
Not quite ready to book a visit? Start here
Our Boarding Handbook is a great next step – a proper look at day-to-day life in our houses, from routines and pastoral care to the small things that make boarding at Holyport feel like home. Pop your details in the form below and we’ll send it straight over.
Come and see for yourself
Photos and web pages can only tell you so much – the best way to know if boarding at Holyport is right for your family is to visit in person. Meet the House Parents, see the houses, and get a genuine feel for the community. Not quite ready for that? Just drop us a line and we’ll take it from there.
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FAQs
Who can apply for boarding at Holyport College?
Our main entry points are Year 7 and Sixth Form (Year 12). Boarding places can also become available in other year groups, including Year 9, through our boarding waiting list – it’s best to contact our admissions team directly to talk through the options for your child’s year group.
Is Holyport College a state boarding school?
Yes – proudly so. Holyport was the UK’s first state boarding free school, opening in 2014. There’s no tuition fee to pay; families cover boarding fees only, which go towards residential life and care.
Which year groups can board at Holyport College, and what age can my child start?
Boarding starts from Year 7 (typically age 11), with our two main entry points being Year 7 and Sixth Form (Year 12). Places in other years, including Year 9, can also become available via our boarding waiting list – our admissions team can advise on current availability.
Is boarding different for younger and older students?
Yes. Our youngest boarders (Years 7 and 8) live in their own part of the house with extra pastoral support to help them settle in (with the option to board as little as two nights a week at first), while older boarders – including our Sixth Formers, who have their own corridor – enjoy more independence, typically boarding four nights a week from Year 9 onwards as they grow.
Can families visit before applying?
Yes, and we’d genuinely encourage it. Come and see the boarding houses, meet staff and current boarders, and ask us anything before you apply.
Where is Holyport College located?
We’re in Holyport, Berkshire, close to Windsor and Maidenhead.
Where can parents view boarding fees?
Current boarding fees are on our dedicated fees page, or you can speak directly with our admissions team, who are happy to talk through what’s included.
How do parents start a boarding enquiry?
Simply arrange a visit or send us a quick enquiry online, and a member of our admissions team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
How many nights a week do boarders stay?
It varies by age. Years 7 and 8 can start with as little as two nights a week while they settle in; from Year 9, most boarders stay four nights a week. The fee stays the same regardless of how many nights are used, and your child’s place is theirs for the whole year.
How many students share a room?
In Years 7 and 8, boarders share larger dorms (up to six), each with their own bed, wardrobe and drawers. In Years 9 to 11, students move into smaller rooms of three to four. In Sixth Form, it’s just two to a room, with corridors that have their own lounge and kitchen.
Are the boarding houses single-sex?
Yes – there are four boarding houses in total, with boys and girls housed separately. Everyone comes together for meals, activities and weekend trips.
Is there always a member of staff on site?
Yes. Each boarding house has live-in staff, and our Head and Deputy Head also live on site with their families – so there’s always someone close by, day or night.
What happens if my child is unwell while boarding?
Our medical team is based on site during the day, and boarders are looked after in house during evenings, nights and weekends. If a child needs more care than we can provide, we’ll always be in touch with parents.
Will my child's religion or faith be supported?
Yes – we support students of all faiths, including regular provisions such as bible study groups and accommodations during periods like Ramadan. We’re always happy to talk through specific needs with you directly.
What's included in the boarding fee?
Catering and most weekend trips are included. Bigger trips are subsidised and always flagged in advance, so there are rarely surprise costs – boarders just need a card for vending machines or weekend outings.
The right next step for your family
Whether that’s booking a visit, sending a quick enquiry or starting an application, our admissions team is genuinely looking forward to hearing from you.
