How does full boarding work at Cranleigh Senior?
Full boarding at our Senior School in Surrey means pupils spend up to seven nights a week in their House – a close, supportive community where they fully immerse themselves in school life. The Cranleigh boarding school experience is rooted in belonging, and weekends are full of activities, trips and social events. Exeat weekends are scheduled during the term so full boarders can go home, helping to maintain a healthy balance between school and family life. Weekly boarders go home on a Saturday afternoon, after sports fixtures and return on Sunday evening or Monday morning.
What is the Cranleigh Senior weekend programme?
Weekend life at Cranleigh offers a full calendar of sport, trips, social events, House time and shared meals. They are treated as a meaningful part of boarding life – a chance to unwind, try new things and spend time with friends, rather than as downtime left to fill alone. It's a pastoral approach that ensures every pupil feels supported, involved and at home.
How does weekly boarding work at Cranleigh Senior?
Cranleigh’s weekly boarding option runs from Sunday evening or Monday morning to Saturday afternoon, after sports fixtures. Pupils enjoy the structure, friendships and routines of boarding and House life, but head home for the weekend. It’s a popular option for families who want the benefits of weekday boarding while keeping weekends free for family time. The school bus to Cranleigh from London, Wimbledon and Cobham runs on both Sunday evenings and Monday mornings. Parents usually collect their children on Saturday afternoons as they finish at different times.
How does Day Plus (flexi-boarding) work at Cranleigh Senior?
Day Plus is Cranleigh’s flexible boarding option for day pupils. Pupils can stay for the daily weekday evening programme until 8.45pm. Then families can book one or two night’s boarding in advance or request ad hoc stays when needed. The first night is included in the fee and the second night is charged at a preferential rate. This flexibility supports busy schedules, late commitments and travel needs, while giving day pupils the chance to experience boarding life overnight.
Frequently asked questions about Boarding
Can pupils choose their boarding type?
Yes, subject to House availability. Boarding arrangements are designed to adapt to changing family circumstances, and many pupils move between full, weekly and Day Plus boarding.
Is the weekend programme compulsory?
Yes, but only for full boarders.
Are there exeats?
Yes – there are half-term and termly exeat weekends.
Is internet access available?
Yes, but it is monitored and age-appropriate.
What is the phone policy?
Mobile phones are not permitted for Year 9 pupils, during the daytime or evening.
For pupils in Years 10 and 11, mobile phones and other personal electronic devices may not be used during the school day, including lessons, movement between lessons, breaktimes and lunchtimes. In the evenings, access to mobile phones is carefully managed to support pupils' focus, wellbeing and engagement, with time limits varying by age group.
Sixth Form pupils are encouraged to develop responsible digital habits within clear boundaries.
What are Cranleigh's Senior Houses?
Cranleigh has eight Senior Houses, each offering a distinctive blend of identity, traditions and a dedicated House staff team who know pupils well.
Together, they create a boarding experience built on belonging and community that supports pupils throughout their Senior years.