What boarding options does Cranleigh Prep offer?
Boarding at Cranleigh Prep is warm, personal and centred on care. It offers a flexible and supportive introduction to boarding, helping pupils build confidence and independence at their own pace. Most boarders are in Years 7 and 8, with some joining from Years 5 and 6 or even Year 4. Families can choose flexi, weekly or ad‑hoc boarding, helping each child to ease into boarding in a way that fits smoothly around family life.
How does flexi-boarding work at Cranleigh Prep?
Flexi-boarding offers a gentle boarding school experience in Surrey, ideal for families building confidence gradually.
- Pupils board 1-4 fixed nights per week
- A regular routine helps children feel settled
- Often used as a step towards weekly boarding
It also offers flexibility for busy working parents, with reassurance that children are well cared for.
How does weekly boarding work at Cranleigh Prep?
Weekly boarding (Mon-Fri) offers pupils a clear routine that supports growing independence. Here’s how it works:
- Pupils arrive Monday morning for breakfast at 7:30am.
- Optional Sunday evening arrival is available between 8.00pm - 9.00pm (no supper is provided).
- A weekly bus service to London operates from Wimbledon Common. This service runs on Monday mornings and exeat Fridays. There is no service on a Friday when there are Saturday matches.
- Pupils are collected from school or take the bus home on Friday evening from 5.45pm onwards (Supper Club is available for those that need to stay later, including day pupils. Supper Club is not offered on exeat Fridays).
- Weekly boarders can also board on Fridays when we have Saturday fixtures.
Pupils benefit from a consistent routine and the opportunity to live alongside their friends during the week, while still returning home at weekends.
How does ad-hoc boarding work at Cranleigh Prep?
Ad-hoc boarding offers flexible, occasional stays when families need them most. Pupils can book single nights (subject to availability), providing a low-pressure way to try the boarding school experience or help with unexpected childcare needs.
What is the Cranleigh Prep boarding house like?
Boarders live in School House, a warm, welcoming environment where pupils quickly feel at ease. With a close-knit community and the opportunity to live alongside friends, pupils enjoy a strong sense of belonging within a happy and supportive house.
What is the evening routine?
Pupils follow a calm, structured evening routine designed to balance work, relaxation and fun at our boarding school in Surrey.
- Supper: 6.00–6.30pm
- Prep (supervised homework time): 6.45–7.45pm, with extra support when needed
- Activities: Sport, creative activities and social time
- Wind-down: Relaxation and a light snack before bed
- Bedtime: Age-friendly routines with time to read
This consistency helps pupils feel settled, supported and ready for the next day.
Frequently asked questions about Cranleigh daily life and boarding
Do boarders get meals?
Yes. Boarders enjoy three freshly prepared meals a day, along with healthy snacks.
What's the evening routine?
Evenings follow a clear structure of supper, prep (supervised homework), activities and a calm bedtime routine.
Is there an additional boarding fee?
Yes – boarding is charged separately. Please see the boarding fees page for full details.
How is flexi-boarding priced?
Flexi-boarding is priced per night, offering flexibility for families. Please see the fees page for information.
What evening activities do you offer?
Each evening offers a vibrant mix of activities for our pupils. Sports enthusiasts can head to Wyatt Hall for multi-sports tournaments, hit the 5-a-side pitch for football, or enjoy garden games like Mölkky and Frisbee Golf. Creative minds can gather in the Art room, while those looking for fun can enjoy karaoke and Just Dance. The secure grounds also offer children a wonderful opportunity to make up their own games.
Finally, the common room—complete with a '90s-style arcade machine, table football, and a pool table—provides the perfect space to unwind with friends. Plus, with voluntary prep and music practice always on offer, there is truly something for everyone. This is to name just a few of the options regularly available.
Twice a term, larger events such as Laser Quest, graffiti workshops, caving and tag archery add variety, alongside favourites such as quiz and bingo nights. Highlights include the boarders’ fireworks, Christmas party and summer BBQ.
Additional boarding information
Who looks after boarders?
Boarding at Cranleigh Prep is led by Housemaster Toby Batchelor, supported by Deputy Sarah Miles and an experienced team of matrons and house parents.
It is a small, close-knit house where every child is known, heard and feels at home.
What wraparound care does Cranleigh Prep offer?
Cranleigh Prep provides a full programme of care beyond the school day, including:
- Structured evening routines
- Supervised prep (homework) sessions
- Activities, sport and creative opportunities
- Meals and relaxed wind-down time
This creates a balanced, supportive daily routine for every pupil and a positive boarding school experience.
What bus routes serve Cranleigh School?
School buses run from Shere, Cobham, East Horsley, Godalming, Horsham and Billingshurst, with a dedicated London service from Wimbledon Common for boarders.