- Home
- Sixth Form
- Sixth Form Boarding
Sixth Form Boarding
Boarding in the Sixth Form at Hockerill is much more than a place to live – it is a community that supports students to grow as independent, balanced and caring young adults. Our boarders live the IB learner profile every day, developing the organisation, resilience and leadership that the Diploma Programme demands, while building friendships and memories that last well beyond their time at College.
Boarding life underpins academic success. Clear routines, supervised and then independent prep, and easy access to staff in the evenings all help students to stay on top of their work, manage the demands of the IB and prepare for the expectations of university. At the same time, a strong sense of belonging, trust and mutual respect means students feel secure enough to challenge themselves, try new opportunities and support one another.
From leading sports sessions and mentoring younger students, to planning CAS projects and running events, Sixth Form boarders play a central role in College life. They gain confidence in communicating with staff and peers, learn to manage their time and responsibilities, and experience what it means to be part of a vibrant, international boarding community.
Below, some of our Sixth Form boarders describe what boarding means to them.
Student Voices
At my previous school I wasn’t a boarder, but I saw how much fun the boarders had and how close they were. Because I live locally, flexi boarding at Hockerill has been the best option for me. It’s helped me make many more friends, as we spend more time together, and the evening prep sessions have helped me stay on top of my work. I enjoy being able to relax with friends after school and still get my homework done. A highlight has been events like watching the Thames Cup, which brings all the boarders together. I’d encourage anyone to give boarding a try – the community is very close and there are lots of weekend trips and activities that everyone can enjoy.
Nkosi – Year 12
thames house
Being part of the leadership team in Roding has developed my time management and organisation more than anything else. Balancing my roles as a Prefect and Deputy House Captain with IB prep has made me far more structured, both academically and personally. Boarding has also given me the confidence to communicate with staff and students on a deeper level – I’m much more comfortable asking for help and making sure everyone knows what’s happening in House and Sixth Form. These are skills I know I’ll take with me into the future.
Eva - Year 13
Roding House
The Roding staff have really helped me manage the stress that comes with the IB. Before my mocks I was overwhelmed, but that never went unnoticed. From the moment I walk into House after school until lights out, I feel supported with both my academics and boarding life. Being Sports Captain has helped me build friendships with younger girls and makes boarders’ sport a genuinely open, judgement-free space. I’ve also loved celebrating different cultures, such as Chinese New Year, and our weekly ‘Family Fun Night’ brings everyone together.
Iman - Year 13
Roding House
Boarding has played a big part in strengthening my leadership and communication skills, especially through our vertical boarding families. As a Year 13, I lead discussions with Year 11s and 12s and act as a link between them and the boarding staff. It’s taught me how important it is to listen properly and communicate clearly. Boarding has also made CAS much more accessible; because we all live together, it’s easy to support each other’s projects. Organising a Year 7 and 8 disco helped me develop confidence, problem-solving and budgeting – skills that will be invaluable when I’m living independently.
Siyana - year 13 rODING hOUSE
I’ve grown significantly from Year 12 to Year 13 in how I approach my academic work. The structured, collaborative prep in Year 12 gave me the routine I needed to build strong study habits, while the more independent model in Year 13 has pushed me to take real ownership of my learning, much like at university. The Sixth Form prep space and regular check-ins with my boarding tutor have helped me manage my workload and refine my study style. Boarding has been central to building the maturity, organisation and resilience I need for the IB and beyond.
eSME - yEAR 13
roding house
Being a boarder has had a really positive impact on my academics. I used to have a long train commute, but now I’m on campus I’m rarely late and can engage fully in lessons. Having more study time without rushing for a train is crucial in Year 13 when every second counts. The supportive environment – from staff and fellow boarders – means there’s always someone to help if I’m struggling with work, and it’s much easier to meet teachers after College for extra support. Boarding also gives me a preview of life away from home at university as I learn to be more independent.
ANGEL - YEAR 13
RODING HOUSE
As an international student, boarding has really developed my independence. I’m supported by the Ma’ams, but also encouraged to take responsibility, which will make the move to university much easier. I value the monthly catch-ups with our boarding tutors where we can talk through any struggles and share our academic progress. When I first joined Roding in Year 11, the older boarders helped me feel welcomed and supported. Now, as a Prefect, I aim to do the same for younger students. Our set study schedule helps me manage my time, stay up to date with my work and still enjoy other activities. Boarding has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and try new opportunities.
aIMEE - year 13
international boarder, roding House
Boarding has been a great pathway for me because everyone in the house feels like family; we all support each other, which makes it a very caring environment. The academic mentoring programme has been particularly beneficial. As a Year 12, I mentor a student in Maths and have found that teaching someone else has strengthened my own understanding, even in topics I wasn’t confident about before. It’s also very helpful for the Year 11s being mentored, as we’ve just been through the same exams. The programme encourages shared learning and helps us all to grow.
YEAR 12 BOARDER
ANONYMOUS
“Boarding has shaped us as individuals since some of us were 11, embedding the IB learner profile into our daily lives outside the classroom and inspiring us to be caring, open-minded communicators. It has given me leadership opportunities, such as being a House Captain in the Junior House and running boarders’ sports sessions, which even led to a job at a local summer camp. The tight community across year groups has also made me more caring; older students enjoy supporting those in younger years through mentoring and informal support. My volunteering in Winchester, listening each week to younger pupils and helping them with any problems, has confirmed my desire to go into paediatrics – and my boarding experience has given me the confidence to follow that path.”
EMMA - YEAR 13
RODING HOUSE
I chose boarding because I wanted to become more mature and independent without relying on my parents. It felt like a good way to ‘live on my own’ and make decisions for myself. The structured prep time helps me stay focused for longer periods and keeps me organised, so I stay on top of my work. Boarding has pushed me out of my comfort zone socially too; I’ve become more confident, joined in more sports in the evenings and built strong friendships in my house. To succeed in boarding, you need to be organised and able to look after yourself – but there’s a lot of support and some great memories along the way.
tIMAYODE- YEAR 12
THAMES HOUSE
“The main reason I chose boarding was the opportunity to gain independence and make my own choices, especially while studying the IB, which I think is an excellent system. Boarding has helped me hand in my prep on time, become more social and stay focused on my academic future. I now have a clearer sense of the responsibility needed to live on my own, and boarding is preparing me for that. My highlight so far has been meeting so many different people and forming strong friendships. Being a boarder at Hockerill feels like being an inner representative of the College community.”
jesse - year 12
thames house
I chose boarding to immerse myself in Hockerill life, meet new people, and make friends for life. The two hours of prep each night have helped me manage my time and improve my academics, and the close connections here made me feel very welcome as a new student. My advice? Do it—you’ll never regret it. Boarding benefits you socially and academically, and with everyone’s friendliness, you’ll feel like part of a family.
Tom - Year 12
thames house