Preparatory Schools Boarding: Changing Attitudes
Figure 1.--The general public commonly think that boarders have been "sent away" by uncaring parents. This probably was never the case, although some parents did just this. Attitudes toward boarding have changed cosiderably in Britain. Boarding used to be seen as an essential part of public school education. This is now much less the case.
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The general public commonly think that boarders have been "sent away" by uncaring parents. This probably was never the case, although some parents did just this. Attitudes toward boarding have changed cosiderably in Britain. Boarding used to be seen as an essential part of public school education. Thus the preparatory schools were created to prepare younger boys for te public schools and this included boarding. As a matter of cours, boys were sent off to these schools at about age 8 years. Often there swas little consideration as to whether the child was prepared or suited for boarding. It was just assumed it was good for him. Today there is a better recognition that boarding is not for everyone. Many parents now decided against boarding, especially for youngrer childern. Parents are more inclined to delay boarding until they are convinced a child is ready. And they are also more invclined to involve the child in the decessioinn process. If a child is unhappy or adamently against the idea, schools will encourage the parents to reconsider, perhaps delaying boarding or rethinking it altogether. Most modern boarders have been involved in the decesion to board. And changing attitudes have largely refassioned the boarding experience. More than half of boarders now go home over the weekends.
