haberdashers’ monmouth schools boarders’ handbook 2020/21

Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools

Boarders’ Handbook2020/21

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Table of Contents

Welcome to boarding3Aims of boarding

Who’s who in boardingTelephone numbers and emailSchool contactsPupil forumsBounds map for boardersTown visitsWeekend leave (leave out)PartiesGuidelines for visitorsMedicalWhere to get helpBoarders’ activitiesCars and cyclingReligious servicesTravel guidanceGuardianship for pupilsSixth Form

PoliciesRewards and sanctions

Computing facilities

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Statement of principles for boarding 5


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The boarding community is an integral part of life for the Haberdashers’ Monmouth family, with more than 300 boarders calling the schools home.

Our main priority is to create a nurturing environment where pupils feel comfortable, happy and inspired to aim high in everything they do.

Dedicated boarding houses for juniors, seniors and Sixth Formers offer all the advantages of single-sex education, with time and space planned for prep in each house. And there is always a busy programme of joint activities, sports and excursions at the weekends.

Our boarders form lifelong friendships, lovely memories and a strong sense of community during their time with us.

For some of you, this may be your first time as part of our boarding community, whilst others will have been boarding with us for some time.

This booklet, which is not intended to be exhaustive, aims to explain the procedures, routines and policies of our boarding houses and we recommend that parents and pupils are familiar with its contents.

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Welcome to boarding at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools

Mr Alex PeaceDirector of Boarding

[email protected]

Miss Ellie TownsendAdmissions Registrar, MB

[email protected] 00 44 (0)1600 710433

For information about boarding and boarders’ activities, please visit: www.habsmonmouth.org/boarding

Mrs Karen Stafford-SmithAdmissions Registrar, MG

[email protected] 00 44 (0)1600 711104

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.habsmonmouth.org/boarding



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In boarding we aim to:

• Develop the whole person, a desire for truth and a respect for others;

• Produce an open and trusting ethos in which each boarder feels able to approach any other member of the community (staff or pupil), confident in the knowledge that they will be treated and respected as an individual;

• Create an atmosphere of tolerance, openness and trust;

• Provide the conditions for boarders to develop their intellectual talents through well-structured prep conditions, access to staff and other pupils, participation in activities and in an atmosphere which values effort;

• Provide a range of activities, hobbies and opportunities that will assist in the personal, social and cultural development of each boarder;

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of each boarder;

• Provide accommodation that is comfortable and suited to the needs of boarders;

• Develop each boarder’s responsibility for self, for others and for their environment;

• Develop boarders’ qualities of leadership and ability to work as part of a team;

• Provide suitable conditions in which boarders feel able to turn to members of staff to share the good things in their lives as well as being able to turn to them for advice, counselling and support.

Aims of boarding

Mr Alex PeaceDirector of [email protected]



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The following are the principles upon which boarding in our family of schools are based:

• The development of the whole person and the communication of values are vital;

• Being an open and trusting school, boarding is based upon mutual respect for all members;

• Each boarder has the right to be able to work, play and relax free from abuse, intimidation, harassment, teasing and bullying;

• There is equality of opportunity and respect for all boarders, regardless of ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation or disability;

• Each boarder and each member of staff is to be treated as an individual and with respect by other pupils and by staff;

• Although living together, staff and boarders acknowledge the right of each other to privacy;

• Each boarder has the right to extend their intellectual growth in an atmosphere of positive encouragement and in conditions that are conducive to work;

• All boarders should be able to develop spiritually, culturally, morally and socially during their time in boarding;

• Despite the great distance sometimes separating boarders from their families, links with parents are seen as an indispensable part of the support and development of boarders in our family of schools.

Statement of principles for boarding at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools


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Who’s who in boarding

Mr Alex PeaceDirector of Boarding

Mrs Melina WillisSecretary to Boarding

Mr Ian LawrenceHousemaster Matron

Mrs Paula HickeyAssistant Matron

Mr John BatemanResident House Tutor

Mr Philip Vaughan-SmithHousemaster

Mrs Jenny JamesMatron

Mrs Sarah GeorgeAssistant Matron

New House

Buchanan HouseMonmouth School for Boys

MB continued on next page...

Mrs Linda ParrResident House Tutor

Mr Matthew LewisHousemaster

Mrs Lynn JamesMatron

Mrs Hannah MeredithMatron

School House

Mr Rob PickenResisdent House Tutor

Mrs Louise Brown


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Mr David HopeHousemaster

Mrs Sally TylerMatron

Mrs Sue PowellMatron

Weirhead House

Mr Callum StonierResident House Tutor

MG continued on next page...

Ms Sheila MoneHouseparent

Chapel House

Mrs Cath JonesMatron

Mrs Nuala O’CarrollMatron

Mrs Jayne WatkinsMatron

Mr Kevin ShepherdResident House Tutor

Mr Bruce KennedyResident Assistant


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School HouseMonmouth School for Girls

Mr Keith PascoeHouseparent

Mrs Joanne PascoeAssistant Houseparent

Miss Emma BettsAssistant Houseparent

Mr Harry PerryResident Assistant

Miss Becky WrideHouseparent

Miss Philippa WittonAssistant Houseparent

Mrs Anne ReesAssistant Houseparent

Twiston Davies House

Mrs Kate LewisHouseparent

Miss Emanuella KefalasAssistant Houseparent

Mrs Ali HutchingsNon-resident Tutor

Augusta House

Pastoral and medical staff continued on next page...

Mrs Judith JefferiesAssistant Houseparent Non-

resident

Mrs Jane HastingsNon-resident Tutor

Mrs Helen FawcettMatron

Mrs Michelle LawsonMatron

Monmouth School for Girls Matrons


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Who’s who in boardingPastoral

Revd Clifford SwartzSchool Chaplain

Mr Richard WebbSchool Counsellor (MB)

Mrs Nell Douglas-MillerSchool Counsellor (MG)

Mrs Ali MurphySchool Counsellor (MG)

Mrs Sarah RogersSchool Counsellor (MB)

Mrs Louise GoodwinSenior School Nurse

Mrs Sarah GwinnuttSchool Nurse (MG)

School Medical Centre

Mrs Tracey JonesSchool Nurse (MB)

Mrs Hollie WilliamsHealth Care Assistant

Mrs Glynis DaviesHealth Care Assistant


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Telephone numbers and emailsMonmouth School for Boys Boarding Houses

Housemaster Duty mobile

Buchanan House Housemaster 00 44 (0)1600 710458 / 7 [email protected]@habsmonmouth.org

01600 71183407736 297233

Chapel House Houseparent 00 44 (0)1600 713927 / [email protected]@habsmonmouth.org

01600 71320807736 297235

New House Housemaster 00 44 (0)1600 [email protected]@habsmonmouth.org

01600 71583407970 293491

School House Housemaster 00 44 (0)1600 [email protected]@habsmonmouth.org

01600 71558307970 293486

Weirhead House Housemaster 00 44 (0)1600 [email protected]@habsmonmouth.org

01600 71413407970 293501

Monmouth School for Girls Boarding Houses

Houseparent Duty mobile

School House (Junior Boarding) Houseparent

00 44 (0)1600 [email protected]

07947 603795

Twiston Davies House (Senior Boarding) Houseparent


07970 293482

Augusta House (Years 12 and 13) Houseparent


07736 808771












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School contactsMonmouth School for Boys

Reception 00 44 (0)1600 713143 [email protected]

Headmaster Mr Simon Dorman [email protected] 44 (0)1600 710420

Admissions Registrar [email protected] 00 44 (0)1600 710433

School Shop 00 44 (0)1600 [email protected]

Monmouth School for Girls

Reception 00 44 (0)1600 711100 [email protected]

Headmistress Mrs Jessica Miles [email protected] 44 (0)1600 711101

Admissions Registrar [email protected] 00 44 (0)1600 711104

School Shop 00 44 (0)1600 711225 [email protected]

Other schools’ contacts

Principal Mr James Murphy-O’Connor [email protected]

Foundation Bursar Mrs Tessa Norgrove [email protected]

Principal and Foundation Bursar’s PA 00 44 (0)1600 710401 [email protected]

School Nurse 00 44 (0)1600 71125007523 865924 (Mobile) [email protected]

Monmouth School Sports Club Hadnock Road

00 44 (0)1600 714381 [email protected] Website: www.habsmonmouth.org/sportsclub














http://www.habsmonmouth.org/sportsclub


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Pupil forumsSchool councilEach house has at least one representative through whom you may wish to raise any school matter. The group meets regularly each term and it is chaired by the Director of Boarding.

Boarders’ forum This meets regularly every term and is chaired by Director of Boarding. It consists of representatives from each house and gives boarders the opportunity to air views on boarding issues. A member of the catering staff is invited to answer questions on food. If you have any issues you would like discussed, please see your representatives or Mr Peace. Minutes are published and house reps feedback in house meetings.

Food forumThis is an opportunity for representatives from each house, day and boarding, to discuss menus with the Catering Manager.


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Bounds map for boarders

Please note:

1. Chippenhamgate Fields are out of bounds after dark, including as a route into town.

2. The passageway between school and the A40 is out of bounds.

3. Due to the distance from their houses, girls should seek permission for crossing the Wye Bridge.

4. Always sign out clearly.


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Town visitsYear Group After school/lessons

4-5.30pm inc Sat/SunAfter 5.30pm (inc Sun)

Yrs 3-5 (inc yr 6 MG due to distance from town)

• Escorted visits only• Groups of 3+• Only when accompanied by

duty staff• Sign out

N/A

Yrs 6, 7 and 8 • Groups of 3+• Permission from duty staff• Sign out• Yr 6 and Yr 7 girls escorted

N/A

Yr 9 • Pairs (could be a friend from another house)

• Permission required during term 1 only

• Sign out

N/A

Yrs 10 and 11 • In pairs (could be a friend from another house)

• Permission not required• Sign out

• With permission only• Required by duty staff each

time• Only short visits e.g. to

Iceland/Newsagents or collect take away

• Max 15 minutes

Sixth Form • Sign out• Can go individually• Remain within bounds (see

map on previous page)

• Pairs• Yr 12 must seek permission

from duty staff• Must return to house

10.15pm latest• Sign out


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Weekend leave / (leave out)We have set out our usual protocols in this booklet. Please be aware that working within the current Covid-19 restrictions, many of these guidelines have been amended to minimise any risk to our school communities.

All boys and girls may take weekend leave after school commitments, on any weekend they wish with parental and Housemaster/Houseparent’s consent i.e. confirmed by email or telephone call to the Housemaster/Houseparent at least 48 hours in advance . This is particularly important if your son or daughter is planning to stay at a friend’s house.

At the boys’ school in the first and second half of each term there are some fixed weekends when boarding houses close:

• In the Michaelmas term and the Lent term, these are called Exeats and extend from Friday 4pm to Sunday evening (returning from 7pm onwards) or Monday morning.

• In the Summer term, this is known as a Leave-out and extends from Saturday 12.30pm to 7pm Sunday evening / Monday morning – except for the early May Bank holiday where boarders return from 7pm Monday morning or Tuesday morning before school. Full details are in the school calendar.

Whilst on any Leave-out/ Exeat a student is under parental/guardian responsibility from the time that they leave the school premises.

Suitable accommodation arrangements for weekend leave checklist:You will appreciate that Housemasters / Houseparents must have confidence in the arrangements made for weekend Exeats/Leave-outs before handing over their responsibility for a pupil, specifically that a responsible adult will accept the duty of care for students entrusted to them for the break from school.

TransportPlease ensure that boarding staff are aware of the transport arrangements made for these Exeats/Leave-outs. Parents/guardians should agree arrangements with Housemaster/Houseparent, please confirm:

Checklist for weekend leave:• Pupils will stay with their parents or guardian, or host family.

• Other arrangements such as staying with a friend/day pupil are arranged in advance with Housemaster/Houseparent.

• Arrangements are confirmed 48 hours in advance of departure.

• Parents/guardians will always confirm (by email) who is collecting.

• Departure/approximate return time.

• Pupils must sign out and inform the duty member of staff.

Examples of unsuitable arrangements:• Accommodation where no responsible adult is present and able to accept the duty of care expected of a host

(age over 21 years).

• Staying with a friend/sibling at university.

• Staying with a friend where parents are not present.

• Unaccompanied by an adult in a hotel or B&B.


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PartiesSixth Form

• Where possible, we hope that these are arranged for holidays to minimise term time disruption.

• We ask that the usual procedures for weekend leave are followed.

• It can be challenging for parents, and therefore boarding staff to confirm adequate supervision arrangements are in place when their child arranges to attend a party, and we ask parents to take full responsibility to investigate and confirm arrangements are suitable, before writing to houses to request leave and confirm they are satisfied with the arrangements in place.

• Once officially signed out by parents/guardians, pupils become the responsibility of their parents from departure until return to the house.

• Arrangements must be made early and both parents and hosts should contact the Housemaster/Houseparent in writing or by email at least two days before the event.

• Failure to make satisfactory arrangements or to inform the Housemaster/Houseparent will result in withdrawal of permission to attend parties.

• House staff will not give permission to attend parties if they have concerns about the pupil attending the party or their arrangements. Parents under such circumstance may wish to collect their child and directly supervise

• Boarders with sporting commitments on Saturday should not attend Friday night parties.

• In addition we ask pupils be returned by 12 noon on Sunday at the earliest. The rationale behind this is that house staff cannot be in loco parentis for pupils attending off site parties which do not end until the early hours of Saturday/Sunday morning

Below Sixth Form• The above policy will apply, permission will only be considered for Saturday evenings.

• Younger pupils will only occasionally (or on special occasions) be permitted to attend parties during the term.


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Guidelines for visitorsVisitors are welcome to visit the boarding houses, but please observe the following guidelines:

• Please sign in and out in the booklet provided in reception area.

• All visitors must be guests of a member of the boarding house.

• Parents and other adults should not walk freely through the house without permission from the house staff. This is to show consideration for the privacy of other students, particularly when visiting dormitories.

Girls/Boys visiting the boarding housesYou may invite girls/boys into the house, but it is requested that the following guidelines are observed:

• Visitors should be accompanied by a member of the house.

• Visitors are permitted in downstairs public rooms only. Boarders must not take them into private areas, such as study bedrooms and dormitories.

• The first time a guest is brought into the house, they must be introduced to the member of staff on duty.

• Guests must sign the visitors’ book in reception in the normal way.

With Housemaster/Houseparents’ permission pupils from other houses may visit the public rooms at specified times:

Weekdays 4.30pm - 5.30pm and 8.30pm - 10pm

Saturday 1pm - 10.30pm

Sunday 11am - 6.30pm

Pupils to sign visitors’ book/register at the relevant house


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MedicalUnder the National Health scheme, all boarders must be registered with the school doctors, Dr J Watson (boys) Dr Elizabeth Masters (girls) at Castle Gate Surgery, which will be done by the School Nurse / house staff.

If you are ill or injured, you must report to the Medical Centre, House Matron or member of staff on duty. If you are unable to participate in a school activity you will need an absence note from the nurse or House Matron.

Minor ailments are dealt with in-house, more troublesome ones by the school nurses and the school doctors who visit weekly.

Please ensure that routine medical and dental appointments are made during the school holidays, so that they do not disrupt your academic work during term time.

Parents should make certain their child’s House Matron/ Houseparent is informed of any medical treatment or course of drug that a child might have received during the holidays, and even more importantly, if it is continuing during term time.

Pupils should hand over all medicines to house staff for safe-keeping; in the case of certain emergency treatments for example inhalers, epipens or diabetic treatments, please discuss these with boarding staff or the school nurse.

House surgeriesEach house has specific time for routine medical matter or concerns/medication arrangements for surgery as shown on the house notice board.

School surgeryThe school doctors are Dr J Watson (Boys) and Dr Elizabeth Masters (Girls). They are based at Castle Gate Surgery - 01600 713811 and visit the medical centres weekly to see any pupils who need an appointment.

School nurses She is available in the school Medical Centre during school hours;

Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 9am – 1pm (MB only)

Tel: 01600 710407 (MB) 01600 711250 (MG) Mobile: 07702 001774 (MB) 07970 293503 (MG)

House staff must be made aware of all visits, treatments or prescribed medication (and we ask parents to communicate clearly about any changes during holidays)

PLEASE NEVER SHARE YOUR PRESCRIBED MEDICINE WITH ANYONE

All boarders should hand over all medicines to house staff for safe-keeping (unless routine medication is retained by prior arrangement e.g. Ventolin ). House staff must be aware of all medicines that pupils are taking.


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Where to get helpDuring your time at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools you may experience periods when you are unhappy, worried, feel that you have been unfairly treated, bullied or simply do not feel able to cope with the pressures of daily life. The problems may be caused by events inside or outside the school. On many occasions these feelings will pass quickly. However, there may be times when the issues are not resolved or they may be caused by factors outside your personal control.

There are various ways in which you can obtain help. They all involve talking to a sympathetic person and sharing your concerns. Discussing them openly with your parents or a close friend can ease most problems. It may also help to talk to any of the following:

• Any teacher you trust; including your Tutor, Housemaster/ Houseparent/ Head of Year, boarding house staff or a member of the Chaplaincy.

• The School Nurse will discuss any matter that may be of concern to you.

• The school’s Designated Senior Person for Safeguarding is able to take action if it is necessary to protect you, or someone you know, from harm. Please see the safeguarding poster for the names of the DSP and Deputy DSPs.

• There is a Counselling Service and you can refer yourself by going to the Medical Centre, or asking a member of staff to make an appointment for you.

• Independent Listener. If you wish to speak to an adult outside of the school community about any concerns, you can contact the Independent Listener. His name is Mr Kingsley Jones and his phone number is 07855 760593.

• Peer Mentors. A number of Sixth Form students are trained and work as Peer Mentors. If you wish to speak to one, please see your Housemaster/ Head of Year. If you prefer, you can approach one of them directly.

All of the above will treat what you say with respect and discretion and most issues will be dealt with confidentially. In order to help you better, it may be necessary to let other people know about a problem, but if this happens it will be discussed with you at the time. Other useful agencies outside the school include:

• Childline: www.childline.org.uk

• Kidscape Bullying: www.kidscape.org.uk

• Talk To Frank (formerly National Drugs Helpline): www.talktofrank.com

• Drinkline: www.dan247.org.uk

• Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust: www.wales.nhs.uk

• National Sexual Health Helpline: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/sexual-health

• Child Bereavement Trust: www.childbereavementuk.org

• Samaritans: www.samaritans.org

• Self-harm: www.harmless.org.uk

• Online safety: www.childnet.com

• Mental Health: www.mind.org.uk

• BEAT (Eating disorder support): www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

http://www.childline.org.uk

http://www.kidscape.org.uk

http://www.talktofrank.com

http://www.dan247.org.uk

http://www.wales.nhs.uk

http://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/sexual-health

http://www.childbereavementuk.org

http://www.samaritans.org

http://www.harmless.org.uk

http://www.childnet.com

http://www.mind.org.uk

http://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk


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Boarders’ activitiesYou will find activities listed in the online calendar. You are encouraged to try as many of these as you can.

Evening and weekendsBoarders’ use of the Sports Centre facilities

House notice boards will display up-to-date details of the availability of the Sports Complex facilities, publish opening times for astroturf, swimming pool, sports hall and fitness suite. Boarders are encouraged to use the facilities in the evenings after prep. (8 - 9.30pm)

Additional expenditureWhere an outing cost is over £25, we will contact parents for permission, as stated in the parent contract.

Joint social eveningsThese run weekly for Years 9 and 10 hosted alternatively between MG and MB.

Swimming pool fun sessions with inflatablesThese are available on the 1st Thursday of each month.

Use of the schools’ libraries The libraries remain open for pupils to access and work quietly, some junior boarders are escorted to the library for their supervised prep session.


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CarsBoarders who are eligible to drive and who wish to bring a car to school should refer to the Sixth Form School Rules. Some additional guidance:

• A permission form must be completed in advance and signed by parent, Housemaster/Houseparent and the Director of Boarding (copies held in house).

• Cars may be used to travel to and from home only.

• Pupils may not take friends in their car.

• Car keys must be handed to the Housemaster on arrival.

• Free car parking is only available at the Sports Complex and students are not permitted to park on the main school sites.

CyclingWe have strict safety guidelines and some storage should you wish to bring your bicycle.


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Religious ServicesThere will be a weekly service, in the school chapel. In addition, there will be a number of Sunday services each term when school uniform must be worn.

Confirmation Preparation classes will begin towards the end of the Michaelmas term. Boarders interested in considering confirmation should give their names to the Chaplain at the beginning of November. The next confirmation service will be held in the school chapel in the Lent term.

Church services in MonmouthBaptist Sunday services 11am and 6.30pm

Methodist Sunday services 10.30am and 6pm

St Mary’s: (Anglican) Sunday services 10am and 6pm

St Mary’s: (Roman Catholic) Saturday serviceSunday service

6pm9am

Arrangements can be made for those of other denominations.

Muslim prayer times If boarders wish to have a quiet place to pray at times during the day, please inform your child’s Housemaster/Houseparent.

RamadanIf boarders wish to observe Ramadan, we request that parents contact house staff in advance. Housemasters/Houseparents’ will be happy to discuss individual support measures available, including catering arrangements.


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Travel guidanceParents and/or guardians are responsible for the booking of tickets for their child to travel on public transport eg coach, train or airline, and the schools assist pupils with their transfers to public transport hubs as follows:

Transport to and from Newport Railway Station via shuttle bus (Exeats, Leave-Outs and Half Terms only)We organise transport to and from Newport Railway Station at half terms and on exeat and leave-out weekends (not at the beginning and end of each term). The charge for this service is £8.65 one-way.

The coach departs from Monmouth School for Boys at 16:15 on the Friday before exeat weekends and half terms and at 13:00 on the Saturday of leave-outs. We recommend that train travel is not booked before 17:30 on Fridays and 14:15 on Saturdays. For the return journey on Sunday evenings, the coach departs from Newport railway station at 19:00 and pupils must ensure they arrive in good time for this.

Any parents who would like to book a place for their child on the Newport Railway Station transport should complete the Holiday Information Form and email it to [email protected]. Please note that cancellation will require 48 hours’ notice to avoid the charge.

Transport to and from airports (and London)We also organise transport to and from London Heathrow Airport at the beginning and end of each term and half term in accordance with the published term dates. The last day of each term or half term is deemed a ‘travel day’ for boarders and your child is free to leave school throughout that day although the later the flight, the less disruption to their lessons.

Monmouth-Heathrow (subject to change, depending on numbers & flight times)

Departure from Monmouth

Estimated arrival at Heathrow Terminal 3 (also for Terminal 2)*

Estimated arrival at Heathrow Terminal 5*

Estimated arrival at Heathrow Terminal 4*

06:00 09:30 09:45 10:00

09:00 12:00 12:15 12:30

12:00 15:00 15:15 15:30

15:00** 18:30 18:45 19:00

*Please note Heathrow’s recommended check-in times (http://www.heathrow.com/departures/checking-in):Long haul flights and El Al: 3 hours before scheduled departure. European flights: 2 hours before scheduled departure.

** 13:00 Departure at the start of the Christmas holidays in December as the schools close at 12:00.Continued on next page...


http://www.heathrow.com/departures/checking-in


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Travel guidanceHeathrow-Monmouth (subject to change, depending on numbers & flight times)

Pick up from the schools’ meeting place* Estimated arrival in Monmouth:

08:00 11:00

11:00 14:00

14:00 17:00

17:00 20:00

*Please note that if landing in Terminals 4 or 5, we allow one and a half hours for pupils to clear immigration, collect their baggage and transfer to the schools’ meeting place in Terminal 3. If landing in Terminals 2 or 3 we allow one hour.

We allocate vehicle sizes in accordance with the requests received before this deadline. After the deadline has passed, places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis so if one of the coaches is fully booked your child may need to travel on an earlier vehicle from Monmouth-Heathrow or on a later vehicle from Heathrow-Monmouth. Please note, however, that while we will endeavour to assist late requests, it will not always be possible to do so and in these circumstances parents may need to make their own travel arrangements.

The cost of travelling to or from Heathrow on one of these scheduled journeys is £45.00 each way and this charge will be added to your school bill. We book vehicles on the assumption that each child will be travelling with one piece of hand/cabin luggage and up to two suitcases for the hold. If your child needs to travel with more luggage than this and will exceed their airline’s ‘normal’ luggage allowance, please inform us in advance via the Holiday Information Form. If we need to book an additional vehicle to accommodate this extra luggage parents may need to be charged for two seats, ie £90 each way.

If your child’s flight falls outside these scheduled journey times we can book a taxi for them. Similarly, although the majority of our pupils fly into and out of Heathrow, we can organise taxi transport to Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Gatwick airports but pupils travelling to these other regional airports will generally need to travel in a taxi on their own. At the time of going to press (May 2019), the cost of individual taxi transfers is as follows:

Airport Transport Cost* Approximate Journey Time**

Cardiff Airport £106.80 1¼ hours

Bristol Airport £116.40 1¼ hours

Birmingham Airport £136.80 1½ hours

London Heathrow Airport £237.60 2½ hours

Gatwick Airport £274.80 3 hours

*Please note, if your child requires assistance with check in or if their arrival is delayed, car parking and driver’s waiting time may be charged as extra.

**Please note, these journey times are based on normal traffic conditions, we allow more time during the rush hour.

Continued on next page...


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Travel guidanceGeneral guidance: Arrival in the UK

1. We recommend that parents provide their child with a letter giving their contact details and confirming that their child is attending boarding school in Monmouth. Your child should carry this letter in their passport so that they can present it to UK Border Control if required. Please see the sample attached.

2. The first time your child travels to the UK we recommend they also carry with them a copy of the original offer letter from the school. On arrival the school will issue them with a letter to confirm they are a full-time student boarding in Monmouth and they should also keep this in their passport.

3. Please ensure that if your child has a mobile telephone, it is fully charged prior to departure and remind your child to switch it on as soon as they land in the UK.

4. Your child will have been informed about the arrangements for their onward journey to Monmouth and once they have cleared UK Border Control and collected their luggage, they will need to make their way to meet their driver or Travel Escort.

5. Unless you have been informed otherwise, our usual meeting place at Heathrow Airport is the seating area between the ‘Giraffe Stop’ café and the ‘Tourist Services’ desk in Terminal 3 Arrivals (please see the attached map). For children arriving in Terminal 2, it is a short walk to Terminal 3 but those children landing in Terminals 4 or 5 will need to transfer to Terminal 3 via the Heathrow Express underground train. There is no charge for travelling between terminals.

6. If your child is travelling to Monmouth via coach they need to register with the schools’ Travel Escorts at the meeting place. They will be holding signs to identify themselves as school representatives.

7. If your child’s flight is delayed, please inform us. If an incoming flight is delayed, we will consider holding the departure of the school transport but we are unable to wait for flights that have been delayed for long periods. In these circumstances your child may need to wait for a later transport but if there is no later transport then they should have the means with them to pay for alternate travel.

8. Finally, please remind your children to keep a close eye on their luggage at all times.

General guidance: Departure from the UK1. A few days before departure, please remind your child of their luggage allowance (both hand luggage and

checked luggage) to ensure they know how many bags they are able to travel with and their size/weight.

2. The school transport will drop your child off at the appropriate departure terminal at Heathrow Airport, either Terminal 3 (also for Terminal 2), Terminal 4 or Terminal 5.

3. Your child will need to make their own way to the check-in desk unless they are a Young Traveller or booked to fly as an Unaccompanied Minor.

Continued on next page...


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Travel guidanceYoung travellers (Up to and including 13 year olds)

The schools will provide a Travel Escort to accompany any Young Travellers travelling alone (ie not accompanied by an older sibling) to check-in and also meet them again on arrival back in the UK. The Travel Escort will either be an employee of the schools or a driver from one of our local taxi firms.

Parents need to be aware that children aged 14 years or older, who are not booked to fly as Unaccompanied Minors, require a level of maturity to travel independently. The schools will ensure that your child is dropped off at the correct terminal at Heathrow but your child will then need to make their own way to check-in. On arrival back in the UK, your child may need to transfer to Terminal 3 via the Heathrow Express underground train in order to reach our usual meeting place. If you have any concerns about your child undertaking these steps on their own, we recommend that you book an Unaccompanied Minor ticket and the schools will then provide a Travel Escort:

Unaccompanied minors‘Unaccompanied minor’ is a special airline service that is pre-booked and for which a fee is usually payable. Depending on the age of your child, the airline may require that your child is booked to fly as an Unaccompanied Minor; for older children the service is optional. You will need to make enquires with the airlines as to their policy in this regard.

If a child is booked to fly as an Unaccompanied Minor the airline is responsible for assisting with their check-in, supervising them throughout the flight and then through immigration and baggage collection on arrival. The airline will only release the child to the adult who has been authorised to collect them.

Please note that certain airlines, including British Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair, do not offer an Unaccompanied Minor service.

Travel duty mobileIf you need to contact the school urgently in relation to your child’s travel arrangements e.g. to inform us of a flight delay or cancellation, the Travel Duty Mobile number is 00 44 7841 586842. This telephone is manned on scheduled travel days only and not at any other time. We recommend that this number is also programmed into your child’s mobile telephone.


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Guardianship for pupilsParents who do not reside in Great Britain or who may be abroad for a period of time on business or holiday, and who have children in British boarding schools, are required to appoint a guardian. This person must be available at all times to act on their behalf and respond to the needs of both the child and the school. This is someone with whom the pupil can stay during exeat/leave-out weekends and half-term holidays, if they do not return home, and provide the necessary support in case of an emergency.

Some pupils have relatives/ friends in Britain to take on this responsibility. However, other overseas students will have no suitable contacts in Britain and will need to nominate a local guardian whom they feel they can trust. Whilst the schools can provide the attached list of guardianship organisations, it is the parent’s responsibility to arrange a guardian for their child. Overseas pupils will not be allowed to join the schools unless they have a reliable guardian.

AEGIS – Association of Educational Guardians for International Students.

AEGIS aims to promote high standards and best practice in guardianship in order to safeguard the welfare of overseas students in Britain. Visit www.aegisuk.net for further information.

Below are the names of independent AEGIS accredited Guardianship organisations that have looked after our pupils and will be able to place pupils with a host family close to the Monmouth area.

Pippa’s Guardians (40 minutes from Monmouth)www.pippasguardians.co.ukBen Hughes 5 Grosvenor House, 127 Church St, Malvern, WR14 2BATel: +44 (0)1684 252757 / +44 (0)7714 034749Email: [email protected]

Quest Consultancy Ltdwww.questguardians.co.ukChris Mitchelmore Quest, Fortescue, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 9QFTel: +44 (0)1395 513112 Email: [email protected]

Connexcel Guardians (30 minutes from Monmouth)www.connexcel.co.ukKatie Nie Newport/ Shanghai/Beijing Tel UK: +44 (0)1633 386800 (Katie Nie)Tel China: +86 (0)21 6135 7277 (Rebecca Wang)Wechat: Connexcel_enquiryEmail: [email protected]

Oxford Guardians Ltdwww.oxfordguardians.co.ukSarah BaconThe HIF, Blisworth Road, Gayton, Northampton, NN7 3EYTel: +44(0) 1604 857655 / +44 (0)7800 804041Email: [email protected]

White House Guardianshipswww.whg.eu.comDuncan & Jane Hume 711-715 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2AU Tel: +44 (0)345 868 6688Email: [email protected]

Crown Guardians (not currently AEGIS accredited)www.crownguardians.co.ukMark & Tricia Stricklin32 West Street, Axbridge, Somerset, BS26 2ADTel: +44 (0)1934 733182Email: [email protected]

Full details of our Guardianship Policy can be found on our website.

http://www.aegisuk.net

http://www.pippasguardians.co.uk


http://www.questguardians.co.uk


http://www.connexcel.co.uk


http://www.oxfordguardians.co.uk


http://www.whg.eu.com


http://www.crownguardians.co.uk


https://www.habsmonmouth.org/information/school-policies/


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Sixth FormThe Sixth Form handbook contains information about all matters relating to Sixth Form life, including but not limited to:

The Sixth Form handbook can be found on our website.

Additional points for Sixth Form boarders visiting licensed premises and the consumption of alcoholWith parents’ consent and Housemaster’s permission, boarders over the age of 18 are allowed to buy and drink alcohol at a public house under the following conditions:

Boarders in Year 13 may visit public houses in Monmouth if they have written consent from parents and Housemaster/ Houseparent’s permission. They can visit on Friday or Saturday evenings, after 8pm, and on one other evening each week. Pupils must drink in moderation and must obey the law. Only those over the age of 18 are permitted to purchase and consume alcohol, and alcohol cannot be bought for those who are under age. Boarders in Year 12 are allowed to visit public houses in the Summer term, on the same conditions as above.

Alcohol is not permitted within the boarding house other than that provided for consumption at house receptions or special occasions in the presence of house staff. Boarders must seek permission from the duty staff on each and every occasion for permission to visit a public house and must inform staff in person of their return. Visits will be recorded in the house duty book.

Full details of sanctions involving alcohol misdemeanors can be found within the pastoral policy on our website.

• Sixth Form expectations

• Academic & attendance

• Registration

• Assemblies

• Walking between the schools

• Personal safety

• Boarding boundaries

• Town privileges

• Lunch

• General rules in the Sixth Form centres

• Games and sport

• Sixth Form Dress Code

• Studying in the Sixth Form centres after the school day

• Lockers

• Emergency Procedures/Fire/Fire Practice

• Use of school network

• E-Safety

• Electronic devices

• Chewing gum

• Alcohol

• Smoking

• Substance abuse

• Driving

• Saturdays

https://www.habsmonmouth.org/sixthform/admissions/entry/



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Computing facilitiesThe schools have an extensive computer network running Microsoft Windows. There are computers and printers in all of the boarding houses for communal use. There are also computer network sockets for pupils’ use in most of the studies and pupils may bring their own laptops or PCs if they wish. The school uses a range of software, both general purpose and subject specific. It is part of school policy that you have up-to-date anti-virus software installed and running on your computer when it is connected to the school system. Every pupil in school has a school e-mail address. The school internet service is actively monitored and automatically filtered to try to prevent access to undesirable materials.

Wi-fi has been installed into boarding houses and the school libraries.

Please note:

• All students are bound by the schools’ acceptable use policy. This requires pupils’ computers to meet the minimum standard of security (i.e. up-to-date antivirus software running at all times).

• ICT Support will collect device identification details for monitoring and filtering purposes.

• The schools’ network is actively monitored for misuse/abuse with any and all breaches of the acceptable use policy dealt with.

• Network cables will be available in the school shops for pupils to buy.

Where to get ICT help:If you have any queries at all regarding use of the school network, please do not hesitate to contact IT Support at [email protected]


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PoliciesAll school policies can be found on our website, including:

• Admissions Policy

• Anti Bullying Policy

• Curriculum Policy

• Data Protection Policy

• English as an Additional Language Policy

• Health and Safety Policy

• Learning Support Policy

• Parental Complaints Policy

• Pastoral Policy

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Rewards and sanctionsThe full details of this policy can be found within the whole school pastoral policy on our website. Here are some key point relevant to boarding.

RewardsAll pupils should be given opportunities to succeed and their success should be celebrated. Verbal praise is core to this ethos and is to be used as often as merited. The display of good work via noticeboards is another way of noting achievements and thus increasing pupils’ self-esteem. A simple thank-you for good behaviour is always valued. For excellent effort in any subject or for other reasons e.g. contribution to boarding, houses, co-curricular activities etc, a Merit may be awarded. These are worth a house point at MG and contribute towards the House Effort Points Cup and Headmaster’s Commendations at MB. Staff members are asked to enter the details into the SIMS database.

Boarding sanctionsThe Houseparent, Housemaster, Director of Boarding, Deputy Head or Head may choose to invoke a sanction for a behavioural issue that occurs in the boarding houses or whilst under the duty-of-care of the boarding houses. Each house has a list of sanctions that are age-specific that can be used in such situations. Please see the boarding sanctions within each house for details. Sanctions may be given in house, by house staff which are appropriate and consistent with the behavioural concern. The sanctions will, as far as possible, fall in line with supporting the pupil to understand the impact that Pastoral Care Policy, their behaviour has had on the community. Pupils who display persistent inappropriate behaviour may move through the levels in the guide. Therefore, it may be possible that pupils reach the highest level of sanctions by continually displaying more minor behavioural misdemeanours whereby the pupil is not learning from and adjusting his/her behaviour, as necessary. Equally, a pupil may find themselves elevated to the highest level on the guide immediately by being involved in a very serious incident. Pastoral guidance will be provided to pupils throughout the entire disciplinary process.

Policies continued on next page...




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PoliciesMobile phonesThe Acceptable Use Policy applies to pupils during the school day and whilst on school trips, camps, extra-curricular activities and for boarders, during the evenings and the weekends. The policy also applies to iPods and tablet computers.

1. Mobile phones must be switched off during all school lessons and functions.

2. Phones must be handed in to duty staff at bedtime for:

• Up to Yr 10 (all terms).

• Yr 11 and over may retain their phone.

3. Full details can be found within the pastoral policy on our website.

Electrical appliancesPermitted: Computers, chargers, hairdryers, electrical toothbrushes and lens sterilizers, shavers and portable audio equipment.

Please note ALL electrical appliances must be tested by our maintenance department and can only be used once they have a PAT tested sticker. This will be organised at the start of term.

We do not permit: Kettles, fridges, toasters, heaters, microwaves, TV sets, irons and fans. The lists are not exhaustive and pupils should ask their Housemaster for advice. Cooking in rooms is not permitted and may only be done in house kitchens.


www.habsmonmouth.org/boarding

Haberdashers’ Monmouth SchoolsSt Catherine’s House

17 Hereford RoadMonmouthNP25 3HG

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1600 711242Email: [email protected]

Website: www.habsmonmouth.org

Registered Charity No. 525616

http://www.habsmonmouth.org/boarding

haberdashers’ monmouth schools boarders’ handbook 2020/21

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