A LUDGERSHALL boarding school has launched a virtual tour on its new website to show prospective students and their parents what life is really like in the boarding house.

The Wellington Academy is one of only half a dozen boarding houses in the country that has been rated “outstanding” by Ofsted. It was found by Ofsted at its last inspection to provide “highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the school contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people.”

Ofsted found that residential students at The Wellington Academy “make exceptional progress both academically and personally. They develop significant confidence and skills to progress onto chosen career paths and mentoring programmes.”

READ MORE: The Wellington Academy celebrates "outstanding" result

More than four out of five boarding students go on to university from The Wellington Academy.

The Wellington Academy’s director of boarding, Matt Price, says the new website with its virtual tour helps bring the experience of being a boarder at the school to life, helping prospective students and their families see what life there is like outside the school day.

“Much as we love Harry Potter, we’re about as far from the Harry Potter stereotype of a boarding house as you can get,” said Mr Price.

“Ours is a very soft family-style environment, with very modern facilities, where we focus on each individual student’s needs, preferences, talents and interests.

“We aim to make the boarding house as close to home as we can, and provide an environment that is happy and safe, to enable each student to grow at their own pace in a place where respect and consideration for all are held in the highest esteem.”

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The boarding house is purpose-built and is on the academy’s campus. It provides bedroom accommodation for boys and girls in two separate wings. Around half of the students who board are from military families who are keen to provide a stable and nurturing environment for their children while they fulfil overseas postings.

Students can choose from an extensive range of clubs and activities, and many develop new skills and interests in areas they had never considered before. Boarders from Year 9 upwards are encouraged to become involved in the school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and/or the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Budding thespians enjoy the academy’s purpose-built theatre and studio space, and many students take part in regular musical and other artistic productions.

For more information, visit: go to twaboarding.org.uk.

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