I originally joined Woodbridge as a full time boarder for what was supposed to be just two terms, but I settled so well and enjoyed being here so much, I’m now in my second year of boarding and final year at School, studying for A Levels.

I’m originally from and my family still live in Hamburg, Germany, so we visited the UK specifically to view schools ahead of my decision on where to study and board. My Father boarded in the UK while he was at school, so we’d spent time talking about what to look for and what to expect. But I have to say as soon as we came to Woodbridge my decision was made instantly, it had everything I was looking for and more, and it just felt right.

As we left and were literally only just out of the School grounds, I told my parents that this was where I wanted to go.

I’m enjoying and thriving at School, working towards going to university to achieve my ambitions of a career in Law. The academic and co-curricular opportunities at Woodbridge are vast, I play for the 2^nd XI hockey team, take part in Combined Cadet Force and Young Enterprise.

There’s so much support and so much to be involved in and part of at School, it keeps me very busy!

I think the routine and self-discipline that boarding instils are real life lessons, and something I know I will draw on for the rest of my life, not just during my education.

After our timetabled day we return to School House where we board. We have set times for studying and working, with access to our House Master for any additional support we need, as well as being able to help one another – just like we would at home. Meal times are planned and set too, and this combination of routine feels like I’m setting good habits not only for learning, exams and classwork, but for life, for university and for the whole of my future.

Woodbridge School really is a beautiful place, we’re surrounded by trees, fields, nature and a lovely old market town with shops, cafés and leisure facilities galore – we take regular trips out to the cinema, bowling, shopping, to eat, to the beach – there’s so much to do!

The House isn’t dissimilar to living at home in that we cook with and for one another, share celebrations, can learn and talk about any problems or issues together as a team – as a family. I think boarding gives us an extra depth of emotional development; we learn to respect one another’s opinions, cultures and beliefs, as well as appreciate one another’s religions, festivals, celebrations and decisions.

I’ve made some great friendships at School; we’re able to bring friends back to the house, go out to arranged events, and behave like we normally would with friends in and outside of School. There are rules and restrictions in place, as you’d expect, but it feels just like home and I’ve loved every minute of being here.