School House
Characterful and historic, School House provides boarders with a comfortable, modern and secure place to live, work and thrive. Thanks to significant recent investment, our high-quality, homely environment includes calm areas for working, a well-stocked kitchen to supplement excellent school meals and social areas full of things to do.
Becoming part of a family
Everyone feels welcome and supported in School House. Boarders from the UK, EU and countries all over the world are able to interact with, learn from and enjoy the company of people from a wide variety of different nationalities and backgrounds.
The House is built on mutual respect and responsibility, and all students are entrusted to play a role within the community. This may be as simple as being on the food committee or a more senior role as a House Prefect, but everyone plays their part.
Meet the Head of Boarding and his family
Living in School House alongside our boarders, Mr Gunn, his wife Loïs and their sons Jacob and Samuel make School House a wonderful environment in which to live and learn; providing a home away from home for our boarders where they can make the most of every academic and social opportunity, as part of our School community.
Having attended Loughborough University and achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology before completing his PGCE at Canterbury Christchurch University, Mr Gunn offers a wealth of experience having previously worked at St Lawrence College in Kent as Boarding Housemaster, Head of Religious Studies and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. He also served as part of the Extended Leadership Team in a girls’ grammar school as Assistant Headteacher, with skills and expertise in managing departments in both grammar and comprehensive schools. A specialist Leader in Education, Mr Gunn holds the Boarding Schools Associations (BSA) Certificate for International Boarders, currently working towards the BSA Diploma.
Loïs Gunn is a ceramics and jewellery designer, and recent winner of Channel 4’s ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’. A former teacher, Loïs has herself over 10 years’ experience working in boarding schools. Their sons, Jacob and Samuel both enjoy rugby, hiking, and reading. Jacob is learning to play the piano, whilst Samuel has chosen the guitar. Both boys enjoy living in a boarding house with so many friends, and they hope to take every opportunity afforded to them by living in Woodbridge School House. They enjoy the varied nature of school life and the chance to make friends from different parts of the world.
Mr Gunn shared, “I believe that boarders can achieve exceptional outcomes, and enjoy life as part of our community. Woodbridge School nurtures and cares for every student, and boarders are an integral part of the community. Ensuring all students have the resources and skills they need, in order to develop and grow, means they can flourish, achieve and enjoy life at School – becoming the best version of themselves.”
Rooms
Students’ private rooms are spaces they can truly call their own. In addition to being where they can wind down and sleep at the end of the day, the rooms are comfortable, safe and secure areas for quiet study, personal interests and keeping in touch with their families at home.
Activities
In addition to the School’s Friday afternoon co-curricular activities, boarders also enjoy a weekend programme that includes trips for education or recreation, house events, soirees and time set aside for quiet individual activity. We ensure the lives of those living with us are varied and purposeful, helping them to acquire new skills and gain valuable attributes for a successful life beyond school.
Pastoral Care
Spending extended periods of time away from home and family can be stressful for some young people.
The Housemaster and staff offer boarders support with everything from their confidence, exercise and mental health to their progress at the school to ensure they lead positive, proactive lives. A student’s time here should be happy and fulfilling.
The House Team
In addition to the support provided by the Houseparents, the brilliant Assistant Housemistress, Ms Gardner, and her diligent tutor team also do much to look after the boarders.
Their unique ‘introduction to boarding’ programme provides an invaluable opportunity for boarders to bond and form relationships in the week before term starts in September. Activities include induction tours of Woodbridge and Ipswich, as well as English lessons during the day and fun games and activities in the evening. Ms Gardner teaches English and lives in the building. Her passions include kayaking and swimming as well as her dog, Cici!
Boarding admissions
Boarding is available for students in Year 7 upwards, with entry points being in Year 7 (weekly only) Year 9, 10 or 12 (Sixth Form). Prospective students can make applications directly to us or via agents, but we encourage you to apply as early as possible due to the School House’s overall capacity.
Want to see for yourself?
In addition to our open days, we welcome visits from parents and children looking for the right foundation for life ahead. We’ll be happy to show you around and answer any questions you have about our School, staff and the support we offer our students.