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 Housemaster
A constant, familiar face to all our boarders, Housemaster Mr Pineo lives on site with his wife and two daughters Eva and Isabelle, who also attend the School. They bring a great deal of experience to School House: Mr Pineo was Director of Sport at Ampleforth College and Housemaster at Aldenham School prior to this role, while Mrs Pineo is a primary trained teacher and was Housemistress at Culford Prep School before they started their family. Mr Pineo was also himself a student at Woodbridge Prep from 1983-1986.
With both their families living in Felixstowe, they know this part of Suffolk very well and love living in such a vibrant market town. Mr Pineo still plays hockey and cricket for local clubs, and also enjoys a round of golf when the weather and his role allow! Mrs Pineo is a netball expert at a local club, with Eva following in her footsteps in the junior team.
Eva also enjoys drama and is thrilled to have the School’s amazing theatre on the doorstep. Isabelle is a budding gymnast at the nationally renowned Pipers Vale centre in Ipswich, and swims regularly at a local pool. The girls’ lives reflect the active, outdoor lifestyle that the Woodbridge School environment offers and they love socialising with the boarders, becoming as much a part of the School House community as the students.
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.