OUR BOARDING HOUSES
There are four boarding houses at Kent College Senior School; one boys house, one girls house and two co-educational boarding houses.
All of the boarding houses have House Parents who live in, and are responsible for the welfare of the students in their house. The House Parents are assisted by Assistant House Parents, House Managers and Resident Tutors, and between them they ensure the care of our boarders 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Younger students may be accommodated in rooms of up to four, while students in Years 12 and 13 are allocated a study bedroom of their own wherever possible. In each boarding house there are common room facilities for all students which include Sky TV, Wifi, kitchen and dining areas and games areas. Each house has its own character and style, but all have similar rules and values.
“Boarding has allowed me to expand my qualities as a person; I am now more independent, I have more friendships and I have been given a confidence boost.”
AUSTEN HOUSE
Co-educational (aged 11-18)
House Parent: Beverley Pocock
Assistant House Parent: Sally Faulding
House Manager: Mary Jones and Melissa Ely
Email | House Mobile
The full age range makes this a very special house for our students, with Year 10 students upwards taking responsibility for the younger boarders, and excellent relations between the older and younger years. Mrs Pocock and her family work closely with the house staff to create a really homely, family atmosphere. House buddy and mentoring systems play an important part in ensuring that all boarders are welcomed and cared for from the day they arrive. Events throughout the year include movie and pizza nights, facemask evenings, International evening (students cook a dish from home), Christmas and Halloween parties, and a Summer BBQ and water fight.
WESLEY HOUSE
Girls (aged 14-18)
House Parents: Sarah Horgan
Assistant House Parent: Jessica Bassant
House Manager: Lisa Gess
Email | House Mobile
A big, bright common room provides a focal point for life in Wesley House, where girls can meet to socialise and relax. The house is next door to the music and art blocks, so access for practice or extra work is very easy, and there is also a piano in the house. In many ways Wesley is a bridge between school and life beyond school – providing a safe environment for girls to become more independent and self-sufficient. House events include movie nights, Christmas party, Chinese New Year, and meals out in Canterbury. A Room prize is awarded each week, and boarders have regular catch up meetings with Dr Horgan and the house team.
GAMON-ELFICK HOUSE
Gamon (boys aged 14-18)
Elfick (co-educational (aged 16-18)
House Parent: Mike Hilderly
Assistant House Parents: Thanosios Vostanis and Lucie Harrison
House Managers: Terrie Middleton and Val Woodcock
Email | House Mobile
Gamon-Elfick is a welcoming and supportive senior boarding house, providing a home from home for students from around the world. At the heart of the house is a commitment to helping every student be the best they can be, with individual support that recognises their unique strengths, ambitions and talents.
As students progress through their senior years and Sixth Form, we encourage growing independence and responsibility, while providing the guidance and support they need to thrive academically and personally. Gamon-Elfick is a relaxed, friendly and respectful community where students can learn, develop, have fun and prepare with confidence for life beyond Kent College.
BOARDING PRINCIPLES
Boarding at Kent College is about belonging, growing and making the most of every opportunity. Our boarding houses are warm, welcoming communities where students from different countries, cultures and backgrounds live, learn and enjoy school life together.
We want every boarder to feel happy, supported and individually known, with the confidence to be themselves and the encouragement to make the most of their time at KC.
Our boarding community is built around a few simple principles:
- A home away from home - We create a friendly, comfortable and inclusive environment where every student feels welcome, valued and part of the KC community.
- Known and supported - Our House Parents and boarding staff get to know each student as an individual, providing encouragement, guidance and support throughout their boarding journey.
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Growing in confidence and independence - Boarding gives students the opportunity to develop independence, resilience and responsibility, while knowing that support is always close at hand.
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Learning and achieving together - We encourage every boarder to be ambitious, curious and engaged in their learning, with the right environment and support to fulfil their individual potential.
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Making the most of every opportunity - From sport, music and drama to clubs, activities, trips and weekends with friends, we encourage students to get involved, try something new and discover what they enjoy.
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Respecting and learning from one another - Our international boarding community celebrates different cultures, experiences and perspectives. Students learn to live well together, build lasting friendships and play an active part in our wider community.
Above all, we want our boarders to enjoy their time at KC, build friendships and memories, and leave us as confident, compassionate young people ready for whatever comes next.
“I really like boarding because it’s like having a new family and new amazing friends who are always supportive and motivating.”
KC Boarder
