At the Duke of Kent School we have both Day and Boarding pupils. All pupils from Years 3 - 8 inclusive, have an experience of boarding at least three times a year, when they come in to enjoy our Activity Weekends, in which we run a unique enrichment programme relating to the School's curriculum. This includes art, music, camping drama and sport, as well as induction and team-building weekends. It is a rolling programme which takes account of the needs of different age groups.
An important recent development has been the way in which our pupils are able to benefit from our flexible approach to weekends. We operate a system in which Saturday school alternates with free weekends. Normal family weekends at home can therefore co-exist with our busy schedule. Besides traditional free boarding, we offer a great deal of flexibility to enable part-boarding and occasional overnight stays where space allows.
For the many families who choose to take advantage of the opportunity to board, our long tradition of pastoral care and the beautiful location are major, enduring attractions. Our boarding has not stood still over the years. We have been in the forefrontof the move to improve facilities and enrich the boarding experience. Our pupils enjoy colourful and well-equipped dorms; have the chance to pursue masses of activities, sports and hobbies; and are cared for by outstanding boarding staff. When boarders see what fun they can have living with their friends, it's no wonder that children want to make school their other home for much of the school year.
Our ethos incorporates the belief that all children benefit from being involved in the community side of school life. Nearly all our pupils in the Senior School are with us for an extended day, which includes homework and evening activities. Whether they go home to bed or stay over, they are all part of one community.