Lancaster Royal
Grammar School

Boarding - Pastoral Care

Statement of principles

We endeavour to create a caring and supportive environment for the development of all our pupils.  We aim to create a community in which achievement is recognised and celebrated while harassment and teasing are discouraged.  In close liaison with parents we seek to encourage independence, maturity and responsibility in every child in our care.

Aims of the boarding community

  • To create a community that ensures the safety and welfare of its pupils in an environment where they can be both healthy and happy.
  • To provide an environment in which pupils can develop their intellectual talents through well structured study time, access to staff and other pupils in an atmosphere which values effort.
  • To provide a range of activities related to age and maturity that will assist in the personal, social and cultural development of each pupil.
  • To provide accommodation that is comfortable and suitable to the needs of boarders according to their age and which provides appropriate levels of privacy.
  • To provide an atmosphere that allows pupils to develop a tolerance of others and to live free of teasing, harassment and bullying.
  • To develop each boarder’s responsibility for self, for others and for their environment.
  • To develop pupils’ qualities of leadership and their ability to work as a team.
  • To develop close links with parents in the support of pupils development within school.
  • To provide ample opportunity for pupils to talk to staff about their day to day concerns.

Caring staff

Boarding provides a better education because of the all-round development and camaraderie between the students (Boarding parent)

There are three boarding houses, each with their own character.  Care of the boarders in each house is the responsibility of resident Housemasters, aided by tutors and a full time medical and support staff.  All aspects of pastoral care are overseen by the Housemasters to ensure progress through the school is monitored and the pupils have appropriate support and guidance.  Close liaison with parents is maintained throughout.

Pupils' welfare is closely monitored and their health needs are extremely well met

(Ofsted)

Each house also has its own team of Matrons who are a key component of the support and care provided for the pupils.  The boarding community at LRGS is readily recognised as the heart of the school and pupils achieve remarkable success in all areas of school life. The school prides itself on an atmosphere where achievement is recognised, not only in the academic sphere but also in all other activities. Boarders are integrated totally into the activities of the school in addition to their own programme of Sunday activities.

Social activities

Boarding at LRGS gives pupils the opportunity to sample all the activities which the school offers both on the sporting front, in cultural areas and within the cadet force without the concerns of travelling long distances home at the end of the day. They also have the opportunity of applying for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which is very popular at the school.

In addition there is an organised programme of weekend social events which the boarders can take part in.  These range from paintballing and stock car racing, to trips to the Trafford Centre, cinema, bowling, Blackpool and Alton Towers.  

A good school maintaining the balance between hard work and leisure

(Boarding parent)

Well-structured homework time and tutorial support, alongside access to all the school's resources give pupils added opportunity for exam success and the increasing responsibilities given to students in the sixth form provide a wealth of experience.

My child has reached and will continue to reach his full potential due to the excellent teaching and boarding staff

(Boarding parent)

Religious activities

Boarding pupils are encouraged to worship on a Sunday and we hold regular boarding Eucharist services in Christ Church, the local  church which serves the school.  We also have good links with the St Peter's Catholic Cathedral in Lancaster. For other religions denominations, boarders can attend the many  local places of worship in Lancaster town centre which include a free church and two mosques.

The Boarding Schools' Association has produced a useful leaflet 'How to Thrive at Boarding School'

Key boarding staff

Head of Boarding Dr D Rowe
Deputy Head Pastoral Care Mr J Hallsworth

Storey House Year 7 & 8

Housemaster Mr J T Viney
Assistant Housemaster Mr E Davies Taylor
Resident House Tutor Mr D Ryan

Ashton House & Ashton Annexe Year 9, 10, 11 & Sixth Form

Housemaster Mr C Atkinson
Deputy Housemaster Mr R Wareing
Resident House Tutor Mr J Remmington

School House  & Frankland House Year  9,10, 11 & Sixth Form

Housemaster Mr A Loney
Resident House Tutor Mr T Forster
Assistant Housemistress (Frankland) Miss Sofia Bruschi