Frequently Asked Questions
Pupils FAQs
Q: If I'm a boarder how often can I speak to my family?
A: You can see your family any weekends, exeats or holidays. They can even come to your matches.
Q: What about letter writing?
A: We hope that you keep in touch with family and friends but you can also e-mail.
Q: How will my parents know what is going on in school?
A: One way is with a letter. Another way is the weekly school newsletter which lists all forthcoming events plus other items of school news. Telephone calls, of course, plus the termly school diary that has dates, times and events enclosed.
Q: How often can I phone home?
A: As often as you like. Each house has a number of private telephone boxes which can be used at almost any time. Mobile phones are allowed in houses but must be handed to houseparents during school hours.
Q: What sports will I participate in?
A: Girls and boys are split for games and do a wide range of different sports including rugby, fencing, hockey and riding.
Q: What if I'm not into sports?
A: Don't worry! There are lots of other opportunities for you to shine elsewhere, such as academically, or in music, art or drama, or taking part in activities such as sailing or scuba diving.
Q: What time do I arrive and what happens?
A: Your Houseparents will give you and your parents a time to arrive on the first day. At your boarding house you find your bed, unpack your trunk (your large suitcase filled with your belongings) and then go to school to meet the Headmistress and other Senior Staff.
Q: Will I get lost around School? How will I know what to do?
A: You will have two “guides”, one in house and one in school. They will show you what to do, where to go, who to meet. They will gently slot you into school life.
Q: Will I have enough to eat?
A: Millfield Preparatory School’s food is excellent. A wide range of hot and cold meals at breakfast, lunch and supper plus two snack times, you will be well catered for. There is also a wide variety of snacks and food available back at your house.
Q: What about sweets?
A: Sweets are not good for you on a regular basis or in large quantities. Houseparents have their own sweet shops and sweets are distributed usually twice a week. Please do not return from exeats with sweets. It causes considerable problems and bad feeling. We do hope that parents will support Houseparents on this issue.
Q: What about Pocket Money?
A: A sum of £30 is deposited with your Houseparents at the start of each term. This will be used for sweets, outings, disco and Charity Days.
Q: What can I read?
A: Most houses have quiet rooms but children usually prefer to read in their dormitories. We have a excellent school library as well as time set aside for reading in school.
Q: What do I do if I need help?
A: There will be a host of people only too willing to help you. Houseparents, House Matron, the School Chaplain, School Nurses, Head of Year, Group Tutors, Deputy Head, Headmistress. All of these will be willing to help solve your problems.
Q: Where do I keep my toys and possessions?
A: Some boarders have their own play box but there will be enough room beside and under your bed for all your little things as well as locker space and cupboards. Please feel free to bring your own locked private box.
Q: Can I bring posters for my dormitory?
A: Most certainly. Each boarder has their own pin board plus many dorms also have community boards to cover.
Q: What if I am on medicine?
A: Bring all your medicine with you and please hand it into your houseparents. They will make sure that you are given your prescribed dosage.
Q: What happens on my birthday, can I have cake?
A: Most certainly. You or your parents (as a surprise) can ask your Houseparents to order one for you, or your parents are welcome to provide one.
Q: Can I go to another boarding house to stay with friends one weekend?
A: Yes. If you have a friend in another house you may have a “sleepover”. (Boys to boys houses, girls to girls). Also, boarders can accept invitations to day children’s homes with permission of your Houseparents.
Q: Is the school strict?
A: A breach of common sense is a breach of school rules. We are a friendly school but we do expect our pupils to be polite and well mannered. Shouting, unacceptable behaviour or bad language will not be tolerated. The “borrowing” of other people’s property is not approved of. Pupils are expected to look neat and tidy at all times.
Q: What do I do when lessons finish?
A: You will have received a sheet about choices for Games, Clubs and Activities. This lists all the things you can do and enjoy during the week and on Saturdays and Sundays. You will be spoilt for choice!
Q: What are exeats and how do they work?
A: An exeat is a weekend when we agree that you can go home. Your parents collect you at 12.10pm on Saturday, providing you have no further commitments at school, and you must return by 8.00pm on Sunday. There are two longer exeats each year from 3.45pm on Friday until 8.00pm on Sunday. They are usually the third weekend of the Autumn and Spring Terms.