Exeats and other information about boarding

Exeats

Exeats (permission to go home for a day or a weekend) are an important feature of life at any boarding school.  At Mount St Mary's College, we believe that our boarders should be able to go home any weekend, rather than having to wait for an official Exeat holiday as happens at many schools. This policy allows our boarders and their families greater flexibility, particularly useful for overseas parents visiting Britain or for Forces families who may be tied to tight leave themselves. There are certain rules accompanying our exeat policy however. Exeats are allowed at any time after the first weekend back at school following a holiday. Written permission is required for this at least three days in advance.

Parents are asked that if their son/daughter is required for a school team, then this must take priority.

Parents are welcome to visit their children for a day or weekend and may wish to take them out for a meal or overnight. We ask that parents give housestaff reasonable notice in advance.

Boarders may be given permission to spend a weekend with the family of a local day pupil providing written permission from both sets of parents has been received. They must observe the requirements of their host family regarding behaviour.

School Outings

Please refer to list under Weekend Activities

Free Time

Much of the boarders' day is taken up with lessons, activities or studies, but there is some 'free' time during which boarders can relax and socialise.

On weekdays after school, between 4.45 and 5.45 pm, boarders must take part in activities three times per week. On the remaining two days they may choose to do more activities or may have some free time. There are televisions, videos and DVDs in all common rooms and some sports facilities are available at these times.

Casual Boarding

Casual boarding is a strong feature of all Houses where day pupils can stay as many nights as they wish, subject to availability of space. Casual boarders are under the care of the housestaff from 9.00 am on the day on which they are boarding until the same time of the day on which they return home.