Absolutely! Adams House is truly designed to be a “home from home.” We pride ourselves on creating a warm, friendly, and family-like atmosphere where every student feels safe, valued, and happy. Our House Parents and dedicated staff live on-site, offering a constant source of support and care, much like a family. You’ll build strong friendships with your fellow boarders, creating a tight-knit community where everyone looks out for each other. We even have our wonderful rescue dog, Betty, who brings a calming and loving presence to the house, helping everyone feel more settled and at ease.

We offer comfortable and well-maintained living spaces. Younger boarders typically share rooms, which is a fantastic way to build friendships and support networks right from the start. As you get older, you may have the option of sharing with fewer students or having your own room, depending on your year group. All rooms are equipped for study and personal comfort. There are also shared common rooms, relaxation areas, and excellent facilities for downtime.

Your well-being is our top priority. We have a dedicated team of experienced House Parents and support staff who live on-site and are available 24/7. They provide outstanding pastoral care, offering guidance, listening to concerns, and ensuring you feel secure and supported. We also have a strong link with the main school, so information is shared on a ‘need to know’ basis to ensure seamless support for your academic and personal development.

We understand that moving away from home can be daunting. Our staff are experts in helping students’ transition and settle in. We foster an open environment where you’re encouraged to talk about your feelings. Beyond the general pastoral care, we have a range of support systems. For example, our amazing therapy dog, Betty, spends time in the boarding house, providing a calming and comforting presence that helps students feel relaxed and secure. We also have specialist support within the main school, including specific assistance for students with conditions like Tourette’s and autism, helping them cope with difficult situations and maintain calm in a nurturing environment.

Your day starts with a nourishing breakfast before heading to school. After lessons, you’ll return to Adams House for supervised prep (homework) sessions, ensuring you have the time and support to complete your academic work. Evenings are for relaxation, socialising, and activities. We aim for a balance between structured time and personal freedom.

Life at Adams House is never dull! We offer a wide range of engaging activities, both organised by the boarding staff and often chosen by the students themselves. This could include sports, arts and crafts, board games, movie nights, cooking sessions, and social events. We also organise weekend trips and outings, giving you the chance to explore the local area and beyond with your friends. Our aim is to ensure you have plenty of opportunities to relax, pursue hobbies, and make lasting memories outside of your studies.

We want you to feel connected to your family. Boarders typically go home for longer school holidays (e.g., Christmas, Easter, Summer). For shorter half-term breaks, you can stay with friends, arrange a home stay or arrange to go home. Family visits are welcome, and we’ll always work with parents to ensure weekend and travel arrangements are suitable. We also understand the unique needs of Armed Forces families and strive to be flexible and supportive regarding visits and breaks, especially around deployments.

Being a boarder provides a structured environment that is excellent for academic progress. We have dedicated, supervised “prep” (homework) sessions each evening where you can focus on your studies. Our staff are on hand to offer guidance and support, and we encourage peer learning. This routine helps foster good study habits and ensures you have the best chance to achieve your academic potential.

Absolutely. We have strong links with the main school’s academic departments. If you’re finding a subject challenging, our House Parents will work with school staff to ensure you get the support you need, whether that’s extra help during prep, or connecting you with a teacher for additional guidance.

Thomas Adams School is a state boarding school, which means the education itself is free! You only pay for the boarding accommodation and supervision, making it a highly affordable and excellent alternative to independent schools. Our fees are significantly lower than traditional independent boarding schools. Please refer to our Adams House Boarding Fees for more information.

The application process typically involves completing an application form for both Thomas Adams School and Adams House Boarding. If you are applying for Year 12, we have a separate Sixth Form application form which also requires completion . We encourage you to contact our admissions team directly or visit our How To Apply webpage for detailed instructions, including any entrance requirements and deadlines. We’d also be delighted to arrange an online meeting to discuss your application and answer any specific questions you may have.