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Boarding School Matters

Boarding School Matters

By: Sarah Capewell and Melissa Hatton
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Choosing a boarding school is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. But how do you get beyond the glossy prospectus and discover what boarding life is really like?

Boarding School Matters is the podcast that gets underneath the brochure, bringing you honest conversations, expert insight and practical advice about UK boarding schools.


Hosted by Sarah Capewell, a boarding school consultant, former Head of Boarding and parent of two boarders, and Melissa Hatton, former Head of Admissions and Marketing, boarding school parent and former boarder herself, the podcast explores every aspect of boarding life from the perspectives of parents, pupils and the professionals who know it best.


Whether you're considering boarding for the first time, comparing schools, navigating admissions, or supporting an international family through the process, each episode provides clear, impartial guidance to help you make informed decisions with confidence.


Expect conversations about:


• Choosing the right boarding school
• Full, weekly and flexi boarding
• Admissions, scholarships and bursaries
• Boarding houses and pastoral care
• Student wellbeing and school culture
• International boarding
• Life as a boarder, parent and house parent
• Interviews with heads, admissions teams, pupils and education experts


If you're looking for honest advice about UK boarding schools from people who've lived and worked in the sector, you're in the right place.

© 2026 Boarding School Matters
Episodes
  • 01 - Full Boarding, Weekly Boarding or Flexi Boarding? Understanding the Different Types of Boarding School

    01 - Full Boarding, Weekly Boarding or Flexi Boarding? Understanding the Different Types of Boarding School
    Jul 5 2026

    What does boarding school actually look like today?

    In the very first episode of Boarding School Matters, hosts Sarah Capewell and Melissa Hatton introduce the podcast and explain why they've created a show dedicated to helping families navigate the often confusing world of UK boarding schools.

    Drawing on decades of combined experience in boarding education, admissions, marketing and parenting, Sarah and Melissa explore the different types of boarding available today, including full boarding, weekly boarding and flexi boarding.

    They discuss how boarding has changed, why the terminology can be confusing, and the questions every parent should ask before choosing a school.

    Whether you're a UK family considering boarding for the first time or an international family exploring British boarding schools, this episode provides practical insight beyond the glossy prospectus.

    In this episode:

    * Meet Sarah Capewell and Melissa Hatton
    * Why this podcast exists
    * Full boarding vs weekly boarding vs flexi boarding
    * What parents often misunderstand
    * How boarding schools have evolved
    * Questions to ask on every school visit
    * Why understanding a school's boarding culture matters

    Next episode: Sarah is joined by her daughter Tilly, who shares what boarding school was really like from a student's perspective.

    Boarding School Matters is produced and edited by Mike Roberts at Making Digital Real, helping podcasts sound exceptional and reach the audiences that matter.
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    21 mins
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