BOARDING AT BATTLE
Boarding has been integral to life at Battle Abbey School since our foundation in 1912. These days, our boarders live at Leeford Lodge and they are an international community of UK students and those who join us from overseas. Whatever you are looking for as a boarding pupil, there is a good chance you will find it at Battle Abbey School.
If you are interested in joining Battle Abbey School as a boarder, please complete this enquiry form and we will be in touch to arrange a virtual visit so you can see first hand what we offer, and we can hear from you about what you are looking for.
INTRODUCTION TO BOARDING
“Set in a former hotel and short ride from the abbey, our boarding house is a home from home—a place where pupils from across the UK and around the world live, learn, and grow together. We pride ourselves on the warmth and inclusivity that our boarding experience offers.
As Head of Boarding, my role is to ensure that every pupil in our care feels safe, supported, and inspired to make the most of their time with us. Whether they join us as weekly, termly, or international boarders, our young people become part of a vibrant family where lifelong friendships are forged, independence is nurtured, and pastoral care is central to everything we do.
Our dedicated boarding staff live on-site and work closely with academic and pastoral teams to provide consistent guidance, encouragement, and care. From evening activities to weekend excursions, boarding life at Battle Abbey is rich with opportunities for personal development, community spirit, and fun.
We understand that choosing boarding is a significant step, and we are here to support both pupils and parents throughout that journey. I warmly encourage you to come and visit, speak with our boarders, and experience the unique atmosphere of our boarding house for yourself.
We look forward to welcoming you into our community.”
Mr Rob Mercer – Head of Boarding
THE BOARDING EXPERIENCE
PASTORAL CARE
At Battle Abbey Senior School, we are dedicated to providing exceptional boarding options that create a nurturing and supportive environment for our students. Our boarding programs are designed to foster personal growth, promote academic excellence, and create a sense of community among our students.
Students at Battle Abbey School receive high standards of pastoral care whether they are day or boarding pupils. For more information about our inclusion and support services, please see here.
INTERNATIONAL PUPILS / OVERSEAS ADMISSIONS
We pride ourselves on offering the unique and enriching experience of a British Boarding School to a diverse community of children and young adults drawn to us from around the world.
We tailor our provision based on the needs and wishes of each family. Some pupils join us for a short time, say half a term as a short-term immersion, whilst others stay for several years to complete GCSE and A-level courses.
All pupils are assessed on their ability to access the curriculum and are offered support, as needed, in developing their abilities in English as an Additional Language. Life for international students is a rich tapestry of academic opportunities whilst being a full member of school life, with all the social, performance, sporting and extra-curricular activities that make Battle Abbey School special.
To start your journey with Battle Abbey, please contact the Registrar, Jon Smalldon on smalldonj@battleabbeyschool.com, telling us a little about your child and what you are looking for in a British Boarding School. We will then follow up to arrange an initial conversation via Zoom to start the application process.
FLEXI BOARDING
Just as there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to life at Battle Abbey School, so we believe that our boarding offer should reflect what our families need, not be a rigid straitjacket. As such, we offer Full, Weekly (Sunday or Monday to Thursday night) and Flexi boarding, as well as facilitating one-off stays when circumstances mean a supported night at Leeford Lodge is the best option for you.
Flexi boarding could be a certain number of nights per term, or it could be set days per week across the year.
To make an enquiry about boarding, enquiry form.
BOARDING ACCOMMODATION
In September 2025, we opened a new, state of the art, boarding facility at Leeford Lodge. Converted from a former hotel, nestled in the beautiful Sussex countryside a three-minute drive from the Abbey, Leeford Lodge is the ideal home from home for any boarding pupil. With well-appointed bedrooms, each with an en-suite, and numerous social and study areas, Leeford Lodge builds on our century of boarding tradition by providing something contemporary in outlook, and modern in delivery.
Boarders benefit from regular, provided, transport to and from the school, and have the opportunity to travel independently (when permitted), or in supervised groups, to not only Battle, but also the nearby town of Hastings and beyond.
Life at Leeford Lodge is structured and supported, but with opportunities for individual expression and the development of independence. It really is the best of all worlds.
