Ridgeway House‘In Ridgeway we aim for pupils to reach their maximum potential, happily, healthily and safely, in a caring, stimulating and supportive environment.’
Ridgeway House was purpose built for the Foundation to accommodate boarders in 1911 by the Edwardian architect, Thomas E. Collcutt (1840-1924), whose other buildings of note include The Wigmore Hall, The Queen’s Tower at Imperial College and a part of the Savoy Hotel. It is situated off Wills Grove in its own spectacular grounds, overlooking miles of protected parkland with panoramic views towards the West End of London. Many famous pupils have experienced their most formative years in Ridgeway, the most eminent of whom is probably Sir Francis Crick, instrumental in the discovery of DNA. Originally a boys’ House, it is now co-educational and home to junior and senior boys and senior girls.
Like all the boarding Houses, Ridgeway is cosy and well equipped. More important than facilities, however, is the strength of Ridgeway’s spirit and the open, trusting and familial ethos, where confidence is nurtured and respect for the individual encouraged; this is integral to the House, which provides a consistently safe listening ear for each pupil’s trials and tribulations. A belief in education in its broadest sense is embedded in the House ethos and the aim is to equip pupils with the self-belief, independence and integrity required in order to help them to face future challenges and attain self-fulfilment. It is hoped that they will learn to make sound judgements, exercise wise choices and leave Ridgeway and Mill Hill, eager to capitalise upon their strengths and make a first-class contribution to society.
I was nervous before I came to England. I knew I would face a new system and different people. But in Ridgeway, I found myself in a community where people were so friendly that it made me feel confident. In Taiwan there was more pressure and people didn’t always seem to have the time to think about each other. For the first two years I had to study in the prep room during prep time. This gave me a good foundation for my GCSE courses. It isn’t all about work though! After prep time we play football in our lovely garden, play snooker in our Games Room and attempt to cook in our Masterchef kitchen! Ms Farrant, the nerve centre of the House, is always available to help us at any time. I know the memories I am gathering and the closeness of my friendships will stay with me always.
For the past 2 years, I have had the privilege of belonging to Mill Hill’s boarding Community. The warm, welcoming atmosphere of each individual Boarding "family" is created by caring pupils, helpful teachers, a patient Matron and an approachable Housemaster/Housemistress, all making separation from home easier. Being a boarder gives you the opportunity to establish close friendships with boys and girls of different cultures and backgrounds from countries such as China, Ghana and Canada, which broadens your knowledge and understanding of others. Boarding activities, from bowling to ballet, give pupils from each House a chance to bond and have fun! Boarding has also had a positive impact on schoolwork; I find I have more time to study and I receive all the guidance and support I need outside class from my Housemistress and Housemates. Ridgeway truly has become my "home away from home" with my 49 new-found brothers and sisters!
When people think of a traditional boarding School the first thoughts that spring to mind are of hierarchy, lifeless institutionalized pupils and tough sixth formers! However Mill Hill is a world away from this old-fashioned view. The boarding community at Mill Hill is a jubilant, vibrant and exciting part of the school, which celebrates and encourages our achievements. Members of the Houses treat their peers like extended family members. There is a wide variety of opportunities that boarders can take advantage of such as the sports programme, which operates outside normal School hours, and a wealth of inter-House competitions. In the boarding Houses themselves there are a wide variety of facilities; for example in my House, there is a Games Room, TV Room and House Library. There is a lively atmosphere in Ridgeway, but mixed with the special combination of discipline, respect, tolerance and pride that only boarding can engender.
