SUPPORTIVE BOARDING
SOMERSET COLLEGE BOARDING
A SUPPORTIVE AND WELCOMING BOARDING COMMUNITY
Boarding at Somerset College is available for senior school students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. The boarding facilities at Somerset College provide a comfortable, caring environment that fosters both academic and social growth. Boarders share rooms in pairs within their peer group, creating a safe and supportive space, while still being close to other grades. We accommodate both Cambridge and IEB students, with resident staff available at all times to ensure the well-being and safety of the boarders. Each house is run by a dedicated team, including a Matron for both houses, who provide emotional, social, physical, and spiritual support. The boarding team works closely with the Student Development Unit (SDU), offering counselling, chaplain services, and weekly youth evenings for spiritual growth. Students also have access to a qualified nurse for any health needs.
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADS OF BOARDING
At Somerset College, boarding is more than just a place to stay—it’s a transformative experience that shapes the lives of our students. We offer two boarding houses: Vineyard House for boys and Founders House for girls and together we are called Helderberg House. This creates a unique co-educational space that fosters social interaction, personal growth, and the formation of deep, lasting friendships.
Choosing to board at Somerset College is a deliberate decision, made by both parents and students, to embrace independence and unlock their full potential. Our aim is to nurture confident individuals who understand their worth, develop leadership skills, and thrive in a community where acceptance, kindness, and care are at the forefront.
In our boarding environment, students find a supportive family atmosphere that promotes independence while instilling a strong sense of belonging. This truly becomes their home away from home. The happiness and well-being of every boarder is our top priority as Boarding Parents, as well as for the entire school community. We are committed to providing outstanding pastoral care, ensuring that each student achieves their academic goals and acquires lifelong skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Boarders at Somerset College also enjoy a wide range of exciting evening and weekend activities. These experiences are designed to be educational, social, and most importantly, fun! From evening chats with roommates and peers to unique weekend trips, the friendships and memories made here will last a lifetime, helping to prepare boarders for their next exciting chapter.
We warmly invite you to visit us and experience our special environment firsthand. We would love to show you around our home and share more about what makes Somerset College boarding so exceptional.
Warm regards,
Hilton Toro (Head of Vineyard House)
Cindi van der Berg (Head of Founders House)
ACCESS TO FACILITIES
The Somerset College boarding environment offers a wealth of opportunities. With world-class sports facilities, as well as music, art, and drama spaces, students have ample room for growth and development—academically, physically, and socially.
SAFETY
Security is a top priority, with guards on duty 24/7 and access to the campus controlled at the main gate. Special attention is given to the boarding houses at night. Boarders are responsible for their personal belongings, but House Parents provide safes for important documents. Security cameras are installed in the houses, and biometric systems control access.
OUTINGS & TRIPS
Every Friday, boarders can take the school bus to local shops for snacks and essentials. Additionally, bi-weekly outings are organised, offering a variety of activities like beach walks, strawberry picking, hiking, putt-putt, and trips to popular destinations such as GrandWest and the V&A Waterfront.
WHAT OUR BOARDERS HAVE TO SAY
Boarding has been more than just a place to stay—it’s a home, a community, and a family built on shared experiences and genuine connections. This house and the people in it have shaped me, and it’s a family I’ll carry with me for life.
GRADE 11 STUDENT
Boarding is a very safe environment where you meet all sorts of people and form long lasting relationships with them. These bonds are not temporary but for a lifetime.
GRADE 10 STUDENT
Boarding has made me appreciate a lot of things in my life and has taught me valuable lessons that I will use going forward. Living so far away is always tough but the girls around me create a home-like environment where I can be myself.
GRADE 12 STUDENT
Very welcoming space which felt like a second family where you got to meet new people from all around the world.
OLD OAK
JOINING SOMERSET COLLEGE
Interested in joining the Somerset College community? For detailed information on our admissions process and to view our current school fees, please navigate to our Admissions page.