The Prep School

Boarding

At Clifton College Prep School, our co-educational boarding house is a welcoming, supportive, and home-like environment where children can grow in confidence, independence, and develop lifelong friendships with other children from all over the world.

Start your journey

Discover what Clifton College has to offer. Our prospectus provides an in-depth look at our academic excellence, outstanding facilities, and enriching extracurricular activities.

Boarding at Clifton College

Our co-educational Prep boarding House, Hartnell's House, is home to pupils from Year 4 to Year 8 (8-13 years). Hartnell's House is centrally located within the Prep School, it sits within the Prep playground, and provides easy access to all the facilities the School has to offer. The house operates like a family, emphasising a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Hear from our Prep boarding House Matron

A Boarding House Matron

For families considering boarding, Clifton College offers a flexible approach
A home away from home

Full boarding

Ideal for families residing further afield or seeking a comprehensive boarding experience.

Weekly boarding

Perfect for those who wish to return home on weekends, balancing school and family life.

Flexi boarding

Flexi boarding at Clifton College gives pupils the best of both worlds - independence, friendships, and structured evenings, with the flexibility to stay overnight when needed.

Hear what our pupils think of boarding

Friends from around the world
Support in the Boarding House

Trips and activities

Our boarders go on regular exciting trips at the weekend, trying out a range of different activities, both in Bristol and further afield.

Four people in winter jackets pose happily in front of an aquarium tank, surrounded by colorful fish and coral.
Two people standing on a sandy beach with arms outstretched, next to wooden posts, under a clear blue sky.
Group of smiling people in winter clothing standing in front of a "Dodgems" ride at an amusement park.
Two friends smiling at the beach; one making a peace sign and the other wearing glasses. Both in hoodies, with sand and sky in the background.
A group of people, including children and an adult, smiling and wearing warm clothing, sit in stadium seats. The adult holds up a peace sign.
People balancing on wooden posts at a sandy beach, with clear skies and distant hills in the background.

Still undecided about boarding?

We asked our boarders to describe boarding at Clifton College and their favourite thing about boarding.

"It's like having a sleepover"
Friendships across Year groups
Boarding with siblings

A guide to boarding

View our informative boarding guide to find out more about life as a boarder at Clifton College.

Applying from overseas?

International applications

At Clifton College, we welcome students from all over the world. Our dedicated team provides support throughout the application process, ensuring a smooth transition from applying, through to life at our School. Learn more about what it's like to study here as an international student, and how we can guide you through the journey.

A message from an international Prep pupil

Come and see for yourself

We host a range of events throughout the year to help families experience life at Clifton College Prep School. We can’t wait to welcome you.

Friday
26
SEP

Preschool to Year 6 (ages 3-11)

Next Pre-Prep and Prep School Open Event

Saturday
4
OCT

Year 7 to Year 11 (ages 11-16)

Next Prep and Upper School Open Event

Open events

Experience Clifton College firsthand with a guided tour, meet key staff, explore our top-tier facilities, and get a real feel for student life.

Personal tour

Book a personalised tour with one of our staff members to explore the School and ask any questions specific to your child’s needs.

Video calls

We’d be happy to arrange a video call so you can learn more about Clifton College and have your questions answered from wherever you are.

Join the Prep School

Where next?

Quick links

Our community

Discover our supportive community for children, teachers, and families.

Who we are

Find out more about our Prep School, where two days are never the same.

A day in the life

Gain an insight into a day in the life of our busy Prep School.

Our spaces

Explore our inspiring classrooms and outdoor spaces for young learners.