Positive psychology, happiness and well-being in boarding schools

"The days that make us happy make us wise" John Masefield

Today we received an email from a former student we were looking after in our boarding house at Battle Abbey School. She wrote how much she had enjoyed her time as a boarder and how being a boarder helped shape her life.

Students lives can be shaped by the things we say to them, the experiences we share with them, or the things we do with them. It is fascinating how seeds sown in our pupils during their time at school can germinate so many years later.

My wife and I greatly enjoyed our time working alongside an incredible pastoral team who always placed our students' wellbeing and happiness at the center of everything they did. Modern-day boarding is so different from what it used to be.

As we approach the start of term, what strategy will you put in place in your boarding house to ensure your students are happy? What experience will you create to foster a sense of belonging? How will you shape your boarding house to create a home away from home?

What do you think will make your students happy?