Barlow House is a place that is central to a boarder’s life at Western Province Preparatory School. We strive to make a boy’s time with us both enjoyable and memorable.
Boarding allows the opportunity for boys to become involved in a wider range of activities, termly outings and activities. For most boys, it is the camaraderie and spirit of Barlow House that is enjoyed most. There is nothing quite like growing up with eleven brothers, working through life’s learning curves together, and forming lifelong friendships.
A boarder’s life is based very much on routine and discipline. This helps many of the boys with personal organisational skills, something that extends to their school work. There is also an emphasis on manners and consideration towards others.
The boys’ academic progress is of paramount importance and, although there is sufficient free time available to them, strict and thorough supervision is undertaken each evening with regard to homework and test preparation.
I look to involve myself fully in every aspect of Barlow House, creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere for the boys. With no less than ten staff actively involved in your son’s welfare, you can rest assured that the needs of the boys are fully catered for.
I invite you to contact me at any time regarding Barlow House. We welcome and encourage trial boarding at any stage of the year; a minimum of a week’s trial period is ideal.
– Simone Becker, Head of Barlow House
Weekly boarding is available as a wonderful introduction to boarding life.
Boarders arrive on the Sunday evenings between 6-7pm in civvies, and these civvies will be worn again on the Friday, when they return home. Your son should already have had supper on Sunday evening as the kitchen is closed until Monday morning. All meals are prepared by our onsite kitchen, including lunches and snacks.
Evening Prep is an important part of the day. The boys will do an hour of prep after supper, supervised by the duty staff.
Cell phones are permitted, though they are locked away during the day and boys may access these after prep. Any tuck or treats will also be locked in this cupboard.
In a nutshell, boarders bring in all the clothing that is required for school during the week, along with a duvet, duvet cover and pillow. Laundry is done at Barlow House.
No civvies will be worn during the week. The boys wear school PE kit or house shirts once they have showered after sport.
3 x White shirt, long sleeve
2 x WPPS navy shorts
1 x Belt for shorts
2 x Navy pullover, V neck (1 long sleeve, 1 sleeveless)
3 x Black knee-length socks
1 x Black lace-up shoes
1 x School blazer (clean, please)
1 x School tie
1 x School tracksuit
1 x Raincoat
3 x Navy rugby shorts
2 x WPPS rugby jersey
2 x White WPPS sports shirt (for squash, hockey, etc.)
2 x WPPS rugby socks (for rugby & hockey)
2 x White tackies
1 x Rugby boots *
1 x Hockey boots (or multi-studded rugby boots may be used) *
1 x Towel
1 x Navy school bag
1 x Navy sports kit bag
2 x Winter pyjamas
5 x Underpants
1 x Bath towel
1 x Comb/hairbrush and face cloth
1 x Toothbrush
1 x Soap, toothpaste, deodorant, lip-ice, sunscreen
1 x Pillow
1 x Duvet with cover (Bedsheet provided)