St Leonards has secured success on a national level once again, having been named winner of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) Boarding Research Award for the second consecutive year.

We are delighted that our leading independent boarding and day school has made a name for itself as a centre of excellence for residential education research, scooping the national award at the annual BSA Heads’ Conference in Bristol on 2 May.

This prestigious accolade recognises the research conducted by  Julianne Pennycook, Housemistress of St Rule, as part of her Masters in Residential Education (Research in Practice), completed in February of this year with the University of Buckingham.

Julianne’s sector-leading research considered the factors contributing to the declining numbers of British boarders. Considerations ranged from changing parent cultures and habits to the increased cost of living and the emergence of international schools overseas catering for UK expats. 

As part of the project, Julianne spearheaded an initiative to open doors to flexi and weekly boarding, in particular for children aged 11-14.

Julianne Pennycook, Housemistress, said: “The purpose of my Masters was to enhance my knowledge of boarding and give the best possible experience to the students in my house. I wanted my research to have an impact on my setting here at St Leonards, to support its continued excellence in boarding and day education. To receive recognition with this award is incredibly validating.”

Simon Brian, Head of St Leonards, said: “To win this prestigious national award once was fantastic, but for a second year in a row is truly outstanding. I am proud of the boarding team here at St Leonards, and the research Julianne has conducted over the past two years is testament to her dedication to delivering, pursuing and promoting the highest standard of pastoral care. 

“St Leonards has excelled as a pioneering boarding and day school since its foundation in 1877, and as we approach our 150th anniversary year, our School continues to go from strength to strength.”