Dear Boarders,
A huge welcome to Westbourne School. I am Ceridwen Angell, and I will be your House Parent during your time here.
I am very much looking forward to meeting you and delighted to be supporting you in your journey through boarding. I was a boarder myself from the age of eleven, and I remember the feelings of excitement, tinged with trepidation that you are probably feeling now. I will do my best to ensure that you have the best possible experience at Westbourne. Boarding is a fabulous experience; it allows you to make the most of your time at school in so many ways – from additional access to school facilities, time to build meaningful relationships with your peers, and 24/7 support from pastoral staff. This will be a time when you will truly be able to develop and discover new interests, become more independent, make friends and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
I live on-site at the Boarding House and I will be available throughout the day (and night!) to support you, discuss any worries, mop tears, and answer all the questions that may arise during your time with us. I am also here to listen to you when you just want to share your news or have a chat over tea and biscuits. I am ably supported by the Boarding House team, who take immense pride in creating a warm and homely environment for you to enjoy.
We hope that you will view the House as your home-away-from-home. As well as your room, which you are welcome to decorate and personalise with favourite items from home, we have a variety of spaces for you to utilise, whether watching a film in the common room with friends, playing board games, or finding an area to unwind and relax in after the school day. We also have a dedicated chef, who can cater to all dietary preferences and who creates delicious and nourishing meals for you to enjoy.
We are so fortunate to be based in beautiful, coastal Penarth. You will be able to explore the bustling high street with its array of independent shops, the Victorian era pier, the parks and the local beaches, all within a few minutes walk. We will also organise regular optional activities and trips to places of interest, visits to the cinema, theatre, museums and galleries, so that you can experience what the area has to offer during your time with us.
Please take some time to read through the other details in this section, so that you can feel prepared to navigate day-to-day life at Westbourne.
I am looking forward to getting to know you and the whole team are ready to support you through every step on your journey.
Ceridwen Angell
Head of Boarding
