Full Boarding Handbook
This is the complete final handbook embedded in the webpage, so students and parents can access every page, table, diagram, appendix and policy detail from the original document.
Key dates for 2026-2027
Term dates, holidays and boarding opening/closing times from the handbook. Dates affected by UAE Government or Islamic holidays are subject to confirmation.
Autumn Term
- Staff Training: Monday 24 August to Thursday 27 August 2026.
- Induction Day for new students only: Friday 28 August 2026.
- School begins: Monday 31 August 2026.
- Half Term: Monday 19 October to Friday 23 October 2026.
- National Day: Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 December 2026, TBC.
- Term ends: Friday 11 December 2026.
Spring Term
- Term starts: Monday 4 January 2027.
- Ramadan begins: Monday 8 February to Sunday 7 March 2027, shorter school days TBC.
- Eid Al Fitr: Monday 8 March to Friday 12 March 2027, school closed TBC.
- Term ends: Friday 2 April 2027.
Summer Term
- Term starts: Monday 12 April 2027.
- Eid Al Adha: Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 May 2027, school closed TBC.
- Islamic New Year: Saturday 5 June 2027, TBC.
- Term ends: Friday 2 July 2027.
Your first week in boarding
Learn the routine, save the important numbers, bring the right documents and ask early if anything feels unclear.
The Repton Boarding way
Boarding is built around challenge and support: students are known, stretched, guided and encouraged to become grounded, rounded and unbounded.
Full booklet detail: future, principles and safeguarding
Adults around the house
The Heads of Boarding are supported by Assistant Heads of Boarding, Resident Tutors and an on-site Residential Nurse available 24/7.
Boys’ Boarding: Fry House
- Mr Rich Myers, Head of Boys’ Boarding, teaches History and Politics and leads Fry House.
- Mr Sam Lomax, Assistant Head of Boys’ Boarding, teaches Psychology and PE and supports the High Performance Programme.
- Mr Barry Yeomans, Resident Tutor and Business, supports pastoral life in Fry House.
- Mr David Jones Barroso, Resident Tutor, joins the boarding community with sport, coaching and houseparent experience.
- Ms Alena Aldmane, Resident Tutor and LSA, supports students day to day.
Girls’ Boarding: Field House
- Mrs Caitlin Barnes-Evans, Head of Girls’ Boarding, teaches Biology and supports university aspirations.
- Ms Paige Short, Assistant Head of Girls’ Boarding, teaches Mathematics and supports Field House.
- Ms Maisie Hamilton, Resident Tutor and PE, supports wellbeing, personal growth and the High Performance Sport Programme.
On-site medical care
Ms Little Flower Derrick is the dedicated Residential Boarding Nurse. Her role includes supporting physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, minor illness, sports injury recovery, homesickness and the everyday challenges of living away from home.
Full booklet detail: boarding team
Every boarder needs a UAE guardian
The guardian is a UAE-based point of contact who can support the student’s welfare and wellbeing during the academic year.
What the guardian does
- Acts as a point of contact for the school.
- May be contacted in a medical, pastoral or practical emergency.
- May need to provide direct assistance, care or accommodation.
- Can help with practical arrangements such as airport transfers.
What families must keep updated
- Guardian name and contact details.
- Any change of guardian.
- An alternative UAE contact if the guardian travels outside the UAE during term time.
- Whether the student genuinely feels comfortable contacting the guardian.
Professional guardianship
Families without a suitable UAE-based family friend or trusted adult may use a professional guardianship agency. The handbook recommends Carfax Education: www.carfax-education.ae, +971 4 438 5276.
Full booklet detail: guardianship
Weekdays are structured, weekends are broader
School day structure
Typical weekly balance
- Years 7-9 focus on strong habits across sport, academics and lifestyle.
- Years 10-11 balance GCSE demands, enrichment, wellbeing, independence and family connection.
- Year 12-13 students may have greater autonomy, performance commitments, specialist training and exam preparation.
- Across all stages, purposeful routines help students balance performance, wellbeing and personal development.
Academic routines that build independence
Prep is a formal part of boarding life. Staff support routines, organisation and accountability, while subject teaching remains with subject teachers.
Core prep expectations
- Formal prep runs Sunday to Thursday from 6:15pm to 7:15pm.
- Arrive on time with prep diary, laptop if needed and all equipment.
- Work quietly and independently in the assigned study space.
- Ask permission before using computers or printers.
- Use prep for schoolwork, revision, reading or academic organisation.
- Keep planners up to date and ask the duty member of staff to sign them each week.
Support in place
- Supervised prep sessions and quiet study spaces.
- Younger students work in supervised study rooms.
- Older students may study in bedrooms when age, independence and work habits allow.
- Resident and visiting staff offer guidance, encouragement and subject knowledge.
- Friday academic support may help with routines, revision, subject questions or outstanding work.
When extra support is needed
If prep is regularly missed, work is incomplete, equipment is forgotten or deadlines are becoming difficult, boarding staff may add closer monitoring, planner checks, contact with tutors or Heads of Year, subject clinic referrals and communication with parents or guardians.
Student responsibility
The goal is independence, not dependency. Boarding staff help students plan, organise, break tasks into smaller steps and communicate concerns, but students remain responsible for completing their own work.
Full booklet detail: daily and weekly routines
Full booklet detail: supporting studies and prep
Presentation, ID and kit
Students are expected to be dressed appropriately before morning roll call, carry their school ID, and keep uniform clearly named and organised.
All boarders
- Carry your school ID card at all times.
- Arrive with enough uniform and clothing for boarding life.
- Clearly name uniform, bags, towels and personal items.
- Money may be deposited at the Uniform Shop or House Bank for replacement needs.
- Do not bring unnecessary valuables or expensive watches/jewellery.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and Repton sports cap if desired.
Years 7-11
- White cotton shirt with school crest.
- Field House tie or Fry House tie.
- Repton blazer; navy Repton sweatshirt optional.
- Regulation skirt to the base of the kneecap or charcoal grey full-length trousers.
- Plain black polished hard-soled leather shoes.
- PE kit includes white sports shirt, navy shorts, long socks and shin pads, swimming hat, goggles and trainers or boots.
Sixth Form
- All Sixth Form students wear a professional work suit; jacket is compulsory.
- Shirts should be formal; jumpers only under a jacket.
- Ties should not be gaudy.
- Smart, polished dark leather shoes; no sports shoes, sandals or espadrilles.
- Prefects should always wear their badge.
- Hair should be neat and natural in colour; facial hair should be well groomed.
Presentation reminders
- Hair may be loose but must be tied up for PE, science, DT or practical activities.
- Make-up and jewellery should follow school expectations.
- Nails should be neat; nail colour should be plain or muted where permitted.
- False eyelashes are not permitted for Years 7-11.
Full booklet detail: uniform and presentation
Clear expectations keep the houses calm and kind
Fry House and Field House are communities. Everyone has a part to play in routines, respect and shared spaces.
Full house expectation areas
Full booklet detail: house expectations, leadership and rewards
Phone-free school, balanced boarding
Full booklet detail: technology, phones and Yondr
Fry House and Field House
Purpose-built houses on the Repton campus, with boarding staff, resident tutors and medical support helping students settle, study and grow.
Fry House
Boys’ boarding, led by the boys’ boarding team, with structured routines, prep support and shared house life.
Field House
Girls’ boarding, led by the girls’ boarding team, with the same focus on care, academics, independence and community.
More than a place to sleep
Full booklet detail: partnerships, HPP and enrichment
Rooms, common spaces and world-class facilities
Fry and Field Houses are purpose-built boarding accommodation on the Repton campus, close to school and sport facilities.
Dorms and rooms
- Key Stage 3 boarders are usually in spacious dormitories or shared ensuite rooms.
- Year 11 and Sixth Form students usually have individual ensuite rooms or double rooms.
- Rooms must be clean, tidy and well organised.
- Daily checks are carried out by boarding staff.
- The whole dorm or room is judged together, so students need to work collectively.
Free time spaces
- Common rooms include TV, table tennis, pool, books, DVDs and games options.
- Boarders can use kitchen areas after school and in the evenings.
- ICT facilities are available to support prep and school work.
- Free time is normally 4:00-5:00pm or 7:45-9:00pm during the week.
Sport Complex
- Main and secondary pitches for rugby, football and field sports.
- MUGA tennis, shaded netball courts, pickleball, padel and old courts.
- Sports halls for basketball, badminton and indoor activity.
- Athletics track, hurdles, long jump, high jump and throwing cage.
- Senior swimming pool and fully equipped gym with Olympic racks.
Performing Arts Centre
The PAC supports music, singing, drama, performances, rehearsals, the annual musical, assemblies, showcases, parent workshops and community celebrations. It is part of developing students beyond the classroom.
Full booklet detail: accommodation and facilities
Meals, snacks and dietary needs
Good nutrition supports health, wellbeing, academic performance and sport. Students are expected to take food at each meal and make balanced choices.
Meal provision
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served Monday to Friday.
- Breakfast includes cereal, toast, yoghurt and a cooked option.
- Saturday includes brunch and afternoon tea.
- Evening meals include a fresh salad bar and hot food options.
- Monday to Friday lunches include a sandwich alternative.
- All meat served in the boarding house is halal.
Dietary needs
- Vegetarian and gluten-free options can be supported.
- Families should inform the boarding team early about allergies or dietary needs.
- Students with sporting demands or specific food requirements can be supported with families and the catering partner.
- Repton School Dubai is a nut-free school and boarding house. Nuts and nut-containing products must not be brought in.
Independence and snacks
Students are encouraged to develop practical life skills by preparing food in the boarding kitchens. Bread, cheese, biscuits, cereal and fresh fruit are available as light refreshments, and students may arrange grocery deliveries for preferred items.
Catering partnership
The final handbook notes a new catering partnership with Ben’s Farmhouse Kitchen, alongside the boarding team’s work with families to support dietary needs, allergies, sporting demands and specific food requirements.
Full booklet detail: nutrition and meals
What happens when care is needed
More detailed health, safety and security policies can be requested from the relevant Head of Boarding. This page gives the practical overview.
Health and medication
- Parents/guardians complete the Health Declaration and Immunisation Record before entry into boarding.
- All medication and prescriptions must be given to the house.
- Boarders must not self-medicate.
- Prescribed medication will not be administered without the necessary prescription.
- Medication is administered by the Residential Nurse or authorised resident staff according to prescriptions.
If a student feels unwell
- Student informs duty staff or the Residential Nurse as soon as possible.
- Staff check symptoms, wellbeing and immediate needs.
- Basic care may be provided for minor coughs, colds or cuts.
- Staff monitor and review symptoms.
- More serious, persistent or concerning symptoms are referred to the School Doctor or external doctor.
- Urgent cases are taken to hospital by ambulance or taxi, whichever is fastest and safest.
- Parents or guardians are contacted at the first appropriate opportunity.
Fire procedure
- Leave immediately by the nearest safe exit.
- Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
- Alert your roommate if safe, but do not delay your own exit.
- Go directly to your House assembly point.
- Line up quietly in year groups for register.
- Return only when staff confirm it is safe.
Security and possessions
- Fry and Field Houses use secure access through approved school ID or registered fingerprint.
- The school has a dedicated security team day and night.
- Valuables should be stored in an individual safe or house safe.
- Repton School cannot accept responsibility for loss, theft or damage to valuables.
- Students are strongly encouraged to store passports, visas, Emirates ID and health insurance cards securely in the House office.
House Bank
Boarders may deposit cash in the House Bank. The handbook recommends up to 2,000 AED per term for uniform, stationery, approved taxis and personal needs. Smaller notes such as 20, 50 and 100 AED are more practical than 200, 500 or 1,000 AED notes.
Full booklet detail: health, fire and security
Support is built into the week
What wellbeing looks like in boarding
Boarding supports students far beyond academics. The handbook frames wellbeing as a whole-person approach: students are better able to learn, build strong relationships and grow into confident young adults when routines, support and belonging work together.
QQRT sleep guidance
Sleep helps students learn, manage emotions, recover from sport and cope with pressure.
- Quality: sleep that allows proper recovery.
- Quantity: enough hours for age, workload and activity.
- Regularity: consistent routines across the week.
- Timing: sensible bedtimes, wake times and device boundaries.
How students are supported
- Daily routines, roll-call conversations and informal check-ins.
- Listening to worries and noticing changes in mood or behaviour.
- Help with prep, laundry, room standards, punctuality and planning ahead.
- Support with friendships, disagreements and feeling part of the house.
- Referral to pastoral, counselling, safeguarding or medical support where needed.
Fry and Field House Talks
Sunday night House Talks help students discuss the topics that matter in boarding life. They create a culture where students feel informed, supported and able to speak openly.
Full booklet detail: wellbeing, sleep and support
Leave campus safely, clearly and with approval
Signing out
Boarders in Fry House and Field House are supported to enjoy appropriate independence while remaining safe, accounted for and properly supervised. Any time a boarder leaves campus, or is away from their expected boarding routine, this must be requested, approved and recorded through Reach.
All leave covered by Reach
- Medical appointments: doctor, dentist, hospital, physiotherapy or orthodontist.
- Sport and training: club training, fixtures, gym sessions and academy sessions.
- Social leave: visiting a friend, going out with family or weekend plans.
- Travel: flights home, airport transfers and holiday departures.
- Family leave: meals, celebrations and time with parents or relatives.
- School-approved commitments: external events, rehearsals, lessons or approved activities.
What is Reach?
Reach is the boarding management system used for student leave, sign-in and sign-out, roll calls and student location. It gives students, parents and boarding staff a clear and secure way to record and approve leave arrangements.
How to request leave in Reach
When leave may not be approved
- The request is incomplete or submitted too late.
- Supervision is unclear or transport is unsuitable.
- Recent behaviour has caused concern.
- The student is required in school, boarding, an activity or house commitment.
- The plan changes without approval.
Student responsibilities
Failure to follow the sign-out process may result in future leave being restricted.
Key deadlines
- Leave requests should be completed at least 48 hours before the planned absence or sign-out.
- Weekend sign-outs must be submitted by Wednesday before the relevant weekend.
- Permission may be withheld or delayed in the interests of safety, safeguarding, fairness and school responsibility.
School holidays and house opening
- Boarders are expected to return to the boarding house the day before term begins or resumes.
- Boarding houses open from 4:00pm the day before each term and half term begins.
- Arrival should be indicated on Reach.
- Arrivals between 10:00pm and 6:00am should be shared in advance so security can be notified.
- Houses close at 2:00pm on the last day of term or half term when that day is a Friday.
- If the last day falls Monday to Thursday, houses close at 4:00pm.
- Boarders may be granted permission to travel home one day early or return one day late to accommodate flight schedules.
Reach Help Centre
For Reach guidance, app support and parent/student help articles, use the Reach Help Centre.
Full booklet detail: Reach, sign-out and holidays
Recognition, responsibility and repair
The system is designed to be clear, fair and consistent across Fry House and Field House, recognising positive contribution and addressing poor choices restoratively.
What is recognised
- Contribution to house life and creating a positive atmosphere.
- Kindness, respect, empathy and mature conflict resolution.
- Leadership, role-modelling and supporting routines.
- Academic effort, improved prep habits and organisation.
- Independence, punctuality, tidy rooms and managing kit.
- Service, volunteering and supporting the boarding community.
- Challenge, resilience and encouraging others.
Possible rewards
- House points.
- Positive emails or calls home.
- Boarder of the Week recognition.
- Leadership privileges or house captain opportunities.
- Celebration meals, takeaway tokens, activities or trip input.
- Certificates, house meeting recognition and end-of-year awards.
Sanction levels
Records and communication
Significant sanctions are recorded through CPOMS. Parents or guardians are informed where concerns are repeated, serious or linked to safety, trust, wellbeing or school expectations. Serious incidents are reported to senior staff and, where appropriate, the Headmaster.
Items, language and conduct
These rules sit alongside the main house expectations and help keep the boarding houses safe, inclusive and respectful.
Knives and blades
Knives and blades are strictly prohibited. If a boarder needs a kitchen knife, they must ask the duty member of staff and use it under supervision. Possession of a knife or blade may lead to external suspension or exclusion from boarding.
Aerosols
Aerosols are not permitted in the boarding houses. Boarders should use roll-on deodorant or gel room freshener. Aerosols will be confiscated and repeated offences may lead to sanctions.
Smoking, vaping and alcohol
There is a zero-tolerance approach to smoking, vaping and alcohol in boarding and anywhere on school grounds. Evidence of use is treated as a serious offence and may lead to suspension or removal from boarding.
Languages in communal areas
Students may speak their own language in bedrooms. In corridors, common rooms, dining areas and around campus, English should be spoken so everyone can understand and be included.
End-of-year rooms
Students must pack up their rooms fully before leaving at the end of the year. Personal items left after departure may be donated according to boarding guidance.
Full booklet detail: miscellaneous rules
Useful addresses, portals and support links
The handbook appendix brings together the practical links families and students are most likely to need.
School and admissions
- Admissions: admissions@reptondubai.org
- School reception: +971 4 426 9393
- School information: info@reptondubai.org
- Parent Portal support: portal@reptondubai.org
Address
Gate 1, Field/Fry House, Repton School Dubai, Nad Al Sheba 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Reach help
- Reach Help Centre
- Reach app download and web access guidance.
- Student welcome and student portal guides.
- Parent welcome and parent primer guides.
- Leave requests, roll calls, location and sign-in/sign-out support.
External support
- Carfax Guardianship: www.carfax-education.ae
- Cognita Enrich ME opportunities.
- Ben’s Farmhouse Kitchen catering partnership and nutrition support.
- Akuma boarding kit shop.
Emergency numbers from the Sport Complex map
Full booklet detail: appendices and quick links
Who to contact
For boarding matters, the Head of Boys’ or Girls’ Boarding is the primary point of contact. In the house, students should also speak directly to the duty member of staff or residential nurse.
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