GRADE 1 TO GRADE 7
Life in Cowan House Boarding
Boarding forms an integral part of life at Cowan House. Our boarding product is a unique and homely space where boys and girls live in an environment which is suitable for preparatory school boarding.
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Cowan House is deeply committed to the welfare of our boys and girls and our Boarding Houses provide a caring and secure atmosphere as well as a balanced and fun-filled support system for our weekly and termly borders.
With a full complement of boarding staff, life in the boarding house is structured to provide boarders from Grade 1 to Grade 7 with the routine they need, while also ensuring there is plenty of ‘family-style’ fun. Weekends are filled with engaging activities on our expansive campus, as well as outings beyond the school grounds.
Our broader Cowan House community is remarkable in its support, often including boarders in sleepovers, outings and birthday parties over weekends.
Our distinctive boarding setup integrates boys and girls into a single, structured boarding environment rather than housing them separately. This model strengthens pastoral care, encourages friendships and promotes a warm and supportive atmosphere for all boarders. Shared yet separate spaces contribute to the development of well-rounded and independent individuals. Junior boarding further supports the unique developmental needs of our younger boarders while maintaining their connection to the broader boarding community.
Peer mentorship also plays an important role, with older boarders naturally guiding and supporting younger ones. This setup allows for streamlined supervision and attentive care from our dedicated staff.
Boarding in Grades 6 and 7 has become a popular option for children preparing to board in high school. This experience provides our pupils with a strong foundation in independence within the safe, supportive context of a preparatory school environment.
Each prospective boarder is invited to join us for a two-night boarding stay, during which they spend time with current boarders and take part in all aspects of life at Cowan House - from boarding routines to classroom learning, as well as our cultural and sporting programmes.
We take great pride in the high level of pastoral care and personal attention provided within our boarding environment. We work in close partnership with parents, building strong relationships and supporting the character development of our children. We also collaborate with local churches and youth ministers to provide spiritual guidance. Additionally, a qualified counsellor is available to support boarders and liaise with all relevant parties when needed.
Meet the Boarding Team
Our boarding team includes many valuable and well-equipped Boarder Masters and Mistresses who are overseen by our Head of Boarding, Mr. Dorian Larter; our Head of Boys’ Boarding, Mr Travis Brown, our Head of Girls’ Boarding, Mrs Hayley Nolte and and our on-site SAN Sister, Sr. Shelly Edkins.
Mr. Dorian Larter
Mr Travis Brown
Mrs Hayley Nolte
Sr Shelly Edkins
JUNIOR BOARDING
Why Choose Junior Boarding?
Junior boarding, from Grades 1 to Grade 3, offers a nurturing, structured environment where gentle routines help young children feel secure. From wake-up to bedtime, children enjoy supervised homework, fun learning activities and plenty of play. They build friendships, develop teamwork and learn everyday responsibilities like making beds and packing bags, all of which foster confidence, independence and resilience.
Strong Friendships
Independence & Life Skills
Balanced Routine
Balanced
Routine
Nurturing Environment
In which grade can my child start boarding at Cowan House?
Cowan House accepts boarders from Grade 1 to Grade 7, provided they manage well during their sleepover assessment. Every child is different, which is why our two-night sleepover assessment is essential for determining suitability. While some children thrive in boarding from Grade 1, others may only be ready later.
What is ‘casual boarding’?
Cowan House offers a flexible casual boarding option, allowing pupils to experience boarding life temporarily. This is ideal for families with Gr 6 or 7 children considering full-time boarding in the future. Casual boarding helps children gradually adjust to boarding life and often leads to a seamless transition into full-time boarding, setting them up for success in high school.
Casual Boarding is also available for those parents needing short-term support due to work or travel commitments.
What if my child gets homesick or feels unwell?
We are committed to the emotional and physical well-being of every child.
Our boarding staff, who live on-site, are compassionate and attentive to the needs of young boarders. Academic staff and student teachers also assist in the boarding houses.
Our full-time SAN Sister is available from 7am to 4pm daily and is on-call 24/7. In case of emergencies, Hilton Life Hospital is just 6km away.
What do boarders do on weekends?
Weekends at the school are filled with organised, wholesome activities both on and off campus. There are no restrictions on how many weekends boarders may go home or visit friends and families are encouraged to maintain strong connections. On campus, students enjoy swimming and making full use of the extensive sporting and outdoor facilities. Off-campus outings include attending local high school sports fixtures, especially during rugby season, joining Friday youth events and Sunday church services and trips to popular spots like Piggly Wiggly and ten-pin bowling.
Who will help my child with their homework?
Structured and supportive prep sessions are held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, guided by our boarding staff. Cowan House values the importance of childhood and family life, which is why homework is kept meaningful and minimal. No homework is assigned on Wednesdays (Family Night) or weekends.
What is Family Night?
On Wednesdays, no homework is assigned so that all Cowan House families can enjoy quality time together. For boarders, Family Night includes fun activities such as games, boma bonfires with hot chocolate and marshmallows and sometimes even dessert-making or a braai with the Headmaster.
When can I phone my child?
Boarders may bring a cell phone to school. Phones are kept securely in the boarding house and are handed out at set times on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for calls to family.
Join Our Family
Become a Cowan House Boarder