We ask staff and students of Harrow International School Hong Kong to share their insights and experiences of boarding school, and also some of the challenges.
Hear from the House Pastoral Team at Harrow
Nick Weinberg: House Master of Banks House (Boys Prep Boarding House), Teacher of History
Kirsty Wilson: House Mistress of Gellhorn House (Girls Senior Boarding House), Teacher of PE
# Some of the challenges of boarding
Nick: One of the most common challenges of boarding school is homesickness. This can occur at any time but is usually most pronounced at the start of the year and after long holidays. It affects pupils in different ways and is, of course, a source of concern for students and their families.
Shared living spaces, different routines and logistical challenges can all be sources of anxiety, especially to pupils who are new to boarding. Unlike home, where one person’s preferences can shape the day, boarding routines are shared: everyone eats at the same time, returns to the same spaces and follows the same schedules. This can take a while to adjust to, but it also provides stability and reassurance.
Kirsty: One challenge, particularly in a senior girls’ boarding house, is balancing academic demands with the pressures they may feel from parents, tutors and their own aspirations. Being away from home can amplify these challenges, as pupils are developing independence while still navigating demanding academic pathways.
To support this, we place a strong emphasis on creating a structured yet supportive environment. Each evening, subject specialists are on duty to assist with academic queries. Older pupils play a key role in mentoring younger pupils, too – for example, Year 12 pupils regularly support Year 11 with revision strategies and exam preparation. This peer support not only helps academically, but also fosters confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
# Creating a home away from home
Kirsty: This is at the heart of everything we do in the boarding house. We work hard to create a warm, welcoming environment where pupils feel safe, valued and at home. Our common room is a space where girls can relax together after a busy day, and their bedrooms are comfortable and personalised, with homely touches. Friends and peers quickly become family, and the house provides a strong support network where girls look out for one another.
We also intentionally help pupils develop key life skills that prepare them for independence beyond school. So, tutors lead a range of informal and enjoyable sessions, including cooking and baking, mindful activities, shared TV time and games. These moments of downtime are essential in helping pupils feel relaxed, happy and at home.
Nick: Creating a home away from home involves far more than providing a bed, meals and supervision. It means building an environment where pupils feel emotionally cared for, socially included and practically supported. As the House Pastoral Team, we strive to make sure each pupil – with their different personalities, coping styles, cultural backgrounds and learning needs – understands where support can be accessed and, importantly, that they feel comfortable seeking it.
Establishing a strong and positive house culture is key, too. It’s about building relationships through regular proactive communication and understanding parental concerns. When parents feel genuinely listened to and supported, they are much more at ease – and this has a knock-on effect for the pupils.
# Best part of the job
Nick: Hand on heart, this is the best job I’ve had, whether inside or outside of teaching, and it comes down to the fact that you can genuinely make a difference. You can build meaningful connections with students and their families, and get to see pupils in a range of contexts – in the classroom, on the stage, or on the sports field. This wider perspective helps you understand individuals more deeply, and it equips you to support the pupils in your care effectively.
Kirsty: What I enjoy most about being a House Mistress is how incredibly rewarding and meaningful the role is. It is a privilege to foster close, long-lasting relationships with the girls and to support them through such an important stage of their lives. Being their first port of call for pastoral care allows me to guide them through everyday challenges and significant moments, helping them grow in confidence and resilience. I have a passion for health and wellness, and I enjoy sharing this love with the girls and watching them become inspired and motivated to take care of their own health and wellbeing.
A word from students at this boarding school in Hong Kong
Junelle Tjiu – Year 8, Parks House (Girls Prep Boarding House)
My favourite thing about boarding at Harrow is the community. I think of my friends and teachers as family, as we are always there to support each other when we need it most and celebrate our achievements together. It’s always lovely to have our fellow boarders around us, knowing that we can count on each other no matter what happens.
When I don’t have a CCA after school, I usually spend my time at the Lyon Café. I’ll order a drink and a snack and then chat with my friends. Sometimes, when we finish our food, we go to the band rooms to play some music. After dinner, we have our prep times and evening activities, which are fun things such as baking, sewing, quizzes and much more.
Personally, I really like the big water fight that happens at the end of the year. All the prep school boarders bring water guns and buckets, and then it’s a free-for-all! I don’t mind being absolutely soaked at the end of it because of the amount of joy it brings me.
Anson Wang – Year 12, Churchill House (Boys Senior Boarding House)
I’ve boarded at Harrow since Year 6, and every day when school ends and I return to the boarding house, I feel like I’ve come back home. It’s a place where I feel comfortable and secure, and one where I can be my true self. I’ve found my closest friends here, too, both my age and from other year groups. Also, the House Pastoral Team (HPT) have become less like staff and more like mentors and parental figures to me; I can always rely on them for help or share a laugh with them.
As someone who is passionate about a wide range of activities, I can add that the CCAs programme at Harrow is excellent. I’m currently in the school’s symphony orchestra and I also play badminton. If I’m not involved in a CCA after school, as a sixth-form pupil I occasionally go to the nearby Gold Coast Piazza, enjoying a nice walk in the area and having a conversation over snacks and drinks.
After dinner and prep time, Churchill House offers in-house evening activities ranging from mahjong to pub quizzes and pool competitions, allowing Churchillians to come together and develop closer bonds. When my school workload is light, I often also play basketball with my friends in the sports hall or do a workout in the gym.
Harrow International School is at 38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun.
2824 9099 | harrowhongkong.hk/his
This article on a British boarding school in Hong Kong first appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
