Huish Boarding
Huish is one of only a few state Sixth Form Colleges in England that offers accommodation; allowing you to experience the benefits of a boarding school whilst avoiding the costly tuition fees of an Independent School.
We are proud members of the Boarding Schools Association (BSA) State Boarding Forum and our educational reputation sees us welcome students from both across the UK and internationally.
We can’t wait for you to become part of our Oak House family!
Download our Boarding brochure
Board at Oak House
Choosing to board full-time, perhaps for the first time, may seem daunting but you’ll get the chance to mix with a diverse new range of people, surrounded by plenty of support as you prepare for a future of independent living.
We aim to equip you with the skills to confidently navigate adulthood when you progress on from College and those who stay with us often find the move to university less of a leap.
Flexi-Board at Oak House
Flexi-boarding means you stay at Oak House for 3 or more nights per week. You may want to consider flexi-boarding if;
- you have sporting commitments, such as evening matches or training
- you have after-college enrichment
- you have a long commute
- you want a taste of living away from home and making new friends.
Occasional Boarding at Oak House
Students who apply for temporary accommodation, or 1 or 2 nights per week, will be considered as occasional boarders and will be allocated places, if available, on a week-by-week basis.
Homestay
Where desired we can also offer Homestay with a local family. All our host families will have Criminal Record Checks carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service and will regard you as a member of their household during your time at Huish.
Studying in Taunton
Huish is based in Taunton, the County Town of Somerset.
Taunton attracts visitors from across the county with its great range of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. There is a theatre, 8-screen cinema, museum, bowling complex, Adventure Centre, and it is home to Somerset County Cricket Club.
Set in the heart of Somerset, there is always something to go and see. The town hosts many cultural events, many are free to attend like the local Food Festivals and Carnivals, whilst others, such as ‘Live in Somerset’, attract huge crowds as top charting musical acts take to the stage!
The biggest benefit of living in the West Country is exploring the beautiful scenes of the South West. Taunton is surrounded by picturesque countryside; the Quantocks and Exmoor are great places for walking and cycling. You will also find several beaches to visit and historic sites like Glastonbury and Wells only a short distance away.
A footpath from the College connects with the town centre through Vivary Park. This large park is an ideal place to relax with friends during the warmer months.
Taunton is easily accessible by rail and the M5 motorway. It is approximately two hours from London and a short train ride from the local university cities of Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, Plymouth and Bath.
Vivary Park (photo by John-Mark Strange)
Glastonbury Tor (photo by Hello I’m Nik)
Mendip Hills (photo by Veronica White)
Bath (photo by James Shaw)
Meet our team
-
- Becky Flower – Vice Principal – Student Experience
-
- Maria Smith – Boarding and Admissions Co-ordinator
-
- Kerry Starmer – Boarding House Manager
-
- Carys Gyatt – Residential Houseparent
-
- Rich Jones – Assistant Houseparent
-
- Abi Brickell – Assistant Houseparent
-
- Jo Hall – Assistant Houseparent
-
- Laura Blackmore – Duty Houseparent
-
- Janine Hassell – Duty Houseparent
-
- Mattie Hadjigeogiou – Duty Houseparent
-
- Ruth Andrews – Duty Houseparent
-
- Chloe Davis – Duty Houseparent
-
- Bev Langhorn – Oak Housekeeper
-
- Matt Nolan – Safeguarding Lead
-
- Lewis and Nala Starmer – Kerry’s husband and dog
-
- Oakie
I am writing this testimonial with sincere gratitude for the exceptional care and support provided by Kerry Starmer and her team at Oak House in nurturing and guiding both of our children during their time at Huish.
Being separated by substantial distance is undoubtedly one of the most difficult dynamics we had to work through as a family, particularly with the added complication of Covid in the last few years, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of Huish staff.
The care extended to both our children has gone beyond the essentials of accommodation and education. The staff members truly embrace their role as surrogate parents, offering love, support and a healthy environment of independence.
Communication between the boarding house and us, as parents, has been outstanding. Our initial and ongoing point of contact in Maria Smith, has kept us well informed from the international perspective, whilst Kerry and her team have provided the day-to-day support. Personalised emails, calls and face-to-face meetings with both ourselves and the children’s grandparents/guardians reassured us all that both children were in safe hands.
We are eternally grateful to Kerry, Maria and the rest of the staff for their exceptional care and unwavering commitment to our children’s wellbeing. Both children are two very different individuals and have needed very different care during their time at Oak House. The boarding house staff truly exceeded our expectations, and their dedication has left an indelible mark on the Baker clan. We wholeheartedly recommend Oak House to any parent who seeks an enriching environment for their ‘soon to be adult’. You will be so glad you made the choice!
With very best wishes
The Baker Family
Term Dates and Guardianship
Oak House is closed during Christmas and the summer holidays. If you are not returning home for these holidays then you will need to make alternative arrangements.
Aegis is an independent body offering Guardianship accreditation in the UK. Please refer to their website for a list of accredited Guardianship companies in the UK.
View Huish academic and boarding term dates
Before you apply
Further details about all our boarding packages and fees are contained in our boarding brochure available above.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a tour of the facilities please contact us.
Applying
Before you apply for boarding please complete an application to study at Huish. If you indicate an interest in boarding on your Huish application this will be discussed with you at your Advice and Guidance session.
To apply for accommodation please complete our Boarding Registration Form 2024-25 and send this to boarding@richuish.ac.uk.
We have limited boarding places available so recommend applying early (November-March).
Your room will be secured once you have paid your deposit.
Please also read our Statement of Boarding Aims and Values (Oak House) or Statement of Homestay Accommodation Aims and Values.
Board at Oak House
Choosing to board full-time, perhaps for the first time, may seem daunting but you’ll get the chance to mix with a diverse new range of people, surrounded by plenty of support as you prepare for a future of independent living.
We aim to equip you with the skills to confidently navigate adulthood when you progress on from College and those who stay with us often find the move to university less of a leap.
Flexi-Board at Oak House
Flexi-boarding means you stay at Oak House for 3 or more nights per week. You may want to consider flexi-boarding if;
- you have sporting commitments, such as evening matches or training
- you have after-college enrichment
- you have a long commute
- you want a taste of living away from home and making new friends.
Occasional Boarding at Oak House
Students who apply for temporary accommodation, or 1 or 2 nights per week, will be considered as occasional boarders and will be allocated places, if available, on a week-by-week basis.
Homestay
Where desired we can also offer Homestay with a local family. All our host families will have Criminal Record Checks carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service and will regard you as a member of their household during your time at Huish.
Studying in Taunton
Huish is based in Taunton, the County Town of Somerset.
Taunton attracts visitors from across the county with its great range of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. There is a theatre, 8-screen cinema, museum, bowling complex, Adventure Centre, and it is home to Somerset County Cricket Club.
Set in the heart of Somerset, there is always something to go and see. The town hosts many cultural events, many are free to attend like the local Food Festivals and Carnivals, whilst others, such as ‘Live in Somerset’, attract huge crowds as top charting musical acts take to the stage!
The biggest benefit of living in the West Country is exploring the beautiful scenes of the South West. Taunton is surrounded by picturesque countryside; the Quantocks and Exmoor are great places for walking and cycling. You will also find several beaches to visit and historic sites like Glastonbury and Wells only a short distance away.
A footpath from the College connects with the town centre through Vivary Park. This large park is an ideal place to relax with friends during the warmer months.
Taunton is easily accessible by rail and the M5 motorway. It is approximately two hours from London and a short train ride from the local university cities of Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, Plymouth and Bath.
Vivary Park (photo by John-Mark Strange)
Glastonbury Tor (photo by Hello I’m Nik)
Mendip Hills (photo by Veronica White)
Bath (photo by James Shaw)
Meet our team
-
- Becky Flower – Vice Principal – Student Experience
-
- Maria Smith – Boarding and Admissions Co-ordinator
-
- Kerry Starmer – Boarding House Manager
-
- Carys Gyatt – Residential Houseparent
-
- Rich Jones – Assistant Houseparent
-
- Abi Brickell – Assistant Houseparent
-
- Jo Hall – Assistant Houseparent
-
- Laura Blackmore – Duty Houseparent
-
- Janine Hassell – Duty Houseparent
-
- Mattie Hadjigeogiou – Duty Houseparent
-
- Ruth Andrews – Duty Houseparent
-
- Chloe Davis – Duty Houseparent
-
- Bev Langhorn – Oak Housekeeper
-
- Matt Nolan – Safeguarding Lead
-
- Lewis and Nala Starmer – Kerry’s husband and dog
-
- Oakie
I am writing this testimonial with sincere gratitude for the exceptional care and support provided by Kerry Starmer and her team at Oak House in nurturing and guiding both of our children during their time at Huish.
Being separated by substantial distance is undoubtedly one of the most difficult dynamics we had to work through as a family, particularly with the added complication of Covid in the last few years, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of Huish staff.
The care extended to both our children has gone beyond the essentials of accommodation and education. The staff members truly embrace their role as surrogate parents, offering love, support and a healthy environment of independence.
Communication between the boarding house and us, as parents, has been outstanding. Our initial and ongoing point of contact in Maria Smith, has kept us well informed from the international perspective, whilst Kerry and her team have provided the day-to-day support. Personalised emails, calls and face-to-face meetings with both ourselves and the children’s grandparents/guardians reassured us all that both children were in safe hands.
We are eternally grateful to Kerry, Maria and the rest of the staff for their exceptional care and unwavering commitment to our children’s wellbeing. Both children are two very different individuals and have needed very different care during their time at Oak House. The boarding house staff truly exceeded our expectations, and their dedication has left an indelible mark on the Baker clan. We wholeheartedly recommend Oak House to any parent who seeks an enriching environment for their ‘soon to be adult’. You will be so glad you made the choice!
With very best wishes
The Baker Family
Term Dates and Guardianship
Oak House is closed during Christmas and the summer holidays. If you are not returning home for these holidays then you will need to make alternative arrangements.
Aegis is an independent body offering Guardianship accreditation in the UK. Please refer to their website for a list of accredited Guardianship companies in the UK.
View Huish academic and boarding term dates
Before you apply
Further details about all our boarding packages and fees are contained in our boarding brochure available above.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a tour of the facilities please contact us.
Applying
Before you apply for boarding please complete an application to study at Huish. If you indicate an interest in boarding on your Huish application this will be discussed with you at your Advice and Guidance session.
To apply for accommodation please complete our Boarding Registration Form 2024-25 and send this to boarding@richuish.ac.uk.
We have limited boarding places available so recommend applying early (November-March).
Your room will be secured once you have paid your deposit.
Please also read our Statement of Boarding Aims and Values (Oak House) or Statement of Homestay Accommodation Aims and Values.