Meet our Forces Families

Ever since I was born in Nepal, I have always been exposed to an environment surrounded by the Armed Forces, with my father working for both the Gurkhas and British Army. Now, I am a Prefect currently in Year 13, and the 7 years I spent at St Lawrence makes me wonder how time flies by so quickly. 

As a forces Child making the transition to a boarding school, I was overjoyed yet nervous. I remember my first week in year 7, the feeling of homesickness just kicking in. However, the community at St Lawrence was warm and welcoming, and with other friends alongside me, I was able to settle in faster than light. From the students to the teachers, everyone played an important role during this transition. And with St Lawrence holding historical shares with the military, the switch to this boarding school felt even more special. 

St Lawrence offers a wide range of activities and events to which I’m sure never bores any students. I enjoyed international day, being able to represent Nepal through cultural food and dances.  I am also interested in a multitude of sports, most notably playing badminton and football with my friends.  

Looking back over the 7 years, I am nothing but grateful for what I have experienced here at St Lawrence College. Me and my family have felt the utmost support from the all the staff and teachers, whether it’s financially or personally. The experience of boarding comes with being independent, which throughout my time has slowly shaped me to become more mature and confident, which will be beneficial for me into my next chapter at university. I was also able to create deep memories that I can cherish and reminisce back too when I am older, all which proves a testament to my love here at St Lawrence.  

To any families that is considering joining St Lawrence College, my advice would be to look no further and give your child the best opportunity here at St Lawrence. Through my own experience, I can truthfully say I have no regrets studying for 7 years here. Although the thought of joining a boarding school may be overwhelming, I can guarantee that your child will leave St Lawrence as a prouder and more confident Lawrentian, just the way I feel about myself, coming up to my final days here at St Lawrence College. 

I have been at St Lawrence college for 6 years and every day is special! In a community like this, you are bound to thrive, succeed, and prosper.

As a son of a Gurkha captain, moving around different schools and countries all my life was the norm. To stay in one place and really develop my skills was not possible: until I became a boarder. Joining in Year 6, I was hit with the anxiety of being away from home without the comfort of my family. However, fear subdued and making friends was easy when I realised there were forces children like me!

Today, I am 5 weeks out from GCSE’s. Over the course my time here, from acting in House Drama, giving it all on the rugby, hockey, or cricket pitch, or leading in the CCF, every second has made me who I am today.

My favourite thing about St Lawrence is the powerful military bond, having many Nepalese friends to celebrate International Day with, allowing to create a home away from home. Plus, meeting people from Rwanda to Barbados, the culture here is second to none.

If anyone is thinking about joining SLC or any other boarding school, please be brave. Going to such a prestigious school is a blessing. Try everything, and your potential will become limitless!

Now I look to the future, with GCSEs in 5 weeks, A – Levels and ambitions in the business industry, I cannot wait what the future has planned next. Thank you to my family, the RGR and the community here at St Lawrence College, for helping me kickstart the journey of my life.

I started St Lawrence College at the beginning of Year 4 in the Junior School, with my younger brother, Douglas, who started in Year 3. We have been here for almost 8 years now.

We joined St Lawrence because our father is in the military, because of this we moved houses every 2 years. Before I joined St Lawrence, I had already been to 5 other schools and had I not joined St Lawrence when I did, I would have been at my 9th school by now.

At first, it was very hard to settle in and get used to being away from home. However, after a little while we started to get used to the routine and what was happening around us. When we were in Junior School, our Housemistress was particularly supportive in helping us settle in. She was always there if we needed her, when we were missing home and needed some TLC. It was also very helpful having a nice, caring community of positivity and respect. My best friend Delsa joined St Lawrence at the same time as me, so it was nice to have someone who was going through the same experiences as I was.

At St Lawrence there many opportunities for students to achieve the greatest with sport and academics. From playing the main sports of hockey and netball to trying new sports such as tennis and cricket, I have had so many opportunities to try new things and make friends through sport. Furthermore, the CCF at St Lawrence has provided me with opportunities for growing my leadership skills and practical life skills, while still having fun yet honouring the military values the CCF instil. Other activities such as cooking, horse riding and book club mean that school is fun throughout the week. Weekends are also packed with fun activities to take part in, we have recently done paintball, a trip to Thorpe Park and the Tower of London. There is a great balance between downtime and activities which make boarding very enjoyable for all the year groups.

The Housemistress/Masters and House staff are extremely welcoming, and they are there for you with anything you need. They have supported my brother and I all throughout our time here. They have especially been helpful when my dad has gone away on tour by checking up on me and my brother. Looking back through my years here there are many memories that I will forever cherish. From Bellerby activities to relaxing evenings with my friends.

So, for anyone considering joining St Lawrence you should take the leap and do it. Even though it can be scary at times, just remember that everyone had the same feeling at least once, I know that I did, and we all understand what you are going through.