Junior Boarding (7 to 13) at St Lawrence College – Kirby House
Welcome to Kirby House, the junior boarding house at St Lawrence College, designed especially for pupils aged 7–13. As one of the leading boarding schools in Kent and in the South East, we specialise in giving younger boarders a secure, supportive introduction to boarding life.
With modern accommodation, excellent pastoral care and strong links to our academic and co-curricular programmes, Kirby House offers a genuinely caring environment for children entering residential education for the first time.
Discover Kirby House
Take a glimpse inside Kirby House through our video tour:
Exceptional Facilities
Kirby House boasts some of the finest junior boarding accommodation in the country:
- Ten spacious dormitories, each with five beds and en-suite bathrooms
- Six dedicated classrooms for core subjects
- A large atrium serving as a communal hub
- A modern IT suite, and both virtual and traditional libraries
- Four resident staff flats to ensure 24/7 pastoral support
Our accommodation is designed to feel homely yet structured, giving boarders personal space while inspiring community and belonging.
Pastoral Care and Support
Kirby House is staffed by a close, experienced team. Younger boarders (Years 3–6) are mentored by the Junior Housemother, while older boarders (Years 7–8) receive additional oversight from the Kirby Housemaster and tutors.
We follow age-appropriate pastoral routines, regular check-ins, mentoring sessions and communal gatherings to build a strong sense of belonging, self-confidence and security.
Comfortable Living Spaces
The dormitories are bright, light, and airy, yet warm and cosy—providing pupils with a restful, personal space. Each child has room to make their bed space their own, bringing a genuine sense of belonging and comfort to their boarding experience.
Life, Social Time & Activities
Boarding evenings and weekends are thoughtfully programmed for fun, enrichment and rest:
- Access to the Sports Centre and Swimming Pool
- Organised local trips and excursions
- Social events with fellow boarders and day pupils
- “Exeats” weekends and mobile phone access keep families closely connected
Boarders enjoy a balanced lifestyle: time for study, rest, friendships, and new experiences.
Transitioning to Senior Boarding
Kirby House is the ideal stepping stone into full boarding. We support boarders as they prepare for Senior Boarding (13–18), gradually introducing responsibility, independent study habits and leadership roles.
Visit our Senior Boarding page to learn how the journey continues.
