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The concept of a Boarding School

The concept of a boarding school was born in the UK and later found its way into the Commonwealth nations.

 

As per the laws of primogeniture in UK the eldest son of a titled noble inherited the title and the entire estate. The second born normally entered the Church as this was the second most important, influential and wealthy institution. Younger sons bought a Commission from the Crown and joined the Army as Officers with the rank of Captain.

 

The nobility found it more practical to leave their country homes and live in London where the social and political action was. Some of them could not maintain their huge country homes and so formed trusts, which converted these homes into school buildings. Heads and Assistant Masters were appointed but the rural children could not afford the fee.

 

There were some younger nobles who were of a more intellectual bent of mind and with a one-time family settlement, used the funds to build boarding houses on land purchased near the academic building.

 

These became Housemasters, appointed Dames to look after the dining hall and the hygiene.

Such was the genesis of Boarding Schools which took care of the growth, development and care of students entrusted to them.

 

Dr Sumer B Singh

Hony Member IPSC, Round Square and AFS Board Member and

Former Headmaster, The Lawrence School Sanawar and Principal Daly College, Indore