We (Mr and Mrs Walton) have been the Boarding House Parents since 2002. We arrived at Cheltenham College via teaching positions in Bristol and a round the world trip that took in many Pacific Islands and the 2000 Sydney Olympics (unfortunately as spectators not competitors). We now have 2 boys of our own who are spoilt rotten by their “big brothers and sisters” in the boarding house. Between us we also teach the PSHE programme to all pupils from Year 3 to 8 covering topics from healthy living and personal hygiene to fire safety, current affairs and citizenship.

We share all aspects of the running of the Boarding House which means Mr Walton does not get to wriggle out of drying and plaiting hair on the girls’ floor while Mrs Walton has to brave the delights of the boys’ floor on the night that dirty games kit is handed in…

We try to run the House like ‘reasonable parents’ and ensure that all our pupils feel like they are coming home at the end of each day rather than simply moving to another part of school. We share much common ground with many parents; making sure homework is completed, showers are taken, driving children to birthday parties at the weekend and supporting all our boarders in their matches, concerts and plays whenever possible.

It is without doubt the most rewarding position in Cheltenham College.... but then we would say that!

Latest Report: The Waltons have just completed our 9th year in the boarding house and time continues to pass as quickly for us as it does for the children we share the house with. There are many highlights in any year and this has been no exception. The most memorable came towards the end of the academic year but it was certainly worth waiting for. The boarders achieved outstanding CE results and filled the top 5 places from all ccjs candidates and collected all 3 of the academic prizes that went to CCJS pupils. Anna Birkett won the physics prize, Archie Timmis the English prize and Anabella Koehler the French prize. Brilliant! You deserve it after all those evenings and Sundays of revision when the sun was shining outside.

As with any family, it is difficult to find entertainment and days out that appeal to all ages, but our Christmas outing to the Everyman pantomime was great fun for all and we are now looking forward to our first visit to the fully refurbished theatre to see Jack and the Beanstalk this year. Drayton Manor Park was another fantastic day out en famille, but the best days were the long sunny Sunday afternoons when we swam, jumped on the trampoline, ate a bbq lunch and charged along the waterslide until we ached. Many of the boarders enjoyed staying 'at home' at the week ends and for many that means moving into the cdt room with Mr Baker. Where would we be without Mr Baker?

Best wishes to all boarders; past, present and future.