Education has always been about more than just academics – it is about creating an environment where young people can thrive both in and beyond the classroom. But as family dynamics shift and work-life balance becomes increasingly complex, schools must adapt, offering flexibility, accessibility and exceptional pastoral care to meet the evolving needs of modern families.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average person in the UK now works six hours more per week than they did five years ago, rising from 30.4 hours in June 2020 to 36.6 hours in November 2024. Meanwhile, 75.6% of mothers with dependent children now hold professional careers. Combine this with the rising average age of first-time parents – 30.5 years for mothers and 33.5 for fathers (World Population Review, 2024) – and it is evident that today’s families are balancing demanding careers with the desire to provide the best possible education for their children.
For many parents, the traditional school model – where children either attend as day pupils or commit to full-time boarding – no longer fits their schedules or their children’s needs. More than ever, families require flexibility in both day and boarding arrangements and transport to ensure education works around family life.
Recognising this shift, here at Framlingham College we continue to offer a broad range of options, including day provision, flexi-boarding, weekly boarding and full boarding. Our staff work with parents to determine what is right for each child and their family. Parents have the option to adjust that plan if necessary and tailor a flexible schedule to meet the needs of you and your child, whether they are day pupils or board one night a week for late co-curricular activities or five nights to ease a long commute.
Flexibility is also about how children get to and from school. Many parents manage full-time careers, so schools must remove the stress of the school run. At Framlingham College, a comprehensive transport network ensures that day pupils travel safely and conveniently. Daily routes serve Aldeburgh, Bury St Edmunds, Diss, Harleston, Ipswich and Lowestoft, while express bus services operate to Cambridge, Norwich and Colchester. Airport and train transfers support international and long-distance families. For day pupils, this enables greater participation in our extensive co-curricular programme without logistical worries. For flexi-boarders, it offers an easy solution for drop-offs and collections.
While flexibility in boarding and transport is key, pupil wellbeing is at the heart of a great education. Schools must offer more than just academic excellence – they must ensure pupils feel known and understood, supported and prepared for life beyond school. Framlingham College’s award-winning pastoral care system – recognised as Mental Health Champions in the 2024 School House Awards – places wellbeing at the centre of its approach. Whether through house staff, medical teams or tutors, pupils receive tailored support to help them navigate adolescence with confidence.
Year 13 flexi-boarder, Millie M-O, said: “The transition from being a day pupil at my previous school to then moving to a new school and boarding four days a week was definitely an adjustment; however, it was one of the best decisions I have made. My housemistress and all the other girls in house made me feel so welcome and there is a really strong home-away-from-home feel.
“Managing academic life with boarding life is easy to organise and balance. Our prep time, which is 7:00pm-8:45pm, helps you set aside and dedicate time to homework, revision and helps you feel ready for the next day, which I find very productive. There are also plenty of hubs after school which helps you to separate from school to hobbies and social life. There are also plenty of activities for flexi-boarders in the evening in-house. All the boarders, flexi or full, come together for activities, such as sport, movie night, crafting, or house competitions, like house dance, house singing, and house basketball, which always create such a wonderful supportive house atmosphere.
“For those looking at flexi-boarding at Framlingham, my main piece of advice would be to put yourself into as many extra-curricular activities as possible when you first join – it will help you to make friends, feel included, grow your confidence and develop independence.”
There is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach to how pupils engage with school life – whether as day pupils, flexi-boarders or full boarders. The most successful schools evolve to meet the needs of modern families – offering flexible boarding, academic excellence, strong pastoral care and transport solutions that enable pupils to thrive and give parents peace of mind.
Education is about more than grades; it is about creating an environment where every child feels valued for who they are, where they can develop confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning. Schools that recognise this – and adapt – are shaping the future of education.
Discover more about boarding at Framlingham College during our next Open Day.
