Some of the terms used by Independent Schools in the UK can be a little tricky, here are a few for you to get started.

ASSISTANT HOUSEMISTRESS/HOUSEMASTER
The Housemistress or Housemaster is usually supported by an Assistant who helps take care of the pupils in her particular house. The Assistant may also assist with academic or extra-curricular activity. She is an important friend and mentor to her charges, as well as a great practical help to the Housemistress. In some schools, this position is known as Houseparent, Housemother or Housefather.

BOARDERS, BOARDING
(see also: FLEXI-BOARDING & WEEKLY BOARDING)
Pupils who live at the school during term-time, including staying overnight.

CHAPEL
A private church for use by the school, set in the school’s own grounds.

CHAPLAIN
The church minister who looks after the school’s staff and pupils, who form the congregation in the chapel.

CLOSED WEEKEND
A weekend during which no EXEATS or FLOATERS may be taken, usually because a whole-school event is taking place e.g. inter-house sports competition.

DAY PUPILS
Pupils who live locally who attend the school for lessons and extra-curricular activities, but who do not board.

DORMITORIES
Pupils’ bedrooms, usually shared by several pupils - though older pupils may have single STUDY-BEDROOMS.

EXEAT (see also FIXED EXEAT)
A weekend on which all pupils go home - a pupil can also visit home on a FLOATER which can be virtually any weekend of term.

FIXED EXEAT
A weekend during which all pupils must leave the school.

FLEXI-BOARDING
A combination of boarding and day, so that the pupil boards for part of the week and is a daygirl for the rest of the week. Some families find that this suits them best, and it can be a useful way for a daygirl to decide whether or not she wants to become a boarder.

FLOATERS
Exeat weekends which you choose, as opposed to a FIXED EXEAT on which everyone goes away.

FULL BOARDING
To differentiate from FLEXI-BOARDING or WEEKLY BOARDING, an arrangement whereby pupils board throughout the term.

HOUSEMISTRESS/HOUSEMASTER
A Housemistress (or Housemaster) is assigned to run each House and provides for the day-to-day care of her pupils, away from lessons. Typically, she will be the first point of contact for parents about all matters concerning their child, and also an important friend and mentor for the child throughout her school life. The Housemistress may also teach an academic subject and be assisted by an ASSISTANT HOUSEMISTRESS to provide round-the-clock cover.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (also known as PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SCHOOLS)
Schools which are self-governing and funded independently of the state.

MUFTI OR CASUALS
Your own clothes, as opposed to uniform

PASTORAL CARE
Looking after your personal needs, rather than your education - making sure you are happy, comfortable, well-fed, have clean laundry, etc.

PREP
Another word for homework

PRIVATE SCHOOLS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS
(see INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS)

SAN, SANATORIUM
The school’s medical centre, staffed by a resident qualified nurse who looks after pupils' healthcare needs. Typically supported by the local GP and other healthcare services as required.

SAN SISTER or MATRON
The nurse who works in the SAN or SANATORIUM

STUDY BEDROOM
Bedrooms for older pupils, who have a room to themselves instead of sleeping in a DORMITORY to allow them more privacy and independence.

TUCK, TUCK BOX, TUCK SHOP
Snacks and sweets, either brought from home or bought from the school TUCK SHOP and kept safely in each pupil’s TUCK BOX

TUTOR
Assigned to each pupil to talk to her about her progress in all academic subjects and in other aspects of school life.

TUTOR GROUP
The group of pupils who share the same tutor. They usually meet at least once a day for registration, general discussion and administration.

WEEKLY BOARDING
(see also FLEXI-BOARDING)
An arrangement whereby pupils may board during the week and go home every weekend.

VESPERS
A religious service held in the evenings.