All staff care for the boys, but each tutor keeps a personal eye on every aspect of his development – guiding, advising, challenging, encouraging and listening sympathetically. Parents know their son’s tutor well; this means that school and home can combine to his benefit. The reporting system is particularly thorough so that parents are constantly updated on their son’s progress. There are two Mark Cards every term with an attainment grade for each subject as well as an effort grade. After each tutor has discussed the grades with his tutee, the Mark Cards are sent home. At the end of each term parents receive full reports on each subject, and the boy’s tutor and the headmaster add their overall view. There are formal parents’ meetings once a year but staff are available to see parents whenever necessary.

Caldicott’s ethos is very much that of a boarding preparatory school. Boarding is popular with the boys. Most boys start their Caldicott career as day boys and there is no boarding in the Junior School. Quite a number of boys board in the Middle School and they all do at least a week’s trial boarding before they board in the final two years. Boarding in the senior part of the school reflects our opinion that some boarding experience is an essential preparation for the move to public school.

All boarders live in five linked wings. Dormitories are organised by age group and are bright and warm with space for posters and family photographs, and teddies are definitely welcome. The boarders are looked after by the Senior House Parents, the Senior Matron and the School Nurse, as well as resident boarding house tutors. There are many adults looking after the boys’ needs and the atmosphere upstairs is caring, friendly and fun. Parents often see their boarding sons and regular contact is encouraged. Boys are home most Saturday nights and there is Wednesday and Saturday afternoon visiting. Every third weekend is an exeat from Friday evening to Sunday evening. Families are made to feel an integral part of the school community and there are many events to which parents are invited.