The Advent season at British boarding schools is far more than a festive add-on. It is a cultural highlight, a shared experience, and for many of our pupils an unforgettable moment. Whether solemnly celebrated in a cathedral, creatively brought to life around the school, or joyfully enjoyed at a Christmas fair, each school adds its own distinctive touch. What unites them all, however, is a deep appreciation for tradition, music and the shared celebration of a very special moment in the school year.
We asked our schools to tell us about their Christmas traditions, and many of them responded with truly wonderful stories. Here is a small selection.
One thing is certain: singing Christmas carols is as much a part of life at every school as the Christmas tree itself. Often held by candlelight and accompanied by choirs, readings and music, these moments are deeply atmospheric. Some boarding schools, however, elevate this tradition to an exceptional level, celebrating in cathedrals whose acoustics, architecture and history provide a truly unique setting for the Christmas message.
Wells Cathedral School, for example, holds its Carols by Candlelight concerts in the magnificent Wells Cathedral, illuminated by 3,000 candles. Blundell’s delights audiences with a festive Christmas Concert in Exeter Cathedral, while St Edmund’s traditionally sings in the world-famous Canterbury Cathedral. Oswestry School, too, brings its community together in the historic St Oswald’s Church – not a cathedral, but equally impressive in atmosphere. The same can be said of the Christmas singing in the 174-year-old chapel at Glenalmond College in Scotland.
A very different but equally memorable highlight awaits visitors to Kent College Canterbury: at Carols on the Farm, singing and music take place in a beautifully decorated barn – complete with real animals adding to the festive charm.
Beyond this, schools cherish countless smaller Christmas rituals that make Advent a deeply personal experience. At Glenalmond, the younger pupils decorate the chapel and look forward to a Christmas lunch held in a hall that would not look out of place as a Harry Potter film set. Rossall School transforms its grounds into a lively Christmas market with more than 90 stalls, before the entire community comes together for the Family Christmas Service. At Felsted, a new digital door opens each day in December as part of the #FelstedAdvent, and the school community gathers to sing carols around the beautifully illuminated Christmas tree.
Some schools celebrate Christmas with particular devotion to their own distinctive traditions. Dover College opens the festive season with hot chocolate beneath the outdoor Christmas tree, pantomime weekends and a Christmas Fair. Denstone College favours sporty, good-humoured rituals such as the Santa Fun Run and a festive Christmas Fair, complemented by the legendary Combat Carols in St Chad’s Chapel. Frensham Heights builds excitement with a Ferris wheel, funfair rides and the Santa Dash, while King’s Bruton combines tree ceremonies, Christingle services and whole-school celebrations. At Kingham Hill, the humorous PA Panto – a traditional Christmas performance by the pastoral team – is among the highlights of the year.
Many schools also celebrate the season through food and shared experiences. The Oratory marks Christmas with its much-loved Christmas Fair, the indulgent 12 Days of Dessert, festive Christmas lunches in all boarding houses, and a collective trip to the pantomime at the Oxford Playhouse. In between, carol singing in care homes offers moments of reflection and quiet generosity. At Clifton College, Secret Santa and Deck the Halls bring a warm festive spirit to the boarding houses, while at Dollar Academy it has been a cherished tradition for decades for the Head Boy and Head Girl to decorate the large Christmas tree in the entrance hall.
At many schools, including Uppingham and St Clare’s, pupils and staff come together to untangle the fairy lights and decorate the Christmas tree. At St Clare’s, the celebrations include a shared Christmas dinner, followed by a staff Christmas party with a quiz at the end of term. And at Barnard Castle School, the annual, lovingly produced Christmas video has by now become an integral part of the school’s festive DNA.
At many boarding schools, Advent is shaped not only by traditions, but also by a strong sense of Christian values. At King Edward’s Witley, for example, the spirit of giving lies at the heart of the season: this year, the school community donated more than 150 gifts for disadvantaged children, with a golden leaf added to the school Christmas tree for each one. Canford School, too, upholds a long tradition of togetherness, inviting elderly members of the local community to a festive afternoon of music, warm drinks and homemade mince pies. And at St Clare’s Oxford, pupils show their commitment by organising a food collection for those in need, donating boxes of non-perishable items to a local food bank.
In this way, the run-up to Christmas creates an atmosphere at these schools that is carried by both community spirit and joyful anticipation. And when the final candles are extinguished and suitcases are packed, the most eagerly awaited moment begins for many: the Christmas holidays, spent at home with family.
Season’s greetings.
