At LEH Foshan, the boarding house is more than a place to rest; it is a home where growth unfolds and mentorship thrives. Ms Zhu, Mr Fitzpatrick, and Ms Forrest stand at the heart of this warm community, taking on the dual roles of House Parents and teachers. They act as trusted mentors, supporting boarders throughout their journey, nurturing well-being, fostering independence, and forging a close community. Their care transforms the dorm into a space blending academic support and emotional care, nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Deputy Head;
Head of Boarding & Pastoral Care
Our British and Chinese House Parents work in a truly complementary partnership. The British House Parents lead the boarding team, utilising their cultural background and pedagogical expertise to mentor, coach, and promote a positive, holistic sense of wellbeing.
Cultivating a Nurturing Boarding Home
As the ethos of our boarding house is to provide a “home away from home” experience, we are committed to creating a comforting, familiar, and secure environment for all boarders.
As a Chinese House Parent, Ms Zhu deeply understands students’ cultural background, becoming a bridge between home and school. For first-time boarders, especially younger prep students, she provides tailored pastoral care, guiding them to the comfort room to ease homesickness.
We keep staying in the same stance as parents, treat each child with respect, guide them gently rather than forcing them and offer reminders with warmth and consistency. Instead of merely lecturing, we listen with a sympathetic ear, seek to understand, and gently guide students toward better organization and conduct, both in evening study and in daily boarding life.
Coming from a British boarding tradition, Mr Fitzpatrick focuses on creating a warm, family-like atmosphere through consistent companionship and simple routines. During evening study time, he always helps students break big tasks into smaller ones, and nudges them to use planners or to-do list. The goal is to create a calm, purposeful atmosphere where students know they can ask for help but are also expected to try first.
Ms Forrest leverages her Mandarin skills to support non-native English-speaking boarders, helping them build confidence in language communication. She gets to know each student’s needs by spending time with them in daily life, strengthening the sense of community among boarders.
Teacher of English
& House Parent
One of the routines I have implemented is checking their school diaries at the beginning of the week to make sure that they have already written out their lessons for the week. This helps them with planning when they enter their room in the evening as they can easily pack their bags ready for the next day.
Blending Teaching Roles
with House Parent Duties
Mr Fitzpatrick and Ms Forrest take on the meaningful dual role of being both House Parents and academic teachers, seamlessly blending academic instruction with pastoral care responsibilities. Their unique position lets them connect with students across both learning and daily living contexts, granting them a holistic understanding of each child’s growth and needs. They share their insights on balancing these two important roles and the value this integration brings to student support.
ELL Teacher
& House Parent
Balancing teaching and being a house parent means accepting that the same young person may look very different in each setting. Seeing students in the house gives context for classroom behaviour – tiredness, worries, or homesickness – while seeing their effort and strengths in lessons helps with how they’re encouraged and challenged in the house. Keeping boundaries clear but tone consistent in both roles helps them trust that the adult they see in class is the same one looking after them in the evening.
Teacher of English
& House Parent
Being both a teacher and a house parent allows me to see the students in both an academic and pastoral setting. It shows me the students’ personalities in different settings and gives me an insight into how they approach different situations which is very enlightening. This can give you tips on how best to support students in the classroom.
Proud Member of the
Boarding School Association (BSA)
We aim to provide a home from home, high-quality boarding experience within a safe, secure, caring, happy and comfortable environment in a positive, trusting and encouraging atmosphere. LEH Foshan is officially accredited as a member of the Boarding School Association (BSA), a recognition that reflects our dedication to delivering exceptional boarding education and care.
The BSA represents leading boarding schools worldwide, providing extensive training for staff and promoting the benefits of boarding education. With member schools in 52 countries, the BSA offers a trusted network for families exploring quality boarding options.
This accreditation celebrates the hard work of our dedicated boarding team and the strong community spirit within our boarding houses. As a BSA-accredited school, LEH Foshan remains committed to upholding the highest standards of boarding education.
Boarding Team at LEH Foshan
Deputy Head; Head of Boarding & Pastoral Care
Heading Boarding and Pastoral Care at LEH Foshan, Mr Banks brings a wealth of experience to our community. Formerly a Pastoral and Safeguarding Leader and Assistant Headteacher at a UK school for 13 years, his senior leadership roles encompassed holistic student care. Before arrived at LEH Foshan, he was the key worker within the boarding school community in a well-established boarding school in Thailand, further enhancing his expertise. Joining LEH Foshan in August 2022, his leadership has propelled the boarding community to flourish and thrive over the past year.
Mr Morgan is a seasoned UK educator with over 12 years' experience, including roles in PE teaching and boarding leadership across UK local schools and international schools. As Head of Prep School Boarding, he will leverage his expertise to create a nurturing and engaging environment that develops both the physical and mental wellbeing of our younger boarders.
Ms Zhu, Mr Fitzpatrick and Ms Forrest enjoy their roles as House Parents. They create a nurturing space within boarding houses, offering guidance and emotional support, and fostering team spirit. As mentors, they empower students with essential life skills and values, aiding their journey to independence. Both House Parents are teachers who work throughout the academic day teaching LEH students the English Language. In the evening, they support boarding students with their study. Their commitment, knowledge and experience are vital components in ensuring students are academically supported. Their commitment enriches the holistic growth of each student, ensuring a well-rounded boarding experience that extends beyond academics. The House Parent is there to manage matters related to the health and wellbeing of every child who lives in the Boarding House.
As the Personal Assistant to the Head of Boarding, Ms Mo plays a pivotal role in overseeing the boarding program's smooth operation and facilitating effective communication between Mr Banks and the boarders’ parents.
Our matrons provide unwavering pastoral care and guidance to each boarder. Their expertise includes advising on personal organisation, hygiene, and essential life skills, fostering independence and holistic development. They also serve as attentive listeners, bridging communication between students, parents, and the school.
Far more than House Parents, Ms Zhu, Mr Fitzpatrick, and Ms Forrest are the backbone of LEH Foshan’s boarding community and the guiding lights in boarders’ growth journeys. Their dual roles allow them to bridge academic support and daily care, turning routine dormitory life into a journey of self-discovery and mutual growth. It is their love and commitment that shaped the next chapter of our boarders’ lives with warmth and strength.
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