The first week at Ashford was mainly ‘getting to know you’ and drawing up their time table for each day’s classes. Once in school Michael didn’t feel too self conscious about the uniform. However walking to and from school, he was subject to the occasional tease from the kid’s who attended the ‘normal’ schools. He […]

The first term of the new uniform regulations began after the Easter break. Rules regarding overcoats had also been tightened up, with both boys and girls wearing the school double breasted ‘dress’ coats which just and so covered both the boy’s shorts and the girl’s skirts. It’s safe to assume every boy felt nervous and […]

At first, the idea of going to a boarding school filled me with as much dread as it did excitement… now, eight weeks in, I’m preparing to go home for the half-term break. Unlike those who attend daily, us borders have to wear our school uniform in the evenings and on the weekends too. Whilst […]

After numerous job offers, all of which were followed by rejection once they found out about his past, Daniel is told by his work search advisor to go door-to-door to find work. Daniel has issues with this advice as cold callers are often met with suspicion, especially one who’s currently on probation. He runs the […]

“Oh thank you so much Daniel… please, let me make you a cup of tea.” “Oh no I’d best er…” he paused and cast his eyes toward the window and the torrential rain beyond. “You can’t go out in this… you’ll catch your death,” she said. “Come in… I’ve already put the kettle on.” “Thank […]

Unbeknown to Daniel, Mrs Haverthwaite contacted the probation service a few moments after he left and spoke to his probation officer, explaining that the young man has been going door to door seeking odd jobs. “That would be Daniel, I expect.” the probation officer said. They chatted for a few minutes and whilst Mrs Haverthwaite […]

On Tuesday he returns to Mrs Haverthwaite’s where she points out a few areas in which he could improve, all of which are in the bathroom. He needs to pay particular attention to areas such as the back of the loo, the back of the sink pedestal, and the soap dish. He tidies and vacuums […]

The following week on Tuesday, Daniel does his usual routine, starting in the bedroom and finishing in the lounge, then on the fridge is listed his additional chores which include tackling a large stack of ironing, plus cleaning all the interior windows, frames, and sills. “This might take me ’til about 2 pm Mrs Haverthwaite,” […]

St Ursula’s adjoins a small picturesque village called Compton whose railway station and the rural branch line survived Beeching’s Axe in the nineteen-sixties. I cantered through the narrow streets as quickly as I dare in my two-inch heels. One hand held my case and handbag, the other clamped my school beret to the back of […]

“Yes, Mrs Haverthwaite,” Daniel replied. He pushed his feet into the slippers he wears inside the house and began his regular routine; giving her bedroom a quick tidy, dust and vacuum, cleaning the bathroom, dusting the landing, vacuuming the carpet, polishing the brass doorknobs, sweeping the stairs, mopping and drying the hallway and kitchen floor, […]