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 this may seem unfair at first… it’s a common rule in many boarding schools. However, there are some rules at St Ursula’s which aren’t very common…

Saturday

It’s Saturday morning and I can’t wait to return home, see my mum, meet up with my friends and wear my own clothes for a change! On my bed is a small suitcase, inside which is the jeans, t-shirt, and jumper, along with the shoes and socks I’d arrived wearing some eight weeks ago. It felt strange wearing ‘civilian’ clothes after two months in uniform.

I packed the books I’d need, closed the case, and clicked the latches shut, before going to the school’s office to collect my train ticket. The 55-mile journey home should take around 90 minutes. I made sure my room was all in order; bedding straight, floor swept, en-suite bathroom spotless and my uniform items all neatly folded on my shelf, or hung from my clothes rail… ready and waiting for my return in a week’s time. I looked forward to a whole week away from the rules, the routine, and the academia of boarding school. Saying that, I do have a number of homework assignments to do during the week-long break, hence my small case being half full of both text and exercise books.

I made my way from the dorm, down the long corridor towards the stairs, and ultimately to the school’s reception desk. “Where do you think you’re going?” a stern voice called as I descended the wide wooden staircase.

“Home Miss,” I replied.

“Not dressed like that your not… you know the rules.” Miss Holbeck said in the same stern tone.

“But I’m going home Miss… to Beckford,” I said, lifting my small suitcase a little as if its mere presence validated my claim. “…on the train,” I added.

“Nevertheless, the rules state that you should be in uniform at all times. And that includes traveling to and from the school,” she replied.

“But…”

“But nothing child.” she interrupted, “Your own clothes were in your case so that you could take them home, not for you to wear on the way home.” she stated, before telling me in no uncertain terms to return to my room and “…make yourself presentable!” as she put it.

I did as I was told and some twenty minutes later, I was back on the ground floor waiting nervously by the closed hatch of the school’s reception desk. I rang the bell once and waited patiently. No one was ever in the office, however as usual one of the senior teachers appeared after a few minutes. I heard the sound of heels on the parquet floor and as I’d guessed, Miss Holbeck appeared in the corridor.

She looked me up and down as she unlocked the office. She said nothing as she stepped inside, closing the door behind her. Then with a series of loud clanks, the rolling shutters of the hatch were opened. She looked at me and shook her head ever so slightly. This was quickly followed by a short, sharp sigh. “Peter if you’re going to leave the school grounds you must look presentable,” she stated. “The reputation of the school depends on all pupils following the rules, and that is especially true off-grounds too.”

“Yes, Miss.” I gulped.

I knew the rules… I just assumed they wouldn’t apply since I was on my way home for the week. Slung over my shoulder was my small school bag. The bag we carried everywhere as It contained our photo ID card, stationery and make-up. I opened the bag and removed a compact and vanity mirror before lightly dusting my face. Next, a little eyeliner, eye shadow then mascara. I sucked my lips dry before finally applying a pale pink lipstick.

“Maybe next time you leave us you’ll be ready in good time.” Miss Holbeck said as she slid an envelope across the counter. It was addressed to my mother. She told me to place my case on the counter so she could check the contents. Then she removed the backing from an oblong sticker and stuck it across the base and lid as if to seal the case shut, albeit not very effectively. “This is to be removed by your mother and your mother only.” Miss Holbeck stated. “You are not to change out of your uniform or remove your makeup at any point during your journey… this is for your mother to complete and return to us.” she said, nudging the letter a little closer to me. “So don’t think we won’t find out about any deviation from the rules.”

“Yes, Miss.” I gulped. I had considered changing in the toilet on the train, but maybe I’d better not.

Finally, she slid the train ticket over to me, along with a receipt I had to sign. She checked her watch. “Well you’d better hurry if you’re going to catch the 9.53,” she said. “The connection from Denbury is at 10.30 so you’d better be on your way… and have a nice week.”

“Yes, Miss. Thanks, Miss.” I said as I took the ticket, grabbed my case, and trotted down the corridor.