Twentieth century boarders at the College will remember the image of the building that was their home during their Upper School years and which prompts thoughts for this news article.

Following hard on the heels of the College's outstanding Ofsted report for its teaching and learning, extra-curricular programme and pastoral provision towards the end of the Michaelmas Term, inspectors returned to the school just before "lockdown" began in March in order to examine the College's boarding provision. In a 2016 Inspection Report the overall judgement of boarding had been good; this time, the overall experiences and progress of boarding pupils, how well they are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers were all graded outstanding. 

Former School House boys will recognise such comments made to the inspectors as the strong friendships enjoyed, the activities available to them, and the feeling of being a family. Since boarding's reinstatement for Sixth Formers, who mainly come from Europe, current accommodation for 34 male and female students in Liverpool University's Derby Hall of Residence is full. The school's ambitious development plan, noted by the inspectors, has recognised the need to rethink the boarding offer. The Inspectors stated, 'brave and sterling work is being undertaken to accommodate more local children in the future, on both extended day and full boarding experience bases. The local authority speaks highly of the collaborative and innovative approach of the school, and its preparedness to work with more complex children who have significant needs. This will build on the considerable success already achieved for those who currently attend as day pupils.' New living accommodation is being prepared in Beechlands.

The inspectors signed off their report noting, 'This is an excellent multi-layered community, where boarders from overseas blend in extraordinarily well with more local children and are thoroughly enjoying their experience.'