Framlingham College on meeting the needs of modern family life

Louise North, Principal of Framlingham College in Suffolk, on the vital importance of schools staying in step with modern family life

Education has always been about more than just academics – it is about creating an environment where young people can thrive both in and beyond the classroom. As family dynamics shift and work-life balance becomes increasingly complex, schools must adapt, offering flexibility, accessibility, and exceptional pastoral care.

The statistics tell a clear story. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average person in the UK now works six hours more a week than they did five years ago, rising from 30.4 hours in June 2020 to 36.6 hours in November 2024. Meanwhile, 75.6% of mothers with dependent children now hold professional careers. Combine this with the rising average age of first-time parents – 30.5 years for mothers and 33.5 for fathers (World Population Review, 2024) – and it is evident that families today are balancing demanding careers with the desire to provide the best possible education for their children.

For many parents, the traditional school model, where children either attend as day pupils or commit to full-time boarding, no longer fits their schedules or their children’s needs. More than ever, families require flexibility in both day and boarding arrangements – and transport – so that they can ensure that education works around family life.

Recognising this shift, Framlingham College offers a broad range of options, including day provision, flexi-boarding, weekly boarding and full boarding. Our staff work with parents to determine what is right for each child and family. We also offer the option to adjust that plan if it becomes necessary. This means a tailored and flexible schedule, whether we are working with day pupils, those who board one night a week for late co-curricular activities or boarders who stay for five nights to ease a longer commute.

“More than ever, families require flexibility so that they can ensure that education works around family life”

Flexibility also means considering how children get to and from school. When so many parents are managing full-time careers, schools must help to remove the stress of the school run. This is something that is front of mind for Framlingham College. Our support, and the comprehensive transport network locally, ensures that day pupils are able to travel safely and conveniently. Daily routes serve Aldeburgh, Bury St Edmunds, Diss, Harleston, Ipswich and Lowestoft, with express bus services operating on longer routes to Cambridge, Norwich, and Colchester. Airport and train transfers support our international and long-distance families.

While flexibility in boarding and transport is key, pupil wellbeing remains at the heart of a great education. Our award-winning pastoral care system places wellbeing at the centre of its approach. Whether through house staff, medical teams or tutors, pupils receive tailored support to help them navigate adolescence with confidence.

School life is about more than grades; it is about creating an environment where every child feels supported, valued for who they are and can develop confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning. Schools that recognise this – and adapt to provide the best support for children and modern family life – are shaping the future of education.

Framlingham College framlinghamcollege.co.uk

Further reading: Pangbourne College on managing failure and success