A Home Away from Home: Boarding Life and Wellbeing at Marymount International School London
Paula Horton, Head of Boarding, Marymount International School London in conversation with Fiona Murchie, Relocate Global and Think Global People
11 November 2025
Set within seven acres of green space just twelve miles from Central London, Marymount International School London combines academic excellence, wellbeing, and a strong sense of community through its flexible boarding options. In this interview, Fiona Murchie speaks with Paula Horton, Head of Boarding, about how Marymount provides a nurturing “home away from home” for globally mobile students. The discussion explores how the school helps girls settle in, build confidence, and thrive both academically and personally—reflecting Marymount’s values of care, flexibility, and personal growth.
A much-loved and integral part of Marymount’s community, Paula has been at the heart of Boarding life for 11 years. First as Deputy Head and, for the past five years, as Head of Boarding. Her warmth, compassion, and commitment make her one of the beating hearts of our community, ensuring every student feels at home away from home.Originally from Zimbabwe, where she was born and raised, Paula brings a rich background in business and education, having worked in management, administration, and teaching within the English as a Second Language sector before joining Marymount.In a full-circle moment, Paula is also a proud alumna of Marymount College in Mutare, Zimbabwe, a connection that makes her role in our global Marymount network all the more special.
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Key Takeaways
- The benefits of boarding for globally mobile students in an international community.
- How Marymount supports new boarders in feeling at home and building lasting friendships.
- The role of activities—such as theatre trips, baking, and cultural outings—in fostering confidence and connection.
- How flexible boarding options (full, weekly, and flexi) promote wellbeing and support modern families.
- Ways in which community, traditions, and leadership opportunities strengthen belonging and independence.
- How Marymount’s ethos and Catholic values are embedded in everyday boarding life.
- The evolving boarding experience designed to meet the needs of today’s globally minded girls.
About Marymount International School
Marymount International School London is an independent school for girls ages 11-18. It was founded in 1955 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) and is part of an international network of schools. It nurtures the potential of curious, creative young women of diverse faiths and backgrounds.Paula Horton, Head of Boarding, Marymount International School LondonA much-loved and integral part of Marymount’s community, Paula has been at the heart of Boarding life for 11 years. First as Deputy Head and, for the past five years, as Head of Boarding. Her warmth, compassion, and commitment make her one of the beating hearts of our community, ensuring every student feels at home away from home.Originally from Zimbabwe, where she was born and raised, Paula brings a rich background in business and education, having worked in management, administration, and teaching within the English as a Second Language sector before joining Marymount.In a full-circle moment, Paula is also a proud alumna of Marymount College in Mutare, Zimbabwe, a connection that makes her role in our global Marymount network all the more special.
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Subscribe to Relocate Extra, our monthly newsletter, to get all the latest international assignments and global mobility news.Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.
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