My Burford, Ruth Hogg

We are delighted to welcome Ruth Hogg as our new Head of Boarding. Ruth joins us with a wealth of experience in boarding and pastoral care, and she is already settling into life at Burford with warmth and energy.

I am delighted to have joined Burford as Head of Boarding. From the moment I arrived, the welcome has been so warm – from staff, parents, students, and even the wider Burford community. There is a real sense of pride in being a Burfordian, and it is lovely to join a school where people genuinely look out for one another.

What drew me here was the chance to play a role in supporting young people in such a nurturing environment. I have always enjoyed being part of a boarding community, with all the joys and challenges that brings, and I’m excited for what the year ahead holds.

My journey into boarding started during my gap year when I worked as an assistant matron at the Château de Sauveterre in the South of France. I never imagined then that it would become the start of a lifelong career. After university I returned to France to teach English, before rejoining the Sauveterre team full-time. Since then, I have worked in a range of prep and senior schools here in the UK, teaching languages as well as taking on leadership roles in boarding, pastoral care, and safeguarding.

Boarding matters to me because it takes courage – from both parents and children – to make the decision to live away from home. Our boarders are brave, resilient, and adventurous, and I hope they know how proud we are of them. My wish for them is simple: to stay busy, be kind, try new things, and keep a good sense of humour. A silly joke or a laugh can make all the difference when you’re far from home.

Looking ahead, I want Burford’s long tradition of boarding to continue to thrive. It has been at the heart of the school for over 450 years, and it needs to evolve to suit the needs of modern families. Above all, boarding should provide a secure, supportive environment where young people can flourish.

Outside of school life, I love walks in the Oxfordshire countryside, spending time with friends and family, and baking – the boarders may well become my taste-testers. I also make a mean pig in blanket, a skill picked up in my family’s butcher’s shop back in Yorkshire! In the holidays, I’ll often head to the South of France, where I have a little home, but for now I’m very happy getting to know Burford and all it has to offer.

I’m looking forward to everything ahead – my first Charter Day, Christmas in the Boarding House, and many busy, laughter-filled days with our students. Thank you again for such a warm welcome – I feel very lucky to be here.