Boarding Life

Susie has been a member of staff at King William’s College since arriving on the Isle of Man in 2010, where she remains in awe of the Island’s beauty and its friendly community.

Susie became Housemistress of School House in 2012, enjoying ten years of helping students on their journey through College. Now as Head of Boarding, she is passionate about ensuring our boarders feel they have a home from home with us, that everyone is cared for, feels valued and is able to excel.

Susie lives onsite with her family and pets.

Frances Bland is an OKW and a qualified Registered Sick Children’s Nurse, having trained at the University of Central Lancashire almost 30 years ago. She periodically returned to university to gain specialist paediatric palliative care knowledge from Oxford Brookes University and completed her degree with Manchester Metropolitan University.

With experience across a number of medical settings, including developing and then running the local paediatric palliative care service, Frances continues to support Nobles hospital part-time as a Senior Staff Nurse on Children’s Ward.

In 2018, Frances became Sister at KWC and The Buchan School, and has been working full time as one of the school nurses on both sites since. She said: “I subsequently fell into the world of boarding accidentally, but absolutely love it – being surrounded by children, ensuring that they are provided with excellent care, and just being part of their lives is a huge privilege.  I believe that even though the boarders live in an academic institution, boarding is their home and should be a place that they can rest, relax and have fun whilst making the most of the opportunities that both college and island life have to offer.”

Frances has a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing in children and young people, and recognises that when children are happy and healthy, they are able to achieve far greater success.

She added: “As a Mum of two girls I also understand the worries that come with parenting and hope that my open door policy of being happy to chat and discuss any and all issues, concerns or just to talk about how things are going is something that parents and guardians will like.  Anyone that knows me will know I love to talk, and I’m always happy to answer any questions about anything surrounding both schools – being part of such a great team, if I don’t know the answer I will know someone else that does!”

Bayo Dejonwo arrived as a member of staff in the Michaelmas term of 2024. He has a wealth of teaching and boarding experience covering 22 years at schools including Stowe, Downside, and Mount Kelly. He is also Head of Biology and has held the same position at other schools and was previously also Director of Studies at a sixth form college in London and Director of the Medical and Dental Program at a different sixth form college in London.

Bayo got his BSc. at Durham University and went on to BPP Law School for his  PGDL and LPC. Along with the academic credentials already mentioned, he also has a PGCE in Science, specialising in Biology. As Deputy Head of Boarding in Wilson House and having boarded himself as a boy, he is keen to foster an atmosphere of academic rigour and warmth within the boarding houses.

Wendy has been a Housemother at King William’s College since February 2010. Wendy values the close family feeling in Colbourne House, and helps to foster a safe and caring environment.

Wendy was previously a teacher in Manchester for 30 years, teaching at A Level standard and also teaching outdoor pursuits. Wendy was awarded the BSA Best Housemother Award, which is awarded to the best Housemother out of 35 countries across the world.

Hi, my name is Milica and I’m from Belgrade, Serbia.

I joined King William’s College and Boarding in September 2023 and am now the Head of School House! After
only one school year of being here, I have made beautiful memories and meaningful relationships with people in Boarding and College.

We are a very interconnected community looking and taking care of each other. We have great teachers and tutors who are always there to support us and listen. Everyone is their own person here! Being in School House allows you to make lifetime friendships with people all around the world. All the people here are very inviting.

During my time spent on the island, I have found there are many different activities in and out of School which give you opportunities to have the most fulfilled and exciting experience.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, I would be happy to answer them all.

Hi, my name is Leo and I’m from Nuremberg, Germany.

I have been a part of King William’s College since September 2023 and am now the Head of the boys’ boarding, Wilson House. In this short year, boarding has become a major part of my life due to the friendships I have made, the various activities that we all enjoy together and the memories I have made.

My favourite parts about boarding are the community that always sticks together and supports each other as well as looking after each other. Being a part of boarding allows you to meet students from all over the world, experience new cultures and make friendships which last forever.

In my free time, I love to experience the island and pursue my hobbies which are playing golf, tennis and football. I recommend trying out new things you haven’t tried before and getting involved in house activities and clubs on the island.

If you have any further questions about boarding life or College, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.