Dr. Cathy Wield shares her story with Dr Sian Williams in Life Changing.
Broadcast date: Wednesday 25 November 2026
Time: 9:00 am
Listen to the programme on BBC
A forthcoming BBC programme explores how childhood boarding-school experiences can leave lasting emotional scars — and why the wellbeing of children living away from home must never be overlooked.
For some children, boarding school offers opportunity, independence and the chance to pursue an ambition. But for others, being separated from family at a young age can be a deeply distressing experience, with consequences that may last well into adulthood.
In an upcoming episode of BBC’s Life Changing with Dr Sian Williams, Dr. Cathy Wield shares her own boarding-school experience, which she describes as traumatic and marked by a lack of compassion from those responsible for her care.
As a young girl, Cathy was sent to boarding school, physically and emotionally far removed from her parents. The experience affected her so profoundly that she made a promise to herself: she would never send her own children to boarding school.
But life presented an unexpected dilemma years later.
When Cathy’s daughter was offered a place at a prestigious boarding school to pursue ballet, it was an opportunity that seemed to fulfil a dream. Yet accepting the offer meant confronting the painful memories of Cathy’s own childhood.
The decision brought years of traumatic memories back to the surface, with devastating effects.
The importance of listening to children’s experiences
Cathy’s story raises important questions about the responsibility adults have when making decisions that take children away from their familiar surroundings and support networks.
A school place, an educational opportunity or a specialist training programme may look like an exciting prospect. But the child’s emotional readiness, individual needs and experience of separation must also be considered.
For children studying away from home, particularly international students, the challenges can be considerable. Distance from parents, unfamiliar surroundings, language barriers and cultural differences can all contribute to feelings of isolation.
The adults entrusted with their care must recognise that safeguarding is about more than physical safety. It also means listening, understanding, noticing when something is wrong and ensuring that a child feels secure, valued and supported.
A reminder for everyone responsible for children’s care
At Seen & Heard CIC, we believe every child deserves to be heard, understood and genuinely cared for.
Cathy’s experience is a reminder that the impact of childhood experiences should never be underestimated. A child may appear to be coping while carrying feelings of fear, loneliness or distress that they do not know how to express.
Those responsible for children living away from home must therefore look beyond practical arrangements and educational outcomes. They must take an active interest in emotional wellbeing, provide compassionate support and create an environment where children feel able to speak openly.
No child should feel that their distress is invisible or that they have to manage difficult experiences alone.
Every child deserves to feel safe
Cathy’s story is a powerful prompt to reflect on how we care for children when they are separated from their families.
It reminds us that decisions made with the best intentions can still have profound consequences — and that a child’s voice, feelings and wellbeing must always be part of the conversation.
At Seen & Heard CIC, our message is simple: every child deserves to feel safe, supported, understood and genuinely cared for.
Tune in to BBC Life Changing
Dr. Cathy Wield shares her story with Dr Sian Williams in Life Changing.
Broadcast date: Wednesday 25 November 2026
Time: 9:00 am
Listen to the programme on BBC
We encourage everyone interested in children’s welfare, boarding-school experiences and emotional wellbeing to tune in.
This article is based on the BBC programme description and is published ahead of the scheduled broadcast. It is not a transcript of the programme.
