History and Ethos

History of Chichester House

For over 100 years Chichester House existed as a boys’ boarding house but was amalgamated with School House in 1996 when the number of boarders in the College was relatively low. In response to the growing number of girls, a third girls’ house was established in 1999 and it inherited the name Chichester House, as that was where it was first located. Initially there were only 24 girls but, having grown year on year, it soon displaced Durnford on the first floor of the Dawson building. With over 80 girls in the House at times, it has since extended into the attics above Ryle, affectionately known as ‘The Gods’.
 
There was a great spirit within the House from Day 1, with a very strong sense of involvement from all. The original group of fourth formers, who left in July 2004, set an excellent example for all to follow, showing the way through their involvement in a wide range of activities. More importantly, the vast majority either reached or exceeded expectations and went to their university of their first choice. Others have since followed in their foot steps and the Chichester girls have a great reputation for being very heavily involved in extra-curricular activities be it playing for the hockey and netball teams, performing and producing plays, dancing playing in the orchestras and bands, singing in one of the many choirs, exhibiting their Art work both in and out of school, organising Charity events, travelling around the world on school trips, etc. The positive correlation between the level of involvement and the grades attained is striking and only this year the very hard-working U5th gained the highest GCSE grades in the school. Such an approach has permeated through the House and there can be no doubt that the girls in Chichester House make the most of the available opportunities. It is not surprising that this results in a great sense of camaraderie and unity within the House with the older students regularly acting as ‘Big Sisters’ to the younger girls.
 

House Philosophy

Our hope is that all will learn from this:

• Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look at what they do when they stick together.
• The only place you will find success before work is in the dictionary.
• It is not the cards you are dealt but what you do with them that counts.