Pastoral Life

The House System in the Senior School 

The pastoral care system in the senior school is based upon the house system. There are 11 houses in total in the Senior school, containing between 48 and 70pupils between the ages of 13 and 18. The house provides the base for pupils during the school day, each having a study in their house where they can keep their belongings. Sixth Formers can use their studies during private study lessons. Each house is run by a Housemaster or Housemistress with a team of tutors who are allocated to each year group. Sixth Formers are  routinely given the opportunity to help and support younger pupils through the prefect system or through running teams for house competitions.

All pupils register in houses at the start of the day, and return at break and lunchtime. Registration is normally conducted by the tutor, who has charge of a particular year group. He or she will also go through interim grades with tutees every 3 - 4 weeks in order to help them fulfil their potential in their academic work. Tutors are also there for support and advice on a whole range of issues, from subject choices to more personal matters. Sixth Form tutors also fulfil an important role in helping tutees with their all-important university applications.

The house system also allows the house competitions to thrive. Houses compete in a variety of activities, from public speaking to music, drama, and a wide variety of sports. This means that all pupils get the opportunity to use their talents to represent their house through the year.  Each house also organises a variety of social events, including house suppers, entertainments and trips out, to engender a sense of belonging.

The House crests, as they appear on the school ties