The house system is an integral part of our pastoral organisation. The house system allows every student and member of staff to feel a sense of belonging by becoming a member of Dragon, Griffin, Lion or Unicorn house. By being a member of the house family, students and staff are encouraged to show team spirit as all of the houses thrive on the ethos of “it’s the taking part that counts”.

Each student has a coloured crest on their school tie that represents the house that they are in. Each house is made up of eleven tutor groups which are overseen by a devoted and much loved Head of House. In Years 7-10 tutor groups are vertical and are made up of students from all four years. This breaks down barriers between the year groups and creates a sense of togetherness; encouraging the older students to look out for the younger ones.  In Year 11, with the discrete challenges faced by a year group heading for examinations and thinking about Post-16, tutor groups contain only students from that year group and are staffed by a dedicated team of specialist staff.

There are many house events throughout the year, covering all areas of school life. This blend ensures that everyone has the opportunity to represent their house in something that they enjoy or are good at. For example, house events include: sporting activities, Ready Steady Cook, Spelling Bee and various quizzes throughout the year based on things such as University Challenge or the European Week of Languages.  Staff lead by example and take part in exactly the same events as the students. These competitions regularly attract crowds of supporters cheering for their house.

All students have the opportunity to earn Passmores Points for their house. These are awarded for things such as good work, contribution to lessons and participation in house competitions. Students can also gain valuable Passmores Points every week for merely doing the right thing. Tutors award four Passmores Points a week for perfect attendance, punctuality, uniform and equipment.

At the end of the academic year all Passmores Points are added up and one house wins the overall trophy. Last year a strong Dragon team scorched the hides of the other houses, as they secured a second successive win. However, the competition has never been tighter, with a record number of Passmores points achieved by all four houses, and the impact of our new Year 7 students could well be decisive in the year to come.