Six Houses. One school.
Every pupil, day or boarding, belongs to one of six Houses of around 130 pupils.
The House is where pupils register, prepare for lessons, eat together and compete. It is also where different year groups mix every day.
Day pupils can stay for supper and prep, and can occasionally stay overnight when it suits the family.
The Houses
- Ashworth
The oldest House, in the original stable court. Known for its choir and a suspicious number of House Song victories.
- Brooke
Named for the founder. Rebuilt in 1996 and very proud of its kitchen.
- Fairfax
By the lake. Strong on rowing and hockey.
- Harcourt
Closest to the music school, with an unusually large collection of instruments.
- Lisle
The newest House, opened in 2009, with a roof garden planted and maintained by pupils.
- Wren
On the hill above the chapel. Nine consecutive cross-country victories and counting.
Sport for everyone.
Games take place three afternoons a week, with fixtures on Saturdays from the First Form onwards.
There are teams at every level, from the First XI to House fourth teams, where the competition can be surprisingly serious.
Facilities include two floodlit astro pitches, a sports hall, 25-metre pool, boathouse, 12 tennis courts and extensive playing fields.
- Michaelmas
Rugby, hockey, cross-country, netball, rowing.
- Lent
Hockey, football, netball, rugby sevens, swimming and House cross-country.
- Summer
Cricket, tennis, athletics, rowing regattas and the House swimming gala.
Trusted with the weather.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award runs from Bronze through to Gold.
Expeditions take pupils into the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons and, at Gold level, the Cairngorms.
The Third Form also camps on the estate each September, whatever the weather happens to provide.
For pupils who prefer a different sort of outdoor challenge, there is the Bee Club and the opportunity to help care for the school's flock of sheep.
Full, weekly and flexi.
Around four in ten pupils board.
Most weekly boarders go home on Saturday evening after fixtures and return on Sunday night or Monday morning. Full boarders have a programme of weekend activities and outings, which they help to plan.
House staff live on site, providing continuity throughout the week.
There is also a medical centre with nurses on duty around the clock, a school counsellor and a chaplain available to every pupil.
In Harcourt you are never the only one who is new.
Fourth Form pupil, Harcourt
The shape of the year
- September to DecemberMichaelmas
Third Form camp, Michaelmas Concert, House cross-country, Third Form play and carol service.
- January to MarchLent
House plays, House Song, hockey, Silver expedition training and the Lent sermon series.
- April to JulySummer
Examinations, summer exhibition, Speech Day, Chapel Choir tour and the Upper Sixth leavers' ball.