The House System

Hanovers, Stuarts, Tudors and Windsors

Prep School Houses

There are four Prep School Houses, ‘Hanovers’, ‘Stuarts’, ‘Tudors’ and ‘Windsors’ and the children take great pride in their house competitions and in the house points that they receive.

We have a praefect system with Heads of House, and all Year 8 children are given the opportunity to contribute in a leadership position, looking after the younger children.

Mrs Evelyn Gibbs B.A.(Hons), P.G.C.E, N.P.Q.H Head of Prep School

Pastoral care is second to none. Staff are caring and committed, freely giving of their time and support.

Year 6 and Year 10 Parent

Caswalls', Lambourne, Penn's and Swallow's

Senior School Houses

The house system creates an identity and sense of belonging within the wider school; pupils feel loyalty to their house that often lasts well beyond their years at the school. Each house has its own character and customs and pupils appreciate being involved in maintaining and developing these.

A key role for the house system is the pastoral care it offers; tutors tend to stick with tutor groups, so know their pupils (and often their parents) really well by the time they leave the school. Pupils know that they can see their housemasters and house mistresses (HMs), if they have concerns, and can trust that the HMs know them and their situations, as they are the contact point for parental worries, academic concerns, safeguarding, or well-being issues.

All of the above allows for continuity and consistency in pastoral care. The house system also allows pupils to mix vertically, and this can build support networks, where older pupils can help out younger pupils and offer their experience. It also offers lots of opportunities for getting involved in activities beyond the classroom, be that house competitions, form trips, or house quizzes. Older pupils are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills within the house, for example, leading charities week, organising house teams, mentoring younger pupils, addressing house gatherings and engendering the house spirit.

Together with the housemaster or mistress, heads of house help to create a positive environment for the younger pupils in the house. Whenever we speak to Old Chigwellians, they still remember their house and argue about which one was the best!

Ms Sarah Bell, B.A. P.G.C.E

Housemistress of Caswalls' | Teacher of English

Mr Ian Goddard, B.A. P.G.C.E

Housemaster of Lambourne | Head of History

Mr Graham Sexton, B.Sc.

Housemaster of Penn's | Head of Science

Mrs Agnes Ochana, B.Eng. M.Sc. P.G.C.E

Housemistress of Swallow's | Teacher of Science

Having a vertical system means you get to know people in the years above and below you.

Year 13 Student

House music is for everyone. You get to know everyone well – it doesn’t matter how good you are, all that matters is your enthusiasm!

Year 13 Student

When you are in house, you know you can go and talk to someone.

Year 13 Student

Pastoral care is taken seriously here, with each form tutor knowing their pupils well. The Junior School has its own house system, with house points and competitions, while opportunities for leadership include heads of house, prefects, librarians and catering committee.

The Good Schools Guide

There are house competitions for everything. Whatever you are good at; there is an opportunity to shine. In terms of house competitions, it’s about turning up and representing your house – you don’t have to be "good" to have a good time.

Year 13 Student