The house system is central to life at Windlesham House, creating smaller communities within our school where pupils develop loyalty, teamwork and leadership. House competitions, events and activities foster school spirit while ensuring every pupil feels they belong to something special.
When pupils join Windlesham House, they are allocated to one of our houses. This allocation considers sibling placement (so families are in the same house) and balanced numbers across houses. Houses are mixed-age communities, bringing together pupils from Reception through to Year 8.
Each house has:
House points are awarded throughout the school day for
House points are tracked weekly, with running totals displayed prominently around school. At the end of each term, the house with the most points receives the House Cup, a coveted trophy that generates healthy competitive spirit.
This system recognizes and rewards positive behavior and achievement while fostering house pride and team spirit. Every pupil can contribute to their house’s success, not just the most athletic or academic.
Inter-house sport is hugely popular and includes
These competitions are organized by age group so everyone can participate and contribute from Reception to Year 8.
Houses compete in non-sporting arenas too:
Throughout the year, special house events create excitement
Year 8 pupils apply for house captain positions, presenting their case to their house and teachers. Selected captains develop valuable leadership skills through
House captaincy is a significant responsibility and honor, developing confidence, organizational skills and leadership abilities that serve pupils well in senior school and beyond.
Older pupils within houses act as mentors to younger members, helping them settle in, explaining house traditions, and encouraging participation in house activities. This cross-age interaction strengthens the house community.
Being part of a house gives pupils an immediate community within the larger school. This is particularly valuable for new pupils and boarders who quickly feel connected to their house family.
House competitions require pupils to work together towards common goals, developing collaboration skills and understanding that everyone’s contribution matters.
The house system creates friendly rivalry that motivates pupils to do their best while learning to win graciously and lose with dignity. This balanced approach to competition prepares children for life’s challenges.
House captaincy and mentoring roles allow pupils to develop leadership skills in a supportive environment. These experiences build confidence and capabilities that benefit pupils throughout their education and careers.
House loyalty generates school spirit. Cheering for your house at sports day, celebrating house victories and wearing house colors all contribute to positive school culture and happy pupils.
Yes, siblings are placed in the same house automatically. This maintains family connections within the school and means siblings can support each other in house competitions and activities. Parents appreciate this continuity across their children’s school careers.
The house system caters for all talents and interests. While sporting competitions are popular, houses also compete in music, drama, art, academics and other areas. Every child can contribute to their house in ways that suit their strengths. House points are also earned through everyday good behavior and kindness, not just competitions.
While boarding accommodation is separate from day houses for practical reasons, boarders remain members of their day houses and participate in all house activities and competitions. House loyalty transcends the day-boarding divide, creating unity across the whole school community.
The competition is healthy and fun rather than overly intense. While pupils naturally want their house to win, we emphasize participation, effort, and good sportsmanship above winning at all costs. Staff ensure the competitive element enhances rather than detracts from the supportive, kind culture of Windlesham House.
Each house develops its own traditions, chants and identity over the years. These traditions are passed down from older to younger pupils, creating continuity and a sense of history that makes house membership meaningful. Our six houses are
